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How i beat solo travel loneliness: 25 ways that work.

I am sure that you will agree that feeling lonely sucks. And feeling lonely while solo travelling sucks even more.

You are on your big adventure, ‘braving it’ alone, exploring new sights, immersing yourself in unfamiliar cultures. You are having the time of your life. Right?

Therefore, even admitting to yourself, let alone to others, that you are feeling lonely or blue, can make you feel like a failure.

I doubt that there are few solo travellers out there who have not experienced loneliness at some point in their travels. And if you have not yet travelled alone, the prospect of feeling lonely on vacation may be preventing you from taking your  first solo trip .

Even with three decades of solo travelling under my belt, this still happens to me. At some point in most trips, usually on day four or day five, the travel blues wash over me in waves. Self-doubt rears its ugly head. I look around me at friends and families enjoying the good times together and feel sharp pangs of envy.

So what can you do when loneliness hits you when you are travelling alone?

This is where I can help. Here are the ways that work for me when solo travel loneliness bites.

Dreaming of your first solo trip? Click here to download your FREE solo travel toolkit . 

It’s just what you need to kickstart your plans!

25 Tips to Beat Feeling Lonely When Travelling Solo

1. accept that solo travel loneliness will happen (and that doesn’t mean that you are ‘bad’ at travelling alone).

If I had to pick my top tip for overcoming feeling lonely while travelling alone, this would be it.

I am someone who is very comfortable in her own company, with a tendency for introversion. Although I have a circle of very good friends, whom I see often, I also love evenings alone.

So you’d think that I would be less prone to solo travel loneliness. Wrong.

Just like anticipating the inevitability of a dose of the  post-vacation blues , the key to me was accepting that I would feel lonely at some point while away. Then to recognise this when it happened, embrace its normality, minimise its impact and then move on to enjoy the rest of my trip.

2.  Meet other people

This may be a blindingly obvious tip to overcome feeling lonely while travelling alone but don’t underestimate how difficult it can be if you are feeling depressed.

When you are feeling down or lonely, there is a temptation to hide away from the world. Resist this urge.

Meeting other people when you are away , be they fellow travellers or locals means that you do not have to be alone all the time. For example, this could be through staying in hostels or striking up a conversation in a coffee bar.

Many of the most popular solo travel destinations will offer ample opportunities to meet other travellers.

READ THIS NEXT: 20 Easy Ways to Meet People While Travelling Alone

3. Join a day tour

Even if you are not a group tour sort of person, joining an organised day trip can help you meet other travellers even if it is just for a day or two.

Most cities will offer a walking tour, which may be free and will only last two or three hours at most. During a lull in the guide’s commentary, chat with the person next to you.

When I visited Syria  in 2007 as a solo traveller, I hooked up with Agwa on a day trip to Krak des Chevaliers out of Aleppo.

4. Don’t neglect your basic needs

If I’m feeling blue when travelling alone, a decent night’s sleep and a good meal can do me the power of good.

It’s important not to neglect your basic needs. Don’t skip meals, stay hydrated and rest up if necessary.

5. Be kind to yourself if you are feeling alone

If there ever was a time to treat yourself this is it.

This could mean indulging in a facial or relaxing massage. Or why don’t you push the boat out and have a slap-up meal in that fancy restaurant that you have your eye on?

For some people, eating alone is challenging. Therefore, go armed with some tips on  how to make solo dining fun .

>>> Are you looking for further inspiration to book your first solo adventure? If so, get these motivational quotes about travelling alone .

6. Have a plan

Whilst your trip shouldn’t be planned to the nth degree, it is good to have an idea of what you will be doing the next day.

When you are feeling sad and lonely it can be difficult to motivate yourself to do and see things. In the absence of some plan, there is the risk that you will wander aimlessly, becoming increasingly depressed and anxious.

Therefore, have in your mind a list of things that you would like to do. Or if hopping from sight to sight feels too overwhelming, focus instead on one or two activities. Perhaps mooching around that fantastic gallery or doing a city walking tour.

7. Take time to relax

There can be a tendency amongst travellers to jump from place to place in a quest to cram in as much as possible. I know that I am certainly guilty of this. If you are not in the right frame of mind, this constant motion can be exhausting.

On the grand scale of things, does it really matter if you skip that 5th temple of the day?

Take time out. Bring yourself and a favourite book to a coffee bar and linger for a while.

The caffeine, downtime and being amongst other people will revive your spirit. And you never know … you may strike up a conversation with someone there.

8. Alternatively, move on to the next thing

However, there is a risk that relaxation can morph into lethargy, which can be tough to shake off. If you feel that this is happening to you, move on or ramp up your activities.

Move on, to the next town, city or country. Or plan an exciting schedule for the following day. See what new adventures these plans bring.

9. Splurge like there’s no tomorrow (occasionally)

When you are doing your best to stretch your budget, the occasional splurge can make you feel better about yourself and the world around you.

This could be a super comfortable super-sized bed, a long soak in deep, scented bath water and fluffy towels. Or try lingering over brunch at a fancy hotel.

10. Stimulate your mind

There’s nothing like trying to learn something new to dampen those glowing embers of loneliness on the road. As well as pushing negative feelings out of your mind space, this comes with the satisfaction and self-validation of gaining new skills or knowledge.

Struggling with the local lingo? Then why not ramp up your language skills using  Duolingo ?

Alternatively, take that one-day cookery class. My Vietnamese fresh spring roll-making ‘skills’ are still intact after many years. Sort of.

11. Embrace your inner shutterbug

I love photography and am rarely without some form of camera, be it my brute of a DSLR or sleek iPhone. I find capturing images to be enormously therapeutic, and this creative process distracts me from any negative thoughts I may be having.

Photography also makes you more aware of the finer details of your surroundings, and reviewing your images at the end of the day is a pleasurable distraction.

12. Come armed with toys

I always travel with my favourite Netflix shows downloaded on my battered old iPad. Not only are these great for long flights, but they are also perfect for wallowing in when you are feeling lonely.

So it’s the seventh time you’ve watched that episode of Schitts Creek / Fr Ted / Star Trek / The IT Crowd . So what? (and please don’t judge me on my choice of TV shows!)

For similar reasons, I also travel armed with podcasts and my favourite music on my phone.

13. Bring familiar items from home

I have a friend who travels with his favourite teddy bear, even though he’s well in his 50s. There’s nothing wrong with this.

In times of uncertainty and when you are in unfamiliar surroundings, having familiar items near you can be a huge comfort.

My comfort items are photographs of my family. What would yours be?

14. Get in touch with family and friends

Now more than ever, it is so easy to keep in touch while you are on the road. Talking to a loved one can be an enormous comfort when you are suffering from solo travel loneliness.

15. Stay away from social media

A word of caution though. Whilst keeping in touch with loved ones works for me, I know that for others this can make them feel increasingly homesick. It’s a judgment call that you will need to make.

You might find it more helpful to give social media a wide berth, focusing instead on your surroundings.

16. Be at one with nature

When I am feeling down, going back to nature is my instant endorphin booster.

This could be the birdsong and dappled light of a woodland glade. Or listening to the waves crashing onto the shore whilst mainlining a lungful of salty air.

Getting back to nature is instant therapy and, all of a sudden, the world makes sense again.

17. Get physical

Exercise is another tried and tested endorphin booster, and you can’t beat a run to blow away those cobwebs of depression and self-doubt.

I am a keen(ish) runner but exercise doesn’t mean that you have to pound the pavements.  Go for a swim, take a brisk walk or have your own disco in your hotel room.

You’ll soon start to feel better about yourself and the world around you.

18. Nurture your spiritual self

Most likely a hangover from my Catholic upbringing, but sitting in a church for a few minutes leaves me feeling much more centred. It’s a combination of being in a familiar space, wherever I am in the world, and the opportunity to take time out.

But you don’t necessarily need to be in a sacred setting to nurture your spiritual self. Just take five minutes in the quiet of your hotel room, or that woodland glen or beach, to meditate or practice mindfulness.

If you are not familiar with meditation/mindfulness techniques, there are hundreds of free apps out there to guide you. The best of the bunch is  Headspace.

Many people derive comfort and inspiration from the wise words of others. If that’s you, here are the best  life journey quotes  for you to dip into.

19. Eat chocolate

Seriously. I have used chocolate as a prop on many solo travel adventures, from when I started off as a Kibbutz volunteer in Israel to my most recent trip to Japan.

You don’t have to scoff a whole bar. Just allowing a few squares to melt gently in your mouth will give you that instant endorphin hit.

20. Diarise your feelings

If you are someone who keeps a personal or travel journal, include how you are feeling in that day’s account and what steps you took to make yourself feel better. I have found this to be enormously helpful.

21. Stay with a local

Staying with local people, through a homestay or Airbnb, can be a way of experiencing a destination away from many of the tourist trappings. As well as gaining insight into how people live in other parts of the world, having this company helps to stave off the loneliness of travelling alone.

On a memorable trip to Lebanon, I was lucky to have a wonderful homestay with Mirna in her Beirut apartment. As well as generously sharing information on life in her home city, she was excellent company.

22. Keep reminding yourself that solo travel is your choice

When loneliness bites, remember that solo travel is your choice

And whilst you wanted to do this, no travel experience is plain sailing. You should expect to be tested along the way and, after all, isn’t that character-building?

You have taken the plunge to travel alone and you’ll never forgive yourself if you cave in at the first bump along the road.

23. Keep telling yourself that you are awesome

You are in a very special minority.

Not everyone is able to embrace solo travel. But you have.

You have left the familiar surroundings of home and transplanted yourself in a foreign place. And, what’s more, you have done this all by yourself.

If this doesn’t deserve giving yourself a pat on the back, I don’t know what does.

24. Embrace me time

Being alone isn’t necessarily something negative, and how you approach time alone can be a matter of perspective

If you are like me, solo travel can be therapeutic, giving you much-needed time and head space to process thoughts and feelings and to plan for the future.

25. Accept that loneliness when travelling alone is a temporary state of mind

Last, but by no means least, accept that your current state of mind is not going to persist throughout your trip. Trust me, it won’t.

It’s a blip on your solo travel landscape. You will get through it and be all the stronger for it.

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger  Friedrich Neitzsche

Is Solo Travel Lonely? Final Thoughts

Solo travel has the power to transform your life . But, equally, there are  disadvantages to travelling alone , and one of the toughest of these is loneliness.

However, the loneliest I ever felt in many years of travelling was on a two-week trip around Central America with an unsuitable companion. For much of the time, I felt utterly miserable.

It just goes to show that you don’t have to be travelling alone to feel lonely.

The most important message to take away from this article is that solo travel loneliness is completely normal. Fear of the travel blues should not prevent you from reaping all the rewards that travelling alone can bring.

So don’t just dream about flying solo to your bucket-list destination. Take the plunge and book that flight. Even if loneliness strikes – and it most likely will – you will be able to overcome it.

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

4 thoughts on “ How I Beat Solo Travel Loneliness: 25 Ways That Work ”

Skill of some musical instrument may increase quality trip, Meditation , Learning of local skills, may many more.

Thanks! Great suggestions 🙂

Hello! Many thanks for this and I hope that you’ll be able to put these tips to use at some point. You’ve done the right thing by dipping your toe in the travel water nearer to home. Good luck & happy travels 🙂 Bridget

This is great advice. Although I travel with others I’m happy to travel alone, though I’ve not braved abroad on my own. I always have an itinary and a book, music for the stressful times or just for pleasure. Like you I love photography. Love your posts and photos.

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The 4 best ways to conquer loneliness on a solo trip

By Meredith Carey

These are things I wish I had known at age 22, when I broke down crying in the pasta aisle of Genoa's Eataly, totally overwhelmed on day one of my first solo holiday. (Yes, that means I was at Eataly in Italy.) I had planned out most of my week-long trip from Genoa to Tuscany , with a stop in Florence , leaving a few openings here and there to be spontaneous – including this, my first meal alone abroad, far away from my home city of New York. Here's the thing: spontaneity plus jet lag-induced exhaustion plus not knowing the local language (and not doing enough research in advance) equals wandering in the dark, stomach grumbling, for an hour until I stumbled upon the most American thing I knew. I was overcome with the feeling of being… totally alone. I wished more than anything I had brought someone with me – to hype me up into crossing the threshold of any of the neighbourhood restaurants I had already passed, to commiserate in hangriness, and honestly to forgive me for just wanting something familiar.

Now, 10 or so of these trips later, I have the confidence and tools to make the most of a city on my own – plus the ability to forgive myself for solo-travel selfishness – but there are still a few pangs of loneliness that crop up consistently. I might be delirious from jet lag; or I haven't spoken English in days; or I cave in and check Instagram to see my friends hanging out together, without me. It doesn't matter that I'm doing something I love, or that I'm truly excited about being in a new place – loneliness is a come-one, come-all affliction.

Turns out I'm not the only one. Here, our expert travellers, including Samantha Brown, presenter of Places to Love , and Condé Nast Traveler US ’s contributing editor Mark Ellwood, share how they avoid or conquer their own solo-journey blues.

BE ALONE IN A CROWD

‘One of the inevitable side effects of travelling by yourself is loneliness; no matter which way you cut it, at some point you are guaranteed to feel the sting of isolation – even true introverts like me. But that is also the beauty of being alone: you are completely in charge of how little or much time you spend with others. If I'm feeling lonely, I seek people out. Usually I join in on a group activity, such as a walking tour or a cooking class – something that will attract like-minded people. All it takes is a quick "hello" and you’re making new friends. More often than not, people are really open to solo travellers, and I’m regularly taken under the wings of others. Sometimes when I’m lonely I’ll go to a place that’s packed, such as a market or local shopping centre – a few hours spent wandering around those crowded spaces is enough to make me happy and grateful to return home alone.’ By Liz Carlson, writer of travel blog Young Adventuress

‘I do think a lot has changed because of social media , which has made it easier for those who travel solo to meet others. Meetup is an online platform that enables locals to find people who share their interests, but it can be used by travellers to the area, too. For instance, when I was in Hong Kong taping Places to Love , we went for a hike with the Hong Kong Hiking Meetup group. They told me they’ve had people from all over the world join them.’ By Samantha Brown, presenter of US TV show ‘Places to Love’

MAKE FRIENDS AT BREAKFAST

‘You know the diet maxim that’s intended to slim waistlines without depriving us of anything: eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dinner like a pauper? I apply that whenever I travel alone. Breakfast is a wonderful meal to linger over when you’re by yourself. Read a book , plan for the day, chat with the staff – that’s when they're likely to be their least busy, and the fact there’s no alcohol involved makes the conversation less chat-uppish than it would be at an evening meal. Make lunch lighter, as you’re on the go, and make dinner, where you can feel most self-conscious, a snack at the bar with a glass of wine. It’s quick, casual, and very much lets you merge into the crowd in ways that sitting alone at a table in a dining room might make harder.’ By Mark Ellwood, ‘Condé Nast Traveler US’ contributing editor

BECOME A PART OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

‘Loneliness is a huge factor when you travel a lot, but it can also become an important motivator to have a more personal interaction with a place. At the end of a shoot day, I would go for a walk and just naturally find myself in neighbourhoods where I could sit in cafés and restaurants. I didn’t care if it was the place everyone was raving about or one with lines out the door – to me, it was just a local spot. I would even go to supermarkets and pick up groceries to take back to my hotel room. I was able to be part of everyday life and it was so comforting.’ By Samantha Brown

LEAN INTO THE ALONE TIME

‘It’s about changing your mindset. Instead of focusing on all the activities I’m not doing or moments I’m not sharing with someone, I concentrate on all the things I’m able to do because I’m solo. Lounge in a bathtub for 30 minutes? Stare at my skin in that super-magnified bathroom mirror? Flip through a book at a café? Write an itinerary that’s 100 per cent filled with what I want to do? Sleep diagonally in the king-sized bed? Yes, I get to do it all, no questions asked.’ By Jordi Lippe-McGraw, ‘Condé Nast Traveler US’ contributor

Like this? Now read:

Our editors' favourite places to travel solo

The best solo travel destinations

By Anna Prendergast and Anna Hart

Surfing holidays for women

By Hannah Summers

Is Solo Travel Really Lonely? 30 Tips to Manage Loneliness

by Evelyn Hannon | Mar 3, 2024

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Last updated on April 21st, 2024

How to not feel alone when you travel solo

by Evelyn Hannon

I’ve been travelling solo for a very long time and I absolutely love it. It wasn’t always like this. I remember my first solo journey to Europe. It was just after my divorce and I couldn’t stop crying. I cried on park benches in Paris, in restaurants in Rome and even as I shopped in London. No, it wasn’t simply because my heart was broken. I know now that my sadness was all about being totally alone, without a support system, and not having another human being to share my travel experiences with.

(Dear Reader, please note this article is from our archives and has been updated.)

I still get lonely…

Since that time, I’ve worked on learning the art of solo travel. Today’s newspaper articles and magazine stories applaud my seeming ability to venture forth all alone. Bold adjectives like brave and intrepid inevitably find their way into journalists’ descriptions. Yet few explore the underlying truth. I still feel alone when I travel. That’s natural because I am alone. In fact, at times I experience extreme loneliness. Now I enroll in classes along the way, seek out restaurants with communal tables or use my solitude to relax and just be me. The difference between that first solo journey and now is that I have acquired the experience and the skills that help me to deal with the ‘aloneness’ and to reach out for company when I need it. Actually, in a lovely turnaround way, it is this reaching out that has produced incredible experiences that make me love ‘solo travel’ even more.

In a past newsletter, I asked other travelling women to share their thoughts on loneliness. Do they feel lonely as well? Any solutions to offer? Has loneliness stopped them from going off to follow their journey dreams? Here is a sampling of email responses from the JourneyWoman Network. Some submissions are serious, others lighthearted, however, we found each one helpful in their own special way. Enjoy everybody!

30 Tps to deal with loneliness when travelling solo

1. i’m a woman who knits….

I learned to knit recently, and avid knitters are never without their knitting, especially when travelling. It’s a distraction from loneliness and boredom, as well as a good conversation starter. People invariably ask what it is that I’m knitting, then tell me about their own knitting or a friend who knits, etc. I’ve met lots of nice folks this way, as well as fellow fibre artists and fashion designers. P.S . I’ve had no problems bringing (wooden) knitting needles on planes. Just leave your scissors and tapestry needles at home or pack them in your checked baggage. — Theresa, Atlanta, USA.

2. I give myself presents

A great way to deal with loneliness on the road is to take along gifts. I put aside any small ones at Christmas or my birthday. Not that I receive so many gifts, but if no one minds, I just don’t open smaller gifts when they are given and save them for times when I expect to feel low. When I open one I feel loved and connected and surprised. It’s a real pick me up. — Cyndie, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico

Read More: How Solo Women Can Turn Loneliness Into a Gift

Walking in the forest can be a panacea to loneliness / Photo By   AveCalvar

3. Don’t feel bad if you feel bad…

Here’s a bit of advice that I would like to share with other JourneyWomen. I have found over the years of solo travel that the day of my arrival at my destination is always the toughest. I tend to feel lonely, a little frightened, and often end up doubting the sanity of my decision to travel alone again. In order to head off those early trip blues, I bring along a favourite snack treat from home, eat it upon my arrival at my hotel, take a refreshing shower, and then head out for a walk. It helps me to get to know the area where I am staying. It keeps me from basking in loneliness in my hotel room, and it provides me with a breath of fresh air in my new home away from home. By the time the following morning rolls around, I am usually feeling more than ready for a brand new adventure.-— Gail, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

4. I give myself options…

Loneliness on the solo-travel road gives you two options, both of which can be fun. First, you could just go with it. Pour out your heart in a journal with a glass of wine or two. But then treat yourself to a lazy and pampered evening in your hotel, giving yourself a facial, manicure and bubble bath. Shop for the supplies you need at a local pharmacy or department store.

The second option is to fight lonely feelings with action. Talk with your hotel desk staff, the local tourist office staff (or a local newspaper if you read the language) and find out what entertainment options are available. Then buy a ticket and attend the cultural event that most appeals to you – theatre, dance, jazz, symphony or neighbourhood piano bar. Once there, initiate conversations with the people near you – easy to do with an opening line of, “Excuse me, I’m new here and I wonder if you could tell me…” — Sharon, Atlanta, USA

5. I talk to myself…

I travelled solo to Spain and was staying for one month, so I posted a note for a travelling companion. I got a response from a man (gay and perfect!) who could meet up and travel with me. We got along really well, but he went to Greece while I had another five days of holiday left. I never thought I would feel disoriented and alone on my first trip to Europe but there I was feeling really blue. I was getting so desperate that I even tried to change my return ticket but to no avail. The weather was rainy and cold, not ideal for touring around. I decided to really push myself and go beyond what I ever thought I was capable of. I checked the weather report that night, and found a warm and sunny climate in the southeast of Spain and the next morning, I boarded a train and headed for the sun. It was not as exciting as it might have been had I been travelling there with someone else, but given the circumstances, ‘wasting’ five days in the south of Spain was not so bad.

Travelling solo can be lonely, but that is part of the experience. In retrospect, I had a great time and I would do the same thing again. I’m so glad that I couldn’t change my ticket and come back to Canada. I’d feel like such a whip if I had to tell people that I couldn’t find anything to do in Spain so I came home early. I send my greetings and support to all the JourneyWomen out there who have the opportunity to go on a trip even if you do get lonely. — Kathy, Canada

6. I join clubs…

I’ve been studying in Australia for the past 3-4 months and I found that joining different clubs made a big difference. I’m not your average-age student (I’m 44) and to have moved to a completely different world (I’m Canadian) was quite a challenge. But I joined a bush-walking club and a cycling club and that keeps me busy enough on the weekends and I don’t feel so homesick. — Anita, a Canadian in Australia

7. I stay in hostels or smaller hotels…

I have travelled solo for more than 15 years, and know that loneliness (or fear of it) is something that stops many women from setting off on fabulous adventures. Here are just a few of my recommendations to combat that awful feeling of being alone.

(1)Never enter a restaurant without a book or journal. Instead of sitting and staring at the wall while waiting for your meal, you can keep yourself occupied and feel less self-conscious.

(2) Take yourself out. One of the ways to combat loneliness is to refuse to let it control your actions. So don’t eat at the cheapest restaurant in town hiding your head in shame. Put on your nicest dress and take yourself to the best hotel in town. If you can’t afford to eat the restaurant, buy yourself one drink in the lounge. I’ve done this in places as far away as Rangoon and Hanoi and it never fails to make me feel special.

(3)Join small group day tours. One of the ways I consistently meet others is by taking short tours. For example, a day tour of Lake Titicaca in Bolivia set me up with a number of Argentinean and Brazilian travellers who accompanied me for the next several days.

(4) Stay in smaller hotels or hostels. They’re much friendlier places. You might ask to join a table of people at breakfast or sit in the lounge in the evening and see if anyone asks to join you.

(5)While you’re away, take a class or language lessons. Most schools set up events to get people together. And you will surely meet others in the class.

(6)I keep telling myself that there are just too many places to go and too many people to meet for me to ever get lonely while I’m travelling! —  Sherri, Boston, USA

Read More: 30 Tips to Enjoy Dining Alone

8. i practiced solo dining.

Dining solo requires practice. A woman contemplating travelling solo can start by dining solo in her hometown and then moving out to test her skills on day trips to neighbouring towns. Honestly, this works!

This way she will be used to entering a restaurant solo, negotiating a decent table and ordering and eating with (not ‘by’) herself. A book or magazine to thumb through is a good prop, even a small notebook where she can take notes is good. I use my solo dinner meals as a time to write notes and feelings about the day.

P.S. I never worry about the idea that people are seeing me alone. Judging from the bored looks on some of their faces, I think they might rather be alone, too. —  Nancy, Los Angeles, USA.

Read More: Solo Travel Tips for Introverts 

9. My journal is my friend…

I love to write and always carry a marble composition notebook tucked away in my bag. It’s just the right size and weight -not too bulky, heavy or flimsy. When loneliness strikes I pull out my sturdy little companion and begin writing away. Conversations with myself, conversations with someone I’ve met, observations, notes, recording the events of the journey, reflections. It’s great company and when I get home I have a wonderful journal about my trip. I’ve collected dozens over the years. It’s fun to re-read them, especially during those “dry” periods when one is stuck at home and cannot get out and see the world. It helps, too, to have a favourit pen just for writing for this purpose — both familiar friends, ready when you need them. —  Maryla, Oakland, USA

10. I look for a library…

Dealing with loneliness on the road can be a fun challenge.

(1)Check out a foreign library, for their books, magazines & even classes. Many libraries have interesting programs — everything from good speakers to hands-on projects.

(2)Stop by the local tourist board. They will have a ton of information. Ask for a copy of their “calendar of events”

(3) Take a city tour and see the city without driving. I always take the tour my first day in a new city, it gives me the lay of the land and I often meet up with other single travellers looking for company as well.

(4) Talk with the local people. Some of my best information has come from the folks that live in the town in my neighbourhood. They remember the foreigner and wave when I walk by the shop. — Paula, Feasterville, USA

11. I do my laundry…

On the road, when I feel my lowest I do my laundry and scrub very vigorously. I look at the problem this way…when I’m sad at home, I scrub floors so why not laundry on the road? I also seek out the most decadent chocolate or pastry I can find. Those kinds of treats are bound to make me feel better (at least in the short term). Finally, as I do at home I go out for a real good run. This way I get rid of the extra chocolate calories and I’m able to clear my head and heart. — Leslie, Toronto, Canada

12. I went to the beach and was grateful…

I spent one year living in Australia, a world away from my friends and family in New York. There were a few times when all I wanted to do was to go home for one week just to see even one familiar face. Here are some things I did to help remedy the homesickness:

(1)I went to the movies by myself. That (and a big bag of popcorn) always seemed to cheer me up.

(2)I grabbed my camera and went on a long walk. In fact, I took some of the best pictures this way.

(3)I emailed Mom! Mom always understands!

(4) I called my best friend.

(5) I hung out with my new friends if they were available.

(6)When all else failed, I would head to a cafe, or the beach, or the opera house with a good book. It always made me feel great to know that I was lucky enough to be in Australia, with a darn good book! —  Jana, New York, USA

13. I go to the orientation meetings…

A few years ago, on a solo trip from Vancouver to Puerto Vallarta, I witnessed what it was like to be totally alone in a foreign country. As everyone else laughed well into the night at the pool-side bar, I was tucked away in my room, reading the latest Harry Potter adventure. On my second day at the resort, I decided to take in the hotel’s orientation meeting in one of their banquet rooms. It was here that I discovered another girl also travelling alone. Upon introductions, not only did we discover that we were both from Vancouver, but we lived only a few blocks apart and she had attended high school with my room-mate. It all worked out beautifully; we spent time together for part of each day and then we left it up to each other if we wanted to be alone for the rest. Turned out, by there being two of us, we made friends with others in the hotel a lot easier and by the end of the trip had most of the hotel’s guests and employees in the palms of our hands! I have to say, some people prefer to travel alone. And, as I discovered, I’m not one of them. However, alone together is fine. — Brenda, Sherwood Park, Canada

14. My mom thinks that I’m intrepid…

I’ve travelled solo in France, Italy, England, New Zealand, Prague, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Canada, US, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore. I admit that I still feel alone at times. That doesn’t stop me from going alone. The rewards are too great. I hope these tips help another JourneyWoman.

1) I take an English book to dinner. Usually, somebody will spot the cover, stop by and talk with me about the book. If I’m near the end, I always ask the person next to me (especially in France and Italy where the books in English are not that readily available and are expensive) if they would like the book. This relieves me of continuing to carry it and I end up talking with somebody for a while about the books they enjoy or have read.

2) I take my CDs and listen to my favourite music.

3) I always ask “Do you know where. . . I can find a good play, a good cafe, etc. in the neighbourhood or near it? Again, it opens up the discussion.

4) Always carry phone cards. Call home. Hear a friend or my mom’s voice. This always makes me feel — they think I’m a very “intrepid traveller” and are excited about my adventures! I can’t disappoint them. — Elizabeth, Seattle, USA

15. I meditate in a place of worship…

I travel almost everywhere alone. My independence is sacred to me because it means I can come and go as I please. It offers me the best way to give myself the most from life. Still, there are some tough moments when I wish I had a ‘someone known’ beside me. At those moments I do a ‘check’ to find out if there are other issues going on inside. Am I extra tired, bored, in a restrictive business environment, or really lonesome?

1) If I need to rest I can pick a small church for a short meditation, or return to my room for a rest with my MP3.

2) If I am bored, I ask myself what I’d really truly deeply like and then I go do it. Do I need a facial? A massage? A good movie? A mall? A swim or workout? It doesn’t matter what time it is, I try to take time to honor that need and fill it.

3) If my business colleagues feel too much like starch I remind myself that that is why I am independent- to be free to be me at all hours of the day and night. Then, I figure out what I need to do to perk up the situation and I do it. A long-stemmed red rose placed on a conference table with feminine delicacy and in silence followed by eye contact. Yep.

(4) Finally, if I am really lonesome, and that does happen, I will go where the people are and the energy is free. It could be a park, or a mall, or an intimate cafe. I go looking for people like me in places people like me hang out. What an energy booster that is! It feels like home and the sense of isolation disappears immediately. It is much easier than to strike up a conversation with someone because there are more shared interests and nothing feels forced. I’ve always found that ‘forced’ increases my sense of alone-ness dramatically. That short or long, an exchange is a win-win situation for both of us. It usually melts away that sense of loneliness and I’m renewed and refreshed, ready to move forward. — Roshanna, Lido di Venezia, Italy

16. I meditate at a concert…

When I feel sad and my sagging spirits are calling for help from loneliness on the road, I seek solace in music. No matter where in the world I am I book a ticket for a concert of any kind. Sometimes the pickings seem slim but the experience becomes wonderful as I get lost in the musical experience. The extra bonus is that I usually get the opportunity to chat with other people — locals who love music as much as I do. I always leave feeling much better. —  Caroline, Colorado, USA

17. I watch my attitude…

I am 68, have travelled in my motorhome for months at a time, and I relish my solitude the most of all my treasures. Loneliness happens when my relationship to myself is incomplete when I’m not my own best friend, when I talk in negatives to myself instead of appreciatively, and when I don’t listen carefully to the quietness inside me. Thinking of being alone as lonely is very different from perceiving it as solitude. For starters, solitude is healing, restorative, and self-nurturing. Therefore, the experience of loneliness is an opportunity to get to know yourself better, deeper, more intimately. When this feels scary or impossible it is an extra special gift. How productive it is to sit quietly, alone, empty your mind, listen for the whispers of your unconscious, your deeper self, your soul. Safe spiritual journeys, everybody!— Jeanne, Atlanta, USA

18. I pack a pouch of tea…

I still remember my first trip, a solo 2 1/2 months 2-wheeled adventure throughout Europe early spring into summer. Here are some of my tips for fighting loneliness.

(1) Try to book accommodation with Hostels. You have a higher chance of fellow solo travellers equally eager to listen and share stories of daily travelling escapades. Beats talking to your big toe! When book into a business hotel, I sometimes check with the front desk or concierge on what events or places they might frequent if on their own.

(2)A great ice breaker is loose tea leaves in a pouch. Nothing beats a shared pot of hot tea and shared stories. Earl Grey always was my great travelling companion and a favourite shared tea in any country.

(3) Smile. Other people will approach you and share as well.

(4) Pick-up travel information ahead of time or while at your destination. If on a business trip, I would speak to others (i.e. attendees at tradeshows who might have a booth next door) and ask if they’ve heard about whatever I’m thinking of attending. If they’ve never heard of it, I might extend an invitation to them. Next thing you know, you have a party coming along with you. Bye-bye loneliness! —  Shirley, Toronto, Canada

19. I log on to my hometown paper…

To combat loneliness while travelling, I bring along a small photo book with not only photos of my friends and family, but also photos of my house, car, and anything else to remind me of home. And I subscribe to the online version of my local paper, so I can keep up-to-date with the latest news back in my home town. But the best cure for travel-induced loneliness is a prepaid phone card – and friends who don’t mind you phoning them at three in the morning!— Robyn, Vancouver, Canada

Sipping tea can help manage anxiety and loneliness, women say / Photo By   Iakobchuk

20. I get reacquainted with myself…

When I’m travelling alone I enjoy the freedom to go where I want and when I want but (I admit) I often do get lonely. When I want to share some special place or some laughs I just reach out to other single ladies in public places — like a restaurant or hotel lounge, or touristy area. If I pay attention to their body language and I notice them looking around or looking rather alone themselves, I say “Hi”. I wait to see what response I get. If it’s a smile and a little sigh of relief, I introduce myself and tell them I’m travelling alone and I start up a conversation telling them why I’m there and ask something, about them. It’s easy in an airport because I always start off by asking where someone is coming from or going to. In a tourist area, I can always comment on the area, “Isn’t this beautiful” or “amazing”.

Also, I go to specialty stores of my interest at a slow time of day and strike up a conversation with the clerk or owner. I can usually make connections because they live there. Or they can suggest local places of interest to visit, shop or eat. Often, that little personal connection will drive away from the loneliness for a while. Being surrounded by lots of people most of the time, I use travelling alone as a special time for me to have with myself –to really hear myself think and feel. Often, (we) women are hearing and feeling for everyone around us and we don’t hear what we think and are strangers to our own feelings. When you travel alone, you can really get re-re-acquainted with yourself! Here’s to great adventures and new acquaintances for all JourneyWomen around the world. —  Brenda, Las Vegas, USA

21. I talk to people…

I find that the best cure for loneliness is also the most rewarding aspect of travelling solo — talking to people! Aside from that, I always carry around a small album filled with photos of family and friends as well as my hometown landmarks like Mount Royal and snow. It’s also fun to share these with new friends to show them where I come from. —  Melanie, Montreal, Canada & Jerusalem, Israel

22. I travel with my computer and camera…

I’m the type of Journeywoman who tends to get very absorbed in my surroundings and generally I don’t feel lonely when I travel alone. (I have to confess I rather like it!). That said, I keep connected with friends and family by always taking my laptop computer. I send frequent emails and include digital pictures from that day. This is cheaper and generally more hassle-free than using the phone, plus I don’t have to worry about time differences. My friends and relatives really love getting digital pictures from the road. —  Diane, San Francisco, USA

23. I dine at home…

I spent a month travelling Northern Italy on my own and I found an alternate to dining surrounded by couples…it’s not unique but as I’m an early riser, I spent the better part of daylight absorbed in my priority list of places to visit…after siesta I went to the local grocery store and stocked up on prosciutto, wonderful bread, fruit, cheese, mineral water and had a great dinner in my hotel room…I travel with a batik wrap that doubles as a tablecloth, small candle,…journal my activities from the day, do some yoga and stretching and listen to my favourite relaxation tapes that are always with me. By the time I did my “dinner” ritual there was usually time to nip out for a stroll or sit at an outdoor cafe sipping a cappuccino and with early mornings it was quite good to get an early night’s sleep! As I said not very unique but this “ritual” worked for me! —  Selma, Vancouver, Canada

24. I go shopping…

When I travel, if I get too lonely and I’m missing my family and boyfriend I go out on a shopping spree. I choose only small things that I can mail to my favourite people back home. This small exercise chases away my travel blues and I’m ready to begin fresh the next day. My boyfriend told me that this is a win-win situation for him. He’s happy that I miss him and he’s also happy to receive his presents. — Alex, Alabama, USA

25. I enjoy the magic hour

There is a special time of day that I call my Magic Hour. It could be as early as 5am and really depends on when the cat jumps on me to get up! I take my coffee outside to the covered back porch from Spring through to Fall. In Winter I put the fire on and over Christmas , the cat and I enjoy the fire and the Christmas lights. That time of the day is so silent – I am alone in the world and that perfect time of solitude sets me up for the day.

26.  I talk to strangers

When I’m alone and spurred on by loneliness, I have wonderful conversations with strangers – both other travellers and people who live locally – that I wouldn’t have had if I was travelling with others. I’ve made new friends, too! — Sue J., Toronto, Canada

27. I take a day tour

Especially a tasting tour. Eating food with people is already a social activity, and you will probably sit with others at a table. Wine tasting tours work the same way with the added advantage of alcohol. — Diana, Las Vegas, USA

28. I go for a photo walk

I give myself a theme – a specific shape or colour, maybe shadows or reflections – and I wander around taking photos that fit the theme. Not only does it pull me out of my head, I also see things I normally wouldn’t notice. — Sue J., Toronto, Canada 

29.  I plan ahead 

Rather than wait until you are on your trip and suddenly in a flood of tears during a wave of loneliness, plan ahead. Thanks to the internet and social media, travel forums and related websites are abundant. Search for like-minded women and seek out some that might be locals in the cities and towns you might be visiting. Set up a meet and greet – morning coffee in a cafe near their residence, perhaps. The internet has so many travel sites where you can meet like-minded travellers, and of course,  JourneyWoman’s Solo Travel Facebook Group is one of the best! And safe too. — Diana E., Las Vegas, USA 

30. I join an Expat group on Facebook

Before I travel anywhere, I joni an ExPat group to learn about the city and its culture.  Most recently, in Lecce, Italy, I went to a meetup hosted by the expat group and met lots of other solo travellers from all over the world. When you realize everyone is so friendly and warm, it makes being on your own so much more enjoyable!  — Carolyn R., Toronto, Canada 

31.  I book an appointment at a local spa

 I booked an appointment at a local spa and enjoyed the pleasures of a relaxing massage. That evening I took myself out for a lovely dinner complete with wine and a decadent dessert. I bought myself a new sweater. Somehow that extra bit of self-nurturing did the trick. Thank goodness I didn’t go home. I was refreshed and ready to start all over again with gusto. — Evelyn H, Toronto, Canada

32.  Tell the truth about solo travel

When offering advice to another woman travelling solo for the very first time, tell her the truth. Explain that she will not experience perfection. There will be times when she will be sad and will wonder why she ever embarked on this crazy solo adventure. Tell her not to give up. The benefits and pleasures she will reap are enormous and life-altering. Looking back, she will never, ever regret putting that backpack on. – Evelyn H, Toronto, Canada 

33.   Practice solo travel

Travelling alone (like any other skill) requires practice. Begin by joining any one of the wonderful women-friendly tours being offered today. Yes, you have the protection and camaraderie of the group but you also have free hours when you can go off and experience the culture and the people on your own. In time you might feel the need to go off entirely by yourself. With each journey, you will get better at it until one day you’ll wake up and realize that you are a full-fledged solo travelling JourneyWoman. – Evelyn H, Toronto, Canada 

Tales from women travelling solo…

In A Woman Alone, Travel Tales From Around the Globe , 29 women answer the question: Why go solo? This collection, featuring the true-adventure stories of women travelling in every corner of the globe, tackles the myriad obstacles and successes of solo travel with honesty, warmth, and humour. If you’ve always wondered what it would be like to go solo — or if you’re already packing your bags — these essays will feed your wanderlust and inspire your travel dreams. Edited by: Faith Conlon, Ingrid Emerick & Christina Henry de Tessan. 

Women’s words on loneliness…

There have been weeks when no one calls me by name. —  Leah Goldberg, Nameless Journeys, 1976

The loneliness persisted like incessant rain. – Ann Allen Shockley, Spring Into Autumn, 1980

Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self.— May Sarton, Mrs. Stevens Hears the Mermaids Singing, 1965

Loneliness is black coffee and late-night television; solitude is herb tea and soft music.— Pearl Cleage, In My Solitude, 1993

Women especially are social beings, who are not content with just husband and family but must have a community, a group, an exchange with others. A child is not enough. A husband and children, no matter how busy one may be kept by them, are not enough. Young and old, even in the busiest years of our lives, we women especially are victims of the long loneliness. — Dorothy Day, The Long Loneliness , 1952

A woman alone is not always lonely. 

More on Overcoming Fear of Solo Travel

Solo Travel for Seniors: How to Overcome Fear and Get Started in Solo Travel

If you’re a senior woman hesitant about solo travel, here are expert tips to get started and face your fears.

Sailing for Seniors: Can an 83-Year Old Woman Handle a Week on a Catamaran?

Is sailing for seniors possible? 83-year old Diana Eden steps out of her comfort zone in the British Virgin Islands to find out.

How to Enjoy Dining Alone: 30 Tips from Solo Women Travellers

Solo women share their best tips on how to enjoy eating alone, revel in your own company and embrace the wonder of the moment.

Evelyn Hannon

Evelyn started Journeywoman in 1994, and unknowingly became the world's first female travel blogger. She inspired a sisterhood of women, a grassroots movement, to inspire women to travel safely and well, and to connect women travellers around the world. She passed away in 2019, but her legacy lives on.

We always strive to use real photos from our own adventures, provided by the guest writer or from our personal travels. However, in some cases, due to photo quality, we must use stock photography. If you have any questions about the photography please let us know. Disclaimer: We are so happy that you are checking out this page right now! We only recommend things that are suggested by our community, or through our own experience, that we believe will be helpful and practical for you. Some of our pages contain links, which means we’re part of an affiliate program for the product being mentioned. Should you decide to purchase a product using a link from on our site, JourneyWoman may earn a small commission from the retailer, which helps us maintain our beautiful website. JourneyWoman is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you! We want to hear what you think about this article, and we welcome any updates or changes to improve it. You can comment below, or send an email to us at [email protected] .

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11 Ways To Beat Loneliness While Traveling Solo

Where to stay, what to do, how to meet locals, and more.

Over the last year and a half, I’ve taken more solo trips throughout the country than I could have ever predicted, from Miami to Nashville to Joshua Tree, California. Remote freelancer life has allowed me to make the most of “working from anywhere,” and I’ve found myself growing more and more comfortable hopping on a last-minute flight for a spontaneous adventure. At first, though, I was extremely hesitant about traveling by myself. It seemed too risky, too complicated... and, quite frankly, too lonely. It took talking to a few travel-savvy friends to overcome these worries, and now that I’ve taken the plunge, I’ve racked up a few tips for solo travelers that have helped me gain the confidence to explore on my own.

And of course, I’m not the only one who’s leaned into this lately. “I find solo travel to be the best way to reset and reflect whenever [I’m faced with] a big life transition,” says Nandini Mullaji , 27, a startup founder who has taken solo trips to over 20 destinations. Some, like travel journalist Lola Méndez , 33, of Miss Filatelista , even prefer solo travel over larger group trips. “I love being able to curate an itinerary that revolves around my travel desires,” she says.

Below, travel pros share their best tips for fighting loneliness while exploring alone.

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Don’t Be Afraid To Take The Plunge...

“Becoming a ‘digital nomad’ was always something I had on my radar, but I spent years waiting on other people and thinking I needed to be in a certain stage of my career financially to make it happen,” says Kendall Becker , 27, host of The Curated podcast and a freelance editor in New York City. “There was once a time when I thought traveling alone would be too lonely, but it turns out, working solo from a beach is far less lonely than typing all day in my cold, dark studio apartment!”

... But It’s OK To Start Small, Too.

Respect your own comfort level. “I’d recommend tip-toeing into solo travel,” says Jen Tenzer , 36, founder of The The Soloist , a solo travel advisory firm. “Solo travel doesn’t have to mean two weeks away in a far-flung destination! Consider extending a family trip for an extra couple of solo days, book a weekend away in a nearby city, or join a group trip.”

Companies like FTLO specialize in group travel, so you can book with them solo and travel alongside other like-minded folks with an itinerary already planned out and social interaction guaranteed.

Consider Staying In A Hostel.

Perhaps one of the most heated debates among solo travelers is that of where to stay. Some might choose to spend on luxe hotel rooms, but others prefer the hostel route if all they need is a place to crash after a day spent exploring — or if they’re hoping to save some coin. A hostel stay is also a great way to meet other travelers, some of whom may be there alone as well.

Despite their bad rap, Tenzer points out that there are now hostels to suit every safety and luxury level. “Many offer private rooms that are priced below traditional hotel rates. Hostels don’t necessarily mean bunk beds!”

Even if you aren’t staying in a hostel, scoping them out can lead to potential solo traveler friendships. “I like to locate a hostel or even stay there so I’m bound to meet other travelers,” shares Nabila Ismail , 28, a travel influencer who has visited 53 countries on her own. “Since I work a bunch, I often look for co-working spaces because there’s usually people there I can meet.”

If you do rule out hostels and Airbnbs, it’s important to do your research on which hotels are worth the splurge. Tenzer warns, above all else, “Do not forgo hotel safety for budget. If a cheaper hotel is located in a neighborhood that’s considered more dangerous or desolate, it’s not your best bet!”

Don’t Stay Cooped Up Inside.

No matter where you’re staying, head outside. “If you’re not proactive about it, you can easily spend an entire day isolated in your hotel room. A couple days of that sort of routine, coupled with the unfamiliar environment, is a surefire way to spark bouts of loneliness,” says Tenzer.

Choose Hotels With Amenities.

Tenzer has taken countless solo trips, but still, she says, “Loneliness, awkwardness, and homesickness can bubble up to the surface ... when I’m not keeping myself busy with activities and socializing with other people.” So, lean into amenities — especially if you don’t like the idea of venturing out alone. Some hotels have expansive spas, innovative restaurants, and in-room experiences so unique, you hardly need to leave the premises.

During a recent stay at the Four Seasons Nashville , I barely left the building and still felt like I got the full Tennessee experience. I enjoyed multiple Italian-style meals with a Southern twist at the exceptional Mimo Restaurant & Bar and luxuriated at the on-site spa. (They have a Tennessee Honey and whiskey body scrub — how on-brand is that ?) I even strummed an acoustic in my suite courtesy of the hotel’s Room Service by Gibson Guitars experience, a major perk for any traveling musician.

Another benefit of hotels with unique or noteworthy amenities? The opportunity to connect with like-minded travelers. “There are some hotel chains that attract a young, fun crowd — like The Hoxton hotels or Soho Houses ,” shares Mullaji, who notes you don’t have to be a member to enjoy the latter. “They often have happy hours, and I sometimes meet other people there who are also visiting the city, and we go out to dinner together.”

Even if a full-blown stay in such a hotel isn’t within your price range, you can still get in on the action. “I’ve started booking spa treatments at nearby hotels that are often out of my budget to stay in,” Becker says. “You can typically spend the day there before or after your treatment to have lunch or enjoy the pool and other amenities.”

Use Social Media To Plan Your Itinerary.

The way people talk about solo travel, you’d think you can just show up and get ~lost in the magic~ of place, wandering aimlessly and discovering sensational opportunities with every step. In real life, a great trip often takes a bit more planning.

Méndez recommends using social media to your advantage when figuring out what to do. “Join local Facebook groups that pertain to your interests to organize meet-ups with people who you’ll have something in common with, or find out about local events that are happening while you’re there,” she suggests. “You can do the same by searching relevant hashtags.” There are also sites and apps dedicated entirely to things to do in different cities, like Time Out , The Nudge , Cobble and more.

While meeting new people is a major perk of solo travel, it’s important to practice caution when sharing personal information. “I always feel more comfortable giving my IG handle rather than my phone number for making plans,” says Mullaji.

Embrace Your Alone Time.

“For me, solo travel is the ultimate form of self-care,” says Tenzer. “It’s a special time for me to escape, recharge, and pamper myself. I get to do whatever I want without compromise!”

Mullaji agrees. “As a huge extrovert, I love the planned alone time I get with solo travel. I love the flexibility of having my own schedule, especially when lingering over meals and waking up whenever I want.”

And when those feelings of isolation creep in? Mullaji recommends something special, like a lavish meal, to make time alone feel like more of a treat. “It’s always good to make a few reservations for dinners and activities in advance,” she says. She recommends Eater for restaurant recommendations.

Take A Tour.

“One of my favorite ways to meet people is by going on a free walking tour — you’re bound to meet someone and it's a budget-friendly activity!” Ismail says.

Tenzer agrees. “Walkable cities make for fantastic solo trips because there’s no shortage of ways to entertain yourself. If you’re embarking on your first solo trip, pick a destination that’s both easy to navigate and has loads of activity options. Planned group activities ensure you’re keeping busy and not spending too much time alone with your thoughts! I love Airbnb Experiences because they’re locally led small group tours that don’t charge a solo traveler surcharge.”

Bond With Locals.

It can be tempting to group up with other visitors, but the best way to experience a new place is to chat with locals. One way to do this is to find folks with whom you share a common interest. For a fashion editor like Becker, that means shop owners, designers, and the like. “Shopping locally and getting to talk to the designers really helps me immerse myself in a location’s culture while I’m visiting,” she says.

Remember, It’s OK To Feel Lonely Sometimes.

At some point, the blues might creep in, but that’s normal. Solo travel comes with ups and downs; you might have the most delicious meal of your life but wish a companion was sitting on the other side of the table.

“When I travel long term, I definitely hit bouts of loneliness,” Ismail says. “I think it’ll particularly hit when I don’t meet many people or travelers, I miss out on an event with my friends back home, or I see one of my closest friends get engaged or married. It also depends where I am. I remember feeling lonely in Cyprus and Bali because I just saw couples or groups of friends everywhere I looked.”

That discomfort won’t last forever, especially if you try to forge new relationships (especially with other travelers going it alone). “It can be intimidating at first but it’s a classic ‘rip the Band-Aid off’ experience — it definitely gets easier the more you put yourself out there.”

Tenzer opts to look on the bright side. “Part of what makes solo travel such a transformative experience is the fact that it is a bit challenging,” she says. “[It’s] a rare luxury to indulge in whatever you want do, without compromising for anyone else. Your solo trip is temporary and any negative feelings that come up during it will also be temporary. By the end of it, you’ll realize how truly capable you are; strong enough to overcome whatever travel mishaps are thrown at you. It’s all incredibly empowering.”

Keep Safety Top Of Mind.

If, like me, you tend to feel safer when traveling in a group , the potential dangers of solo travel may be enough to deter you — but preparedness can soothe your stress. A lot of safety precautions can be implemented before your trip begins. “I recommend crafting a loose itinerary that you can share with family and friends back home and also sharing your phone’s live location,” says Tenzer. “That way, there’s someone looking out for you in case of an emergency.”

Similarly, Mullaji recommends buying a local SIM card or signing up for an international roaming plan so that you can get in touch with loved ones no matter where you are. She also recommends carrying a battery pack or phone charger at all times. Just in case service ever does become an issue, Becker recommends downloading an offline map you can access without Wi-Fi.

“If you’re an American citizen traveling internationally, I also recommend registering for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. State Department, which can facilitate emergency assistance,” says Tenzer.

After you arrive at your destination, making wise decisions regarding where you spend your time (and who you spend it with) is key. “The burden of my safety shouldn’t fall on my shoulders — but it does,” Méndez points out. “I don’t drink often when I’m alone. I don’t trust strangers, [so I don’t] go to random houses or get in random cars. I carry a key-ring alarm, as in the past when I’ve had a taser or pepper spray, I’ve been concerned someone who attacks me could use those weapons against me.”

Becker notes that she feels best sticking to well-populated, touristy sites and avoids going out alone at night. “Always listen to your intuition,” she says. “If a location or particular person makes you feel uncomfortable, listen to those cues and remove yourself from the situation.”

Ready to book a flight?

This article was originally published on Feb. 21, 2023

Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide: Travel Alone & Love It

January 4, 2024 by Janice Waugh

What is solo travel? After 15 years of traveling solo, I've concluded that it is two things. Solo travel can be done independently or on a group tour. Essentially, solo travel is when you leave behind everyone you know and embark on a trip. Independent solo travel is when you plan and navigate the travel yourself. Group solo travel is when you join a tour or cruise alone. Both provide the unique experience of exploring the world without family and friends who have expectations of you. It's about discovering who you are when no one (that you know) is looking.

Traveling alone delivers access to the world in ways that other forms of travel don't. It is an essential mode of travel, at least some of the time.

However, not everyone takes to it naturally. Some worry about traveling solo. There are concerns around loneliness, safety, and more.

While we have hundreds of articles on the site that get into the details of how to travel solo, here, in one place, is the ultimate guide for those who want to travel alone. The tips in this post will help you have the best experience possible. They will help you travel alone and love it.

If you are traveling independently, read on.

If you plan to go on an organized tour, don't miss our page of tours with no or low single supplement . It's updated at least once a month and if you'd like to receive it via email you can sign up here .

Table of Contents

Why You Will Love Solo Travel

When you travel alone, you travel on your terms. You get to do what you want, when you want. You can connect with people if you wish or avoid them completely. Those are the obvious benefits for going solo as a traveler.

But there are many benefits of solo travel that affect your whole life. The experience encourages you to stretch and grow as a person. You gain confidence and get better at problem solving. You understand yourself better, become more independent, and become a more interesting person.

For more, read Why Travel Solo? 15 Reasons Going Alone Makes Travel Better . Now, let's get on to the ultimate solo travel guide.

Your Guide for Planning to Travel Alone

Planning a solo trip takes a bit of time and thought. To cover everything, this would be an extremely long article. Instead, I'm pointing you to some of the basic planning posts on Solo Traveler. There over 600 posts on Solo Traveler. This just takes you to the ones that cover the fundamentals.

• Solo Travel Planning Guide with Trends, a Checklist, and Insider Tips
• Solo Travel Safety: 50+ Proven Tips to Keep You Safe
• Carry-On Packing List That Makes Sense: Traveler Tested
• Best Accommodation for Solo Travelers
• A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers
• Eating Alone Is Easy When You Know How

Ultimate Tips to Travel Alone and Love It!

Let's get into the experience of traveling alone.

For some people, enjoying a solo trip comes naturally. Others have to work at how to travel alone. Most who do, fall in love with it. Here are a few things you can do to ensure a great solo adventure.

1. Visualize the trip you want. It's all about you.

Start thinking about the opportunities that are present when you travel alone long before you leave. Is it down time you really want? Build that into the plan. Are you after a creative travel experience ? Research the opportunities before you go and then dream on them until you get there.

2. Gather firsthand knowledge before you go. Personal stories tell you more.

Talk to people who have already traveled to your destination. Doing this was so incredibly helpful when planning my trip to Patagonia. At the time, no amount of research helped me plan the logistics. Talking to people who had made a similar trip gave me insight into the travel options and tips on how to avoid the mistakes they had made. Use your social network to find people. Join online meetup groups based in your destination. Find expat groups at your destination. By talking to people you will learn more about things to do as well as things that are not really for you.

3. Learn to chat with strangers.

Starting conversations with strangers can be a challenge, especially when you're an introvert like I am. However, these conversations can be trip-changing, if not life-changing. There are many skills that can be developed for this and one is never too old to learn them. In fact, it was only when traveling alone after my husband passed away that I learned how much I had grown and taken on the techniques of an extrovert. I learned that I could talk to strangers easily.

4. Tap the experience of the people you meet. Get current information.

As a solo traveler, you'll meet more travelers and locals than those who travel with a partner. Ask a traveler about the best thing they've done so far or a local for the best hidden gem restaurant in the area. The people you meet and the advice they offer will greatly enrich your trip.

5. Be flexible with your plans. Opportunities arise!

When suggestions or opportunities arise from these chance encounters, be flexible enough to act on them. There are times when flexibility must reign and the schedule should be thrown away. I do this most often on road or rail trips.

6. Don't over-plan. You will absolutely need relaxing time.

Managing your travels yourself takes more energy than if you are with someone else. It is important to have extra time in your itinerary to wander a market leisurely, linger over a coffee at an outdoor café, or take that trip into the mountains you hadn't considered.

7. Be patient. Take time to settle in and learn how the city works.

It can be difficult arriving in a new city alone. Take your time. Take a day to relax, watch the city function, and settle in. Read Solo Travel Confidence: How to Be Strong, Capable, and Safe .

8. Explore your destination at different levels. Gain different perspectives.

In London, it's natural to take the Tube. However, riding on the top of a double-decker bus gives you another perspective on the city. But you still wouldn't want to miss the Tube as it's an experience unto itself. My point is, explore the city in as many ways as possible: on foot, by bicycle, via public transit. Take a taxi and talk to the driver. Rent a car and learn what it's like to park or drive on the opposite side of the road. Every mode of movement offers new perspectives.

9. Take in local events. Get to know the daily life of a culture.

Whether it's a street festival or a sporting event, these are opportunities to rub shoulders with locals, offering insight into the culture and, potentially, fun conversations. Events made for tourism will not be as successful for this as events created by and for locals.

10. Be proactive if you’re unsure of yourself.

Ask for help. Standing around looking dazed will not get you where you want to go and it may get you noticed by the wrong people. Go ahead, smile, and ask for help. It's one of the fundamentals of staying safe as you travel solo .

11. Eat locally! Discover the culture through food.

There is nothing like exploring the local cuisine. It gives you a new path into your destination's culture, history, and geography. There is always a reason, historical or geographic, for a specific cuisine that can be explored through your tastebuds and your mind.

12. Shop where the locals shop.

Are you into home renovations? Then a hardware store in another country could be quite interesting. Are you a foodie? Go to the grocery store or the street where all the specialty vendors are located. Are you into fashion or interior decorating? Again, explore (you don't have to buy) where the locals shop.

13. Know which way is up. An old-school map is your friend.

Study a map of your destination. Get to know it. Get a sense of direction using major landmarks like Central Park in New York City or the CN Tower in Toronto. This will help you explore cities happily, with greater confidence. Read How to Navigate a New City Solo .

13. Find people who share your passion.

Whether it's chess or poetry or badminton or books, there will be hubs or groups that share your passion at your destination. Many destinations have an English bookstore which is typically a great resource for events you will want to attend. Google search or find them on meetup.com. What a great way to combine your love of travel with your love of other things.

14. Take day tours and classes.

There are many benefits to punctuating your independent trip with local tours such as cooking classes . You have new ways to better experience your destination, enjoy some social time (after all, solo travelers are not necessarily loners), and you get to take a break and let the tour company run the logistics and planning of the experience.

15. Have great evenings out.

Just because you're traveling solo doesn't mean you have to stay in at night with a book. There are many options for things to do in the evening. If you're in a country where you don't speak the language, music is a good bet. Read What to Do at Night When Traveling Alone and How to Enjoy Going to a Bar Alone When You Travel .

What If You Don't Love Solo Travel?

Let's face it, not everyone likes the same thing. Some people will travel alone and, for one reason or another, not enjoy it.

The first thing I suggest is that you be patient. You're not going to find your solo travel groove on the first day of your first trip. You need to give yourself some time to settle into your destination and apply some of the many travel alone tips above.

If, then, you're still not loving it, read  What If You Travel and You Don’t Love It ? and the advice of other solo travelers in Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Conquer First-Day Solo Travel Anxiety .

Round Out Your Guide to Solo Travel with These Resources

Here are a few posts to explore to help you plan your best solo trip.

• How to Save Money for Travel
• How to Plan Your Travel Budget: Luxury or Frugal
• Best Solo Travel Destinations: Real Solo Travelers Love These
• Feeling the Pinch? Solo Travelers Save Money at The Airport
• How to Get Through an Airport by Yourself with Ease
• Carry On Packing List That Makes Sense: Traveler Tested
• Checked Baggage: Top Planning and Packing Tips.
• Best VPN for Travel: What, Why, How & New Recommendations
• Road Trip Alone with Confidence: 10 Tips for a Great Trip

Sharing is caring!

Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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More From Forbes

How to travel alone without feeling lonely.

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Therapists say it's normal to have pangs of loneliness while traveling alone.

Even the most enthusiastic solo travelers know that loneliness can sneak up on you while traveling the world. While your initial reaction may be to avoid those feelings, therapists say it helps to embrace the emotion.

“Just like you’re choosing to travel to experience new things, give yourself permission to feel different things throughout your journey,” says Samantha Bender , LCSW-S, a therapist at Octave based in Texas. “So often, the most exploring you do when you travel is within yourself.”

Her first suggestion is to ask yourself what you want to get out of your travel experience. Are you traveling solo because you want peace and quiet, and a feeling of independence? Or are you traveling solo so that you have the freedom to meet a lot of different people? Perhaps it’s a bit of both.

While you could tailor a trip to spend most of your solo travel adventure alone, there’s also group trips led by tour companies like Kensington Tours and Abercrombie & Kent that give you an opportunity to meet other travelers with similar interests.

Why Do You Feel Lonely When Traveling Solo?

When we experience amazing moments in our lives, like travel, we want to share it with others, explains Colleen Marshall, MA, LMFT, and Vice President of Clinical Care at Two Chairs .

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“There is even research from the positive psychology world that when we do share something we are savoring or enjoying with others it increases our experience of happiness and sense of joy,” Marshall says. “When we are traveling, solo sharing is harder to do because those we care about are not readily available to share with or talk with.”

Solo travelers can come up with a plan before their trip for how they'll handle loneliness.

Her advice?

Think about how you will share your travel or experiences with others ahead of time.

“Maybe set up a video call with a loved one during a meal or end your day with sharing what you enjoyed,” Marshall says.

7 Ways To Avoid Feeling Lonely When Traveling Solo

While it’s normal to feel pangs of loneliness while solo traveling, you don’t want the feeling to overshadow your trip entirely. With that in mind, therapists and seasoned solo travelers share their top tips to avoid feeling lonely while traveling.

1. Before Your Trip, Come Up With A Plan To Handle Your Loneliness

Some tactics, Bender says, that can be part of your plan include:

• Bring some journaling prompts
• Download your favorite podcasts or songs for a mood lift
• Start a travel journal where you can collect mementos and photos

As part of your plan for preparation, create a plan for when you return home. Schedule an appointment with your therapist where you can share new revelations or insights that you gathered while on your trip.

2. Write Postcards While On Your Trip

Writing can be very therapeutic especially if you’re feeling lonely or dissociated, Bender says.

“When we write, it helps us feel present in our reality,” she says. “Try writing a letter or sending a postcard to a loved one while you’re on your trip. You can even send a note of gratitude to yourself so that you have something waiting for you in the mail to remind you of your experience.”

3. Consider Low-Energy And High-Energy Options To Address Feelings Of Loneliness

If you find yourself lonely on a trip, consider your energy level, and go over different high-energy and low-energy options you have, Bender recommends. This practice is applicable for daily life, but even more important when you’re traveling because it can be so tiring.

A high-energy option would be signing up for a group activity, such as a guided tour or a cooking class, she says. That is a structured way to introduce yourself to others while learning a new skill, and both can be healthy distractions or preventions for loneliness.

Taking a cooking class is a great way to meet people when you are traveling alone.

People-watching is a low-energy thing you can do to feel less lonely while you travel, she says. Embrace that time to people-watch as a way to connect to the world and the people around you.

4. Look For Opportunities To Connect With Others

While traveling, look for activities where you can connect with other travelers or locals, Marshall suggests. For example, rather than going through the museum alone, join a tour guided experience.

“Connection is all around us, we just need to join in,” she says.

Some other ways to meet people organically while traveling solo is to go to local cafes, markets, community events and learn about their culture, says Reen B. Patel , a Licensed Educational Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Participate in group excursions like day trips and tours, she suggests.

5. Co-Work in A New Place

Try checking out a co-working space in a new city.

Ahead of your travels, check out your LinkedIn to see if you have any connections in the destination that you’re traveling to, suggests Katya Varbanova , says CEO of Viral Marketing Stars. If you’re a digital nomad or traveling for bleisure (business plus leisure), rent a desk at a coworking space and meet some fellow travelers or locals. Another option is being a part of a member’s club like Soho House, she points out. The “Every House” membership unlocks access to the houses all around the world, including their amenities, like spas, screening rooms and events.

6. Book an Airbnb Experience

Musician Alissa Musto has taken dozens of solo trips over the past few years and recommends booking an Airbnb experience, which are hosted by locals and are popular among solo travelers who you can connect with over shared interests. These types of experience range from city tours to the ins and outs of beekeeping to learning the art of origami.

7. Volunteer With Other Travelers

Volunteering while traveling is a great way to meet like-minded people.

Another idea? Give back to the place you’re visiting. The Hawaiian islands, for example, started the Mālama Hawai'i program to better connect tourists with Hawaiian land and culture.

“I’ve also found that volunteering is a great way to be part of a community for a day, and do something good with your time and talent,” Musto says. “I’ve met several interesting people from all over the world as a volunteer and they’re always happy to have additional help and meet new friends.”

Good Destinations For Solo But Social Travel

Surprisingly, I’ve found that some of the best places for solo travelers to socialize are not big cities at all, but less popular tourist destinations and national parks, Musto says.

“Big tourist destinations and cities often attract groups of friends traveling together, couples or families that are more into doing their own thing,” she says.

Paddling the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.

On the flipside, quieter, outdoors-centric destinations attract many solo travelers trying to enjoy nature, but open to socializing with other-like minded individuals and people tend to be welcoming, inviting and happy to strike up a conversation or share a meal.

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How (and why) to travel alone

Smart solo travel tips to help you avoid scams, creeps, and loneliness.

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In 2019, Alea Simone quit her job, sold all her furniture, packed her bags, and embarked on a four-month trip across 17 countries in Europe and Asia — by herself. It was the first time she ever traveled solo. The Texas native had never visited Europe or Asia before, and she admits she was intimidated. Would she be able to navigate public transportation ? Communicate in non-English-speaking countries?

“I was really scared,” Simone says, “but at the same time, I had to push myself forward because there really wasn’t much for me to go back to.”

Four years and countless solo trips later, Simone is something of an expert. She recounts her travels to thousands of followers on TikTok and Instagram , offering insight to adventurers, from cheap flight deals to a review of airport nail salon services . While she still gets anxiety ahead of solo travels from time to time, the best way to quell her fears is to hop on the plane and go.

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Submit it by filling out this  form .

More travelers than ever before are choosing to venture on their own. According to a survey by the travel search engine Kayak , searches for single-person flights in 2023 are up 36 percent compared to 2022. Search interest in solo travel hit an all-time high in July 2023. The benefits of solo travel are wide-ranging, from complete flexibility to the potential for a transformative experience . Beholden to no one but themselves, solo travelers can eat where they want, spend what they want, and see what they want.

This isn’t to say solo travelers shouldn’t take their safety seriously. “Solo travel is definitely about getting to know yourself,” Simone says, “and trusting your intuition.” Travelers of color, queer people, and women on their own may be targets for scammers , endure catcalls , and encounter racism and other forms of bigotry. Still, travel experts say the potential for negative incidents shouldn’t deter those who hope to travel alone from doing so. With no one else to depend on, solo travelers must take extra care while planning a trip, navigating around new locations, and interacting with new people. Seasoned independent adventurers offer their best advice for staying safe, yet open to new experiences.

How should I prepare to travel by myself?

Regardless if you’re traveling to the next town over to attend a concert by yourself or you’re hopping on an international flight, you need to be prepared for what awaits you. The farther you venture from home, though, the greater the opportunity for cultural miscommunications and misinterpretations. “You’re not going to read every situation correctly, because you’re in another culture,” says Janice Waugh, the publisher of the website Solo Traveler , “whether you’re from Kansas and going to New York or New York to Kansas.”

Do some Googling to see whether your proposed destination has any travel advisories and whether there are any laws that would make your visiting unsafe. But keep in mind that countries are vast places and while one city or province may not be amenable to tourists, that doesn’t mean the entire country is unsafe for a solo traveler.

Research which neighborhoods are near restaurants, parks, public transportation, or other areas that interest you. Can you walk from place to place? Is your hostel located near all of the sites you want to visit?

Try to identify various local communities on Instagram in your proposed destination — say, a yoga club if you’re into yoga, or a queer social club — and reach out to members for recommendations on what to do and where to stay, says travel writer Bani Amor . Amor also suggests solo travel Facebook groups where you can find intel on various businesses and locals to meet up with.

Familiarize yourself with popular tourist scams, Simone says, so you don’t unknowingly get into what you believe is a taxi at the airport and are grossly overcharged. “It’s usually a very easy Google search,” she says. “What are the common scams in Morocco? What are the common scams in London? What are the common scams in Bangkok?”

When booking flights or other transportation, Waugh recommends arriving during daylight so you can get your bearings. While you’re coordinating your transit, make a plan for how you’ll get to your lodgings, says writer and travel expert Jessica Nabongo . Especially after a long flight where you may be tired and disoriented, knowing how you’ll get out of the airport is crucial. Nabongo is a fan of booking a car service, but for cheaper options, research the public transportation options from the airport. The app Rome2Rio provides a variety of routes, from subway and bus to train and car.

As a good rule of thumb for all travelers, Simone recommends a few crucial travel accessories: locks for your luggage and backpacks , and a portable door lock for hotel and hostel rooms. She also suggests an RFID-blocking wallet to prevent new-age pickpockets from using sensors to steal your data without having to even steal your wallet. A low-profile money belt that you can wear under your clothes helps keep your money close and out of sight.

If you’re traveling to a location where you don’t speak the language, try to learn a few phrases, Amor says, just in case you need to ask for directions or read signs on public transportation.

Before you leave for the airport, train station, or bus stop, or get in a car, tell a few friends and family members where you will be. You can even share your location with a contact in your iPhone or via Gmail on Android and Google Maps (you can always turn this off once you’re home). Someone should always know where in the world you are.

Where is a safe place to stay as a solo traveler?

Travel experts sing the praises of all forms of lodging: hostels, hotels, Airbnb , staying with a friend of a friend. The main consideration is your budget. Hostels will be the cheapest option since you’ll share a room and bathroom with other travelers. However, this is a great opportunity to meet other people, some of whom may also be on their own. “I always like to suggest that people who have never traveled solo stay at a hostel, because hostels are built for solo travelers,” Simone says. “They’re always going to have tours going on you can sign up for.” Remember to always keep your items secure and locked.

For a slightly more expensive option, Amor suggests a private room at a hostel. You’ll have a door that locks and won’t need to share a bathroom.

Hotels and Airbnbs will be the costliest places to stay. “I like the amenities,” Nabongo says. “I like having breakfast and my gym. And I like having a concierge, so I can ask, ‘What should I do? Where should I eat?’”

Take advantage of the staff and hosts wherever you stay, experts say. These people are often locals and are familiar with where you’re visiting. They can provide tour recommendations, directions, and places to avoid.

Before booking, Waugh suggests looking at the lodging’s location on Google Maps’ street view. “Make sure that the area looks like it’s active, that it’s well-maintained, and that you’re going to feel safe,” she says.

You can always tap your network, Amor says, and ask if anyone has a trustworthy friend who might be willing to let you crash. “Before I book anything, anywhere, I’m going online to my social network and I’m being like, ‘Who has got a place? Who has a friend of a friend?” they say. “If I’m a part of a radical community or a punk community, then I know we have some sort of ethos that is very mutual aid [focused].”

No matter where you stay, write the address in a note on your phone or mark the location on Google Maps so you always can find your home base.

How do I meet other people? Is that even safe?

While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying your own company, solo travel gives adventurers the opportunity to meet new people. Group tours and Airbnb Experiences are great ways to mingle with other travelers. Opt to sit at the bar if you can since you’ll be better positioned to chat with other patrons and the bartender. These new connections might invite you to other events they have planned, Simone says, and give you strength in numbers. “You have to be open-minded and you have to be willing to say yes to things,” she says.

Try searching for clubs or social groups that align with your interests, Nabongo says. In major cities, there’s a good chance you can find a manga lovers group, beer runners, or a poetry reading event.

However, always keep these interactions in a public place, Waugh says: a cafe, a park, a museum, a store, historical sites. Simone and Waugh caution against going out by yourself at night unless you’re with an organized group like a bar crawl. Don’t tell anyone where you’re staying either, even if they ask. You can give a general location, like “on the other side of town,” and then keep the conversation moving, Waugh says.

Because different cultures have varying social norms around the appropriateness of certain comments or questions — what one culture considers a compliment may seem creepy to a person from a different background — you may be caught off-guard by offhand remarks. Sometimes cab drivers, for instance, might make comments about the way you look, misgender you, or ask intrusive questions. You don’t need to lie or justify who you are to a stranger, but keep the details to a minimum if you’re not comfortable. “Sometimes they’re just hitting on you, and … not everyone who’s hitting on you wants to abuse you,” Amor says. “But sometimes, it’s not fucking safe. I’ve never lied about having a boyfriend or a husband, but I usually just say ‘no.’”

Should a stranger become persistent in getting you alone, by offering to give you a ride or to veer off a marked hiking trail, consider that a red flag, Amor says. Don’t go anywhere private by yourself with someone you just met, be wary of people who are insistent you make a decision immediately (about whether you’ll join them on a day trip, for example), and don’t worry about being rude. “One thing a lot of us are trained to do is just to be nice,” they say. “You really have to put your foot down at some point.”

Continue using whatever metric you use at home to suss out new connections. If you get a weird feeling from a super-persistent person sitting next to you at the bar, signal to the bartender for assistance, move to another seat, or leave. “If you feel suddenly under threat,” Waugh says, “you just yell.”

Just as there are nefarious people wherever you go, there are kind and curious people, too. You have the opportunity to transform a local’s weeknight dinner into a charming memory. Be open to new connections, Nabongo says, and don’t assume everyone is out to harm you.

What do I do if I get sick or need help?

There are plenty of things that can go wrong when traveling, from the mundane — like getting lost — to the more serious, such as needing medical assistance. With no one else to rely on in a pinch, you may need to outsource help. For logistical issues, like asking for directions or inquiring how to purchase public transit passes, walk into a store and ask an employee or approach a family for assistance, Waugh says.

Waugh also recommends travel insurance , which covers medical expenses should you unexpectedly get sick or injured and need to be hospitalized. (Travel insurance also covers lost luggage and missed connecting flights .) In countries that have universal health care , a visit to a doctor or emergency room is generally cheaper than in the US, but travel insurance can cover the cost of evacuating you to a location where you can get appropriate care if you’re, say, in a remote area. The local US embassy or consulate office can also help you find a medical provider.

For less dire illnesses, local pharmacies are great resources, Waugh says. When she sprained her ankle in France a few years ago, she took an Uber ride to a nearby pharmacy, where employees helped her make an appointment with a specialist.

If you’re a victim of a crime overseas, contact the nearest US embassy or consulate ; they can replace a stolen passport, inform your family, and provide information about local points of contact or organizations familiar with that country’s laws. Involving police may not be helpful or even safe, so it’s up to you whether you want to file a police report if you’re involved in a crime, both stateside and internationally.

Although it’s important to be prepared for potential snafus, fear of the unknown should not hinder your experience. Millions of people live in traveler destinations — many by themselves — and don’t feel threatened by their hometowns. “In particular for women, society puts so much fear into us that I think is completely unwarranted,” Nabongo says. “The world is not as scary as they want us to believe it is.”

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The Best Ways to Conquer Loneliness on a Solo Trip

By Meredith Carey

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There are things I wish I had known at age 22, when I broke down crying in the pasta aisle of Genoa's Eataly, totally overwhelmed on day one of my first solo trip. (Yes, that means I was at Eataly in Italy.) I had scripted out most of my week-long trip from Genoa to Tuscany, with a stop in Florence , leaving a few opening here and there to "be spontaneous"—including my first meal abroad. Here's the thing: Spontaneity plus jet lag–induced exhaustion plus not knowing the local language (and not doing enough research in advance) equals wandering in the dark, stomach grumbling, for an hour until I stumbled upon the most American thing I knew. I was overcome with the feeling of being...totally alone. I wished more than anything I had brought someone with me—to hype me up into crossing the threshold of any of the locals-filled restaurants I had already passed, to commiserate in hangriness, and honestly to forgive me for just wanting something familiar.

Now, ten or so solo trips later, I have the confidence and tools to make the most of a city on my own—including the ability to forgive myself for solo travel selfishness—but there are still a few pangs of loneliness that crop up consistently. I might be delirious from jet lag; or I haven't spoken English in days; or I cave and check Instagram to see my friends hanging out together, without me. Doesn't matter that I'm doing something I love, or that I'm truly excited about being in a new place—loneliness is a come-one, come-all affliction.

Turns out I'm not the only one. Here, our expert travelers—including Samantha Brown , host of Places to Love, and Traveler contributing editor Mark Ellwood —share how they avoid or conquer their own solo travel blues.

Be alone in a crowd

"One of the inevitable side effects of solo travel is loneliness; no matter which way you cut it, at some point you are guaranteed to feel the sting of isolation, even for true introverts like me. But that is also the beauty of solo travel; you are completely in charge of how little or much time you are with others. If I'm feeling lonely when I’m traveling on my own, I seek out people. Usually I join in on some group tourism activity, like a walking tour or a cooking class—something where like-minded people are around. All it takes is a quick 'hello' and you're making new friends. More often than not people are really open to solo travelers, and I’m regularly taken under people’s wings. Sometimes when I’m lonely, I’ll go someplace that’s really crowded like a market or local mall; a few hours spent wandering around in crowded spaces is enough to make me happy and grateful to return home alone." — Liz Carlson , Young Adventuress

"I do think a lot has changed because of social media, which has made it easier for solo travelers to meet others. Meetup is a social media platform that's about locals finding people who share their interests, but it can be used by travelers to the city as well. For instance, when I was in Hong Kong , taping Places to Love, we featured a Hong Kong Hiking Meetup and went for a hike. They told me they have people all over the world join them." — Samantha Brown, host of Places to Love

Make friends at breakfast (no, seriously)

"You know the diet maxim that’s intended to slim our waists without depriving us of anything: breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dinner like a pauper? I apply that whenever I travel solo. Breakfast is a wonderful meal to linger over when you’re traveling alone. Read a book, plan for the day, chat with the staff—that’s when they're likely to be much less busy, and the fact there’s no liquor involved makes the chat much less chat-uppish. Make lunch lighter, as you’re on the go, and make dinner, which can feel so self-conscious, a snack at the bar with a glass of wine. It’s quick, casual, and very much lets you merge into the crowd in ways that sitting alone at a table in a dining room might make harder." — Mark Ellwood, contributing editor

Become a part of the neighborhood

"Loneliness is a huge factor when you travel a lot but it can become an important motivator to have a more personal interaction with a place as well. At the end of a shoot day I would go for a walk and just naturally find myself in neighborhoods where I would sit in cafés and restaurants. I didn’t care if it was the restaurant everyone was raving about or one with lines out the door—it was just the local spot. I would even go to supermarkets picking out groceries for my hotel room. I got to be a part of everyday life and to me that was comforting." — S.B.

Lean in to the alone time

"It’s about changing your mindset. Instead of focusing on all the activities I’m not doing or moments I’m not sharing with someone, I focus on all the things I get to do because I’m solo. Lounge in a bathtub for 30 minutes? Stare at my skin in that super-magnified bathroom mirror? Read a book at a café? Make an itinerary that’s 100 percent filled with what I want to do? Sleep diagonally in the king-sized bed? Yup, I get to do it all, no questions asked." — Jordi Lippe-McGraw, contributor

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35 Ways to Avoid Travel Loneliness and Beat the Solo Travel Blues

Have you ever thought of packing your bags and heading home because you couldn’t stand being on your own anymore?

Perhaps you’ve been traveling solo, with no one to talk to, wishing you were eating a delicious meal with friends at a cool restaurant back home.

Or maybe you’re wondering why you set out to travel in the first place.

If any of this sounds familiar, you may be dealing with a severe case of the solo female travel blues.

Before you start comparing prices for tickets home, please do me a favor: read through these 35 travel tips.

If you rush home before you’re ready,  you may forever wonder what you missed.

When I traveled solo across Africa for a year, I remember how loneliness hit me. One evening I almost did head home. There I was, stuck in a northern Ugandan village, with little hope of finding a seat on any of the overcrowded buses. My budget was minimal and I was tired of seedy hotel rooms and unfamiliar food, dirty from the dust of summer.

I was feeling sorry for myself.

As soon as that realization hit, I decided to change things around – or I would indeed find myself back home and my dream of crossing Africa overland would crumble like Saharan sand.

As I waited interminably for a bus, I pulled out my notebook and began listing ways to meet people and feel less lonely.

This is partly the result of that list.

Is solo travel lonely? The solo traveler’s guide to dealing with loneliness

The best way to avoid suffering from loneliness while traveling is to  plan ahead for it : accept it will strike at some point, and sharpen your coping skills. Decide what you’ll do before the blues hit.

I’ve tried all of these tactics myself at different times and they do work – or I wouldn’t have made it across Africa, Asia, and a chunk of the rest of the world on my own.

1.    The first thing to do is the most obvious

You’d be surprised how often ‘getting out there and meeting people’ is the last thing you think of when you’re feeling blue.

It’s also often the hardest.

If you’re in a hostel, you can find other solo travelers and ask if they’d like to hang out for a few hours – or post a note on the board (most hostels have one) or check social media to discover who might be nearby.

If you’re not staying in a hostel, keep reading. You’ll find at least ten tips you can use wherever you’re staying.

I can’t say I enjoy walking up to strangers and striking up a conversation. But… if you’re looking at another traveler, a simple “Where are you from?” will easily spark a dialogue.

2.   Shake up those grey cells

Learning something requires concentration and helps push away loneliness, so it’s not surprising classes are wonderful places to meet like-minded people.

Most cities have half- or one-day cooking classes – check these out to get an idea. When you share food with people, you get to know them quickly.

Or drop by a handicraft store if they’re making anything on the premises and ask how they do it. I’ve learned a lot about carpet weaving and glass-blowing this way.

When you’re talking to people about what they do, you don’t have much time to reflect on how you’re feeling.

3.    Sometimes you have to act like a snail

I love  slow travel , lingering in a specific town or neighborhood long after other travelers have moved on.

Rather than flit through and skim the surface, putting down a few roots will reveal facets of a new place you might not otherwise see.

You can meet local people – the local grocer and baker, your neighbors, the lady selling candy on the street corner, the old man who reads a paper on the same bench each morning…

On a recent trip to Istanbul, I stayed in Sariyer, a suburb so distant people shook their heads when I told them where I was staying.

After a week of snacking at the same  börek  stand, I began to feel at home – I was even called by my name and asked if I was having “the usual”.

4.    At other times, be a hare!

This is the opposite tack because sometimes staying put and going slow is the worst thing you can do. 

If you feel a need to shake off the cobwebs and do something different, move on to your next destination. Change cities or countries, or maybe try a different hotel or hostel.

A change of scenery is often a great antidote to getting yourself out of a rut.

5.    How being boring can put you right back on track

Give yourself a routine: do the same thing, the same way, at the same time each day.

It doesn’t have to be a major routine. In my case it’s the order in which I do things every morning: get up, find coffee, shower, write, find breakfast, and plan the rest of the day.

This won’t help me meet people but it will help center me a bit and make me feel in charge of my life again, at least for today.

6.    It’s the little things that keep you all warm and fuzzy

Following on from #5, loneliness can strike just because everything around you is strange, hence the benefits of a routine.

That’s why I usually travel with a few familiar items: one is a folding tryptic of family photographs, and the other is a tiny bronze religious statuette my mother inherited from my grandmother.

These two little things always sleep next to me. They spell familiarity and connect me to my loved ones.

7.    Get lost. Really.

Open a map. Look confused. Ask someone for directions.

Just beware: many countries are incredibly hospitable and you might be accompanied to your destination in person, because people are often nice that way. I was once walked through Istanbul by a kind gentleman wanting to practice his English…

Or give someone a compliment while you’re standing in line together.

“Where did you get that fabulous bag?!” If nothing else, you’ll get a smile and an answer, and a bit of human interaction.

8.    It’s time to party

Outdoor happenings are magnets for people and taking part in a group event can make you forget you’re on your own. A festive environment is perhaps the best way to meet new people when you’re traveling alone.

If crowds don’t intimidate you, jump right in and take part in the fun. You’ll be too busy dodging tomatoes or singing at the top of your lungs to remember why you went there in the first place. (Just beware of pickpockets – they love crowds! Use a reliable anti-theft bag to keep your belongings safe.)

9.    Follow instructions and trust your guidebook

Isn’t that what everyone else is doing?

If you follow your guidebook’s suggestions, you’re bound to meet others following the same guidebook. I know you want to meet locals, but wait till you’re in a better frame of mind.

“What do you think of this guidebook? Where are you traveling? What’s the best food recommendation you’ve found so far?” Any of these can generate an answer, the first step toward conversation.

10.    Stay with someone (yes, even if you don’t know anyone)

Whether it’s through a  homestay , Couchsurfing or  Airbnb , I stay with people whenever I can. In Borneo , I stayed with a local family and experienced life differently than I would have in a hotel room.

Locals who welcome foreigners are usually proud of their homes and keen on sharing their special knowledge and part of their culture. Staying with a family is a fabulous way to meet people around the world and learn about how they live.

11.    Take a leap into creativity

You don’t have to be an author to put your thoughts down on paper.

I’ve found that by writing things down, I pull them out of my head and hand them over to my journal – and that action frees me. You can  keep a travel journal , write a poem or a song, take a picture or sketch what you’re feeling if that’s where your talent lies.

The mere act of articulating your feelings through words or images will often be enough to get rid of that sticky anxiety.

12.    Remember how wonderful you are and treat yourself accordingly

Think manicure, massage, sauna… whatever makes your body feel great, because your state of mind will follow.

In many countries, these little luxuries are inexpensive and easy to find so go on, spend an hour pampering yourself, and I promise you’ll be floating well beyond the end of your session.

13.    Pretend you’re a millionaire (or just go where they hang out)

If you’ve been roughing it and tightening your travel style and budget, you might be ready for a smidge of luxury, even if it’s only for one night.

A powerful steaming hot shower, clean fluffy towels, and a giant bed with a fat mattress would do it for me. In Africa, once a month, I would check into a luxury hotel, usually on a Saturday night to enjoy the next day’s Sunday brunch.

You’ll leave feeling special and renewed (as long as you don’t dwell on the bill). You may not make new friends, but you’ll feel energized!

14.    What’s the difference between an expat and a tourist?

Foreigners living abroad – expats – often get together and do fun local things.

In Geneva, I know a group that meets at a restaurant once a week to practice French. Some don’t speak it well at all but it’s all good fun.

I often scan expat forums and discussion boards before traveling somewhere, and post my questions there – expats are notoriously well-informed. 

Some great networks you can tap into include  InterNations ,  Angloinfo ,  Expat Women , or the forums at  Expat Blog .  Couchsurfing  is also a great way to connect with people (not only to find accommodations but it also hosts plenty of events in cities around the world).

15.    Go totally tourist

That’s right, go where tourists hang out, even for an hour or two.

A good example is Khao San Road in Bangkok, which is stuffed with eateries and bars that cater exclusively to foreigners – hang around for a few minutes and you’ll definitely meet other travelers. Or to any popular tourist site.

Who knows, you might even run into someone you know. I have!

16.    Your soulmate may be looking for you, too

No, I’m not talking about love.

I’m merely suggesting you go to a museum or a gallery… if you go see things you like, you’ll probably run into others who like the same things.

We’re not talking about starting a relationship, just  sharing a moment or two of complicity  while admiring a painting or sculpture.

At the Louvre  recently I sat next to a woman who was sketching a statue with such talent I had to speak to her. We chatted amiably for a bit and the rest of my visit flew by.

17.    Where are all the women?

Go where women gather. Go to the marketplace or to the wash house or river bend. Just being foreign can arouse curiosity so make sure you bring your phrasebook.

Take pictures of the women (after they agree, of course). Show them pictures of your own family – especially children (yours, nieces, nephews…). Show them a postcard of where you live.

That warmth and curiosity will do a lot to dispel that feeling of being alone in the world.

And be forewarned: they’ll probably want to keep the postcard.

18.    Follow your stomach

Matching people up with one another for dinner is all the rage, and eating out with a small group of people you don’t know is a nice way to make friends.

It’s called social dining , and it’s a great way to spend an evening around food and companionship if you’re in town on your own. A good host or hostess will make sure you’re part of the conversation. Or take a food tour, and you’ll meet like-minded people.

19.    That little wifi logo can be your friend

Too shy to walk up to someone you don’t know but still want to meet people?

Post your whereabouts on Facebook or Twitter and ask if other travelers are around (but be sensible about what you post – there are security issues to think about!)

Or put up a note on some of the  better travel forums  – most of them have a ‘travel companions’ section and you might find someone else is in town.

New apps are coming out every day to connect you with other travelers: I haven’t tried them but you could (and let me know if they’re any good!)… like  Backpckr ,  Vibely , and  Tripapp , to name the first few entries I found on Google.

20.    Home, Sweet Home

Email, Skype, call home – there’s no shame in reaching out when you’re homesick.

For years on the road, I called my mother once a month, like clockwork. In those pre-Internet days, even a long-distance call could be complicated. Finding an international payphone in Burma or China in the 1990s was not an easy task.

These days getting in touch is simple. Just don’t spend all your time calling home – you’re supposed to be traveling, right?

21.    No, no Internet, please!

That’s right. For some people, calling home is the worst possible cure for loneliness. Seeing everyone’s face and hearing your dog’s bark might be that tipping point that puts you on the flight home.

So try the opposite.

Stay away from social media. Look around you, find something to enjoy, and throw yourself into your surroundings. Observe. Take in every sound, sight, and smell. I’m always surprised at how much I discover this way. Just keep that phone turned off!

22.    Start planning a trip

Wait – aren’t you already  on  a trip? Of course, you are. But nothing stops you from researching the next one.

You’ll be amazed at how planning something will occupy you: a few minutes of active strategizing, and you’ll instantly be focused on your next discovery rather than on your present mood.

Plan a day trip for tomorrow. Plan your next city stop. Plan to do something unexpected!

23.    Let the planet woo you, charm and entice you

When I feel truly down, nature is my go-to cheerleader.

A lush forest will help. So will a spectacular sunset under swaying palms, the crashing of waves against a cliff, the smell of spring alpine flowers, the cries of the wildlife.

Getting back to nature can center you, help you find yourself, and push you right out of the dumps. It’s hard to be miserable when surrounded by astounding beauty.

24.    Follow the red umbrella

I’m not in love with large  organized tours  but sometimes, being with other travelers in a slightly structured environment is all it takes to attract some of that human warmth.

Keep it small: you can feel as lonely in a large group as you do on your own. A compact, convivial group can make a difference. My choice? A city walking tour. Many of them are free, and many of them are small. And friendly.

25.    So why are you here, again?

When the blues hit, remember why you’re here.

You wanted this, right? You didn’t really expect it to always be perfect, right?

You needed to get away, to test yourself, to explore, to delight and to discover, to meet people, and to learn about other cultures, didn’t you?

Whatever the reason, you took a huge leap of faith – so please, don’t crumble at the first sight of trouble. Remember what brought you here.

26.    Let’s get physical

Endorphins.

Yes, endorphins. Sometimes that’s all you need.

Go swimming or jogging, skip rope in your room or play music on your iPod and dance yourself silly.

Break a sweat and you may be halfway to feeling good about yourself and the world.

27.    Or let’s get spiritual

If you won’t or can’t do something physical, how about bringing your spirit into play?

It will be at least as good as swinging your arms around.

Take a few minutes to meditate and calm down. Empty your mind and get a sense of what’s around you.

I have a little app for that…  Headspace . Ten minutes and you’ll be fresh and free to have fun again.

28.    Let’s get pushy

Time to push those boundaries a little, jiggle those goalposts a bit.

Do something you wouldn’t usually do.

Have  a meal by yourself . Go see  some street art . Try out the local public transportation system. Leave your map in your room and walk with no destination in mind.

If your first reaction to something is “I couldn’t do that!”, ask yourself  why not?  If it’s not actually dangerous… why not give it a try?

That strength and confidence may be what you need to whip yourself back into travel mode.

29.    Help is around the corner

No matter how miserable you feel, you can always find someone worse off.

Start with other travelers.

Has someone lost a family member? Broken up with a partner? They could use some cheering up.

No one at hand? Find a local charity (look for something online). Walk in and say hello. Ask if you can help for an hour or two.

I did this in Brazil and ended up writing a grant proposal, not exactly what I had in mind but I did forget all about my loneliness.

The simple act of talking about others’ problems will help you move away from your own.

30.    Eat chocolate

I thought I’d sneak this one in .

I don’t know what it is about chocolate but it instantly makes me feel better, physically and mentally.

Not much, just a few squares. Really – it’s medically proven!

That big bar might provide more joy than even I could handle, but a nibble will definitely make my day.

So go on, have a piece. Whatever the outcome, at least you’ll have eaten chocolate.

31.    Pretend you’re home for an hour or two

When you travel, especially the first time, you tend to do unfamiliar things. Isn’t that why you’re traveling in the first place? All that newness can be overwhelming, so take a break from it. Revert to what you know.

Do you enjoy cooking? Head for the hostel kitchen to whip up your best dish. You’ll be the queen of the party in no time. Is watching movies your favorite addiction? Find a local cinema and spend the afternoon enjoying recent releases. Or jump on Netflix.

When I lived for a few months in Pretoria, I spent an entire week seeing a new film each day (we didn’t have Netflix then!) The familiarity of a modern cinema felt comforting and somehow snapped me back from my lonely travels.

32.    There’s no time like ‘me’ time

Life is busy and it’s not often we have time on our own, away from others and from the everyday assault of information.

Try to capture that feeling, because it’s temporary.

All too soon you’ll be back with the crowds and that exquisite solitude will be a faint memory.

33.    Brush your teeth

And then smile. Keeping a relaxed and open attitude will attract the same.

Have you noticed what happens when you smile at someone? They often smile back. It might not erase the loneliness but it’ll light up your moment. Sometimes that’s all it takes.

34.    Find a travel companion for a while

If you really really really don’t want to be alone anymore, it might be time for you to seek out one or two  travel companions  – other travelers who may be feeling just like you.

You’re not doing anything bad by teaming up with another traveler. Enjoy the experience of meeting new people and making new friends.

Perhaps all you need is a short break from solo travel. That happens too. 

35.    And if everything else fails…

Have a good cry. Let it all out. Howl and hug yourself. Tears have a calming effect and you will feel better afterward.

And remember – this too is part of solo travel. And this too will pass.

Back in northeastern Uganda, a driver eventually took pity on me and a seat was finally found on a bus.

I arrived at my destination and ate a fabulous Mexican meal (yes, Mexican!) and life quickly righted itself. Things fell into place and I looked forward to tomorrow, to forests and trekking and mountain gorillas. How quickly things change…

When  you  wake up tomorrow morning, you could be exploding with excitement at the day ahead. Think of your upcoming food discoveries. Your wildlife experiences. Your incredible meetings with history.

Isn’t  that  why you’re here?

Accept it: loneliness  will  strike. You can give in and wallow in it, or you can embrace it and make it yours, walking right through it and out the other side.

It’s temporary. Shake it by the throat and it will go away.

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Is Solo Traveling Lonely? Tips from a Solo Traveler of 9 Years

07/11/2021 by Kristin Addis Leave a Comment

For some, the biggest hurdle to traveling solo is whether or not it will be lonely. If you’re worried about this, you’re not alone. It’s the most common question I get about traveling alone, and it was my biggest fear when I was deciding whether or not to solo travel as well.

I was terrified, it was the last thing I wanted to do. I worried that I would constantly feel lonely, and back then, I was an extreme extrovert who got my energy from interactions with other people.

I’m happy to tell you that I met people right away, and that it was a piece of cake. I still do when I travel alone, and it has become one of my favorite things about solo travel!

But I know that some people don’t have this experience, and it’s because they have not set themselves up for solo travel success, so here are all of my best tips to help you have the most social, enriching travel experience possible:

Table of Contents

9. Pick Social Accommodation

The easiest way to make sure that you meet people when you travel is to pick social accommodation. This is why I, in addition to budget constraints, exclusively stayed in hostels and dorms during my first years of traveling in Southeast Asia. I was shocked by how easy it was to meet people. Not only were there tons of other solo travelers, but they were friendly and outgoing, and I rarely had any alone time – I loved it!

If you’re in your 30s or older, I know that you might be thinking hostels are for young people and not for you. In some parts of the world, you’re right about that. However I have found in South America, southern Africa, and China, that people of all ages stay in hostels. You can also choose a private room in a hostel if you want some alone time and your own personal space.

I have an entire post dedicated just to how to navigate hostels past 30, read more here.

8. Choose Destinations with a Common Sport or Draw

Places with a common reason why people go, like kite surfing, diving, hiking, climbing, or surfing, will also tend to draw in other solo travelers.

Maybe the Maldives or Cancun aren’t your best bet, but Tofo in Mozambique (surfing and diving), Railay in Thailand (climbing), Patagonia (hiking), or Ubud in Bali (yoga and healthy living), are all places that tend to attract solo travelers. Those are just a few of MANY examples the world over.

Is there an activity you love or have been meaning to try? Center your trip around that, and you’re bound to meet others who are doing the same.

7. Take Group Trips

There’s no shame in taking a group trip to start off your solo travels. Even if you don’t think you’re the group trip type, there still might be something perfect for you, like a backpacking trip in the mountains, or a scuba diving liveaboard. These are some of my favorites when I’m abroad, and I meet the coolest people of all ages.

This is a big reason why I started leading my own women’s adventure trips as a tour guide. Some of my guests have told me it’s the first time that they were in such a supportive environment with other women, and many have made lifelong friends who they have traveled with since.

You never know who you’re going to meet, and it can be a great way to dip your toe in.

6. Take Day Trips

If you’re not keen on signing up for a group trip, consider doing day trips. There are many options available through sites like meetup.com, local Facebook groups, and your accommodation probably has some options or suggestions as well.

Walking tours, snorkeling trips, food tours, and hiking adventures can all be great ways to meet people. This is what I relied on for most of my solo trip back to Southeast Asia in my 30s when I wasn’t interested in staying in hostels anymore. I still made great friends on the snorkeling trips (especially in Siargao ) whom I met up with in Berlin years later!

5. Join Retreats

Now that I’m not staying in hostels much anymore, I love joining retreats to meet like-minded people. Sure, they can be a bit pricey, but if you choose your retreat wisely, you will hopefully come out of it relaxed, rejuvenated, and having made lifelong friendships.

I’ve done silent meditation retreats in Thailand (don’t worry, you can chat after it finishes!), spiritual retreats in Bali, Mexico, Egypt, and Ibiza, and have seen hybrid yoga retreats/hotels in Indonesia as well (particularly in Lombok and Bali).

Here’s a list of some great places to look for women’s retreats , or meditation retreats if that’s more your speed.

4. Resist the Urge to Hide in Your Room

For introverts, it can be difficult to go into a social situation, particularly alone. But you’ve got to do it! If the accommodation that you have chosen to stay in has a common area, go hang out there! Travelers are friendly, and you’re unlikely to be the only solo traveler around. Besides, you’re in a place where nobody knows you yet, so there’s nothing to worry about in terms of judgement or awkwardness.

I am definitely the type who will isolate despite wanting to connect with others. I used to be super extroverted, but I guess I outgrew it . This is why I like booking myself into day trips where I have already paid and can’t back out of it.

Sometimes I really like my solitude , too, but it’s all about balance.

3. Put Your Phone Down

Whether in the common area of social accommodation or hanging out in a social café, trust me when I say that you are unapproachable if you’re staring into your phone. I have met the most amazing people just hanging out in cafés in Southeast Asia and beyond, but it was always because I was willing to put my phone down, make eye contact, and smile at people.

I know it’s hard, because for many of us, looking at a phone is how we cope with being at a restaurant or social area alone. But that’s precisely why you should put it down. The phone is not a human who you can hang out with, and it might actually contribute to your loneliness and sense of isolation.

This is your chance to strike up a conversation with whoever is nearby, and it can be as easy as asking them where they are from. Trust me, try it!

2. Find Fellow Solo Travelers Online

These days, there are options for finding other solo travelers to meet up with online first. I’ve known many people who have used Tinder to find platonic hang out buddies abroad, and I’ve also heard that dating apps now have friend versions, like Bumble Friend, although I assume that’s for long-term friendships.

That’s why I started the BMTM Solo Female Traveler Connect Facebook group . It’s a group specifically for female-identifying people to connect, meet up, talk about trip plans, and get advice.

I have also used Couchsurfing, tapped into my friend group to meet friends-of-friends, and even Twitter for meetups with other bloggers abroad.

It’s best to do these meetings in a public place until you really know the person, but I’m happy to report that I have made some lifelong friendships by starting online first!

1. Be Willing to Make the First Move

Sometimes, I’ve just got to be the outgoing one and start a conversation. At first, this was uncomfortable for me, but the more I’ve approached travelers and started conversations, the more I’ve built up my confidence. Travelers are typically friendly, social people. Whether it’s a café, a bar, the common area of a social accommodation or tour, be willing to be the one who says hello or starts the conversation.

It can be empowering, and if it doesn’t work out or you and the person don’t click, that’s okay, you can just try again with someone else. Remember, you’re in a place where nobody knows you, and anything can happen. All you have to do is open yourself up to the possibilities.

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How to Travel Alone for the First Time

The best places to travel alone, about kristin addis.

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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A Little Confession… Yes, Sometimes Travel is Lonely

Last updated on March 5, 2023 by Shannon

Alone is a beautiful thing; it’s when I process my thoughts, absorb new travel experiences, find unexpected friendships, and detox from being “on” with other people. Lonely is not so beautiful a thing, though if I’m honest, the lonely, soul-searching lessons I learned over the past four and a half years were as instructive as any. For all that I love time alone, and I do, I have felt  sharp moments of pain staring at myself in a mirror in a random foreign country, questioning my decision to travel solo so long and so often. In tackling this subject, a subject readers email me about on a weekly basis, I aim for honest and not an upbeat “you should totally go travel solo!” I hope I always hit honesty in my writing, but sometimes I shy from the weighty subjects because there is a delicate balance between validating that I too share a fear and noting how and why I overcame the need to let that fear lull me back into conformity.

Table of Contents

Solitude Versus Loneliness

Many parts of solo travel have made me a stronger person, but I respect that there are nuances to each of us—what makes solo travel so right for one person can become a negative for someone else. And so in framing this discussion, as we look at the nuances of being alone and tips at the end for fighting lonely, let’s to look to the English language first.

We have two words in English to describe the feeling of being alone: loneliness and solitude.

Each word centers on the principle concept of having no company, yet they exists on opposing sides of a single spectrum of the human experience. One day the very circumstances that trigger solitude turn into an inward bout of its darker counterpoint, loneliness.

Counselors and therapists, or even advice from a trusted best friend, gift us with a chance to reframe a situation. They help us take an overwhelming moment in life and reframe how we perceive it. Though it’s harder to do alone, it’s a muscle I still work at; every day of my life I try to train myself to find a new perspective on an old pattern, feeling, or negative situation. Most negative feelings and behaviors in the human experience have a counter-positive like this, a word we use to express the other side to that very same situation.

When does assertive cross into argumentative?

Or vivacious into loud?

When does the welcome respite of solitude shift into loneliness?

In recognizing that one day I revel in solitude while the next wallow in loneliness, I give my brain a perspective it can latch onto for this yo-yo of emotions cropping up every so often. And in looking at the many times I have rejoiced in my ability as a solo traveler to read a book for hours at a park, or to pace myself through a museum, I recognize that loneliness is an impermanent state and one I just have to ride out until it slides back down the scale into solitude.

On Sharing Travel with Others

In a divergent train of thought, let’s move back into my personal experiences with loneliness on the road.  The book (and film)  Into the Wild  is a wonderful, heartbreaking, and lovely read. The book bears into this discussion because I often think about a sentiment Christopher McCandless wrote before he died. McCandless marked this passage in Boris Pasternak’s Doctor Zhivago :

“And so it turned out that only a life similar to the life of those around us, merging with it without a ripple, is genuine life, and that an unshared happiness is not happiness … and this was most vexing of all.” Boris Pasternak in Doctor Zhivago

In the margins of this book, he scrawled, “Happiness only real when shared.”

There’s no way of knowing how close he was to death at that point, but he was isolated and alone in the Alaskan wilderness for months when he read this book. I can only speculate from my own experiences about what he was feeling to prompt writing such a statement, but it feels like loneliness from where I sit.

Sometimes when I hit the road I think about that conclusion McCandless came to before his death and I assess if I feel any of that creeping into me. Will I regret not seeing my family for the next six months? Invariably the answer is no, and that is partly because I am rarely actually alone on the road. I meet travelers, I pass time with them, and I meet locals in each new place and pass time with them too. In leaving solo, I am not truly alone, and I think that’s the key under it all. With communication at hand and hostels filled with other backpackers I have experiences to pull me from any bouts of homesickness.

I’ve been nostalgic for home, but less often than I feared before leaving. And less often than I think most readers who email also fear. The fear of having no one to talk to never manifested for me on the road, or at least not for very long. I’ve had clashes with culture shock that left me overwhelmed for a couple of hours, perhaps a day or two of generally feeling down, but that’s contrasted with more than four years of most days being new, fresh, exciting, or at least interesting (because I won’t claim laundry days are either fresh or exciting, but hunting down the laundry, negotiating for a rate, etc — it’s interesting!).

On How Personality Types Shapes Solo Travel

Any conceptions you hold about an ideal personality type for travel is wrong. There is no ideal, there is merely how you take your approach to the world and mesh it with travel. Extroverts may not worry so much about the lonely aspect of travel because they’re confident in their ability to make friends. But introverts who have emailed me see some travel bloggers sharing photos of raucous groups celebrating on beach bars in Thai islands and wonder if they’re destined to sit alone, holed up in a hostel crying in their tea. Neither type is better suited for travel, nor is either type excluded from loneliness because loneliness is not about just being alone, it’s about the emotional place you’re in at that moment.

I am, at my core, a bit of a loner. I am super sociable too, that’s for sure. And I smile a lot, which gets mistaken for being an extrovert (I end nearly every tweet with a smiley face, I know it’s obnoxious but I can’t help it).  But in reality, large groups overwhelm me and I can ramp up into manic.

If you want to talk Myers & Briggs types, I’m an INTJ , and the analysis is pretty solid. I will note too (being prone to meticulous logic) that it doesn’t say anywhere in there that I make the “perfect” solo traveler. It’s just me, and I bring all that with me as I navigate new countries and find new friendships. For there are many new friendships even for introverts.

Rather than personality types, I really think it comes down to curiosity. Leave to travel with curiosity and you’ll find the new people and experiences that light you up inside and battle away any notions of loneliness.

On Travel Sickness and Loneliness

I move back to the quote from Into the Wild. McCandless looked at the end of his life fast approaching and he was sick, isolated, and sad; I felt so deeply for him as I read that part of the book. Those three feelings form the darkest combination of loneliness I know. And if that trio met often in my life I would seriously consider traveling less.

I have classified myself as “seriously sick” only a few times since traveling (and once in high school). The worst occurred in 2009 while I backpacked in a remote area of Laos. In that moment, I faced a loneliness I had never known because I honestly questioned if I would live through the night. It’s still one of my darkest moments in all of my travels.

How close I was to dying that night is something I’ll never know for certain, but I was weak, exhausted down to my soul, and sick enough to scribble some last thoughts for my family. Thinking back on that night spent alone on the cold-tile of the bathroom floor, after six days of self-medicating my worsening sickness in a remote area of Laos, makes me tear up. I was at a low point in my life, and if that doesn’t make someone contemplate the choices that put them in the middle of Laos without access to a phone capable of calling for a medevac, then I don’t know what else would (and I would have accepted medevac without hesitation).

There is no happy conclusion to this section on loneliness, it’s the only one I can’t explain away and tell you gets better. I can only say the moments are rare, and the circumstances of being in such a remote area while getting such a serious illness are not common. I recognize that it’s not common even though it happened to me.

Last month I looked at the fear of rape as the most salient point in the solo female travel argument , and I noted that I had no antidote for it — I strive to lessen the chance of that happening, but other than that I continue on with my life. I feel that way with sickness and dark loneliness. I don’t take my life lightly, and the Laos experience gave me a deep appreciation for the technology allowing me to touch base with friends and family. Which I do, often. And then I release the rest to chance.

On Missing Family and Friends

A reader once emailed me intimating that perhaps I don’t have people back home who I miss, going so far as to ask if I love my family (I chose not take offense, it’s a fair question). I miss people and moments every single day I am on the road. I missed several “big moments”  in the lives of my friends and family as a trade-off to this journey; my four closest friends each had a baby in 2011. I missed each birth. I Skyped them from the road, my voice cracking from my spotty wi-fi cutting in and out; I shouted my congrats and sent all my love propelling across the oceans toward them.

And I continued traveling. Despite “missing” these people and moments, I am certain this is still the right time and right choice for my life.

8 Tips to Combat Solo Travel Loneliness

If your time on the road is tending toward the darker end of the spectrum, to fight the lonely I offer up these ideas:

Call your parents or best friends using either Skype or Google Voice; if they’re savvy you can even video-chat or FaceTime with them. Those friendly voices are often the best cure when I’m feeling blue, and I’ll even indulge and spend several hours just catching up with people so I erase the feeling that I’m missing out on the lives of people I love and care about.

Selfless-service is a great way to recalibrate your sense of gratitude and happiness. As an added bonus, it often allows you to interact with other great people who will also help pull you from your funk. (::cough, cough:: I wrote a book on international volunteering should you be so inclined).

Find other travelers

Though I have always found showing up in a new place provided enough new people for me, my level of interaction would be downright anti-social for others. If you love the experience of meeting new people, organizing trekking partners, and finding travel buddies, there are numerous forums to get you there. I have used Couchsurfing in the past with success, I got great advice from the indie travelers in BootsnAll’s forums before my RTW trip, and the Thorntree from Lonely Planet is a good starting place if only for the sheer size of their user base. And for a ton of other options, this site shares the a list of travel forums .

Stick with travelers you like

In the early days, it was hard for me to honor my inner lemming and take others up on their offers to tag along. Sure a day trip is fair game, but to up and join a formed group of other travelers … surely they’re jesting and don’t want me to say yes?” Yes, they do or they wouldn’t offer. I have met amazing people by pairing up and agreeing to take off my solo-travel mantle for days and weeks a time; trips that beat away any fingers loneliness that were creeping in and formed lifelong friendships.

Indulge in the mindless

Partake in your couch-worthy activity of choice and refuse to feel guilty. That may mean spending a few hours catching up on your guilty pleasure show ( Grey’s Anatomy for me), or with a good book, or surfing the internet. As long as you enjoy it, it’s fair-game.

Give yourself a break in whatever way you like to splurge. Book a nicer guesthouse for a few nights (this can combine nicely with TV time if you choose well), get a massage, treat yourself to a tasty food that makes you feel good. Sometimes lonely creeps up when other things about travel combine and compound over time.

Remember, this too shall pass

Loneliness is impermanent, and riding out an evening or two of feeling low happens to me on the road, but also at home. Part of being human is recognizing that  to have our highs, we must accept there will be days comparatively lower. But if it’s more than loneliness and has moved into lingering depression, seek help.

Check in with yourself

Listen to your intuition and know that maybe you should  go home. While some solo travelers are comfortable with a year away, others with three months. Honor who you are and what you need. In that moment in Laos, I thought with ever fiber of my being that I would never see my family again. When I came out on the other side of my illness, I looked closely at my travels and realized I needed to stay aware of at what point I may reach a similar moment and stare at regret instead of intense sadness. The dynamics of my current travel style  — half a year on the road, then a few months at home — were born from that moment in Laos. During that first year of travel, I realized that after being away from home for more than six months I entered a time when I would regret not seeing family and friends if something serious happened to either them or to me.

Other Entries in the ALA Travel Fears Series:

• Why I Decided to Travel the World : A close look at the personal motivations for my 2008 round the world trip, as well as what made me want to stay on the road all these years.
• How We Make the Big Decisions : How do you know if you’re making the right choice in your own life? This piece takes a look at how we should make the big decisions in our life and where the risks and questions lie.
• On Safety and Solo Female Travel : What’s it like to travel as a solo female, and what are the real fears versus perceived fears for travelers.
• On Health and Travel Sickness : Getting sick on the road is a primary concern for a lot of travelers; this post takes a deep-dive on where, when, and why I’ve been sick on the road, as well as tips for staying healthy.
• On Fear, Vulnerability, & the Less Sexy Side of Travel : This is the intro piece about why I started the Travel Fears series on ALA.

44 thoughts on “A Little Confession… Yes, Sometimes Travel is Lonely”

Hi Shannon, it is a very lovely article, thank you. I have been on the road solo for 7 months. I quit my job to travel 1 year in total, so I have about 5 months left. I don’t have a job to go back to, I don’t know what I’m going to do and where I’m going to work even (not even as country). And right now I feel lonely, I miss my family and friends. I rented an apartment, splurged, I met people, had great time, but after everything the same feeling came back. I guess I’ve been feeling like this for about a month, maybe since my father went back home after visiting me where I was traveling. And now I found out I have lice. I guess I’ll try some couchsurfing, maybe volunteering or meeting up with people I traveled before some time. If not I don’t know what I’ll do because returning home doesn’t make much sense. I don’t think I’ll have this opportunity again, at least not as easy. Well I guess I wanted to share a bit with someone who would understand :)

Hi Pelin. Seven months is a long time. That’s just about the time that I crashed (month eight). Like you, it was just after having a loved one come visit and then leave. It’s tough to maintain not only the pace and curiosity and stimulation of travel, but to also be without community and having those we love nearby.

For me, I made it to the end of my trip not because the loneliness had gone away — like you, I was missing them more and more — but because I had saved some big plans for month 10 and I knew that I would love it if I made it to that month. And I did love it (I went to the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland), but I was also lonely during it. Not a lonely that ruined it, just an awareness that I was ready to be done for a time.

I don’t know your travel plans or your route or anything, but is there a way to mix in a bit of both things — home time and continue traveling after you are recharged? Perhaps head home for a bit, then journey onward from there, some destination that’s an easy plane flight. There is almost certainly a case to made for pushing on when you know it will pass. But I also know people who cut things short when they realized they just weren’t loving the long-term. They still travel, but for less time, and it works. There’s no right length, and no magic number that works for everyone. If I had planned an 18 month trip, I would have certainly ended sooner (and then left to travel again after hugs and family/friend time!). How could you have known what was the right time before you left. There are no wrong answers here. Travel is for joy and learning and all sorts of things… if it’s lost the joy and you can’t get it back through volunteering (which does really help sometimes!), couchsurfing, etc., then it might be time to change course.

I understand completely and totally this dichotomy of feeling. You are not alone, that is for sure. If you want to send me an email, please do. We can chat more, or not. Whatever works for you right now. Sending lots of good vibes your way. :)

PS: Fun fact, I also got lice on my travels. Mine was the first weeks I after I left and I was overwhelmed and not sure if travel was the right thing and then I had lice. It sucks. I am sorry. What a crappy thing to have on top of it all!

I think you nailed it with the routine, that’s how I have managed to get through and really enjoy the solo time on the road. Like you, it still is lonely sometimes without someone to share in the experience. I am glad to hear that you went to Central America though, that you faced those fears and understand now what you like and enjoy in travel. :)

I travelled with a group for 32 days in Central America and still felt alone doing that because I didn’t know anyone. It took me till about day 24 to relax and feel comfortable with the culture shock and routine. I went to Portugal last year to backpack with my brother.. I was there for three days alone before he joined me. I found it nerve wracking and I had a lot of anxiety until the day he showed up. For some reason, it just feels so comforting to have someone to share in the experiences.

I have such a strong desire to travel the world long term. I am just concerned about this fear and travelling solo. Being at home it all sounds great and amazing, but I know once I go I always get home sick and think about home. This fear is definitely real… thank you for sharing your experience!

Jen The Intuitive Mermaid http://www.theintuitivemermaid.com

Thanks for the awesome read. I am a female 28yr old solo traveling in Thailand. I’ve never solo traveled, or even traveled all that much really. I’ve only been here for a week and I am helplessly lonely. I’m trying to be the strong person I know I am somewhere hidden under this fear, but I’m afraid, and sad that I’m alone. I thought I was an extrovert and so do all my friends, but I’m more like the introvert in my hotel room crying in my tea. I got bronchitis while in Bangkok, which didn’t help, I miss my boyfriend (not to mention our relationship is strained), and I just feel awful. I’m on an island, stuck overpaying for tuk tuks by myself because I can’t drive a motorbike. Sorry for the complaining, but what should I do? My plan was to be here for another 5 weeks!

I am so sorry to hear that you are having a rough time right now. A week isn’t very long, there is an adjustment period where you have to get into the swing of things and learn how to seek out friends and places that help you overcome the loneliness. A few thoughts: are you in a private/smaller place on the islands? The Thai islands are biiig party spots, so if you are into that, then you should be able to stay at some of the more budget bungalows and find some people to party with. But, if you are looking for a different vibe, consider booking a cheap flight up to Chiang Mai and starting on some of the cultural spots up there? They have cooking classes you can join, and group trips to the Elephant nature park, and very full hostels. Look at the area where you are and see if it is helping you meet other people — not all regions are great for socializing. You ultimately have to do what you feel is right for you, but consider totally changing up your location and the vibe of the place you are visiting (Siem Reap, Cambodia is close to you as well!) and then look for other groups of friendly backpackers. There is no harm in finding a group and then following them around for a week if you hit it off (I often do this, meet some people at a full hostel and then join their plans to visit temples, etc). Unless you are a partier and love sunning yourself, get off the islands and head to some of the other cultural spots (sunning can be lonely and if you don’t like to party then you are in the wrong spot to be traveling solo). Alternately, find a cooking class on whichever island you are in, or learn how to dive (built in community as you make friends with others in your class and your dive instructor), take a language class, find a homestay, or ask around and see if there is any volunteering on the island. You have to actively seek out which of your interests let you interact with the local culture. Good luck, I hope you don’t give up just yet. (and big hugs, you are not alone, there are people there who want to talk and travel with you, you just have to put yourself in the right spots to find them). :)

That’s amazing advice and makes perfect sense. You said in your article though if the loneliness starts to feel like lingering depression to get help. Well, unfortunately I’m not really questioning if I’m depressed. I am. This is extremely difficult for me. Get help? Where, how? Should I just go home and deal with the embarrassment for the sake of my health?

Hmm, if you arrived in Asia depressed than you should talk with your family about next steps. But, if you’re feeling down now, situationally since you arrived, consider that it could be just a normal fluctuation and you should think about the activities I mentioned. Good luck.

I was only gone for 3 mos., mostly in Western Europe, Sept.-Dec. 2013. I cherish my time alone and though I was never truly lonely, I DID experience some boredom with my own company by the last few weeks. I was in Florence for three weeks and wanted to connect with others, so I used Couchsurfing.com and found a group of expats and natives that gathered for dinner each week. I met with them a couple of times and made a new friend from Russia and we met a few times over those three weeks as well. I never really missed my friends/family, between calls, Skype and FB. Also, two of my friends joined me on the road for a short time and my mom spent 10 days (and Christmas!) with me in Florence. Magical!

That sounds absolutely perfect, and it really is the people who help make a place memorable. I am so glad you were able to combine some couchsurfing in your trip as a way to meet locals and find new people nearby. Thanks for weighing in and sharing your experiences.

Thank you so much for writing this article. I just what I needed to hear, this too shall pass and I’m not alone in feeling lonley while traveling.

I am so glad it resonated with you Laura, it’s definitely not just you and with time and some comfort activities, it’ll pass. Shoot me an email if there is ever anything I can do to help.

Hi Shannon, and everyone else!

Firstly, fantastic article. I am planning a few overseas trips at the moment which I have felt a deep seeded pull to do for quite some time now. it’s a little as if a time had been picked for me, allocated very long ago, at which something internal would click over and a new phase of my life would begin, and I would need to go. Alone. Your article has really helped me to come to terms with probably my only real fear about these travels, and that’s loneliness. The trips I have planned are all volunteer trips, and as such I’ll have the opportunity to meet lots of other volunteers, but even so loneliness is not always about how many people you surround yourself with. Secondly, I was wondering if you could provide some insight/advice as to how you became a travel writer. I am a journalism student and a keen traveler, and am always interested in hearing how people managed to combine these two magically fulfilling activities. When I saw that you had written a book about volunteer travel, my ears pricked up, as this is exactly where my passion lies.

Thanks Shannon, and happy travels everyone!

Hi Erin, so happy to hear the article resonated with you. I know how daunting the prospect of friendships seem, but with the volunteering especially you will have a built-in network for that. For the writing, this is a tricky one for me. Though I have built up this blog, I actually make the bulk of my living from freelance consulting. I share some thoughts here on the topic: https://alittleadrift.com/rtw-travel/#money and I know that Matador Network has a travel writing course I have heard good things about. Mostly, it’s starting now, writing everyday and getting better, getting better known within the community, and sticking with it if you love it! :)

What you say about loneliness is quite real and true. I personally love traveling alone but have found myself on occasion missing friends or family, who I enjoy talking to. There is something to be said about the solitude of traveling alone though. It is that you have more opportunity to reflect on what you experience, which is something that is much more difficult around others.

I see you have done a lot of traveling in Scotland. My aunt and her son live in Scotland and I had the privilege of visiting them with my grandmother at age 16. I am 17 now and going to visit them again in the summer. Most of my travelling around the country will be solo this time. I will only be doing day trips, but can you write a detailed post about safety do’s, don’ts, and other experiences when travelling through the highlands? I would love to read it and I would also love some tips and recommendations! Thanks!

Hi Emma, you travels back to Scotland sound like heaps of fun and I really hope you have a wonderful trip — it’s so nice that you have family and a base there and can explore. For tips, I have a post I wrote a few years back that is still relevant: https://alittleadrift.com/2009/09/5-tips-plan-uk-backpacking-trip/ and I really recommend that you stay in hostels and meet other people, that is the best way to find new friends. Let me know if there is anything else I can help with and safe travels!! :)

Loneliness is no fun, but like you said, you can ride it out and it always abates, eventually. The tips were great. :)

Such a well-written and honest post, Shannon. A must-read for any solo travelers!

It’s nice to be reminded that almost all solo travelers feel lonely at times. Sometimes it can feel like that emotion is reserved only for you- particularly when you see groups of travelers at a cafe talking and laughing together. And it seems to be something that you don’t move passed, no matter how long you travel. That’s comforting in a way, as you can tell yourself it’s normal and it will pass.

It is so easy to get mired in the feeling of loneliness sometimes because you are so very removed from that which makes it pass faster perhaps at home — gone are the comfort foods and easy cultural similarities, on top of the distance from home. But as you said, it’s knowing that it comes and then passes that can help ride out the feelings when you see those laughing travelers at the table nearby. Safe travels and thank you for sharing :)

Thank you so much for this incredibly brave, open & well-articulated post! As a nonstop traveler for the past 20 months (often solo) I could definitely relate! I also think of & miss dear friends & family every day, while simultaneously feeling pulled forward by curiosity & a sense of difficult-to-describe purpose. It’s posts like this one that help me to keep moving forward & to help my loved ones understand my journey. Thank you!

Sometimes its only another wanderer who can get what it’s like to live in these types of moments because I do believe it’s as if some of us are called to that curiosity you described. Safe travels and please don’t ever hesitate to reach out for a chat or hello if you need a friendly ear (likely I could use one then too!) :)

I really love this series Shannon. It’s so beautifully thoughtful and rings true with many of my own experiences. I used to travel a lot by myself and still do occasionally when Steve is off filming. I love so many elelemnts of travelling alone but I always struggled a fair bit with loneliness. As you say, It was the times of illness/sadness that were the hardest. The issue of missing friends/family is a somewhat separate issue for me. I rarely feel lonely when travelling with Steve, but I do miss my close friends and family. It’s a balance I haven’t quite found yet.

You are very lucky to have Steve by your side as you guys are on this journey, but I do know that it doesn’t always take away the feeling that there is something else perhaps trading-off for our life that is a bit out of balance. It’s so difficult to marry the long-term traveling with the more “conventional” lives the people we love are leading.

I’m an only child and an introvert, so I have always been very comfortable being alone. Large gatherings are stressful to me and I find group travel to be tiresome. I usually travel with just one other person: my husband, mother or a close friend. Recently, I took my first solo trip to Hong Kong and was energized by it! Knowing that I could navigate the city on my own was so empowering! Periodic social media check-ins helped me feel connected and a good book kept me company. It definitely won’t be my last trip alone!

A solo success! I am so glad you found that solo travel worked for you — even traveling with family and friends now, there is a quality to the travel experience that shifts when you’re on your own. It’s liberating and you’re right, “energized” is a great word for it. :)

An interested and well thought-out post. I’ve been travelling for 5 months and there have been only a couple of times when I’ve felt lonely. These are usually when I’ve been ill or when I’ve been stuck somewhere I don’t like because of waiting for something like a visa. I’ve always been a ‘loner’ as you say, but I miss my family dearly, and miss being able to go for a drink with friends. Having said that, I’ve fully embraced my time alone – I’ve read 45 books in 6 months, started writing a novel, kept up blog posts almost daily, and started to figure out what I want from life. On the whole I tend to think that being alone (rather than being lonely) is fantastic and freeing but I just guess it’s how you interpret the situation that helps.

Exactly right Lauren, I too have found that for the most part I really enjoy the ability to read and spend time thinking and processing. And friendships on the road are always possible too, I think that surprised me the most when I left — the sheer number of other people backpacking! It’s just those rare moments really, and thankfully they are few and far between these past years. :)

Well said! I think you’re so brave to not only travel solo, but to put it all out there for all of us to read and learn from. Sometimes when you’re so far away you forget how simple it is to connect with family and friends back home! (Or at least I do.) After Skyping or even just Gchatting and I feel completely renewed!

Thank you Katie — like you, sometimes just seeing my best friends name in my gchat window for 20 minutes as we swap updates is enough to kick a funk. Cheers and thanks for sharing your own experiences with loneliness here. :)

Thanks for writing this, Shannon–it sums up much of my own experience so well. I have a roommate right now who hates being alone, and I have such a hard time understanding where she’s coming from: as much as I love hanging out with my friends, I also genuinely enjoy my own company! I’m not sure if it comes from being an only child or not, but I find so much joy in reading, writing, relaxing by myself–even though I still love meeting new people! I know that has definitely helped as me as I travel: I enjoy being able to create my own balance between being solo and being with people.

It can be so difficult when you’ve learned how to enjoy the peacefulness of solitude to see the counter — I too have a friend who is much more sociable than myself, and striking that balance can be tough. Though I have to say, sometimes it’s good to have them around as they kick our butts into having fun more often too ;-)

Another thoughtful, well composed post. Except now I have a neck ache as I found myself nodding “yes” the entire time I was reading it :)

Very cool that you bring personality type into the mix. The work we do relies heavily on that sort of insight, so it was interesting to see you touch on it as it relates to loneliness and solitude.

Your curiosity and search for deeper understanding is such an inspiration.

Aww, thanks Caanan. I really want to sit down and grill you more about your work at some point too, I find the art of maximizing someone based on their natural tendencies fascinating, and something that’s so easy to overlook in interactions and business (where it’s perhaps most valuable!). I owe you both a glass of wine (or beer) and a conversation next time we cross paths! :)

Shannon, I think your ‘T’ function did a wonderful job analyzing the complex, often private, emotion associated with alone/solititude that comes with wanting to be out there and the need for deeper human connection tied to family and old friends.

Being an “I’ and “T’ myself, its a double edge sword. It is because of our introspectiveness, and analytical ability to look objectively inward to meticulously breakdown feelings for the root cause, that gave rise to this honest piece you have written here. Yet this wonderful trait often cuts the other way; intuitively finding the cause of emotion means we feel the full blunt, in this case, loneliness.

Thank you for sharing personal thoughts and useful pointers to deal with an emotion all travelers at some point will encounter.

BTW, love the composition of photo “Solo Loch Ness in Scotland”.

Thank you Will! The first time I really read my analysis a few years back, and then read the others it really occurred to me that we all process life so different, (and boy did that make life easier when I realized accepted that! I do think that some of my tendencies toward introspection are that double-edged sword, and coupled with the habit of “handling things myself,” it has made me learn some hard lessons in loneliness over the years.

I so appreciate you sharing your own thoughts and experiences here Will, and I would love to cross paths one day to chat more over a drink. :)

Definitely would love to cross path and meet some of my favorite trail blazers like you. Central and South America is on my list. I’ll be sure to say hi when near your neck of the woods.

Perfect! I’ve had a lot of great times in CA too, so lemme know when you get here and I can connect you with other friends in the region too perhaps! :)

I remember traveling in England on a school break when I was in college. I loved the bustle of the city and was busy for the ten days–but I didn’t have anyone to process with at the end of day, and didn’t realize how my extravert self really needed that. I spent time reading the obituaries and planning my funeral. (I’m given to great drama. Too true.) That taught me some good things. “Writing my obit” became a clue for me for years. I’d love to run into you somewhere along the road!

I love that you learned how to recognize when you weren’t honoring your own personality with the levels of interaction you need. I can be prone to drama myself sometimes (though the writing your obit is a gem, that cracked me up). Thanks for sharing your own experience, safe and happy travels! :)

Thank you for this! I really needed to read it. I am currently living in Cambodia and lately have been feeling so lonely since all of my western friends have gone home. I am with locals all day which is amazing, but at the same time a little isolating when you can’t relate culturally. Your article has reminded me that it is not permanent and will pass, just have to ride it out. :)

Sorry to hear that Meghan, I know that summer in Southeast Asia can mean the crop of expats leave and are replaced by the much more transient summer backpacker population who pass through. I know exactly what it’s like to love the culture you’re in, but miss some of the ease that comes with having friends nearby. It will pass, but if you need an ear in the meantime, let me know and we can set up a Skype and chat!! :)

Thank you so much, Shannon! It means a lot that you take the time to respond and offer to be there if I need to talk to someone. :)

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A tourist snaps a picture of herself with a selfie stick at Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, a temple in the ancient city of Ayutthaya, Thailand.

Six Things Solo Travel Teaches You

Deciding to travel alone can feel intimidating, but here's what you can learn if you take the chance.

I still marvel I didn’t drop stone-cold dead from embarrassment during my first solo travel experience. As a 20-year-old, I booked a spontaneous trip to Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory. I didn’t want to go alone, but none of my friends had the time or money to go with me.

Everything went wrong from the start. Poor planning landed me in the only available room in town, a backpacker bunk room occupied by two German men who didn’t speak English. On a guided tour of Kakadu National Park, I fell for every prank my Australian guide pulled. (Eventually he stopped baiting me. My gullibility made it “easier than tackling a turtle,” he said.) And I won’t get into how I won a wet T-shirt contest I never entered, thanks to a bad wardrobe choice.

I am the reigning world heavyweight champion of beating myself up, and each mistake made me more self-conscious. I felt like Nancy No-Mates when I requested a table for one. I was certain everyone was watching me, wondering if I was recently jilted, or simply friendless.

It turned out someone was watching me. During my last solo supper in Australia, a British woman approached me. “I don’t want to interrupt, but I just had to say something,” she said. “I think you’re incredibly brave. I’ve seen you around town this week and you look like you’re having so much fun. I wish I had the courage to travel on my own like you.”

It took a while for her words to sink in, epiphanies being slower than self-recrimination, but during my next 21 years of traveling solo, I heard that same sentiment again and again.

I became a solo traveler out of necessity, rather than choice: As a travel writer I spend a lot of time on my own. Also, as my friends settled into their lives and acquired partners, children, careers, and mortgages, I discovered I had to travel solo if I wanted to travel at all.

A woman snaps a photograph while hiking in the Beara Peninsula, Ireland.

I quickly learned to love it. There is a freedom to traveling alone: I am in charge of my own decisions and my own rhythm, and being in charge of my own travel budget has saved a few arguments, too. I’ve learned independence, and I’ve even learned to love loneliness. And I’m not alone: Solo travel is growing in popularity, particularly among women travelers, and it’s getting easier.

So if you haven’t tried traveling by yourself yet, you should. As a little encouragement, here are six things traveling solo has taught me.

1. You Won't Die of Embarrassment

Fear of what other people think is one of the biggest barriers for potential solo travelers, but here’s the truth: My Darwin disaster became one of my fondest memories—and one of my favorite campfire stories. Darwin taught me that people don’t see me how I see myself. I look at solo travelers with respect, not pity, and that’s how people were looking at me. And if they are entertaining judgmental thoughts, what does it matter? I’ll never see them again. The more time I spent on the road alone, the stronger my self-confidence grew.

2. How to Be Lonely

You will get lonely traveling by yourself. Anyone who tells you differently is lying. But loneliness gets a bad rap. At the age of 41, I’ve collectively spent more time traveling on my own than with someone. And while some of it’s a drag (like lugging all your gear to the airport bathroom because you have no travel companion to watch it for you), I enjoy the time to myself.

Loneliness untangles and focuses my thoughts, although they always start off muddled. Once or twice I’ve discovered I’m not missing someone I should be, which answered a question I was too scared to ask at home. Loneliness taught me how I like to spend my time. Understanding my own pace, rhythms, and preferences has impacted every corner of my life, including where and how I live. We so rarely have time to be still, to be with ourselves. Traveling solo gives that gift.

It takes practice, being lonely. Here are a few tips that helped me:

• Resist the urge to be busy all the time. Don’t fill every waking moment. Let yourself be. Loneliness isn’t boredom.
• Don’t keep in touch. I have a difficult time being in the moment, and I miss loved ones more, if I keep in close contact while I’m away (including posting on and checking social media). I’ve conditioned my friends and family that no news is good news. They know my itinerary, and I check in regularly and briefly, but stories and pictures can wait until I get home.
• Your demons will follow you. You can’t outrun them. So, turn around, face them, and invite them to have a cup of tea with you. By now, I’m old friends with mine.

A man sits alone outside a coffee shop in Little Italy in New York City.

3. How to Make Friends

All that being said about loneliness, you will meet people on your journey. Traveling alone forces us outside of our comfort zones, which makes us more receptive to new people and experiences. And solo travelers are less intimidating and more approachable than groups.

On some trips you’ll have interesting conversations with people you’ll never speak to again, which is fine. Some people can remain fond memories. On other trips, you’ll make friends—like-minded creatures you’ve impatiently been waiting to meet all your life. I’ve made some of my best and longest-lasting friendships on my solo trips. These are people with backgrounds and experiences so different to my own, only travel could have crossed our paths.

Here are a few tips on breaking the ice:

• Put down the phone and pick up a book. I’ve never been approached with a phone or electronic device in hand. I am regularly interrupted (sometimes annoyingly so) while engrossed in a book.
• Arrange a “group” solo travel experience. Sign up for a day tour or weekend side trip with a group of people you’ve never met. It’s easier to turn strangers into friends in a small group.
• Focus on eating, not drinking. Stay at a B & B for the group breakfasts, or have dinner at the bar. Eating is a communal experience, and people respond to that. Cocktail hour is a more difficult dynamic to break into as most people are out with established groups of friends.

4. What You Want to Be When You Grow Up

More likely than not, traveling solo will help your career. New experiences open doors. You might stumble across a place or activity that changes your entire direction. Or you’ll meet someone you might want to collaborate with in the future. The world’s a small place, and travelers tend to find each other. You have time to get to know yourself, to reflect, to be momentarily free of criticism and competition. Learning to listen to—and trust—my own voice, away from distractions and pressure, bettered my writing.

5. The World Is (Mostly) Good

I was robbed in the Czech Republic, on a day trip from Prague to Brno. Thankfully I still had my passport and my gear was safe in my Prague hotel, but I had been forcibly relieved of my money and phone.

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As I perched on a Brno bar stool, sipping water, trying to figure out my next move, three locals approached me and invited me to join their group of friends for a drink. I explained my predicament and they leapt into action, immediately buying me a drink “for courage.” They helped me liaise with local police. They installed me for the night with one of their grandmothers, a wonderful woman who spoke no English and made delicious and dangerous homemade slivovitz, a traditional brandy made from plums. She kept it in an earthen basement well she had dug by hand during World War II. I spent a large part of our evening together climbing up and down the ladder to fetch more liquor, and the rest of it sitting next to her on her worn couch, paging through her photo albums. In the morning, she walked me to the bus station and bought me a ticket back to Prague.

In 21 years of traveling solo, I can count the dodgy experiences on one hand. My travels have taught me the majority of people want to help, rather than harm. But things can happen. Taking a few precautions puts you in a better position to handle a situation if it comes up. Here’s what I do:

• Listen to your gut. That prickling on your neck? The feeling something isn’t right? Heed it. Trust your instinct, even in the face of seeming rude or paranoid.
• Enjoy yourself, but keep your wits about you. Traveling solo isn't the time to get sozzled.
• September 11 taught me that phone batteries die and networks jam in emergencies. I keep a folded piece of paper with me at all times. On one side is a scan of my passport. On the other is a list of important addresses and numbers: family, friends, embassies, consulates, hospitals. If you couldn’t use your phone, what information would you need? Write it down.
• A pack of cigarettes, a pack of gum, and six $20 notes are still the best icebreakers and deal-makers on the planet.
• Travel light. Don’t take anything you can’t carry. (And I’m not talking about a backpack on your back, one on your front, and something in each hand.) You might need to travel fast. Also, keep your gear with you at all times, including in taxis.
• Always carry a business card of the place you’re staying, especially in countries where you don’t speak the language. It’s gotten me “home” more than once.
• Leave your travel plans with someone back home, check in regularly (but briefly), and tell the concierge where you’re going when you leave the hotel.

6. Independence

My biggest solo trip turned out to be my best one. In 2004, I moved to New Zealand. I didn’t know a single person in the country. And I wouldn’t have been able to do that if I hadn’t traveled solo.

Traveling by myself has taught me things I couldn’t learn anywhere else. I learned how I like to spend my time, self-reliance, and I learned that I could go (just about) anywhere and do (just about) anything. And no one can take that knowledge or independence from me. It’s freedom.

The only way to try traveling solo is to book a ticket. Just go. You’ll be glad you did.

Carrie Miller is a New Zealand-based writer, traveler, and storyteller for National Geographic Traveler magazine and other publications. She loves trying new things, from diving with great white sharks in Australia to riding reindeer in Mongolia. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram .

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How to Overcome Loneliness While Traveling Solo

Not so long ago I got an email from my reader with two questions: “Don’t you feel lonely traveling solo?” and “What are the ways to overcome loneliness while traveling solo?” I was puzzled. I’m not trying to deceive anyone into thinking that travel, or more specifically, traveling while single, is nothing but a never-ending happiness.

On the one hand, being an independent traveler means battling loneliness or even depression from time to time. On the other hand, traveling alone has countless benefits. After more than 10 years on the road, I start believing that it is all about your own attitude, about the right mindset.

While it may take time to build your own network, you still get enough time to order your thoughts and reflect on who you really are. Traveling alone gives you the chance to recharge, and re-connect with yourself and there is no one to disrupt your journey, both mental and physical.

How to Deal With Travel Envy

When you traveling alone for work balancing career and travel adventures and escaping loneliness isn’t easy. I get nervous when I’m not good at conquering my fear of meeting new people. I get confused when I don’t make instant connections and I get depressed that I haven’t done everything as of yesterday.

Unsurprisingly, the first few days experiencing a new destination are always the toughest. It is often hard to adapt quickly to a new environment, understand the language or pick interesting places to visit. Even if you don’t have any friends around, this fact must not bring you down since being alone does not always mean being lonely.

So, instead of battling loneliness when you feel lonely abroad out in the open, you may consider googling it and find yourself here. The good news is, any struggles of traveling can be somewhat easily minimized. I have put together 10 different techniques to overcome loneliness while traveling alone and getting the most out of the work and travel lifestyle.

Ways To Manage Travel Loneliness:

1. find a travel buddy.

Joining up with fellow travelers is the best way to combat loneliness on the road. Too shy? Take a deep breath and start talking. Talking to like-minded people around you is still the most reliable way to learn about the customs and where to eat or what sites to visit.

Spending a day seeing “the best of the city” can help you to bond with new folks and often pick up a travel friend. But there is a catch. Pick your tour carefully. It would be great if you could book a tour that is run by a hostel – that way, you’re more likely to spend the day with other solo travelers.

On the contrary, booking a tour from a hotel or a ticket booth may end up spending your time with groups and families – not the kind of stuff you want to face. There are also many solid informative forums and apps you could use to meet people as well, such as Couchsurfing.

2. Don’t Forget About Your Friends and Family

Spending your time online chatting to your family or friends is a great reminder that you’re not all alone. But talking or writing to people you know can be a double edged-sword. It can make your episode of loneliness more intense due to the distance from your friends.

Try both options to learn whether this is a good or bad activity for you in the face of loneliness. As for me, I love chatting with friends on the other side of the globe, it just makes me feel connected.

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What’s more, you can always check whether any of your friends fancy coming out to see you. On my journey to Chiang Mai, I’ve been very fortunate to have met my friend – not by accident, of course. He was looking for an excuse for a trip. It’s doing them a favor, bingo!

3. Take Your Time

Yes, I know there is always the temptation to fit in and tick off many sights as possible. But that isn’t always the best thing to do. When I set off on my first trip I made a huge mistake treating travel as a checklist. The Eiffel Tower, the Westminster Abbey, the Colosseum… the list goes on and on. However, there is much more to travel than exploring historical sites quickly.

Take your time to soak in the culture and reflect on your surroundings. I’m not speaking about the actual speed at which you’re traveling but embracing a new way of thinking and the mindset you adopt to explore your destination to the fullest.

Whenever I have a chance I opt for spending at least a week in each city and have enough time to process everything I have seen. By staying a bit longer, you can really get to know the place and eventually form a new habit to travel slow, not fast.

4. Give Yourself Something to Pursue

Yup, Tim O’Reilly was right. There is no better time to do something that can help you stop thinking about being lonely than now. Setting a goal can help keep you occupied on researching a travel destination or planning an itinerary. Stop questioning yourself. Stop listening to everyone else.

Give yourself a mission to become a creator of your own journey. It has never been easier to choose a place to visit and make discoveries based on it. Don’t fail to exercise your right to try something new and less predictable. Find the best places to travel alone in the US or simply the best things to do when traveling. When I was in Rome, I made it my mission to unearth the best pizzeria in the city. While it was definitely a challenging task, it allowed me to see Rome in a new way and discover some lesser-known but worthwhile venues.

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5. read a book.

Reading a good book is my favorite way not just to overcome loneliness on the road but to entertain myself at night when traveling alone. Reading new books or re-reading my favorite books is a great distraction that tunes out of the world and reminds me of the comforts of home. When I just need a break from practicing my Chinese or constantly exploring new destinations, these treasures come in.

6. Allow Yourself the Freedom to be Spontaneous

Oftentimes, unplanned adventures are the best ones. Even when the very thought of an unplanned trip conjures up thoughts of fear, don’t stress about it. That’s a completely normal reaction, especially when traveling alone for the first time. I’ve certainly felt that way plenty of times. When you let go of the planning and embrace spontaneity, you never know what might come of your trip. But it’s almost always the most memorable travel experience .

Spontaneity goes hand-in-hand with flexibility. While you can’t always help needing to travel during certain dates, you’ll feel more like yourself and more alive traveling without a fixed itinerary. Allow yourself an extra day or two of freedom before or after your journey. This flexibility is the greatest perk that allows you to be open to changing your travel plans and becoming a more spontaneous traveler.

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Planning A Solo Trip? We Need To Talk About Loneliness

Hostelworld Blog | Posted on July 19, 2021 |

You expected a lot from your first solo trip.  A suntan. Obviously. Getting to know the world a little better. Making new friends. An epic Instagram account. Even a few of those ‘did I just bungee jump naked’ moments that you’ve pledged never to talk about. Ever.

But loneliness? You probably never expected that.

Yet, it’s an experience many solo travellers have. It’s also one we’re least likely to talk about because, let’s face it, what kind of an ungrateful loser would you be if you felt lonely when you’re supposed to be having the time of your life? Or so your thinking goes…

So, you bury the loneliness under a veneer of carefree happiness hoping it will disappear. And sometimes it does, which is great. Other times it starts to fester until you find yourself spending more and more time indoors. You wallow in self-loathing for failing so badly at travelling when everyone else around you seems to be smashing it. Before long, you find yourself on Google browsing the different options for going home. At any cost.

If you’re experiencing a bout of loneliness on the road, shut down the flight search engine and read on. As well as being a perfectly natural emotion, loneliness is also more common than you think. And the best news is, there are plenty of things you can do to stop loneliness ruining your trip. The truth is, you don’t need to be afraid to travel alone. You just need to know how to deal with loneliness when it hits.

Here are 7 simple solutions you can work on right now.

1. Rest, Refuel, Regroup

You should go and love yourself ? @mirkalaqj08

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2. Wallow Without The Guilt

Eat ALL the ice cream ? @teejayhughes

Wait? What? Isn’t wallowing in loneliness partly what got you here? Yep, it sure is, but this is a different kind of wallowing. This is dedicated guilt-free wallowing. And you’re giving yourself a deadline.

Sometimes you just need to take the pressure off. So what if you don’t climb to the top of Table Mountain, or go swimming with whale sharks every day? Especially on a long trip, you’re not supposed to tick off adventures at 1,000 new experiences an hour. Have a Netflix binge in your pyjamas, read a good book, eat as much ice cream as you can find. Do whatever you need to do to make yourself happy. It’s your trip, so do whatever you want. It may just cure you.

3. Remember: You’re Actually Freaking Awesome!

Note to self: YOU ARE AWESOME! ? @simplysteph_

Sure, you’ve just spent the past few hours/days/weeks telling yourself that you’re a lonely loser, but take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Remember how many new people you’ve already met on this trip. Remember all those times you were leading the charge. Usually to the nearest Happy Hour bar. You’re cooler than you feel right now.

If you’ve really lost all perspective, look over your photos. See all those cool things you’ve already done and the people you were with? It’s been a whirlwind, hasn’t it? This bout of loneliness is just a dip in an otherwise remarkable journey.

And even if none of the above is true – perhaps you’re at the beginning of your trip or you’ve felt lonely from the get-go – you’re still amazing! Why? Because you’ve taken yourself away from home, out of your comfort zone and you’ve done this all on your own. There is no way on this earth that you’re a loser. Do you have any idea how many people wouldn’t even consider doing what you’re doing, let alone have the guts to go through with it? The answer: many, many people. That alone makes you amazing and you shouldn’t be afraid to tell yourself that. Sixty times per hour if necessary.

4. Embrace The Alone Time. Especially If It Terrifies You

How many times –  at college, at work, in your overcrowded house-share – have you longed for some alone time? Well, now you have it. Embrace it, even if it feels scary. When else will you have a chance to think about those bigger questions in life – what do you really dream of? What kind of person do you hope to become? Do you think you’ll end up with 2 or 12 puppies?

Being alone with your own thoughts can be one of the most terrifying experiences you can have but, as one author once said, ‘pray that your loneliness may spur you into finding something to live for, great enough to die for.’ And if nothing that profound happens during your extended period of navel-gazing, you might at least get so sick of your own company that you’ll try anything to make new friends, thus solving the loneliness problem by default.

5. Stop Being So Damn Anti-Social

Put your phone away ? @nuriaoliva_

Okay, that might not fit so neatly into the supportive category, but be honest, you could try a little harder, couldn’t you? For a start, stop hiding in your room / on your bunk / behind your phone.

Of course, it’s not easy to put yourself out there when you’re already feeling lonely, but it’s one of those things that you’re just going to have to do. You’ll thank yourself for it later. If making the first move is still too daunting, as a first step you can try just making yourself more approachable to others: hang out in the hostel bar or common room, switch your phone for a book.

6. Look At What’s Already Worked And Do More Of That

Understand what works for YOU ? @alexjacksonvisuals

Deep down, most of us know what helps us when we’re feeling down. Do you crave the energy of cities or the tranquillity of the beach? Is your happy place balanced on one foot in a yoga pose on the precipice of a cliff? All too often in travel, we set out with an idea of the kind of trip we think we’re going to have (or should have). We plot a rough route and we try to stick to it. But if that plan is no longer working for you, it’s time to rip it up and start again.

Look at what has worked in the past –  on this trip or others – and do that. It may be as simple as moving to a different location or just moving to a different hostel within the same town. Or how about backtracking to meet up with that cool group you spent time with two countries ago?

By placing yourself in your favourite environment, it’s often easier to overcome problems. And once you’re back on track and feeling like your old fantastic self, you can pick up your original plan if you still want to. That’s if you’ve not already come up with something better thanks to your new travel friends.

7. Don’t Leave Friendships To Chance

Travel friends are the best friends! ? @kendraauckland

In an ideal world, solo travellers would bounce easily from one set of new friends to another without a single lonely day in between. And often it really is as effortless as that. But sometimes it’s not, and that’s when it’s important to have some back-up tactics for meeting new people in a strange city. Luckily there are loads of ways to meet people while travelling solo , but these are my five favourites:

• Visit a hostel bar –  Of all the places in all of the world, the spot you’re most likely to meet a kindred solo travel spirit is a hostel bar and as fellow solo travellers, they’re not going to be in the least bit freaked out when you strike up a conversation out of nowhere. Time it just right and you might end up on the weekly pub-crawl that’s just about to start.
• Take a tour  – Spend a day with other visitors and you might make some friends for life, or at least for dinner. Just be aware of the kind of tour you’re booking. Hotels and online sites like Viator tend to cater to couples and families. Hostel-run tours are likely to have a more diverse group of travellers.
• Join social media groups  – Facebook and travel forums like The Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree feature an endless stream of people who are looking to connect with other solo travellers.
• Go on a date – Apps like Tinder make it so easy to meet locals while you’re away. Not keen on the idea of dating (or, rather, your boyfriend or girlfriend back home won’t be too pleased)? Pop a note in your profile that you’re just looking to make new friends.
• Reach out to everybody you know  – Ever watched Six Degrees of Separation / played Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon? Then you’ll know that there’s every chance you’ll know someone who knows someone who knows someone in the town where you are right now. Ask around, you’ll be surprised at the connections you uncover.

Feeling lonely while you’re travelling on your own doesn’t need to be fatal to your trip. Like most adventures in life, the low points are usually temporary and if you can push through it or past it or somehow dodge round it using the tips above, you’ll go on to fulfil all those other, more positive expectations that you had for your trip.

If all else fails, and you find yourself stood next to a similarly lonely looking traveller in a hostel bar, maybe it’s time to break that pledge to yourself, maybe it’s time to say to the other traveller, “did I ever tell you about that time I bungee jumped naked?”

About the Author

Jo Fitzsimons writes the popular travel blog Indiana Jo . In seven years of almost full-time solo travel, she’s experienced loneliness more than once. No, she’s not a loser.  You can follow her travels on Facebook , Pinterest and Instagram .

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More than ever, women from all over the world are now choosing to travel solo — this comes as no surprise because traveling alone is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. (Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers)

In fact, in America alone, there are about 32 million women who are traveling solo and that number keeps rising every year! But… as the number of solo female travelers is rising, the number of unsafe destinations is also increasing as they are slowly being brought to light.

I long for the day that I don’t have to write about which are the safest countries for solo female travelers; but the reality is that there are just some destinations that are more dangerous than others.

Looking for more solo travel tips?

Check out my solo travel guides and female travel tips !

Thankfully, journalists Asher and Lyric Ferguson helped make my research a lot easier when they created the “ Women’s Danger Index “. They basically ranked the top 50 countries with the most international tourists in order to see which are the worst and safest to visit. To do this, they utilized 8 danger factors as they put more weight on street safety and intentional homicide:

• Safe to walk alone at night
• Intentional homicide for women
• Non-partner sexual violence
• Intimate partner violence
• Legal discrimination
• Global gender gap
• Gender inequality index
• Violence against women attitudes .

As mentioned in their findings…

To measure safety abroad, one cannot look at only data on street safety, rape, or violence. It also depends on the general attitude of the culture, the minutiae of the legal system, and the systematic oppression of local women. These issues can affect everything, from easily getting a taxi alone to having your voice be heard in a conversation, to even needing a male escort for your personal safety. . A lot on our list, such as attitudes toward partner violence may not affect solo female travelers directly, but these factors are a good indication of overall attitudes within the culture.

So for all female travelers out there who are itching to book that plane ticket and tick off their bucket list destinations, below are the top 20 safest countries for solo female travelers (ordered by rank) that are ideal for both first-time and experienced female solo travelers.

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Table of Contents

» Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers «

Photo by: Shutterstock

Aside from being the second most visited destination in the world (just next to France) , Spain turned out to be the safest country for female solo travelers as per the Women’s Danger Index. After all, it ranks high in street safety along and has low legal discrimination as well as low violence rating against women.

So apart from the aforementioned reasons, there are also plenty of other reasons to visit this beautiful country: its scenic Mediterranean coastlines, endless servings of paella, rich culture, and fabulous architecture such as the Sagrada Familia among many others!

• READ MORE: Spain Travel Guides

2. Singapore

This small island nation is considered the safest Asian country on the planet! The country scores high in more than half of the factors, with 92% of women claiming that they feel safe when walking alone at night — which I also personally find to be true.

So travel to your heart’s content when you’re in such a dynamic destination like Singapore! Marvel at how old and the new seamlessly coexist as it packs a lot of surprises for its visitors despite its small size. Some of the things you must NOT miss? As a start, don’t skip out on the Gardens by the Bay and Skyline Luge !

• READ MORE: Singapore Travel Guides Singapore Layover (Things to Do)

Ireland may not have the best weather, but you’ll love the fact that it has particularly low levels of discrimination, gender inequality, and violence against women. Not to mention, it is a breathtaking destination with laid-back cities, beautiful countryside, and vibrant culture.

So don’t forget to indulge yourself with some beer (how about a glass of Guinness ?) and explore glorious sights like the Cliffs of Moher for an incredible Irish experience!

• READ MORE: Ireland Travel Guides

For many travelers, Austria is an almost perfect country and they even say that Austrians enjoy some of the best quality of life i n Europe . This notion trickles down and reveals itself in the study as it shows how Austria has some of the lowest levels of sexual violence and lowest gender inequality among the countries reviewed.

Aside from being one of the safest countries for solo travelers, Austria is truly a must-see destination for those who have a taste for fine culture .

• READ MORE: Austria Travel Guides

5. Switzerland

Switzerland is known for its stunning landscapes and fjords which are not limited to Mount Titlis , Jungfraujoch , and Grindelwald .

Aside from such promising beauty, Switzerland is the seventh (7th) most peaceful country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index. Thus, it’s an incredibly safe country for a woman to travel alone. The country even performed very well when it came to street safety and low crime rates — I can attest to this fact because of my personal experiences.

One situation that always comes to mind was when I once left my wallet at a crowded train station to Matterhorn ; I only found out that I lost it when it was sunset ( as it was my cue to go back to my hotel ). ‘Lo and behold, the train staff held on to it and nothing was lost!

• READ MORE: Switzerland Travel Guides

If I say so myself, it comes as no surprise that Norway (or any of the Scandinavian nations) is regarded as one of the most female-friendly countries in the world. With high standards of living, crime rates are found to be extremely low even in major cities such as Oslo and Stavanger .

With that said, it’s a must to try and do a road trip through this wonderful European city and chase the northern lights , hike to the famed Trolltunga or explore Arctic fjords !

• READ MORE: Norway Travel Guides

7. Portugal

Portugal makes it to this list of the safest destinations for female travelers and it scores big points not only for its magnificent scenery but also for its good track record with women’s rights and cultures.

Some of the things to look forward to during your visit are the vibrant city of Lisbon , the dramatic views over Christ the King , and the turquoise-blue waters .

• READ MORE: Portugal Travel Guides

Officially called the Republic of Croatia, this Mediterranean paradise features sapphire waters and pristine days — perfect for those who are seeking that premium European summer experience! Thankfully as well, crime in Croatia is relatively low, making it extremely safe for solo traveling, especially for females.

So don’t miss out on this country’s beauty and consider booking yourself a tour of the Plitvice Lakes or a sailing experience . I went solo on a 7-day sailing trip from Split to Dubrovnik before and I met a lot of amazing people, ate a lot of amazing Croatian delicacies, and did a lot of amazing experiences. True enough, it was one of the most amazing Eurotrip activities that I’ve done!

• READ MORE: Croatia Travel Guides

Canada attracts solo travelers for its safety, solid women’s rights record, and diverse range of scenery. In fact, of all the countries in North America, Canada is considered the safest destination for women travelers. Besides, Canadians have this worldwide reputation of being the friendliest people, and you’ll soon see why once you set foot in this spectacular country.

To add, it is home to a wide range of landscapes, including centuries-old forests, snow-covered mountains, breathtaking countrysides , and pristine lakes.

• READ MORE: Canada Travel Guides

Did you know? This Eastern European country is regarded as the safest place in Europe according to OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) and it’s mainly due to its low crime rates and positive attitude towards tourists. Even in the capital of Warsaw , though there might be some petty crimes here and there, solo travellers and female travelers alike will still feel relatively safe, especially with how hospitable Polish people are.

For some of the top must-do’s, I recommend rediscovering the story of World War III by stopping at Auschwitz and the Schindler’s Factory .

• READ MORE: Poland Travel Guides

11. United Kingdom

Comprised of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, this historic state packs a lot of allure for visitors of any kind — no matter if it’s from their bustling cities such as London or peaceful countrysides like Windsor .

To date, much like most European countries, traveling to the United Kingdom is very safe. For years, it is regarded as one of the safest countries for solo female travelers given that violent crime is rare. Though one of the reasons why it is placed a bit lower in this list is on how it ranks low on gender inequality and this can be somehow attributed to the pervasive ‘lad culture’ that has developed in the UK. Still and the same, for as long as you keep your wits with you, travel is generally regarded as safe.

• READ MORE: United Kingdom Travel Guides

12. Netherlands

The Netherlands is a famous European destination where tradition and innovation intertwine. There is much to be desired here: from tulip fields to romantic city canal cruises , from Van Gogh paintings to the gnawing history of Anne Frank , and so much more!

And as a solo female traveler, you will be needing some caution especially in big cities like Amsterdam — but still and the same, the Netherlands is generally a safe country to explore in (your biggest concern might just be pickpockets) . Besides, the Dutch are laid-back folks who are fairly polite; plus, I have traveled to this country far too many times by myself, and I have never felt unsafe.

• READ MORE: Netherlands Travel Guides

France is the most sought-after destination in Europe, and due to this popularity and ensuing crowdedness, it’s expected that most females don’t feel fully safe at night (especially in the big city of Paris ) . Nevertheless, it still earns its spot as one of the safest countries for solo female travelers because of how it puts high regard for women’s rights.

Truth be told, the country has a low gender gap according to Ampersand. Moreover, catcalling and street harassment are outlawed and placed with hefty on-the-spot fines.

So don’t let any of your fears stop you from flying to this popular destination as you finally witness the majestic Eiffel Tower , visit the Louvre Museum , explore the fantastical castle island of Mont Saint Michel , drive through the French Riviera , and more!

• READ MORE: France Travel Guides

14. Denmark

As I previously mentioned, you should always expect Scandinavian countries to be on the list of safest countries for solo female travelers. Visitors will have little to worry about when it comes to crime, and women travelers also don’t have much to worry about when it comes to harassment. Crimes still occur, that’s a fact, but common sense should keep you out of trouble.

To make the most of your stay in Denmark, don’t forget to explore the Tivoli Gardens , take a trip to the ancient city of Roskilde, look for fossils at Møns Klint, sail a real Viking ship with the Viking Ship Museum, and so much more!

• READ MORE: Denmark Travel Guides

When it comes to solo travel, Italy is an outstanding destination: it’s relatively safe and plenty of sights or activities to keep you occupied for a while! One of my favorite destinations in the country is Rome and even if it’s crowded, female travelers like I do will generally feel safe while exploring key places like the Colosseum , the Sistine Chapel , and Roman Forum among many others!

Of course, let’s not forget the other stunning cities of Florence , Venice , Naples … aaah , I can go on and on about Italy! All in all, there is just so much to see in this country, and as a solo traveler, you will be indulging in a lot of rewarding experiences.

• READ MORE: Italy Travel Guides

16. Czech RepubliC

Rates of violent crimes are low in the Czech Republic, and even most of Prague’s areas are safe to walk around even after dark. The country just so happens to be low on the list given the bad rating for its global gender gap. But as per usual, just use common sense much like how you would in any place in the world (even your home country) and you’ll be fine here as a solo female traveler.

There is much to see, after all, in this amazing country: the Charles Bridge along with the grand Prague Castle , the quaint town of Český Krumlov , and many others.

• READ MORE: Czech Republic Travel Guides

This Scandinavian wonder earns its place in this list of safest countries for solo female travelers due to its secure and progressive environment for women. The reason why Sweden scored lower than the other Scandinavian countries is mainly due to its low rating for non-partner and intimate partner sexual violence, as well as the global gender gap.

These factors aside, Sweden is still one of the safest countries in the world and you can enjoy a number of activities, namely: chasing after Northern Lights through Lapland, hiking through the King’s Trail (Kungsleden), etc. etc.

• READ MORE: Sweden Travel Guides

18. Germany

Germany is also incredibly safe, not just for solo female travelers but also for other kinds of travelers as well. Plus, with a highly efficient rail network to take advantage of, tourists can move between central cities and most places in between with great ease!

And of course, aside from being a safe country to travel to, Germany has so much to offer — from magical castles like Neuschwanstein to stunning natural sights of Zugspitze , from vibrant Oktoberfest festivities to enriching city tours , and more!

• READ MORE: Germany Travel Guides

With over hundreds of inhabited Greek islands, tourists are highly unlikely to experience crime or violence — even more so for women. Hence, Greece is a very safe country to travel to at any time.

You might need to put more caution when traveling to more popular places like Athens, but in general, most destinations are safe with petty crime being the main crime you might have to pay heed to. But as long as you do basic precautionary measures, your trip should be smooth sailing!

Speaking of sailing, apart from trying sailing trips , you should also try sailing (or flying!) to other places to experience incredible sights such as that of Santorini , Crete , and others!

• READ MORE: Greece Travel Guides

I gotta admit, I expected Japan to be ranked higher on this list because it’s truly one of the safest countries for solo female travelers. Case in point, I’ve been traveling to this destination solo for probably more than 15 times now; I’ve walked through tiny alleys by myself in the wee hours of the night, and yet I have never felt unsafe nor encountered dangerous individuals.

So it truly came as a surprise to me to see that in the Women’s Danger Index, Japan ranked 20 out of 50. But then I realized that indeed… Japan has some problems when it comes to gender equality and attitudes toward women given that its society is still fairly misogynistic (which is deeply rooted in its old traditions and history) .

That aside, Japan is generally safe and it is even ranked 6th among the most peaceful countries in the world! With that in mind, it ticks all the other boxes: lively cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hiking trails, and delectable cuisine. Beyond the well-known cities of Tokyo and Kyoto , don’t forget to explore its off-the-beaten-path spots too such as the Chubu region.

• READ MORE: Japan Travel Guides Japan Itinerary Guides

– – –

» Other Safe Destinations «

As you may have noticed by now, the Women’s Danger Index is only limited to the top 50 most popular destinations in the world for international tourists, so there are off-the-beaten-path (yet safe) countries that this research has missed out on as well as some other key destinations, namely…

1. New Zealand

I was actually surprised that this was not included in the previous top 50 list; nevertheless, New Zealand or ‘ Middle Earth ‘ (for Lord of the Rings fans) is the perfect destination for those who love adventure, sports, and nature. It is one of the safest countries in the world for solo female travelers and backpackers too given that it is the 2nd most peaceful country in the world according to the Global Peace Index.

• READ MORE: New Zealand Travel Guides

2. Australia

Australia , just like New Zealand is considered one of the safest countries in for solo female travelers. The Australian metropolis even continues to hold the crown as the Most Livable City , according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. The locals are also known for their warm hospitality and good cheer that’s why a lot of solo travelers consider backpacking around the country safe.

• READ MORE: Australia Travel Guides

Iceland has some of the lowest crime rates and it’s ranked number one as the most peaceful country in the world on the Global Peace Index! The country is also one of the best destinations for solo female travelers in search of an ultimate female adventure journey (or a road trip at that!). After all, the country is a haven for travelers who love the outdoors, with numerous waterfalls to explore , glaciers to hike and geothermal spas to soak in .

• READ MORE: Iceland Travel Guides

4. South Korea

South Korea is actually #21 on the Women’s Danger Index, so I thought that it’s worth mentioning this in this list of safest countries in the world especially because it IS safe. Much like Japan, I’ve had no problems traveling around the country as a woman; the only issue why South Korea scored low is its attitude towards women due to its society that’s similar to Japan. But don’t let this dissuade you from traveling to this amazing destination!

• READ MORE: South Korea Travel Guides

When it comes to world standards, Taiwan’s crime rate is low; so much like its other East Asian countries , it’s a destination that is pretty much safer than many other places in the world. And as a solo female traveller, you’ll love the array of things to do in Taiwan !

• READ MORE: Taiwan Travel Guides

The only explanation why this Scandinavian country is not in the top 20 is because it was not regarded as the top 50 most visited countries in the world. Nevertheless, much like its neighbors, the country is a haven for solo women travelers who are seeking for a range of exciting sights and activities!

• READ MORE: Finland Travel Guides

7. Philippines

I’m not just saying this because of bias, but primarily because the Philippines IS a safe destination for solo girl travelers. After all, the Filipinos are probably the friendliest and most hospitable people that you’ll ever meet. Add the fact that English is one of the 2 official languages in the country, you won’t have a hard time going around the islands. Just use your best instincts and ‘street smarts’ at all time to not be targeted for petty crimes.

• READ MORE: Philippines Travel Guides

8. Indonesia

Single travelers should never shy away from Indonesia’s charms because they hardly face any real threat or danger. A lot of solo travelers, after all, have been to this amazing country and they have all had a great time! Just don’t throw your common sense out of the window and you’ll have a smooth Indonesia trip right from day one.

• READ MORE: Indonesia Travel Guides

9. Thailand

This is truly a favorite destination in Southeast Asia and while Thailand is generally safe, you should still be wary of your surroundings, as well as some of the cultural norms (e.g. some temples don’t allow women, you shouldn’t sit beside Buddhist monks in public transport, etc.) . There’s much to be said about attitudes toward women, but still, it’s a relatively secure destination for females.

• READ MORE: Thailand Travel Guides

10. Namibia

This has got to be the safest country for solo travelers in Africa especially since the locals are friendly and that most towns exude a safe atmosphere for tourists (the biggest danger that you might face are wild animals) . Just do your research beforehand and you’ll be fine!

» 5 Worst Countries for Women Traveling Alone «

• DISCLAIMER : The countries in this list are those that ranked the poorest on the Women’s Danger Index that collects the top 50 most-visited countries worldwide. Naturally, this does NOT mean that you shouldn’t travel to these countries — in fact, it’s the opposite. . You should still go especially if you want to, BUT just take note that you must exercise caution due to the country’s bad record or attitudes toward women. If you’re still not confident, it doesn’t hurt to travel with a companion!

1. South Africa

When I first visited Africa, Zambian locals expressed worry when I told them that my next solo destination was South Africa . “Are you heading alone to Johannesburg?” , they asked. When I replied ‘ Cape Town ‘, they breathed a sigh of relief and added, “that’s fine, just be aware of your surroundings especially since you’re alone.” I found it odd how they reacted like that, but after careful research, their reaction made sense because the country has historically treated women cruelly, not to mention the high crime rates.

My trip to Cape Town went smoothly and though there were a few moments that I felt unsafe, I still thoroughly enjoyed my stay there! It might be because I spent most of my time driving around tourist areas ( it’s said that most crime takes place in the townships ); nevertheless, just exercise caution at all times and behave conservatively.

It might not be a surprise to you to see Brazil in this list of worst countries for solo female travelers because if you do a Google search, most articles won’t sugarcoat the reality that it’s a dangerous country — not only for women but for men too. It has a high rate of crime and most embassies will caution you to never walk alone at night and to never resist any robbery attempts.

It’s still fine to travel alone, but if you ask me, this is not the best place to start with especially if you’re a newbie or beginner solo traveler.

This is yet another surprising discovery when I went through the Women’s Danger Index because I have also traveled to Russia alone but I have never felt unsafe there — not even in the big cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg . But indeed, that’s just my experience. Apparently, this vodka-loving destination is one of the worst when it comes to legal discrimination and general attitudes towards women.

Safety is, of course, never guaranteed wherever you may be in the world but some places are riskier than others. Mexico is one of those places and this may be also expected by some of you especially because it has low ratings when it comes to street safety and violence.

Other solo travelers might argue otherwise and I’m a bit on the fence with that. I traveled to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, as well as Tulum in 2021 at a time when some cartel shootings just happened and there were a lot of army folks doing their rounds — it added a sense of security but it still felt unsafe at some times. My whole trip ended with no incident and I believe that some areas are safer than others (e.g. Valladolid); but I guess what I’m just trying to say is: just do your research and be cautious, and I’m sure you’ll be able to gauge your level of comfort.

This came as yet another surprise for me because I regard Iran as one of the safest countries in the Middle East (I guess it just scores low as compared to the rest of the top 50 most-visited places worldwide) . Though for you, you might have expected this because of how the media portrays this country; however, I urge you to do your own research so you can see how a lot of solo female travelers had no problems journeying through this country alone. You just need to prepare for some things first (e.g. knowing how wearing a hijab is mandatory in the country, knowing how there’s gender segregation in public, etc.) and you’ll be fine.

Solo female travel has since become a worldwide trend and I hope that this article helped give you some ideas on the safest countries to travel to!

Of course, there’s the reality that despite this assuring list, the chance of being harassed is still possible — however, this should never stop you from pursuing your travel dreams! A lot of women have gone through such adventures and YOU can too.

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Wonderful post! I’ve been eyeing Switzerland for a solo trip but never got the time. Once the borders are open, I will make this my first destination to travel in 2021.

You’ll definitely love it! I hope you get to go soon :D

I find all countries in South East Asia considerably more safe than ANY in mainland Europe or the UK. The reason for this is that predatory men are considerably more interested in Asian women than in taking on a European woman traveller. The countries that are predominantly Buddhist have a completely different mindset and you are very unlikely, if you take a modest and respectful approach, to experience crime. Quite the reverse…l understand that if you expose yourself to full moon parties, excessive alcohol consumption and red light districts this may not be the case.

Thanks for sharing our research, Aileen. I loved your commentary and personal experiences you included throughout the article.

I’m glad you like it! Thank you as well for the amazing research. :D

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5 Ways to Fight Loneliness: If You’re Isolated and Feeling Alone, These Tips Can Help

A re you feeling isolated and alone ? Here are five ways to fight loneliness. Because although it is a common experience, there are strategies and resources available that might help.

1. Reach out.

“Research shows that chronic loneliness can impact older adults’ memory, physical well-being, mental health and life expectancy,” says University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging team.

A good first step? Call relatives, friends and neighbors to ask how they are, catch up and offer help if they need it. try a video call on Zoom or Skype, or use the video feature on your phone to see faces you miss. and it stores, making small talk helps, too!

2. Use a buddy system.

When you're out getting the exercise you need or heading to the market, invite a pal along to talk.

3. Stay positive.

Psychologist Lisa Firestone suggests “voice therapy” — recognizing self-critical thoughts that discourage us from contacting others, and working to counter or ignore them.

4. Make a friend.

If you're older and don't have anyone to call (or want to help someone in that situation), try an organization like JASA ( jasa.org ) or your local place of worship, community/senior center or department of aging about free call programs and ways to volunteer.

5. Go online.

Check out chat, message board, dating and multiplayer game sites, but when being online makes you feel more isolated than connected, you should log off.

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We All Need Solitude. Here’s How to Embrace It.

Alone time can help you reduce stress and manage emotions, but you have to be intentional about it, experts say.

By Jancee Dunn

I’m a person who craves regular alone time. At home, I take quick walks. At work, I sometimes disappear into the office supply closet, which is always deserted. I find the orderly stacks of notebooks soothing.

When I can’t grab these moments, I tend to get twitchy. Robert Coplan, a psychologist at Carleton University in Ottawa, describes this as “aloneliness”: the negative feeling that crops up when people get less solitude than they need.

And, most of us do require a balance of solo and social time, said Thuy-vy Nguyen, a social psychologist who runs the Solitude Lab at Durham University in Britain and is an author of the book “Solitude: The Science and Power of Being Alone.” Her research has found that spending time alone has physical and emotional benefits, such as stress reduction and mood regulation , and can lead to increased creativity and productivity.

With that in mind, I asked experts how to recognize when you need more solitude, and how to incorporate it into your life.

Take your “solitude pulse.”

Solitude is different from loneliness , said Virginia Thomas, an assistant professor of psychology at Middlebury College. The latter is the feeling that we’re not connected to others as much as we would like, which produces emotional distress. On the other hand, intentionally seeking out some time to spend alone, she said, is “almost always experienced positively.”

There’s no standard amount of time that people should be alone, Dr. Thomas said, so she recommends checking in with yourself and tracking your moods. Do you find yourself feeling irritable or depleted, and could you benefit from stepping away for a bit?

Then, she said, ask yourself: What nourishes and rejuvenates me when I’m alone? “For some people, it can be a learning curve to figure that out,” she said. Maybe it’s swimming, disappearing into the garage to do woodworking or gardening, she said.

No matter what you choose, set your phone aside, Dr. Thomas said. Scrolling through the headlines or social media, she said, “is not technically ‘in solitude,’ as we would describe it psychologically.”

It’s not you, it’s me.

If you have a partner, make it clear that taking alone time is not about escaping your significant other, Dr. Coplan suggested. “You can say ‘This has literally nothing to do with you — I’m doing this because it’s going to make me a better person, and I’m going to be easier to be around,’” he said.

If you routinely yearn for time by yourself, but don’t say anything, your relationship might suffer. Research on “aloneliness” in couples found that anger builds when people don’t take the alone time they crave.

But if you know a person who is OK with silence, you can try what Dr. Nguyen’s book calls “companionate solitude,” where you do something alone together.

When Dr. Coplan was young, he would go fishing with his father on a quiet lake. “We would sit there for hours at a time and wouldn’t say a word to each other,” he recalled. “It was like I was alone, but he was there, and that was comforting.”

You don’t have to leave civilization.

You can find moments of solitude at home, Dr. Nguyen said. She gets up early, a half-hour before her family, to have coffee.

Now I do the same. In my backyard, the hummingbirds have made their spring return to my feeders. They have breakfast at dawn, so lately I’ve been taking my coffee outside to watch them.

If you don’t like being completely alone, you can also try “public solitude,” somewhere like a park or coffee shop, said Dr. Nguyen. I just found out that a library near me has a “ silent book club ,” in which members gather to chat about books for a bit. Then they retreat to different corners to read for an hour. That’s my kind of book club.

If you’re at work, Dr. Coplan suggests what he calls micro-moments of solitude, like taking a quick lunch break by yourself.

Everyone should do solitude in the way that works best for them, he added. I told him that I occasionally take a micro-moment to pop out to the drugstore to inspect various candies and nail polish colors. My teen thinks that’s weird.

“Well, I happen to love that,” Dr. Coplan said.

New drugs offer diabetics more freedom from insulin.

Millions of Americans rely on some form of insulin to treat diabetes. But in recent years, new drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro have offered patients an enticing option to lower their doses — or stop taking it altogether.

Read the article: How Ozempic Is Changing Diabetes Treatment

Here’s what to ask if your doctor prescribes antibiotics.

While antibiotics are important for serious, life-threatening infections, they’re sometimes prescribed for less urgent situations — and there is always a risk of developing resistance. When are they necessary?

Read the article: Do I Need That Antibiotic?

The Week in Well

Here are some stories you don’t want to miss:

Danielle Friedman explains how to loosen up knotty muscles .

Lisa Miller wonders: When did everything become a “journey” ?

Diabetes, heart problems and kidney disease are closely linked, reports Knvul Sheikh .

Do pimple patches work? Jillian Pretzel has answers .

Let’s keep the conversation going. Follow Well on Instagram , or write to us at [email protected] . And check out last week’s newsletter about the middle-aged urge to talk to yourself .

Jancee Dunn , who writes the weekly Well newsletter for The Times, has covered health and science for more than 20 years. More about Jancee Dunn

Tips For Solo Traveller to Explore Russia-

Tips to explore russia as a solo traveller.

Russia is a great place to discover, to live, to travel, to explore, to work in and to simply be in…

Yet, is still not very known ad popular among a lot of travellers and Digital Nomads. In this article, I share my experience of living and working as a freelancer in Russia around how to travel in Russia as a solo traveller.

Rusia or commonly known as “the Russian Federation” it is the largest country in the world spanning over 17 million square kilometres over Eastern and Northern Asia. It encompasses more than one-eighth of the Earth’s inhabited land areas with a population of 144.4 million people.

When Travelling in the cities like Moscow and St Petersburg some people might find it is not cheap and might be a bit of a shock to the wallet if you are going to a tourist destination and as a foreigner. you might discover you are paying up to 10 times the price as a Russian for museums and other institutions so if you are a student it is worth flashing your student card to get a discounted price. That’s according to the Lonely Planet article!

However, my experience is different as a seasoned traveller rather than a tourist or short term tourist. The time, I have spent in these cities, I have found I am able to go to the more local hangouts and avoid the tourist jaunts and follow my nose to the more cultural everyday experiences. I am not there to be a tourist I am there to absorb, learn and observe the culture and deep dive into its complexity, landscape to have truly meaningful experiences. That’s the difference between travelling slowly as a nomad and travelling as a seasonal tourist.

So let me take you on a quick travelling solo in Russia journey of things to know. There is a lot so I hope you can digest it all and it’s not your average list of tips it’s more informative from one nomad to another.

Get Lost, Travel Slow & Best time to be in Russia

• Explore small cities and villages, hop on and off trains and explore less known areas.
• Go slowly, when you move and when you make friends. Russians are extremely friendly but they need few minutes to days to trust you and open up. Be patient

• Experience the winter. It is not for everyone but it is the key to learn about Russian cultural behaviour and way of living and thinking.
• Live the summer! Russians will spend outside as much as they can on their warm days. From May to September is the best time to be in the country. Winter is harsh but it will have a huge impact on you and it will make you understand a lot about the culture. Summer is the best time to move around, especially in the North of the country with 24 hours light long days!

Eat, drink Tea and Share

A lot of traditional dishes have dairy or meat products in but it is extremely easy and satisfying to follow a vegan diet. Here are some little tips about what to expect when in Russia and how you can have the best experience. Throughout the global glitch of 2020/2021 I have spent over a year in Russia exploring and spending time enjoying the culture and working remotely as a freelancer. I love to go off the beaten track, that’s my thing and I always curious about different cultures.

• Be polite and respectful. Russian people are extremely polite and well behave, when they speak and when they act.
• Tea is the main drink here. Coffee is found everywhere but in houses and family tea is the favourite and you will spend afternoon and evenings drinking it
• Get ready to spend a lot of time around kitchen tables, talking about life, friends, travels, work etc, drinking tea and eating nuts. See this related blog: Try to follow a more sustainable diet

A tiny peek into the essence of Russia

• Russia is a federal republic divided into 81 (I think) objects, some of them are republic (where different ethnicity are living) others are called oblast. Russia is diverse. Extremely diverse. Observe and learn the difference from one Oblast to the other.
• Be patient with bureaucracy and remember the basic rules and laws about your visas, paperwork and what to do and not do. Russian bureaucracy is…. slow, confusing and can be frustrating. Be patient if you have to deal with it.
• Russians love when you talk about their country and when they realise you know something about it, especially the language.
• Know a bit about the history. The country is still very attached to its past. The youngsters are changing things but there is still some pushback. Russia History is not only the Soviet time, learn more about what happened before you go.

What to Pack…

• Pack for many seasons. Weather changes quickly, summer are short but extremely hot in the South and still cool in the north
• Pack lightly, it will be easier to jump on and off trains. Travelling is about experiences to collecting excess stuff so, travel light.
• Bring a tent with you. Going camping, even alone is a great experience. It is easy, accessible and very safe. Trains will take you everywhere and it is very easy to find a nice spot to pitch your tent and live the nature.

What About Getting Around…

• Hitchhiking is safe, easy and very very popular in the country! Give it a go.
• Taxies are cheap, taxi drivers are friendly, polite and honest. It is very safe to move around as a woman, even walking around at night. Of course, keep your eyes open on the area and people but do not be afraid.
• Russia is not only ballet, opera and Tchaikovsky (even though you should definitely educate yourself on those). The contemporary music scene is very active and alive with concerts, events and festival taking places very very often in main cities.
• Visit Saint Petersburg is young, active, arty and extremely alive in every season, makes it a perfect spot for a solo digital nomad or traveller.

Here is another thing to keep in mind…

• Some men won’t shake hands with girls in the group but only with other men. Do not get offended and make a scene. It is not discriminatory to women it is just a ‘brother’s connection’ gesture.
• If you are looking for a place to start your journey in Russia to stay check out Nomad Stays.

Explore More

Russia is a place that needs to be discovered, understood and experienced deeply. Do not judge from the first impression, people, places, ideas…. Russia will make you fall in love with ‘her’ slowly, the longer you spend there, the more you will understand and suddenly you will realise you are in love with ‘her’.

There are hundreds of point interesting points to discuss being here as an Italian Freelancer in Russia. Just being, moving around and living in Russia and its ‘Russianity’.

It is a unique place in the world, it is magic, harsh, honest, arty, melancholic, green, diverse, lovable and ‘hateable, it is difficult and easy at the same time. Sometimes you love it deeply and sometimes you want to run away from it, but it will grab you with intensity and passion and that’s, in my opinion, is the best you can dream of from a life experience.

Connect with and follow Alice Here

With Love From Russia Alice Pontini

Freelancer, Tour guide, Italian digital nomad currently in Russia for a year and who knows where to next!. Nomad Stays is proud to have her as part of our team managing Pinterest and Newsletters to the nomads giving you insights on the latest at Nomad Stays. As a nomad herself and extreme adventurer and solo traveller who better to give you these insights.

She is ‘best’ above 2000 meters altitude, she owns three T-shirts and thirty pairs of earrings. She tries to learn languages with pretty alphabets and she never picks up hot mugs by the handle.

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Tom Hanks Almost Died Filming ‘Cast Away’

'Cast Away's Chuck wasn't the only one in a dangerous situation.

The Big Picture

• As Chuck in Cast Away , Tom Hanks went through immense physical and psychological torment, just like his character.
• Hanks was actually in danger during the filming of Cast Away when he received a severe leg injury that nearly took his life.
• Cast Away showcased Hanks' brilliance as an actor and solidified his reputation as a great producer in the industry.

Tom Hanks has one of the most impressive career trajectories of any leading man of his generation. While Hanks first introduced himself to worldwide audiences thanks to his comedic performances in classic slapstick films like Splash and Bachelor Party , he quickly proved to be a far more versatile performer than anyone may have expected. Hanks might've won two consecutive Academy Awards for his deeply moving dramatic performances in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump , but his physically demanding role in Robert Zemeckis ’ gripping survival film Cast Away remains one of the most impressive of his entire career. Similar to how his character goes through immense physical and psychological torment throughout the film, Hanks’ life was actually in danger during the production of Cast Away .

A FedEx executive undergoes a physical and emotional transformation after crash landing on a deserted island.

What Is Robert Zemeckis' ‘Cast Away’ About?

Cast Away follows the FedEx systems management employee Chuck Noland (Hanks), who frequently travels the world to fix software issues for satellite companies. While Chuck is well-equipped to do his job and has gotten used to traveling extreme lengths, he’s looking to settle down with his girlfriend, Kelly Frears ( Helen Hunt ), so that they can start a family. After a Christmas Eve dinner is interrupted by an emergency call from Malaysia, Chuck is forced to leave to settle the issue. Cast Away imagines the ultimate nightmare situation of being lost without hope of rescue. After Chuck’s plane crash lands on an enigmatic island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, he must take extreme measures to survive.

While the plane crash sequence itself is utterly terrifying, Cast Away 's real horror is the dehumanizing effect of isolationism in a region removed from social infrastructure. After spending months without having contact with any other people, Chuck’s cognition begins to decline, forcing him to communicate with inanimate objects in order to speak his mind and remain sane. In one of the film’s most fascinating developments, Chuck begins speaking to a volleyball he names “Wilson.” The surprisingly emotional relationship Chuck forms with Wilson shows how being starved of socialization can induce madness. The thoughtful analysis of loneliness makes Cast Away even more psychologically interesting.

The Famous ‘Forrest Gump’ Scene Tom Hanks Had To Pay For Himself

While the masterful screenplay by Apollo 13 screenwriter William Broyles Jr. does a great job at establishing Chuck as a character, it was Hanks’ performance that turned Cast Away into a modern classic . Tom Hanks proved his skills as a dramatic actor with several brilliant performances, but this time, he had to keep the audience engaged in a story where he was the only actor on screen for the majority of the project. He also underwent a physical transformation that dramatically changed his physique so that the physical side effects of Chuck’s isolation would be evident. While the material called for an intense amount of commitment to the role, Hanks pulled it off in one of his greatest roles to date.

‘Cast Away’ Was Incredibly Dangerous for Tom Hanks

It was during the filming of early scenes where Chuck is scoping out the parameters of his unexpected new home that Hanks received a severe cut on his leg that sent him to the hospital. He was forced to take a three-day break from filming so that he could be rushed to a hospital and receive treatment. Though he assumed that the cut was merely a sore, he revealed that the poison that had infected his leg nearly claimed his life. It was certainly an illuminating experience for Hanks, who also served as Cast Away ’s producer .

Cast Away ’s production was completed in an unusual way , as Zemeckis wanted to give Hanks the freedom to fully immerse himself in the character. The film was not shot chronologically and Zemeckis even took a brief break from the production to shoot the supernatural psychological thriller What Lies Beneath with Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford . During the gap in filming, Hanks was able to lose weight and grow out his beard so that the depletion of Chuck’s health would feel more realistic. While makeup and visual effects certainly could have been applied to make these visual changes, the film succeeded thanks to Hanks’ willingness to commit to the physicality of the role.

It certainly did not make for an easy production, but Cast Away is remembered as one of the best films of both Hanks and Zemeckis’ careers. Hanks received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance, and the film’s impressive audio design earned it a nomination for Best Sound. It represented one of the last instances in which Zemeckis truly found a way to connect with audiences. While he would begin experimenting with CGI technology and animation in the subsequent decade, the practical filmmaking techniques Zemeckis utilized in Cast Away signify how inventive of an artist he is.

‘Cast Away’ Shows Off Tom Hanks' Brilliance

While he subsequently starred in some of the most acclaimed films of the 21st century, Hanks never got another role like Chuck from Cast Away . The film was uniquely suited to his talents, as he was able to use much of the physical mannerism he had epitomized within his early comedy work to a more dramatic effect. Cast Away could have easily been a grueling slog that did nothing but highlight Chuck’s misery, but Hanks turned it into an inspirational story about the triumph of the human spirit. It’s a testament to his strong dramatic abilities that the final moments between Chuck and Kelly are as heartbreaking as they are.

In addition to giving a brilliant performance, Cast Away solidified Hanks as one of the industry's greatest producers . Hanks has produced films that he starred in himself and worked alongside his longtime collaborator Steven Spielberg to produce the HBO World War II epic Band of Brothers and its follow-up, The Pacific . Both in front of and behind the screen, Hanks is one of the most hardworking artists in the industry.

Cast Away is available to rent on Prime Video in the U.S.

Rent on Prime Video

The dos and don'ts of visiting Russia for the first time

Sep 24, 2021 • 6 min read

These top tips can help you make the most of your visit to Russia © MarinaDa / Shutterstock

The world’s largest country beguiles and fascinates with its world-class art, epic landscapes and multifaceted society. You may also find that perseverance  and a sense of humour will go a long way in enriching your first-time Russian travel experience. From the things you absolutely must do before you travel to the things we recommend that you steer clear of once you're there, here are some top tips for avoiding common pitfalls when visiting  Russia .

DO apply for a visa early and register on arrival

Visas must be applied for in advance by all visitors. How you do that varies depending on your nationality and where in Russia you are traveling to. Travelers from many countries, including the UK and US, need to apply in-person at an embassy or consulate and provide biometric data. An e-visa may be an option for passport-holders from 52 countries, which include many EU travelers, as well as those from China, India, Japan, Singapore, and some Middle Eastern countries. However these are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.  Check with your local Russian embassy or consulate for confirmation, or get up-to-date information here . 

You can apply at the last moment, but it may cost you a fortune. Start the application process at least a month before your trip and consider using a specialist travel agency to arrange visas and make key transport bookings. Every visitor to Russia should have their visa registered within seven days of arrival, excluding weekends and public holidays. The obligation to register is with your hotel or hostel, or landlord, friend or family if you’re staying in a private residence. Also keep in mind that your visa entry and exit dates will be written according to European calendar convention (day/month/year) as opposed to the American style, so don't get mixed up or over-stay your visa. 

DO check the events calendar

During major holidays – the first week in January (between New Year’s Day and Orthodox Christmas) and the first week or two of May (around Labour Day, or May Day, and Victory Day) – Moscow and St Petersburg empty out. Despite this, both cities are festive during these times, with parades, concerts and other events, but museums and other institutions may have shortened hours or be shut altogether. May to September is the best time to visit St Petersburg but mid-June is when the city is irresistible, with the White Nights revelry at its peak.

DO dress up for a night out

We can’t guarantee you’ll make it past Moscow’s "face control" (the term comes from clubs trying to "save face" by only letting in patrons who meet their image standards) but you can better your chances of getting in to the top clubs by making a sartorial effort – high heels and skirts for women, all black for men. Russians also make an effort when they go to the theater or a posh restaurant – you should do likewise to fit in.

DO learn the Cyrillic alphabet

Making an effort to familiarize yourself with the Cyrillic alphabet repays tenfold. It will help you decode street and metro signs, maps, timetables and menus, even if you don't know many Russian phrases. While digital tools like the Russian Metro app  and Google Translate make it easier than ever to visit countries where you don't speak or read the language, brushing up beforehand can reduce frustration and endear you to the locals.

Rideshare options such as Taxovichkoff and Yandex Taxi upended the taxi industry in Russia as much as anywhere else. That means less pressure to know the Russian phrases you'd need to hails cabs in the streets, but it still is wise to learn key phrases in case there's a navigation mixup, like the address of your hotel or intersection of your short-term apartment rental. 

DO expect to spend your money

Moscow is one of the most expensive cities in the world and St Petersburg is not a cheap destination either; wallet-thinning shock is common at many restaurants and hotels. As a foreigner you’ll also find yourself paying more than a Russian for some museums – often as much as 10 times the price Russians pay. If you’re a student, flashing your ID can save you money at museums and other institutions.

You can save on dining out a few different ways. Many restaurants offer "business lunches" that are great value and very filling. Several years ago the trend for " anti-cafes " cropped up in larger Russian cities, and there are still a few where you pay by the minute for coffee, biscuits, and a little wi-fi time. 

Food markets  that blend farmers markets and food halls are popular, and are often found in architecturally significant vintage buildings. You can shop for ingredients to cook yourself or sample cuisines from around the world from dozens of  vendor stalls. Many food markets are less expensive than sit-down restaurants and let you try a wider variety of local and international dishes. 

DON’T ask for a mixer with your vodka

Few traditions in Russia are as sacrosanct as the drinking of vodka , and any foreign notions of drinking it with orange juice or tonic are anathema to your average Russian. If you need something to wash it down, you can chase it with a lemon, a pickle or, perhaps, a separate glass of water. Vodka is drunk in swift shots, not sipped. It’s traditional (and good sense) to eat a little something after each shot, so order some vodka snacks too.

DON’T be disrespectful in a church

Working churches are open to everyone, but as a visitor you should take care not to disturb any devotions or offend sensibilities. There's no face control, but women should cover their heads and bare shoulders when entering a church. In some monasteries and churches it’s also required for a woman to wear a skirt – wraps are usually available at the door. Men should remove their hats in church and not wear shorts.

DON’T take photos of government buildings

Be very careful about photographing stations, official-looking buildings and any type of military-security structure – if in doubt, don’t snap! Travelers have been arrested and fined for such innocent behaviour.

DON’T be surprised if you’re stopped by the police

Although new laws were passed in 2011 that ostensibly reconfigured Russia's police and their interactions with the public, it's still wise to carry a photocopy of your passport, visa and registration – not to mention travel documents that indicate how and when you'll return home – and present them when an officer demands to see your documents. You may also see special tourist police near major attractions like the Red Square , who have special training and language skills to assist travelers.

If you're issued a fine, Russian authorities might expect an "unofficial payment" to expedite their service on the spot, as opposed to handling the matter later at the station. Either way, always ask for an official receipt, and consider carrying the phone number for your country's embassy in case matters get more complicated. 

You might also like: How to spend a perfect weekend in Moscow    How to plan and pack for the Trans-Siberian Railway    Beyond the Trans-Siberian: travelling Russia's unexplored northwest by train   

This article was originally published in August 2009.

This article was first published Oct 30, 2019 and updated Sep 24, 2021.

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The Essential Role of Gerontological Social Workers

Thursday, May 16, 2024 • Jaelon Jackson :

By Jaelon Jackson School of Social Work

What do Gerontology Social Workers do?

As we journey through the stages of life, eventually arriving at the challenges and opportunities that come with aging, Gerontological Social Workers emerge as essential guides.

Their role extends far beyond mere service provision; they become compassionate allies, standing by older individuals and their families during times of need. Gerontological or Aging Specialty Social Workers fulfill many responsibilities, including practical assistance, emotional support, and advocacy. Here's a closer look at their vital tasks:

• Practical Assistance : Gerontological Social Workers help older adults access essential services such as healthcare, transportation, and housing. They navigate bureaucratic hurdles with expertise and compassion, ensuring older adults receive the care and support they need to thrive in their later years.
• Emotional Support : Aging can bring about many emotional challenges, from adjusting to life transitions to coping with loss and illness. Gerontological Social Workers offer a listening ear and a supportive presence during emotionally challenging times. They provide counseling, therapy, and support groups to help older adults navigate the complexities of aging with dignity and resilience.
• Advocacy : Gerontological Social Workers are fierce advocates for the rights and well-being of older adults. Social Workers fight against ageism, discrimination, neglect, and abuse, empowering older adults to advocate for themselves and access the resources they need to live fulfilling lives.

What challenges and opportunities do our aging population encounter?

As our society experiences a significant shift in demographics, characterized by a growing number of older adults, a plethora of challenges and opportunities arise for individuals, families, and communities. These challenges include:

• Access to Healthcare : Older adults, especially those residing in rural or underserved areas, may face difficulties in accessing quality healthcare services. Gerontological Social Workers play a pivotal role in connecting them with appropriate healthcare providers and ensuring they receive the care they deserve.
• Preventing Elder Abuse : Elder abuse is a pervasive issue affecting millions of older adults worldwide. Gerontological Social Workers work tirelessly to prevent elder abuse and provide support to victims, helping them navigate legal processes and access resources for recovery.
• Addressing Social Isolation : Social isolation poses a significant concern among older adults, particularly those who live alone or have limited social connections. Gerontological Social Workers devise strategies to foster social connectedness and well-being among older adults, utilizing community resources and support groups to combat loneliness and isolation.
• Ensuring Financial Stability : Financial challenges such as insufficient savings and rising healthcare costs are prevalent among seniors. Gerontological Social Workers provide financial counseling and assistance to promote financial security in later life, ensuring older adults can afford the care and support they need to thrive.

What opportunities are there for our older adult population?

In addition to challenges, aging also presents numerous opportunities for older adults to engage with their communities and lead fulfilling lives. These opportunities include:

• Volunteering/Civic Engagement : Volunteering and engaging in civic activities not only benefit the community but also have health and social benefits for older adults. Gerontological Social Workers encourage older adults to get involved in volunteer work and civic engagement opportunities to stay active and connected.
• Intergenerational Support/Activities : Building strong intergenerational relationships, such as those between grandparents and grandchildren or through mentoring younger generations, fosters a sense of purpose and connection for older adults. Gerontological Social Workers promote intergenerational activities and support networks to enhance well-being across generations.
• Value of Older Workers : Older adults bring valuable skills, wisdom, and institutional knowledge to the workforce. Gerontological Social Workers advocate for the inclusion of older workers in the labor market, highlighting the benefits of mentoring and knowledge transfer between generations.
• Lifelong Learning : Lifelong learning opportunities, such as taking up new hobbies, learning new skills, or traveling to new places, contribute to older adults' cognitive health and overall well-being. Gerontological Social Workers encourage older adults to pursue lifelong learning opportunities to stay mentally and socially engaged.

Why is it crucial to support mental health in older adults?

Ensuring the mental well-being of older adults holds immense importance, often overlooked in discussions about aging and healthcare. The aging process can bring forth various mental health challenges, including:

• Depression : Many older adults experience feelings of sadness or depression as they navigate life transitions, cope with loss, or confront health issues. However, it is important to know that depression is not a "normal” part of aging.
• Anxiety : Anxiety disorders are common among older adults, particularly those facing significant life changes or dealing with chronic health conditions.
• Cognitive Decline : Cognitive decline, including conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, can have a profound impact on older adults' mental health and overall well-being. 

Recognizing the pivotal role of mental health support for older adults, Gerontological Social Workers work diligently to provide access to resources and services essential for maintaining optimal mental well-being. They offer support and coping strategies to assist seniors in adjusting to life transitions and provide crisis intervention when needed. 

Moreover, Gerontological Social Workers contribute to suicide prevention efforts by identifying risk factors and facilitating access to mental health services for older adults facing challenges.

As we journey through the intricate tapestry of aging, let us not overlook the invaluable contributions of Gerontological Social Workers. Through their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, they illuminate the path forward, guiding all of us as we age toward a future filled with dignity, resilience, and well-being.

Learn more about Gerontological Social Work and the aging specialty in our Master of Social Work program.

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