Travelling alone is a big commitment. It is a milestone in the journey of being an adult and an obstacle many wish to overcome. But even the most enthusiastic explorers experience loneliness while travelling the world.
Before you travel, it is important to choose a destination that is solo travel friendly.
I chose Singapore and fortunately it is one of the safest destinations to travel to. This made interacting with locals and finding connection a lot easier!
Rather than neglecting the feeling, here are five tips I learned to use loneliness to your advantage and celebrate your independence.
1. Volunteer
Interacting with volunteers and contributing to the local community are great ways to feel less alone.
In Singapore, I volunteered for a local charity, Ocean Purpose Project, to clean a local beach.
The best way to volunteer in a foreign place is to look for local opportunities online and sign yourself up.
Don’t forget to verify the organisation to make sure the activity is safe and legal for foreigners to join.
Participating in a rewarding activity will not only cure loneliness but also be a chance to explore new experiences. It kills two birds with one stone.
2. Connect with Nature
If you are not a big people person but want to feel less lonely, nature is your best friend.
I loved taking a walk near the local river and visited the MacRitchie nature park for a hike.
Connecting with local flora and fauna kept me active and got me out of my isolation.
Before roaming around, remember to plan ahead and pack your essentials.
Exploring a new scenery is perfect to enjoy the thrill of independence.
3. Join a Group Activity
A great way to meet people organically is to attend a local event or join a community group.
I was walking past a few shops and spotted a public screening of the movie ‘Encanto’.
It was the perfect opportunity to watch a good movie, connect with locals and fulfil my craving for connection.
Ask around your accommodation, look for advertisements or search online for local events or group activities to join.
Before committing to anything, always check if you need to register or buy a ticket.
4. Call Home
Missing your friends and family is inevitable when you see something abroad that reminds you of them.
Fortunately with technology, company is only a call away.
Instead of ignoring my homesickness, I called a friend or family member to share the moment with.
You could also send photos to those back home or do a livestream on social media.
Don’t forget to buy a sim card or enable roaming to stay connected.
A quality check-in with the people you miss is the easiest way to not feel alone and will re-inspire your ambition to maximise your adventure.
5. Be Alone
All these tips are quick cures to feel less lonely on your solo trip. However, when you feel lonely, why not embrace it?
When you travel with someone, you are often tied to what the other person would want to eat or do.
Feeling lonely is the greatest reminder that you can do anything, eat anything, go anywhere and buy whatever you want.
Instead of finding a cure, lean into the feeling of loneliness and be your best friend.
Buy that cute souvenir, play your music loud and take advantage of your solo adventure. Don’t let loneliness rain on your parade of independence!
Original photos by Khushi Nijhawan