Riviera Travel’s Will Sarson has revealed his top tips for beating loneliness and making the most of your solo travel adventure
Traveling solo can be a liberating and enriching experience, giving you the freedom to explore at your own rhythm, immerse yourself in distinct cultures, and bond with locals. However, it can also come with its share of challenges suc,h as occasional loneliness.
Will Sarson, Travel Guru at Riviera Travel, provides six essential tips to combat loneliness and enhance the solo travel experience. He advises: “Whether it’s friends or family you’re missing, it’s important to know what to do to navigate these feelings to get the most out of your trip.”
A crucial strategy is planning ahead for various activities, ranging from beach days to organized tours.
Will recommends: “When enjoying a solo holiday, it’s important to plan ahead and arrange enjoyable activities to keep yourself engaged and avoid feelings of loneliness.”
He also highlights that small tour groups tend to be more accommodating for those traveling by themselves as many vacation packages are crafted to prevent solo travelers from feeling isolated in large groups, reports the Express.
Additionally, it’s important not to shy away from engaging with local people or fellow globetrotters. Starting conversations might seem daunting, but it’s often well worth the effort.
According to Will: “Taking that first step can increase the chances of establishing strong connections and making lifelong friends.”
“Conversing with people from different countries, backgrounds and cultures can broaden your understanding of the world. Solo holidays are meant to be enriching, and meeting new people is one of the factors influencing this. Choosing a cruise or tour made specifically with solo travellers in mind will mean you’re travelling with other solo travellers, so you’ll have the choice to socialise or enjoy your own company.”
The toughest part about traveling solo may come when night falls—after a full day’s exploration, the pangs of loneliness can catch you off guard. Should you find yourself feeling down as daylight fades, it’s smart to dedicate time to unwind.
Immerse yourself in an enthralling book or podcast, or take a calming stroll through your temporary neighborhood.
Will said: “I believe it’s extremely important to plan for the downtime in the evenings, to avoid long nights with nothing to do – which naturally increases boredom and loneliness.”
For those contemplating their inaugural lone voyage who might feel apprehensive, Will suggests joining a tour group created for those flying solo.
He said: “These trips often include thoughtfully planned itineraries designed to keep solo travellers engaged and connected with others. For example, a welcome dinner on the first night gives travellers a chance to meet fellow solo travellers.”
Traveling solo no longer spells a compromise on where you stay, as many operators now offer single travelers ample room options, including spacious rooms and double cabins for those hitting the seas—ensuring solo adventurers the same luxurious experience as larger travel parties.
If you’ve arranged a packed itinerary, carved out solo time, connected with a tour group, attempted to make new friends but still yearn for a familiar touch, remember it’s okay to reach out back home. Will said: “Checking in while abroad can give people a sense of comfort. Social media can be a great way of keeping in touch while on a solo trip while also allowing friends and family to know you’re safe.”
Will offers a final nugget of advice for those setting out on their own: relish the adventure. “It’s not often you get to enjoy a holiday on your own, so my best advice is to embrace it, learn from the experience and do your best to enjoy it! Solo travelling is a fulfilling experience that forces people to cultivate independence and enjoy their own space.”
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