10 Tips for Solo Travelers to Feel More Connected

Solo travel is not for the faint of heart. You’re really putting yourself out there and finding out what you’re made of. (Odds are, you’re made of some pretty tough stuff if you’re making it happen.) During this time, you’ll be free as a bird to go where you want to go, see what you want to see, and call all the shots. 

That said, there may be small pockets of pain when you look around you and see couples and families galore. It may make you doubt yourself for a moment and even allow a little bit of loneliness to creep in. Push that right to the side, friends. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and not even a small bout of loneliness can stop you now. 

Still, we’re only human, and these feelings are natural. Below, we have ten different ways to push those feelings aside and keep carrying on. There’s a great, big world out there to explore – and countless people who are just waiting to meet you. 

Have an Itinerary Set In Place

Boredom and loneliness often walk hand in hand. So, before you embark on a new city, have a plan in place. You don’t need to arrive with a color-coded spreadsheet and a strict timetable but do make plans. Have something on the agenda every day – even if one of those days simply says, “Read a book by the pool and dine at the resort’s restaurant.” Another way to approach it is to have bulleted lists – things you’d like to see in each new place. When you get up in the morning, take a look at your list and see which item is calling your name. Then, go on out there and make it happen. 

Schedule Video Calls With Friends Back Home

It’s okay to stay in your hotel room some nights. You don’t have to be out and about all the time to make the most of your trip. In some instances, it’s safer to explore during the day and then settle back at the hotel or Airbnb for the night. During these moments of downtime, if the time zones align, see if you can hop on a quick video chat with friends and family back home. Or, at least be sure to check in with them via text to enjoy a little bit of friendly conversation that way. 

Become a Regular In a Café or Pub

Even if you’re only there for two or three days, find a place with a feel you like and “become a regular.” Arrive around the same time at the same place and, most importantly, make yourself available for conversation and chit-chat. Be friendly. Engage with the server or bartender. Ask them what they’d recommend in the area. When they know you’re not a local, that’s an open door for some light conversation about places to explore. When you come back the next day, they’ll remember you, and the conversation will continue. You never know what you’ll uncover in these chance encounters. 

Start the Conversations

Let’s reinforce that a little bit. It can be tough stepping out of your comfort zone and sitting alone at a coffee bar at 3 pm on a Tuesday. But, use that opportunity to force yourself out of your shell. If you get a good sense of the server or bartender, ask them if they’re from the area. Tell them you’re passing through and enjoying their city. Again, it only takes one small moment in time to strike up a conversation and uncover any number of things you never knew before.