How to not feel lonely while solo travel?

If you had asked me two years ago if I would travel solo, my answer would have been an absolute “no.” Even though I grew up away from my parents and started studying abroad at an early age, solo travel in another city or country sounded very daunting to me. I was never the type of person who could enjoy my own company.

I got bored easily (still do) and felt uncomfortable when I was alone. If I ever ended up eating alone in a restaurant, I would pull out my phone and start scrolling. It wasn’t because I was addicted to the content on the screen; it was a no-brainer reaction to avoid making eye contact with people and feeling awkward. This mindless scrolling, using the device as a “security blanket” — a way to avoid dealing with unpleasant experiences or feelings is common behavior.

I started my first solo trip with the same mindset as Elizabeth in “Eat, Pray, Love” (iykyk). I was heartbroken, ready for a new start, and traveling for my 25th birthday seemed like a fulfilling idea.

When traveling alone, do you ever feel lonely?

When someone asks about my travel experience, one of the most commonly asked questions is “when traveling alone, do I ever feel lonely?” or “If it is wrong to feel lonely when solo travel”. The answers are “yes” and “no”. As much as I or any other solo travelers post about how fun we have while traveling, I can guarantee that the feeling of loneliness is very common. Just like happiness or sadness, it's an emotion I encounter from time to time.

Loneliness might strike when I observe happy couples, families, or friend groups, wishing I had company in those moments. Yet, feeling lonely is not a flaw or something to avoid—it's a human experience. We are inherently social beings, wired to seek connection, support, and understanding from others.

Acknowledging this reality has transformed how I approach solo travel. Rather than resisting or trying to escape feelings of loneliness, I've learned to embrace them as part of the journey. It's an opportunity to push myself beyond my comfort zone, fostering personal growth and deepening my understanding of myself.

How to deal with boredom while solo traveling?

Research, research, research—my dad always emphasized that 80% of success stems from preparation, and this rings especially true for solo travel. I dedicated ample time to gathering information, seeking advice from fellow travelers, and devouring articles to minimize any uncertainties and unfamiliarity.

To prevent aimless days and stave off boredom, I meticulously crafted an itinerary filled with diverse activities and intriguing places to explore. This planning not only granted me structure but also afforded me the freedom to pivot and discover new adventures if any part of the plan didn't quite resonate with me.

While countless travel resources offer ready-made itineraries and recommendations, understanding your personal preferences is key. Whether you're drawn to culinary delights, museums, natural landscapes, shopping, workshops, or other experiences, knowing what ignites your enthusiasm is crucial. If museums aren't your scene, forcing yourself to endure hours within them will only sour your experience.

Allow Yourself to Relax: Especially if you’re traveling for an extended period, it’s important to have slow mornings or relaxing nights. While you might feel the rush to cram everything into your schedule due to FOMO, it’s always good to have a day to relax.

Waking up refreshed, grabbing a local breakfast, walking around, or just chilling in a café gives your body enough rest. The last thing you want is to get sick during your travels. This happened to me on my first solo trip, and I ended up staying inside my apartment for two days in Rome!

Be Open-Minded and Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: This is your chance to do things you don’t typically do. Say “yes” more often, and you will experience the joy of unexpected adventures.

How to meet new people when travelling alone?

Meeting new people while traveling alone can be incredibly rewarding. On my first solo trip, I didn’t want to do everything solo, so I turned to Facebook groups to connect with locals and find companions to explore with. Through one of these groups, I met one of my best friends who shares my passion for travel. It's remarkable to think that our paths crossed in this way. Despite living in different countries and time zones now, we still make a point to stay in touch and meet up in different countries whenever possible.

Joining Facebook Group: Posting in travel groups on Facebook allowed me to schedule meetups even before I reached the countries. Some of my favorite FB groups include Subtle Asian Travels and Girls Love Travel.

Staying in co-living space/hostel for solo travelers: Staying in co-living spaces and hostels designed for solo travelers can greatly enhance your experience in countries that embrace solo travel. During my visit to Taiwan earlier this year, I opted to stay in a hostel where I shared space with six other travelers in my room. It was surprisingly a very pleasant experience. The communal areas provided a perfect setting to mingle with strangers, whether it was relaxing with a book, co-working, or simply engaging in conversations.

Look Up Local Events:

Finding local events through Meetup or Eventbrite has been a fantastic way for me to connect with people who share my interests and values while exploring the local culture. One of my favorite activities has been joining cooking classes. These classes are often small and attract a mix of tourists and locals. They provide a hands-on experience where you not only learn to cook local dishes but also get to taste them, all while making new friends in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

Group Tours: Over the years, I've found city tours to be a great way to connect with others and share experiences. While these tours typically don't lead to long-term local friendships, they often foster lasting long-distance connections based on shared experiences. This is particularly rewarding for future travels or simply for enjoying the moment, whether it's just for a day or a couple of days.

Group tours offer a variety of activities, from food crawls and pub crawls to historical tours, each providing opportunities to bond over shared interests and discoveries.

How to avoid being lonely as a solo digital nomad?

Write and send the postcards to your loved one back home: When I travel solo, staying connected with loved ones is my remedy for loneliness. Sending a simple postcard or letter is more than sharing memories; it's a reminder that I'm never truly alone in my travels.

Handwritten letters are my love language, a way to bridge the gap and maintain meaningful connections with those I cherish. Whether it's a quick note or a detailed postcard, each message carries the warmth of my journey and helps me feel grounded.

Writing letters to my future self through futureme.org is another way I stay anchored. It's a chance to reflect on where I am, what I'm experiencing, and the personal growth along the way.

Co-working Coffee Shop/Space: Since COVID-19, I've noticed a surge in digital nomads flocking to co-working spaces and coffee shops. It's become a common sight—remote workers and students immersed in their tasks, creating a dynamic atmosphere of productivity.

Even if I don't strike up conversations, just sharing space with others who are hustling away gives me a sense of connection. There's something comforting about being surrounded by people on a similar journey, even if we're all focused on our own projects.

And there's a beauty in becoming a regular at a local coffee spot. After just a few visits, the baristas start to recognize me. It's a small thing, but it adds a touch of familiarity and warmth to my day.

Asking for Help: According to the Benjamin Franklin effect, people tend to warm up to you when you ask them for help. If you're finding it challenging to connect with new people, striking up a conversation with a barista, your host, or a local for a restaurant or activity recommendation can be a game-changer.

Initiating these small interactions not only opens doors to local insights but also creates opportunities for deeper connections. Who knows? A simple conversation could lead to an invitation to an event or a casual hangout, enriching your travel experience in unexpected ways.

Co-Living Space/Hostel: Staying in a co-living space or hostel tailored for remote workers offers a blend of professionalism and community, catering to individuals who balance work with their nomadic lifestyle. Unlike traditional hostels focused on partying, these spaces provide a more conducive environment for productivity and meaningful connections.

Communal areas such as kitchens and living rooms serve as hubs for socializing and networking. Whether you're exchanging travel stories over a shared meal or collaborating on projects in a cozy living room, these spaces foster a sense of camaraderie among like-minded individuals.

Events and activities organized by co-living spaces and hostels—such as movie nights, game nights, and cultural exchanges—further enrich the social experience. These gatherings not only provide opportunities for relaxation and fun but also facilitate deeper connections with fellow travelers from around the world.

Volunteer: Volunteering provides a unique opportunity to join a group with a shared purpose and meet regularly, much like the communities formed in hometowns through school, work, or church. This regular interaction fosters friendships and bonds rooted in common goals and experiences