Travelling solo can be a truly cathartic experience. I strongly believe everyone should try it at least once. Nothing teaches you more about yourself than being on your own in a completely foreign environment for days. Yet, plenty of people avoid it for a number of reasons, among which one of the most common ones is fear of loneliness.
I get it. I’ve been travelling alone for over three years now, and I definitely felt lonely at times. As a matter of fact, as I’m writing right now, I’ve been spending almost a month talking to no one but myself. It seems there is no better moment to write this article! Here is what I do when I feel lonely while travelling solo.
Does It Have To Be That Bad?
You experience the world around you based on the stories you tell yourself.
In other words, if you keep telling yourself that being lonely sucks, it will. I would invite you to reconsider the idea of loneliness and try to see some positives in it. When was the last time you had time to read a magazine you love? The last time you listened to your favourite album? The last time you chose a restaurant or movie without considering anyone else preferences?
Instead of thinking of it as time without your friends, partner, or pet, think of it as well-deserved time with yourself.
Go Out, Now!
If you’re experiencing loneliness right now, it’s worth asking yourself when was the last time you went out. Just today, I was having a regular afternoon when I finally decided to head outside for a walk. My mood radically changed instantly.
Especially if you’re travelling to a country where nobody speaks your language and everything is foreign to you, heading outside can feel intimidating. But trust me. Just seeing people around you can make a massive difference in your mood.
Before my walk, I was feeling completely numb, but the moment I saw the sea, the sailors working on their fishing boats, and the teenagers laughing on the streets carrying their school bags, I suddenly felt a boost of gratitude.
It can be tough to take the first step: take off your pyjamas, put your coat on, and so on. But, once you’re outside, you won’t regret it. If you really don’t feel it, just try to open the window or go on your balcony and see how you feel.
Don’t Be Afraid To Call
At times, we all need to talk to someone. When everyone around you only speaks a language you don’t know, it gets challenging. But guess what? That’s why we have telephones! Call your friends, your parents, your partner, your brother, your grandma… It doesn’t matter who.
There is absolutely no weakness in wanting to call the people you love. Even if you’ve been on your solo trip only for a couple of days, your friends will be more than happy to catch up with you, so don’t be afraid to call.
Embrace The Negatives
Time to be honest. No matter what, there will be times when you will feel lonely, and it will suck. When this happens, take it as an opportunity for growth. We often learn more about ourselves in difficult times, so this may be the perfect moment to dive deep into your feelings, figure out why you are experiencing a certain emotion, and what can make you feel better.
We cannot avoid sadness. At times, we all feel like crap. Yet, we often have this sense of duty for which we HAVE to enjoy our solo trip. We certainly can’t go home after what was supposed to be a magnificent solo adventure, and say to everyone that we mostly feel lonely, right?
Well, things don’t always go as planned. After travelling full-time for over three years, I learned to say things as they are. Sometimes a trip simply sucks. Sometimes I don’t like a certain country. And that’s ok. You cannot like everything.
Think of it as a scientific experiment. You don’t always get the results you were hoping for, yet you always get results. Maybe this trip was needed for you to realise that travelling solo is not your thing. And this is absolutely fine.
Give Your Life Structure
This is crucial. When we are alone, it’s so easy to spend all our days binge-watching a series or scrolling through Instagram. But this should be a moment for you to dive into your passion.
So, fill up your schedule with things you love, whether it’s learning a new language, trying a new recipe, or watching a list of movies. Make sure to create a schedule and stick to it. This will help you get a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment, which will give meaning to this solo time.
I truly hope you enjoy your solo trip, and if you’re dealing with loneliness, try to choose one of the tips above and see if it works.
Wishing you the best of luck!
We’ll catch up in the next post,
Cristina
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