Therapists say it’s normal to feel lonely when traveling alone.
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Even the most avid solo travelers know that loneliness can creep in as you travel the world. Your first reaction may be to avoid those feelings, but therapists say accepting them can help.
“Just as you choose to travel to experience new things, give yourself permission to feel different things through your journey,” says Samantha, LCSW-S, a Texas-based Octave therapist. Bender says. “Often what we explore most when we travel is within ourselves.”
Her first suggestion is to ask yourself what you want to get out of your travel experience. Are you traveling solo for peace and quiet and a sense of independence? Or are you traveling solo for the freedom to meet different people? Perhaps it’s a bit of both.
While you can tailor your trip so that you spend most of your time on your own, there are also group trips organized by travel companies such as Kensington Tours and Abercrombie & Kent, where you can meet other travelers with similar interests. You’ll get an opportunity.
Why do I feel lonely when traveling alone?
When you experience great moments in life, such as traveling, you want to share them with others, explains Colleen Marshall, LMFT, vice president of clinical care at Two Chairs.
“In the world of positive psychology, research shows that sharing what you’re experiencing and enjoying with others increases your experience of happiness and joy,” Marshall says. “When you’re traveling, it’s not easy to share and talk with your loved ones, so it’s even harder to share alone.”
Solo travelers can plan how to deal with loneliness before their trip.
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Her advice?
Think ahead about how you will share your travels and experiences with others.
“Set up a video call with your loved one during the meal, or end the day by sharing something you enjoyed,” says Marshall.
7 ways to avoid feeling lonely when traveling alone
It’s normal to feel lonely while traveling alone, but you don’t want that feeling to overshadow your entire trip. With that in mind, a therapist and experienced solo traveler shares top tips to avoid feeling lonely while traveling.
1. Make a plan to deal with loneliness before you travel
According to Bender, some tactics that could be part of the plan include:
Bring a journal prompt Download your favorite podcast or song to boost your mood Collect mementos and photos and start a travel diary
As part of your preparation plan, plan for your return home. Schedule an appointment with a therapist to share new discoveries and insights you’ve gathered during your travels.
2. Write postcards while traveling
Bender says writing can be very therapeutic, especially if you’re feeling lonely or dissociated.
“When we write, it helps us feel real,” she says. “Try writing a letter or sending a postcard to your loved ones while you’re traveling. You can also send yourself a thank you note so that something that reminds you of your experience is waiting in the mail. .”
3. Consider low- and high-energy options to deal with loneliness
If you’re feeling lonely while traveling, Bender recommends considering your energy levels and considering a variety of high- and low-energy options. This habit applies to everyday life, but it’s even more important when traveling, as it can be very tiring.
An option to boost your energy is to sign up for group activities like guided tours or cooking classes, she says. It’s a systematic way to introduce yourself to others while learning new skills, both of which are healthy distractions and prevention of loneliness.
If you’re traveling alone, taking a cooking class is a great way to meet people.
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People-watching is a low-energy thing you can do to feel less alone while traveling, she says. Incorporate people-watching time as a way to connect with the world and the people around you.
4. Look for opportunities to connect with others
Marshall recommends looking for activities during your trip that allow you to interact with other travelers and locals. For example, rather than touring a museum alone, take part in a guided tour experience.
“Connections are all around us, all we need to do is participate,” she says.
Another way to naturally meet people while traveling alone is to go to local cafes, markets, and community events to learn about the culture, says Leanne B. Patel, a board-certified behavior analyst. says Mr. She suggests joining a group trip, such as a day trip or tour.
5. Collaborate in a new location
Check out a new coworking space in town.
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Katya Varbanova, CEO of Viral Marketing Stars, suggests checking LinkedIn before your trip to see if you have any connections at your destination. If you’re a digital girlfriend or a nomad or traveling for leisure (business and leisure), rent a desk in a coworking girlfriend space and mingle with other travelers and locals. Another option, she points out, is to become part of a members-only club like Soho House. Every House membership gives you access to homes around the world, including amenities such as spas, screening rooms, and events.
6. Book an Airbnb Experience
Musician Alyssa Musto has traveled alone dozens of times over the past few years and recommends booking an Airbnb experience. Airbnb is hosted by locals and is popular among solo travelers who can connect over shared interests. These types of experiences range from city tours to learning the ins and outs of beekeeping to the art of origami.
7. Volunteer with other travelers
Volunteering while traveling is a great way to meet like-minded people.
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Have another idea? Give back to the places you visit. For example, the Hawaiian Islands launched the Malama Hawaii program to better connect tourists with Hawaii’s land and culture.
“I’ve also found that volunteering is a great way to spend a day being part of the community and using your time and talents to do something good,” Musto says. “I’ve met some interesting people from all over the world as a volunteer, and they’re always happy to receive extra help and meet new friends.”
The perfect destination for solo or social travelers
Surprisingly, Musto says he has found that some of the best places for solo travelers to socialize are not in big cities, but in less popular tourist destinations and national parks.
“Large tourist destinations and cities often attract groups of friends who travel together, as well as couples and families who want to do their own thing,” she says.
Paddle the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.
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Conversely, quiet, outdoor-oriented destinations attract many solo travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature, but are also open to interacting with like-minded people and are more likely to strike up a conversation. , they tend to be welcoming, inviting, and willing to share a meal.
