How to Avoid Loneliness and Boredom on Solo Travel

Picture this: You’re standing in a charming piazza in Florence, gelato in hand, surrounded by centuries of history—and yet something feels missing. Solo travel can be one of life’s most transformative experiences, but even the most independent spirits occasionally yearn for connection or struggle with moments of solitude.

Here at Frayed Passport, we’re passionate advocates of solo travel. Venturing out on your own creates an adventure unlike any other—it pushes you beyond your comfort zone, grants you complete freedom over your schedule, and allows you to craft an experience that’s uniquely yours. But let’s be honest: even the most exciting solo adventures can have their challenging moments.

The Reality of Solo Travel: Both Freedom and Challenge

Whether you’re a digital nomad working from Bangkok cafes, an expat settling into life in Barcelona, or a backpacker touring through Southeast Asia, those quiet moments between adventures can sometimes feel a bit too quiet. Your journey might span a long weekend or stretch across months, but regardless of duration, there will inevitably be times when you wish for a friendly face or feel worn down by the daily logistics of navigating life abroad.

The good news? Feeling this way is completely normal, and more importantly, there are proven strategies to transform those moments of loneliness into opportunities for growth and connection.

Planning Your First Days in Solo Travel

Plan a few structured activities at least for your first couple of days after arrival. You don’t need to commit to anything major—just some activities to get you out and exploring the area, like trying out the metro system or taking a walk to get a feel for the neighborhood and distances between spots you want to visit during your journey. Being thoughtful with planning gives you some structure and focus in an unfamiliar place, and reduces some anxieties and stress you might have around being alone.

Build Your Travel Community: Both Online and Off

The world is full of fellow solo travelers eager to connect, and there are so many ways to reach them! Here’s how to build your travel community:

Digital Connections

• Join destination-specific Facebook groups like Solo Female Travelers (400,000+ members) or Digital Nomads Around the World
• Explore platforms like Meetup for local events and gatherings
• Use apps like Bumble BFF specifically designed for platonic connections
• Connect with other travelers through platforms like GetYourGuide

In-Person Opportunities

• Stay in social hostels or co-living spaces where community events are common
• Take group walking tours on your first day in a new city—they’re perfect for orientation and meeting people
• Join local language exchange meetups—they’re usually free and attract both travelers and locals
• Look for expat sports leagues or hobby groups in your area

Safety First

When meeting people from online platforms, always consider the following safety tips to ensure a secure and comfortable experience:

• Choose public places for your meetings and schedule them during daylight hours to enhance safety and visibility
• Inform trusted friends or family members about your plans by sharing your location with them, so they know where you are at all times
• Listen to your instincts—if something doesn’t feel right or seems suspicious, it’s perfectly acceptable to cancel the meeting
• Begin with group activities to get to know the person in a safer environment before considering more private one-on-one meetups

Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

The beauty of solo travel lies in your ability to dive deep into local life without compromise. Here are some enriching ways to connect with your destination:

Cultural Activities

• Take a cooking class—go on an immersive culinary adventure by learning to make traditional dishes such as pasta in Rome, where you can discover the secrets of Italian cuisine; pad thai in Bangkok, where the vibrant flavors of Thai street food come to life; or empanadas in Buenos Aires, where you can master the art of creating these delicious Argentine pastries.
• Join local festivities—jump into cultural celebrations and festivities if you’re welcome to them! That can be as big as the world-famous Carnival in Rio, where the streets come alive with music and dance, or a little, local fair, like a small town’s harvest festival, where you can experience the community spirit firsthand.
• Explore traditional crafts—a few ideas include trying your hand at pottery in Japan, where you can learn the intricate techniques of this ancient craft; weaving in Peru, where the bright colors tell stories of history and culture, or painting in Paris, where you can capture the artistic spirit of the city.
• Attend local sporting events—This could be the most unforgettable part of your travel experience.

Language Learning

• Download language apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise before your trip
• Practice with language exchange partners through iTalki or Tandem
• Watch local TV shows with subtitles
• Shop at local markets and practice basic phrases with vendors

Create Your Comfort Zone Abroad

Even the most adventurous travelers need downtime. Here’s how to create moments of comfort while far from home:

Digital Comforts

• Create a playlist of favorite podcasts for long train rides or quiet evenings
• Download offline content from your favorite streaming service for rainy days
• Keep e-books handy for cafe visits or beach days
• Use apps like Calm or Headspace for meditation and mindfulness

Staying Connected with Home

• Schedule video calls with family and friends
• Share your experiences through a blog or private social media account
• Create traditions, like watching your favorite show “together” across time zones
• Send postcards or small gifts home—it helps maintain meaningful connections

Self-Care Routines

• Establish a morning routine that feels familiar, whether it’s yoga or journaling
• Find a local cafe that becomes “your spot”
• Keep some comfort snacks from home in your bag
• Create a cozy space in your accommodation with photos or a favorite scarf

Embrace the Solitude

When you travel, solitude offers you a unique opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. It allows you to step away from the noise of daily life and explore your own thoughts and feelings. In these moments of quiet, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your desires, and your goals. Rather than seeing solitude as a source of boredom, embrace it as a chance to connect with your inner self and enrich your travel experience.

Making the Most of Solo Moments

Remember, feeling lonely occasionally doesn’t mean you’re doing solo travel “wrong.” These moments might lead to the most meaningful parts of your journey because they challenge you and give you the opportunity to get creative.

The key is finding the right balance between seeking connection and embracing solitude. Some days might be filled with group activities and new friendships, while others might be quiet days of reflection and self-discovery. Both are equally valuable parts of the solo travel experience.

What’s your favorite way to connect with others while traveling solo? Share your experiences with the Frayed Passport community—your tips might help fellow travelers on their own journeys!

About the Author

As the editor in chief of Frayed Passport, my goal is to help you build a lifestyle that lets you travel the world whenever you want and however long you want, and not worry about where your next paycheck will come from. I've been to 20+ countries and five continents, lived for years as a full-time digital nomad, and have worked completely remotely since 2015. If you would like to share your story with our community, or partner with Frayed Passport, get in touch with me at sarah@frayedpassport.com!

Featured image by Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Unsplash