Self Care Routines for the Solo Traveler

I recently saw a post about someone who'd just returned from their first solo trip. She stated that she probably will never travel alone again due to boughts of lonliness and isolation from community and loved ones. As an experienced solo traveler, I honor her perspective of perceived isolation and relate to experiencing some of the most breathtaking places on Earth..alone..without the people I care for most there to enjoy it with me.

Now while I have no intentions to stop solo traveling, I'm sure there are many people like her who are contemplating if this travel style is best for them. Feelings of isolation are one of the main reasons people give up on this lifestyle before it gets better. Having healthy coping and wellness practices is one of the greatest ways to maintain mental and emotional harmony. Here are some self care routines that, when practiced consistently, help solo travelers to move through feelings of isolation and other common travel woes.

1. Start the day with gratitude

   Before you get out of bed, name at least 3 things you're grateful for. You don't have to force it. You can just be grateful to be alive another day or your ability to see the clouds and rain fall.

   

2. Set a schedule to speak with your family and loved ones

   Isolation can lead to depression, so staying in touch with your family and friends is crucial to self-care while traveling solo. You do not have to give up community in order to be a successful solo traveler. In fact, community becomes more important as you embark on different journeys.

   

3. Embrace the freedom of creating new routines that fit your current needs

   When we're alone, we may think of it as a limitation, but the possibilities are endless! You get to create your own routines that ground you and support your freedom to travel how you see fit.

   
   

4. Rest without guilt or pressure

   When traveling, sometimes we think we should fill our schedule with things to do, see, eat, and explore. Nothing wrong with that but make sure to prioritize rest. And do it without pressure. You need time to rest and restore.

   
   

5. Join an interest group or language exchange

   Solo travel doesn't mean you have to do everything alone. We often travel to explore which includes building community abroad, even for short periods of time. It's easier to connect with those who share a common interest with you.

   

6. Make space for joy and spontaneity

   This is the reason you chose to solo travel right? Having a plan is good, but leaving room for the unexpected often leads to a better travel experience.