Empowering, freeing and offering the chance to explore entirely on your own terms, solo travel is often romanticized as the ultimate way to find yourself. But even the most independent adventurers can feel a wave of loneliness now and then, whether it’s during a quiet dinner or a missed shared moment.
Instead of viewing solo travel as a disadvantage, embrace your alone time as an opportunity to be more present.
Liz Coffey, founder of On Leave Experiences, which offers personalized self-care journeys designed to help you reconnect with yourself through curated activities, suggests a simple mindset shift: Reframe “alone” as “available.”
“When I travel with others, I’m often caught up in conversation, sometimes not even about what’s right in front of me,” Coffey said. “But when I’m solo, I’m available to read the placards at the museum at my own pace, follow that intriguing side street, or strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to me at a restaurant bar.”
Jen Ruiz, founder of Jen on a Jet Plane and author of “12 Trips in 12 Months: Make Your Own Solo Travel Magic,” also recommends planning ahead to keep your days full and exciting. “If I have a full itinerary of things to do, with tickets and reservations and arranged transport, I don’t really have time to sulk over being lonely. I’m too excited because I’m on my way to do something like have tea overlooking the pyramids of Egypt.”
Here are some low-pressure strategies recommended by solo travel experts to help you overcome loneliness while on the road.
1. Choose the right accommodation.
Thanks to their central locations, built-in social scenes and organized activities, many solo travelers default to hostels. But if dorm life isn’t your thing, booking a private room in a hostel offers a calmer space to recharge while still giving you access to communal areas when you’re in the mood to connect.
“If you’d prefer a quieter, roomier space for a bit of an older crowd, look into co-living and working spaces,” suggests Nausheen Farishta, a solo travel expert who has traveled solo to 11 countries since 2021. “These cater to professionals who usually work during the day, then socialize together in evenings and on weekends.” You can also book a shared space with a local instead of a full apartment on Airbnb.
When it comes to hotels, look for ones with lounges or game rooms designed to encourage mingling. “Filter to read reviews specifically from solo travelers. Get a sense for which audience the hotel is trying to appeal to, as you probably want to steer clear of couples’ or family favorites,” Farishta added.
2. Bring a book to dinner and sit at the bar.
Grabbing a seat at the bar or a communal table naturally attracts other solo diners and creates easy opportunities to chat with both the staff and fellow guests.
“You’re part of the restaurant’s energy rather than isolated at a table,” Coffey said. Bringing a book can also be an icebreaker, as people are often curious about what you’re reading, which can spark casual conversation.
“Your book also gives you a natural way to signal when you’re open to chat and when you’d prefer some quiet time. There’s no expectation to maintain conversation. You can easily dip in and out,” she added.
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3. Join a group tour.
Join a group tour for a fun way to meet people while exploring somewhere new. With a guide leading the way, you can focus on the experience and let connections unfold naturally.
“You immediately have something in common with everyone there: a shared interest in the experience’s focus, whether it’s food, art or local history. The group setting creates natural conversation moments as you move between stops or activities,” Coffey said.
Opt for smaller groups and tours that include shared activities or tastings, which offer built-in talking points and make it easier to strike up a conversation. “We often think spontaneous connections happen best without structure, but actually, having a framework of some planned experiences can put us in the right places at the right times for those magical unplanned moments,” she added.
4. Visit small businesses.
Exploring locally owned bookstores, coffee shops and boutiques in walkable neighborhoods just beyond the main tourist areas creates organic opportunities to connect with locals.
“Local shop owners and their staff are invested in their community. They interact with both locals and visitors all day, making them great connectors to the local culture. Plus, they usually love to lift up other small businesses and give you other suggestions of places to explore,” Coffey said.
Stop by during slower hours when staff might have more time to chat. “A simple ‘What’s this all about?’ when something catches your eye can lead to an incredible conversation,” she added. Showing genuine interest in their space can go a long way.
5. Volunteer with a local organization.
Destination-specific Facebook groups are solo female travel blogger Madison Krigbaum’s go-to resource for finding local volunteer opportunities, especially in remote areas where they aren’t always listed online and are often spread by word of mouth. These groups are where locals frequently post about ways to get involved that you might not discover otherwise.
“You’re surrounded by like-minded people who care about the same things — responsible travel, giving back and making a positive impact,” Krigbaum said, explaining why volunteering, whether for an afternoon or longer, is such a powerful way to connect with others on the road. “It’s a natural environment for building friendships rooted in shared values.”
6. Tap into your network.
Use your existing network by asking friends or colleagues if they know anyone in your destination. Try apps like Bumble BFF for making platonic connections and post invites to grab coffee or explore together in Facebook groups for solo travelers or local expat communities.
“If you’re connected via a mutual friend or colleague, you have a built-in common ground to start with,” Farishta said. “If you’re meeting someone new, you can decide on a set time, place and activity in advance that you’ll both enjoy. Give yourself an easy out, if needed. You could say you have to go at a certain time to take a meeting or call, for example. This keeps it low pressure, but you can always extend or meet up with the person again another day if you hit it off.”
7. Set an intention.
Being in a new place without your usual support system can leave you feeling a little lost. “Setting an intention for your solo trip can help you stay grounded in moments of loneliness,” Farishta said. “Instead of feeling aimless, wondering ‘What am I even doing here?’ you’ll have a personally meaningful purpose to anchor you.”
Whether it’s reconnecting with yourself or honing your photography skills, taking time to reflect and set an intention before your trip can help you get the most out of it. Farishta noted: “Simply having a specific objective can pull you through in moments of feeling low.”
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