Learn to Enjoy Your Own Company as a Solo Traveller
Embarking on a first solo adventure may be challenging to many people. Solo travel is definitely not for everyone and solo travellers aren’t all born that way. But if you’re planning on becoming a solo traveller, then you need to learn to enjoy your own company, as this may seem intimidating to the vast majority. We promise you though that once you’ve done it, and it turns out to be your cup of tea, it’ll be too hard to get over the solo travel bug.
Want to Learn to Enjoy Your Own Company? Here Are 5 Simple Tips
The key to enjoying your own company is getting to know yourself. Think of it as making a new friend – for you to have fun together, you need to know what they like (and what they’re like). Of course, you don’t have to worry about having common interests, because you’re befriending YOU after all. But you get it… That’s why the following tips will be focused on helping you get to know yourself better.
Get out of your comfort zone
The best way that leads to self-discovery is getting out of your comfort zone. Travelling alone in itself is a great step out of your bubble, but if you want to take things a bit further, try new things. Be it travelling to a destination that’s far more different than your culture; striking conversation with random strangers; or even trying new cuisines.
Also, opting for things that you normally wouldn’t be comfortable with can also help you a lot. For instance, if you’re an introvert, joining a travel group or going to a party might help you get out of your shell.
Embrace the solitary moments
Staring out of an aeroplane window, watching the sunset on a beach, or going for a walk in a foreign city are all great examples of solitary moments. These might seem a bit boring on the outside, but if embraced, you’ll cherish them forever. Instead of focusing on your lonesome, think of the beautiful sight of clouds, the sun melting into the horizon, or the architecture of the foreign city.
If you can see beauty in these moments, you won’t get bored – you’ll grow an urge for exploration instead. Such times also tend to be aha moments, so whatever you’re overthinking, or inner healing you might be doing, is better saved for these times.
Opt for experiences
One of the best ways to learn to enjoy your own company is by filling your schedule with experiences. You don’t need other people to have fun when you’re already occupied. Plus, over time, you’ll learn to make friends on the road, because guess what, you’re never really alone when you’re solo travelling!
Anyhow, experiences will keep you distracted, and most importantly entertained. So, there would be no room for boredom on your solo trip. That’s why it’s very important to choose a destination that offers plenty of activities. If you’re into adventure and nature, you can maybe go hiking, kayaking, or ziplining. On the other hand, if you’re a history buff, you could spend your time visiting museums and sightseeing.
Bring entertainment
If all else fails and you still need a distraction, then backup would surely come in handy. Bring a book (or a kindle) that you can read on the flight, on the beach, or in a park. Are you a music lover? Pack your headphones and listen to music while on the commute. Practising your photography skills while travelling is also a great way to stay entertained (and get plenty of cool pictures, of course).
Practice self-love on a regular basis
You don’t necessarily have to do this on your trip, but self-love practices may help you strengthen the bond you have with yourself. This could take many forms such as meditating, daily affirmations, journaling, self-care, and more.
On the other hand, if you want to practice self-love on a trip, it’s still doable. Look up local spas or nail salons, or maybe go for a morning jog in a nearby scenic park. For some people, experiences, that we’ve previously mentioned, can be a form of self-love. Taking a yoga class in Bali or a cooking class in Barcelona would definitely be hitting two birds with a stone for some of you.
Did any of these ideas help? Let us know in the comments if these tips helped you learn to enjoy your own company on your first solo trip.
