Vacationing alone is a unique experience that is becoming more popular every year. According to Visa’s Global Travel Intentions Study in 2015, one in five people have traveled on their own on their most recent leisure trip.
Increasingly more and more women are also enjoying the freedom that comes from vacationing alone. They can choose the destination and activities without having to compromise.
But sometimes it can get boring when you are vacationing alone. If you’ve already booked your next solo trip we’ve got six unexpected tips that will bring you joy when vacationing alone.
1. Enjoy a Meal By Yourself
One of the best solo experiences you can have when taking a vacation alone is to enjoy a meal by yourself. When you vacation alone you don’t have to compromise on the restaurants that you want to visit or the foods that you want to eat.
Eating alone can take some practice before you really feel comfortable doing it but its a life skill that will serve you well. But there are a few things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable.
You can start off small. Try breakfast or lunch by yourself before dinner which can often feel more intimidating. You have to walk before you can run, right?
During breakfast and lunch service you are much more likely to find solo diners which can take some of the pressure off. Take a newspaper or a book just in case you feel like you need something to do. Otherwise, sit back, relax, and enjoy the people watching. Eating alone is one of those solo activities that will give you a huge confidence boost after its over, so enjoy it!
2. People Watch
Since people watching has been brought up we should probably talk about this more in-depth. Spending time with yourself just relaxing and people watching is one of the best things to do alone.
It’s amazing to stop and think about how much we can earn about people when we people watch. People watch on the train or other transportation or from a park bench or sidewalk cafe.
Notice the people. What are they wearing? How old are they? Are they alone or with someone? Does it look they have somewhere to go?
Sometimes if two people are having a conversation, you can make up what they are saying to each other in yourhead. This can either be really silly and clearly not what they are saying or a serious guess as to what they are telling each other. Either way, it’s lots of fun.
We do recommend wearing sunglasses when people watching so you don’t get caught staring.
3. Talk to People
This seems like an easy one, but talk to people. It can seem intimidating at first to talk to strangers when you are vacationing alone but it can be quite fun. After you get the hang of it it will feel effortless and natural.
Talking to locals can help you learn more about the culture of the place and what the average person’s life is like there.
If you are looking for a conversation starter go with a simple, “Hi, my name is [your name] and I’m from [where you are from]. I’m only visiting for a week. Do you have any recommendations for things I need to see while I’m here?”
4. Learn the Language (or at Least Try)
Learning the language of a place when you travel is not only one of those fun things you can do by yourself, but it also shows the locals that you are attempting to learn their culture. It’s polite.
Try learning words that you will commonly use such as “good morning” or “thank you”. Many people are embarrassed to learn a new language or try to speak it because they will make mistakes, but mistakes are just a part of the process.
Even if you can only speak a little it can be enough to help you read signs or communicate your needs.
5. Spend Time in Nature
A new study finds that spending two hours a week in nature boosts your health and well-being both mentally and physically. Boost your health and well being while getting to know the landscape of the country you are in.
Look for local gardens or parks. Take a trip to the beach or go hiking through a forest. It really doesn’t matter what type of landscape you spend time in, just that you take the time to slow down and do it.
Going hiking or birding can help you learn about the country’s flora and fauna and cultural heritage. It can also help you get out and see more of the country or a different area.
6. Relax by Yourself
You don’t always have to be productive. It is okay to take a break and relax in your hotel. Playing a fun game by yourself like this bingo scanner may be just the mindless fun you are looking for after a long day of hiking or museums.
Vacationing alone is the perfect time to tune out distractions and recharge your batteries. Catch up on your zzz’s and become reconnected to yourself.
You can really learn a lot about yourself as a person through solar traveling and sometimes you need a break to reflect on things that you have learned.
Turn off your phone and electronics and schedule a day where you just hang out at the hotel. Go to the spa or take a long soak in the tub. Give yourself a little pampering, listen to music, or watch your favorite movie. It’s more than okay to relax by yourself.
Vacationing Alone Isn’t a Bad Thing
Is it weird to go on vacation alone? We don’t think so! Vacationing alone can be an amazing experience. Yes, it will have its ups and downs but all trips do.
Follow these 6 tips to bring you joy if you get bored on your next solo trip and browse our online magazine for some more healthy lifestyle tips!
