FINDING STRENGTH IN SOLITUDE: 7 COPING STRATEGIES FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS

During my 6-month backpacking trip in South America, I hit a hard turn three months in. A series of bad luck and wrong choices led me to stay in empty hostels, meet the wrong people, and feel super lonely. If you’re going through the same, you’re not alone. Here’s some tips to face loneliness on the road when long-term travelling and forge connections that’ll make you thrive.

When embarking on a solo travel adventure spanning multiple months, the world becomes your playground, and every day is filled with discoveries. But moments of loneliness can arise, no matter how many people you meet on the road. Sometimes, you just can't connect. And so you miss your friends. You miss the place where you were before. You regret your choices. And unless you take action, your trip can take the wrong turn, and you might even consider returning home earlier than expected.

Whether you're a seasoned solo traveller or considering taking the leap for the first time, understanding and effectively navigating these feelings of loneliness can significantly enhance your solo travel experience and ensure you make the most of it. It's almost guaranteed you'll feel lonely during long-term trips―and it's okay. What matters is how you react.

In this blog post, drawing from over 10 years of solo travel experience worldwide, I'll share some practical coping strategies for solo backpackers. So, dive in and discover how to transform moments of solitude into opportunities for growth, connection, and self-discovery.

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Understanding loneliness on the road

Feeling lonely during solo travel is perfectly normal and happens to most of us. A few things can trigger loneliness on the road, such as:

• Being away from familiar surroundings, friends and family
• Meeting new people but not being able to make friends or connect
• Travelling during the low season or in unpopular backpacker destinations

If you're an introvert or socially anxious like me, meeting people can be a stressful experience. If people don't make the first step, it might be hard for introverts to go towards others, even in settings favourable to meeting other travellers, like backpacker hostels.

But eventually, people will come to you. They'll ask where you're from, what you've seen, and your next stop on the map.

The problem arises when you've been travelling and staying in hostels for a while, and these conversations don't lead to anything more than boring small talk where you regurgitate the same story repeatedly. That's when feelings of loneliness can start to kick in. Sometimes, I was constantly surrounded by people but felt uncomfortably alone.

When this happens, you can use your alone time to self-reflect. But unless you're Buddha, who wants to self-reflect for days on end during their backpacking trip? No, we need to meet cool people. Quickly.

And suddenly, it happened. Just like that, I broke the loneliness cycle. Here's how.

“Sometimes, I was constantly surrounded by people but felt uncomfortably alone.”

1. Get out of your shell

First things first: don’t make things hard for you! Stay in hostels to easily meet fellow travellers. Hostels often have a vibrant social atmosphere and provide an opportunity to meet like-minded adventurers from around the world. Engage in communal spaces, participate in hostel activities, and strike up conversations with other travellers. The connections you form can lead to lasting friendships and shared adventures.

My best solo travel experiences were always about the people I met- no matter how beautiful the destination was.

I remember each conversation that marked my path, each connection that strengthened while living epic adventures. And although I may never see most of these people again, they taught me valuable lessons, brought me joy, made me laugh, helped me out, supported me in tough times, pushed me further, shared their stories, and listened to mine.

When you make strong connections with people on the road, you don't feel alone anymore. You feel grateful. You don't miss your friends or your family, you don't miss home. Because that person you met accepted you as you were, without judgment, and that's one of the most beautiful gifts anyone can get.

2. Switch things up

If you don't get along with anyone at your hostel, go somewhere else! Sometimes, you might just be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even if some people told you it was the best hostel in the world, it ultimately depends on the people that were there when they stayed in that hostel. No matter how cool the hostel is, the vibe will change when the people change, and it might fit your personality.

3. Use tech

Tech can be a valuable companion for solo travellers. Various apps and online platforms help people to connect with other solo travellers, making it easier to find travel buddies or join local activities. Platforms like Couchsurfing and travel-focused Facebook groups can help you connect with others who share similar interests and provide a sense of community during your solo journey.

4. Self-reflect

Embracing alone time can be empowering and allow for self-discovery. Use your time alone to indulge in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment. Explore local attractions, visit museums, hike in nature, or stroll through vibrant markets. Write or draw in your travel journal, and drop your questions on paper. When you take the time to self-reflect, you can actively find ways to boost confidence and get out of the travel blues.

My moments of solitude were as precious as the connections I described above. They taught me what mattered to me. They helped me build a moral compass, reshape my life around my passions, determine and accept my weaknesses, and heal from past trauma.

But as mentioned above, even self-reflecting can affect your mental health while travelling. Ultimately, as you're contemplating this mesmerising sunset, you wish someone was there to share this moment with you. That's where you need to switch gears to combat loneliness. Volunteering is your next step.

5. Volunteer

If the four previous coping strategies have failed, it's time to contribute to the local community. When you give, you receive. Volunteer with local organisations to make life-long friends and immerse yourself in the local culture. During my backpacking trip in South America, my trip highlights were ultimately those during which I volunteered. As I was committing to a long-term agreement (at least one month), I was more involved in meeting with the locals, helping out other people, and forging strong relationships with other travellers. Check out sites like Worldpacker and Workaway to find volunteering opportunities and favour those that are with locals.

Volunteering in Brazil was the thing that took me out of my travel blues. I also realised I was missing surfing too much—returning to it restored my joy and allowed me to end my trip in the best way possible.

6. Travel slow

When you take your time travelling, you'll also spend more time getting to know the people you meet. First impressions can be misleading, and introverts can take time before opening up to strangers. If you stay in the same place for a month or longer, you'll inevitably make solid connections and feel less alone as you get to know the wonderful community and become a recognisable face in town.

7. Have a support system

Prioritising your safety is essential when travelling solo, and having a support network can provide peace of mind. Share your travel itinerary with a trusted friend or family member and establish regular check-ins. You can use apps like Polarsteps to inform your family about your next stop. Research local emergency contacts and familiarise yourself with the nearest embassy or consulate. Knowing that someone is looking out for you can alleviate concerns and help you feel more secure, easing any lingering feelings of loneliness.