There’s something special about travelling solo. You set the pace. This is your adventure and you get to create an itinerary that suits you.
But while you have a lot to do, from organising transport to booking hotels, there are moments of downtime. In airports and cafés, or during quiet evenings in unfamiliar towns. In these moments, it’s worth having a go-to toolkit to keep you going.
Solo Travel: What to do when you stop exploring?
Embrace digital diversions
Plan for the quieter moments by loading your phone or tablet up with downloaded TV shows or films. Long train rides become cinematic experiences, and delayed flights don’t feel as time-sapping when you’re following a gripping series. Before you set off on your trip, think bout what you’d like to watch and make sure you have the apps on your device.
Image provided by Roberto Nickson (Unsplash)
If you’re more of a listener, you could download audiobooks or podcasts. Choose topics that excite you. Podcasts also make excellent companions for walks or downtime in your accommodation – you might even find some podcasts that take you through the places you’ll be visiting.
For interactive entertainment, dive into mobile games. Puzzle apps, narrative games, or even the ever-expanding world of online slots can keep you entertained. For instance, Megaways slots offer different ways to play and win, making them a popular choice for quick, engaging sessions.
Connect with fellow travellers and locals
Whether you make some friends or pick up some travel tips, taking the time to speak to people while on your travels can be valuable. Choose hostels or small guesthouses with common areas where conversation flows easily. A shared kitchen or lounge becomes a natural meeting ground where you can all bond over shared experiences.
Inside Happynest hostel
It’s also worth getting to know local people where you’re staying. This not only gives you the chance to finds out more about the area but gives you a chance to soak up the culture.
Immerse yourself in local culture and activities
Your surroundings are the richest source of entertainment. Discover what’s on offer and tag along. You could join a free walking tour, visit a tiny gallery, or lose track of time in a museum’s quiet corners.
Traditional Berber Soup in Marrakech
Trying the local cuisine is another way to have authentic experiences. Skip the chain restaurants. Hunt down street food stalls or regional dishes the locals love.
Cultivate your inner world
There are a few ways to set aside time to be mindful. You could read a good book, for instance. Whether you’re stretched out in a sunny park or tucked away in a bustling café, reading adds colour to quiet moments.
Journaling also deepens your connection to the journey. It doesn’t need to be poetic, just honest. Reflect on the day, sketch the coffee shop you visited or note a conversation that stuck with you. Journals preserve more than facts; they capture emotions and small details that photos never will.
Plan for active relaxation and wellness
Entertainment doesn’t always mean noise or screen time. Sometimes, it’s about movement or stillness. Go for a walk, try a drop-in yoga class, or take a bike ride. Movement keeps you energised and engaged.
Practise mindful relaxation too. A simple breathing exercise in your room or a moment of gratitude by a riverbank can shift your whole mindset.
Mix activity with moments of calm, and you’ll return home feeling enriched, not exhausted.
Solo travel offers more than sights; it gives you space. Fill that space wisely, and you’ll never feel alone, only free.
Have you travelled solo? Would you recommend the experience to others? Are some countries better than others for solo travel?
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