How to Travel Alone – 10 tips for road weary travelers.

Published January 13, 2010 | By solotraveler

To travel alone for two to three weeks is one thing. But to travel alone for two to three (or five or ten) months, is quite another. It takes a different attitude and a different pace. And even when you do it well, it can result in you becoming road weary. It’s a kind of rattled feeling. It’s a need for stability and a wish for home. Well, there are things other than returning home that you can do to feel good.

Here’s 10 tips for road weary solo travelers:

Stay still. Try to find a way to settle in one place for a while. If possible, rent a furnished flat so that you can set up a bit of a home.
Stay still in a country where you speak at least some of the language. Being able to chat with people really helps.
Treat yourself. Whether it’s a small bouquet of flowers or a spa day or a fine scotch, do something special just for you.
Repeat yourself. Go to the same coffee shop, green grocers, restaurant… a number of times to get to know a few of the locals.
Connect with home via video. Once you’re online, Skype is free and a great way to feel close again.
See if there’s an expat community where you are or check out meet-up.com as a way to make friends.
Build something into your settled time that is familiar to you – something you typically do at home. It could be painting, knitting, cooking…
Check out the local library. There may be an English section. You may even be able to get a card.
Consider a job. Check online for some really unique opportunities for travelers.
Import some comfort food. Email home and ask for a care package of your favorite cereal or cookies that you haven’t had for a while.

The key to being on the road for a long time is to slow down and enjoy. Find the authentic you and honor it with care.

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Posted in How to Travel Alone

http://breathedreamgo.com/ Mariellen Ward
The truth is, one of the reasons I love India so much and that I am so comfortable there is because on my first trip, back in 2005, I fell in love with an Indian man in Delhi, and his family embraced me. His family became my family, and their home in Delhi became my home. I set up a pattern whereby I go traveling by myself in India for a few weeks or months and come back to Delhi to recuperate, recover and reconnect. It is my sanctuary. Now, not everyone is gong to have this experience, of course! But it has taught me the importance of sanctuary. My yoga ashram is also a sanctuary as it is in a very peaceful countryside setting, so it helps me recover from big city weariness.
Between the family life in Delhi and the peaceful ashram in natural surroundings, I can travel in India without fear of loneliness or burnout. I know I am very lucky, but I think everyone can find sanctuary if they so desire.
Mariellen
admin
Absolutely. I’ve worked that out in my travels as well but forgot. Sometimes one forgets what one does when it happens so naturally. Thanks for contributing.
http://www.shorttraveltips.com Vi @ Travel Tips
Also it is very nice if somebody from your friends join you during the trip for at least week or two. Event if you meet a lot of interesting people during trip it is not the same as your old good friends.
admin
Fantastic contributions as always Evelyn. Thanks!
http://www.journeywoman.com Evelyn Hannon
Well done. After being on the road entirely on my own for four months I can vouch that these types of tips worked well. I’d like to add two more ideas, Janice.
1) Before I set out I researched some of the courses being offered abroad (many posted on university bulletin boards at home). I found that a 1-2 week course gave me the opportunity to meet like minded folks, do projects with them, get to know a whole other community, etc. 2) If you’re a woman, look at http://www.HERmail.net. This is an international directory of females willing to mentor other females travelling to their part of the world. Some of my experiences using the site (which is a sister site to journeywoman.com) were magical and connected me with terrific folks.
admin
Good luck. You know that you have a world of friends on Twitter offering our support in any way we can. (Who would have thought that travel is hard work.
http://www.theplanetd.com Dave and Deb
We are feeling a little weary ourselves right now. Only two months in, but India has been hard work. These are great tips. We have been feeling that we are going to have to sit still for awhile ourselves. We just need to find a place that we love and are willing to sit still at:)!
http://www.virtualwayfarer.com @AlexBerger
While the longest I’ve done is 2 months solo on a 3 month trip – I definitely know the feeling. It definitely takes an added bit of energy and effort when traveling solo. The rewards are far more prolific and sweeter – but it’s easy to overlook the cost.
Great tips. I know that what worked for me was pausing for a week+ in one spot. Getting to know people by becoming a friendly regular at a few local places and allowing myself to relax and recuperate.
I think the use of Facebook on a regular basis also helps as it allows you to feel more connected with what’s going on back home.
Top notch! Thanks for the post.

How to Travel Alone – 10 tips for road weary travelers.

Here’s 10 tips for road weary solo travelers:

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