Traveling alone can be a daunting prospect; there are issues surrounding safety and, of course, loneliness. Not having a companion with you on the road can be hard and it is this thought that puts many people off biting the bullet and going it solo. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, there are numerous options for those with itchy feet but no travel buddies.
Group Tours
Desperate to get to Peru, Brazil, or Argentina but don’t fancy wandering unknown streets by yourself? Don’t worry! If you can’t drag a friend along, you could always join a group tour to South America, where you can meet like-minded people. Group tours are great for first-time travelers or those who want to meet fellow travelers along the way. Many of them offer a range of activities that are best enjoyed with others and you have the added support of a tour leader who takes care of your itinerary. If you’re worried about sacrificing your freedom, note that many tours of this kind offer free days and flexible itineraries so you can wander around on your own if you wish.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to get to know your surroundings whilst helping out with a worthwhile cause. In addition, there will usually be a team of you working together for a period of time, meaning there is ample opportunity to make friends and sap the potential loneliness of traveling alone. If you want to get under the skin of a place, or simply want to help the needy, volunteering is by far the best option. You can travel to the destination alone meaning you don’t have to convince your friends to join you but once there you will meet plenty of local people as well as like-minded travelers who are in the same boat as you.
Learn a Language Abroad
Want to travel to China and get to know it inside out? Then you might want to learn Chinese in Beijing. Learning the native language gives you a deeper insight into the customs, traditions, and culture of the place whilst having ample time to explore the region. Joining a language school abroad is perfect for making friends if the thought of traveling alone doesn’t appeal to you. There is still the freedom to get out and about and discover attractions on your bucket list but you also have the added bonus of support from the school as well as a network of colleagues and fellow learners who can help stave off the loneliness of traveling alone.
However, you choose to travel, remember that traveling solo doesn’t have to be lonely. There are plenty of people out there in the same boat as you who are waiting to get acquainted and, who knows, you may find a travel buddy for life in the process!