When I travel alone, people often ask me: don’t you get lonely? To which I reply: absolutely not! Far from it. There are always people to chat to, even if it’s just for a couple of minutes. Being an English speaker means that I get to speak to people from all over the world — travellers like myself — some travelling solo, others as a couple or family or part of a bigger group. So for me, loneliness is never actually an issue.
What is difficult, however, is deciding what things to do as a solo traveller! I’m the first to admit I’m a bit of a lazy traveller (homebody) and I’m not the sort of person to visit every spot mentioned in the guide book (actually, I rarely use a guide book). And while I like to book my visas, flights and accommodation well in advance, once I’m at my destination, I tend to wing it a bit (actually, quite a lot).
Usually on the first day, I take it easy. I go for a wander around my new neighbourhood to get my bearings (make sure you download a map for offline use if you don’t buy a local SIM) and locate the nearest supermarket and ATM. I’ll find somewhere appealing for lunch (or dinner, depending on what time I get there), and spend the afternoon in the pool (usually chatting to other guests).
While I’m eating, I’ll start looking at things I’d like to do, using Viator for inspiration. I check Pinterest (often I’ve saved guides and itineraries ahead of time). I’ll also check blogs and photography guides (photos are my souvenirs). And I’ll check the tours on offer at the hotel. I do a mix of formal and informal things, depending on things like transport, and how easy/difficult or expensive/cheap it is to get around, and what my energy levels are like, particularly if I am travelling for work.
So without further ado, here are my suggestions of things to do when you travel solo.
- Visit museums and educate yourself about local history
- Check out art galleries
- Check out public art spaces and projects
- Go to all the major tourist spots
- Ride the hop on hop off bus
- Go shopping at a local market
- Go shopping at a mega-mall
- Go shopping at your local supermarket
- Go shopping at a flea or second-hand clothing market
- Find a Meetup event
- Find an InterNations event
- Hire a local guide to show you the sights
- Book yourself on a walking tour
- Go on a cycling tour
- Go on a motorcycle tour
- Go on a food tour
- Go on a night cruise along the river (or day)
- Hire a motorcycle
- Take a cooking class
- Go on a half day tour
- Take an art class
- Go see a movie
- Go see the orchestra
- Find a jazz bar (or whatever type of music you like)
- Find a dance class (salsa is everywhere)
- Go for a walk along the beachfront (or lake or river)
- Eat different kinds of ice cream
- Try weird looking fruit
- Try an unusual local dish
- Try a refreshing drink
- Go see a cultural show
- Get lost in your new neighbourhood taking pictures
- Find a cute cafe (or bar) and people watch
- Get some clothes made at a tailor
- Browse a local bookshop
- Read by the pool
- Get a massage
- Get a facial
- Have a foot spa
- Get your nails done
- Catch public transport
- Take a language class
- Watch the sunset
- Watch the sunrise
- Check out the Botanic Gardens
- Take photos based on a theme
- Buy some textiles
- Order room service and just relax
- Spend the day by the pool (or morning or afternoon)
- Volunteer for a day (or a morning or afternoon)
- Chat to a local
- Go to my Things to Do Pinterest Board for inspiration!
What things do you like to do when you travel alone? What have I missed? Add your your suggestions to the comments…!
Image by Thangphan from Pixabay
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