How to Unwind While Traveling Solo

Finding it difficult to unwind while traveling? Jill Goodwin shares her tips below.

 

Whether you’re a pro solo traveler or a newbie, the usual idea behind a getaway is to unwind. But going on a solo trip doesn’t guarantee rest. Especially with all the legwork you must put in to get to your destination or when setting up camp.

To make unwinding when traveling solo more of a reality and less of a pipe dream, try one or more practical tips and ideas outlined in this article. The trick is to do what gives you peace and makes your heart sing. You needn’t try it all at once unless you want to, and it helps you chill. Let’s get to it!

 

 

Submit to Nature’s Embrace

Mother Nature offers a sanctuary like no other for women venturing into the wilderness alone. Nature’s patterns, welcoming openness, and awe-inspiring designs help to create a sense of wonder and peace that will envelop your soul if you allow it.

To boost relaxation, find the part of nature that speaks most to you because that’s where you’re likely to unwind. Some people prefer mountains, while others prefer the sound of the ocean, and some find sanctuary in forests while others find peace in desert scrub.

To connect with Mother Nature, start by immersing yourself in her embrace and appreciating the natural beauty around you. When you mindfully observe her natural beauty, you’ll see she’s been waiting to welcome you all along. Here are some ideas for outdoor activities:

• Lie on a blanket under a star-studded sky and look up.
• Listen to the symphony of nocturnal creatures.
• Inspect the design of the tiniest flowers.

 

 

Practice Mindful Movement for Inner Peace

Mindful movement is a gateway to inner peace, and as a solo traveler, you can focus on it whenever you want. These rituals help to create a rhythm or framework for appreciating the here and now. For starters, if you can travel alone, that is something to be grateful for.

Here are a few examples of mindful movement activities to help you find your Zen:

• Start your day with outdoor activities like a gentle yoga or Pilates session, allowing breath and movement to harmonize your mind and body.
• Engage in walking meditation, savoring each step as you immerse yourself in the present moment.
• Try an ancient practice like Tai Chi to cultivate balance and serenity.
• Be mindful when performing even menial tasks, acknowledging your senses and reinforcing the mind-muscle connection.

 

 

Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

Another way to unwind while traveling solo is to immerse yourself in the local culture. By embracing local culture with an open heart and curious mind, you can learn new skills and find relaxation through becoming more open-minded and tolerant of differences.

Additionally, cultural awareness can help put some of your life’s concerns in perspective. Aside from perspective, enjoying a local activity can also help you unwind and connect (and help you create memories, too). Here are some suggestions:

• Check out local publications to see if anything interests you. For example, try a pottery class or a traditional dance class. Practical activities like these help to soothe the mind and ignite creativity.

 

• Consider volunteer opportunities within the local community. I would choose to volunteer at an animal sanctuary, but you might want to do a forest or beach clean-up or help with nature conservation.

 

• If you’re a foodie, dive into the local culinary scene. The local flavors and textures (and locals) will undoubtedly share stories of tradition and heritage.

 

Escape into Literary Landscapes

Reading and journaling are cherished companions for relaxation and reflection. Take a hike and find a cozy spot amidst nature, and let the written word transport you to a distant land or introspective realm. However, choose books that inspire and uplift you, or lose yourself in a gripping novel.

Reading is one way to relax, but journaling is a therapeutic outlet for processing your thoughts and emotions and ultimately unwinding. It’s no coincidence that the words “journey” and “journal” have the same Latin root, meaning “today” (which is pretty cool to remember if you’re trying to be mindful of the present). So, bonjour! Capture fleeting moments and profound insights from your journey in your journal.

 

 

Play Games Under the Stars

Traveling solo is the perfect opportunity to play a few games alone and enjoy your own company. Sitting around a campfire gives you the freedom to relax with games like Bananagrams or Jenga without any real competition.

Of course, you can also play games on your mobile phone, but taking a digital detox while you enjoy outdoor activities is never a bad thing. We spend so much time connected that unplugging gives us extra space to unwind.

If you’ve taken your dog along on your adventure for a bit of company and emotional support, you can play some fun before-bed games with them, too. Hide a few treats and go on a treasure hunt, or pack a glow-in-the-dark ball and enjoy a few games of fetch.

Just be sure that wherever you are, you adhere to local pets in public spaces laws. For example, Kentucky may have one set of laws while Utah has another, so check before you travel that you’re not going to run into any red tape.

Express Yourself During Solo Adventures

Solo adventures offer a canvas for creative expression, helping you unwind. Consider capturing the natural beauty of your surroundings through photography, documenting your moments of awe and wonder. Or, do a bit of art—whether painting or crafting nature-inspired sculptures with clay or interesting materials.

Also, consider writing as a form of relaxation, penning poems or prose inspired by your journey. Allow creativity to flow freely through you as you express yourself, whether through sketching, singing, or dancing amidst the serenity of nature.

 

 

Embrace the Spontaneous and Serendipitous

One of the best ways to unwind on a solo trip is to abandon expectations and routine and let your journey unfold organically. You can do this by embracing spontaneity and saying yes to new outdoor activities and experiences, whether talking to other like-minded campers in your vicinity or going bungee jumping.

Serendipitous encounters often foster genuine connections and moments of joy, reminding us of the beauty in life’s surprises. Additionally, spontaneity can liberate us from stress and renew our sense of wonder.

 

Conclusion

Unwinding is an art form, and traveling solo is the perfect canvas. From tranquil moments between starlit skies to serendipitous encounters with fellow adventurers, each experience offers a pathway to inner peace and empowerment.

Go on, embrace spontaneity, and nurture your soul through mindful practices in new places; doing so will turn your solo journey into a transformative odyssey of self-discovery and serenity.

 

Your tips to properly unwind while traveling?

Is there anything you would like to add? Please do share your thoughts in the comments below.