Alternatives to Traveling Alone

If you fear traveling alone and feel a bit intimidated, don’t worry! This feeling is normal, especially if you’ve never done it before. There are ways you can make a solo trip more comfortable, but if you’re not up for it, try out one of the alternatives to traveling alone below.

Ways to Avoid Traveling Alone

1. Form a Group and Travel Together

There are tons of travel agencies that organize group trips. Though they might restrict you to fixed dates and locations, at least you won’t be alone. Even though it’s a group adventure, you can still book a single room to allow you some privacy.

When you aren’t on tour, chat with locals to learn about the best spots. Group travel is also a great way to meet new people, which can form strong long-term friendships. You can find many group trips to countries like Thailand, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Some tour groups have flexible schedules and destinations that are perfect if you don’t want to commit to a single route. You’ll also be with other travelers looking for adventure, so you could even network and form your little travel group.

2. Volunteer Work

Volunteer work is a fantastic way to explore a new country and give back. Many countries have volunteer programs that place foreigners right alongside locals. Since most volunteer projects last weeks or even months, they give you a more immersive travel experience than regular tourism.

Here are some fun volunteer programs for travel:

• Teaching English to local children
• Wildlife conservation projects
• Medical aid
• Business leadership programs

Most volunteer groups will have specific guidelines. You will be required to do a certain amount of work, and you might be restricted to a particular region. Despite this, you’ll still have time to do some exploring and see the country.

3. Study/Work Abroad

Studying or working abroad is by far the best way to experience a foreign country. You’re directly involved with their economy and get to mingle with locals almost every day. If you can sign up for a study abroad program, you should look into it.

Most of the time, you’ll be with a group of international students, so you don’t need to worry about being completely alone. For work assignments, you’ll most likely be working with a team of local or foreign nationals who are well versed in the culture.

The world has become more global. Studying or working abroad gives you a bigger perspective and opens up a lot of opportunities. Plus, it puts you in some fun, challenging situations and teaches you how to live in a foreign country.

You can take these learning experiences and grow with them. Imagine how much you’ll know and the stories you’ll have upon returning to your hometown.

4. Visit a Friend or Relative

Do you know anyone who lives abroad? If so, it’s time to call them up and plan a visit. Many people don’t want to be intrusive, but you don’t need to take up all of their time. Just having a familiar face nearby is enough to get over the anxiety of traveling alone. Besides, knowing someone local is an excellent way to explore unknown areas.

5. Go on a Cruise

Cruises are fun and full of people. Though they aren’t as adventurous as traveling to a faraway city or country, it’s still fun to get away from home. Enjoy a sunset cruise in Tulum with entertaining activities  you can enjoy every day.

Here’s why you should take a cruise:

• You don’t need to worry about transportation
• Everything is in one convenient location — the ship
• They’re quite affordable
• You have a bunch of staff to help you at all times

6. Attend Local Events and Parties

Do you like to party? Check out some events or parties on the internet, and you’re bound to meet tons of people. Many events are open to everyone, so you don’t need a ticket or reservation to attend. You can always continue your travels with people you meet at events or parties. You’ll also get a taste of what locals like to do for fun.

7. Take a Class That Requires You to Travel

How cool would it be to learn Chinese in China, or how to cook Penne Bolognese in Italy? Taking up a new skill in a foreign country is an exhilarating way to walk on your creative side. For starters, you’ll learn a new skill that you can use throughout life. Plus, you’ll be interacting with local students and instructors.

8. A Work Holiday May Be All You Need

A working holiday (also known as an open-ended adventure) is when a country allows a foreign national to stay longer than the average tourist. This kind of trip requires a special visa, as you’ll be allowed to work small jobs to fund your stay.

Some countries that issues working holiday visas include:

• China
• Thailand
• Taiwan
• South Africa
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Mexico

While this kind of trip has a lot of limitations, it’s worth checking out if you’re eligible. You’ll find tons of jobs (mostly at hotels and resorts) that offer housing and other amenities to make your stay more comfortable.

While taking a working holiday, you’re likely to be alongside other people, so you won’t need to worry about being alone. Working holidays also give you real-world experiences that can benefit you in your future career path.

9. Escorting

Escorting is a great way to cure the loneliness of solo travel. Many websites offer escorting services that are safe and reliable. You can meet with a local escort upon arriving at your destination and travel with someone from your home country. Make sure you tell your companion all about your travel plans to make sure it’s convenient for both of you.

What Are You Waiting For?

While solo travel can be fun, it’s always better to have some company. With the alternatives above, you’ll never have to travel alone again. Traveling is about investing in memories, so make sure you get out of your comfort zone and try something new.