Traveling can be lonely. You might be in a new place, trying to make friends with strangers and not know the language. We all feel lonely sometimes, and it is essential to take care of yourself while traveling.
Through our past experiences, we have come up with the top ten things to do when loneliness strikes while traveling.
Why We Can Sometimes Get Lonely When We Travel
It is important to remember that everyone feels lonely at some point in their lives. We all have our own reasons why and when we feel it. When traveling, it’s not unusual to experience loneliness. In fact, it may increase while you’re traveling. Especially if you are feeling homesick.
Here are some reasons why you experience loneliness while traveling. It might be more common than you think:
–You are in an unfamiliar place. You might even feel like you don’t belong. The culture and environment are different, and you find it hard to relate to locals and your surroundings.
–You miss your family, friends, and pet. It can be lonely when you are in a completely different place from where your people and things are.
– Your native language isn’t spoken. You might get lonely traveling to a place where your spoken language is uncommon. Even if you are fluent in the local language where you are visiting, it can be difficult having conversations for hours with someone who doesn’t know the language back and forth.
–You don’t know how long you will stay there or what might happen next. Going somewhere new, even if it has always been on your bucket list, can make you feel uneasy about not knowing what will happen next.
– You don’t know anyone around you. You can feel alone even if there is a whole city full of people.
– You don’t know how to get around the city. If you’re in a new place and have no idea where anything is or what routes are safe, it can be lonely being there until you get more comfortable with your surroundings.
So now that you know some reasons you might feel lonely while traveling, let’s get into the tricks and tips to help combat this feeling.
10 Things to Do When You Feel Lonely while Traveling
1. Make friends with the locals
Locals know all of the best places to go and can advise where not to go. They are your greatest resource.
You can try meeting them at cafes, parks, or even events. For local events, we recommend searching meetup.com or recommendations from your hotel or hostel. Once you meet the locals, you can make friends with them and get advice on hidden gems, fun tips about the city, or stories about the past.
2. Call home
When you feel lonely, call home and talk to your friends and family about what is going on! Sometimes just a quick call can make you feel less lonely and more re-energized.
If you want to go a step further, ask your loved ones if they would like to Skype call with you while doing something fun together! This video call can turn into a memorable time with the people that matter most. Your family will love it too.
3. Learn some local phrases.
It can be lonely in a new place where you don’t know the language. Try practicing small phrases with your hostel mates or people that you meet.
If you can master a few key phrases, you can say something back when someone tries to talk to you in their native tongue. With just a few words and gestures, you might find more things that you have in common than you think.
4. Volunteer.
Think of it as an adventure and get involved with local organizations by volunteering if possible. Volunteering is an excellent way of combating loneliness while traveling because it gives back and helps others in need.
The experience will make you feel less lonely and more connected to your new surroundings, giving you some friends when you might not have had any before!
5. Go on a local tour.
Try joining a group tour if there is one available in your area. Many cities offer free group walking tours that will give you an excellent introduction to the place and a chance to chat with others.
6. Move your body.
Sometimes the best way to heal lonely feelings is by getting outside and moving your body. Go for a walk, run, or play some sports to release those endorphins!
7. Be aware of your emotions.
Loneliness can make us feel lonely in our skin which makes it harder to focus on anyone else. Make sure you are taking care of yourself by eating well and getting enough rest!
8. Find a travel buddy.
There are also many websites with lonely people looking for travel partners that will allow you to meet fellow travelers outside of the hostel environment.
These trips can be a great way to break up the monotony of solo travel and make new friends.
9. Join a club
If you are lonely in your hostel, consider joining an on-site group or club that interests you.
There might be cooking clubs, hiking groups, and language exchange programs that will allow you to meet new people outside of the typical hostel environment.
10. Talk to your hostel mates.
Sometimes the people staying in the room next door are lonely too. Talk with them and ask how their day was or if they want to go for dinner together.
You might be surprised at who you meet when you take a few minutes out of your day to chat with someone new.
Final Thoughts
Loneliness can be difficult to deal with, especially if you are in an unfamiliar place without your close friends and family. If you feel lonely, try to take a few minutes out of your day and do one or more of the things listed above. Remember feeling lonely is a natural part of traveling, and it won’t be forever!
We hope this article will help you understand the reason behind your feelings, and these tips will help you combat loneliness when on your next vacation!
