Solo travel... Some people love it, some people hate it. I've done my share of solo travel. I never want to miss out on an opportunity to go somewhere amazing just because I can't find someone to go with me but far out it can be lonely at times. Here's a few tips I've learned from my time travelling solo.
1. Smile! At anyone and everyone. And say hello. If you're feeling alone there's always an opportunity to have a chat to people anywhere. Especially on hiking trails. I've met some of the most friendly and lovely people while out hiking all starting with a smile & hello. And it's a small world, you never know what connection you might make just from having a chat.
2. Get present in the moment. Whether you're in a bustling city or a quiet hiking trail remember to take a breath, look around and appreciate where you are. I know when I'm in a busy city I can get caught up trying to see all the sights but sometimes the best thing you can do is sit down at a cafe and people watch.
3. Remember everything always works out how it's supposed to. Things can go wrong so often when you're travelling. It can happen with others or on your own, but sometimes it can feel overwhelming to deal with all by yourself. I've had my fair share of things go wrong and many reasons to cry while travelling, but when I look back everything always worked out in the end. It can be hard in the moment but it's always worth stopping, taking a step back and thinking about what amazing thing will come of this. If I hadn't had all of my travel plans cancelled because of COVID I wouldn't be here today writing this blog for my new business. 4. Travel with a purpose. This is a big one that I've learnt from lots of experience travelling with no plan or purpose. I've found I end up wasting time and feeling a bit lost if I travel without a plan. Your purpose could be to complete an amazing hike or it could be to engross yourself in a new culture but, if that is the case, you can plan your trip and make your decisions around this purpose.
5. Chat to other solo travellers. There's so many people out there travelling on their own and they're probably feeling a lot of the same feelings that you are. If you're not sure how to start a conversation, offer to take a photo for them at a view point. From here you can ask them where they're going and what they're doing. This might be a great opportunity to find someone who's travelling in the same direction.
6. Write a journal. This is a big one that I've got into on my most recent trip. I just write a small gratitude journal each day. It doesn't necessarily have to be about what you've done each day, you've probably got photos to remind you of this. A journal is just a great way to get your thoughts out and, if you write down what you're grateful for, it can really keep you in a good mood. 7. Stay on top of health and fitness. This might not be for everyone but I really find that feeling healthy helps my motivation to get out and do things and talk to people. I find that it's so easy when you're travelling to get caught up in eating the gelato and chocolate in every new place and fitness so quickly disappears. You don't necessarily have to do a challenging workout everyday but maybe instead of catching a taxi you can choose to walk instead. And instead of the gelato one night you could try a new local fruit for dessert.
8. Notice the little things. I went on a walking tour in Barcelona recently and the guide pointed out all of these tiny little graffiti arts dotted around the place. Some of them were nice quotes just to make them smile and others just small pictures. If she hadn't pointed them out I wouldn't have even noticed them. Remember to look up and around everywhere you are. You might spot something to put a smile on your face.
9. Join a tour. It could be a multi day trip, a day trip from a city or just a free city walking tour. Whatever you choose I find this is the best way to get comfortable in a new place and have the opportunity to meet people. If you're into walking look into tour companies like ours because you'll most likely find some amazing like minded people on these tours and there's often other people travelling on their own too!
10. And remember, home is never that far away. With technology now it's so easy to call home just to check if they're still there or get some comforting words from friends or family.
And hey, if the solo travel thing turns out not to be for you that's okay too. Maybe look for some local day trips where you might be able to meet like minded people to travel with in the future.
Check out our Spring Adventure Series if you're looking for a way to connect in and around South Australia in the next little while.
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