How to deal with loneliness as a solo traveler

Takes a good deal of decisiveness and courage to go on an adventure. Going on a solo adventure takes the challenge to a whole new level. Often, more challenging than the challenge itself. Stepping into an unknown land is an enriching and exciting experience. And the very fact of doing it on your own will force you to discover the place – and yourself! - in depth. From loneliness to being completely auto sufficient, a solo journey demands a high level of commitment, mental strength and confidence.

How to know if you are up to the challenge? Well, probably you won’t know it until you are on the road, hiking, cycling, or sailing all by yourself. But most likely you will be surprised by how quickly you develop all the right skills to tackle your endeavour.

"I started my big adventure with a colleague but he quit after 8 days"

Here is the thing, what you think at the beginning – or even before to depart- will differ hugely from what you‘ll think during your daring experience.

‘I started my big adventure with a colleague but he quit after 8 days. I felt physically sick at the prospect of going alone but I soon realised I was better by myself - I became very good on my own, could go at my own speed without worrying about anyone else and found meeting people much easier’ admits Trevor Lund, who cycled 25.000 km across the length of the Americas all alone. He went from feeling sick just thinking about it, to feeling relief and proud after pedalling some kilometres on his own. No doubts it requires a high dose of self-motivation and determination to arrive at destination but is on the road itself where these qualities manifest.

"The biggest challenge for me initially was loneliness"

Trevor Lund - epic adventurer and talented writer - is very honest about the challenges involved: ‘The biggest challenge for me initially was loneliness, especially when cycling from Argentina to Alaska. I was on a low budget and often sleeping beside the road. I adjusted to being alone though, began to enjoy my own company, took time to look around and kept myself busy - cooking, writing a diary, writing letters home (I had no phone and no electronic means of contacting the outside world). I also tried to stay in a hostel every few weeks to meet people which gave me something to look forward to.’

Loneliness is one of the hardest things to overcome once one hits the road as a solo traveller. Can be most apparent when you wish there was someone else to share the memories with. Holding onto your camera and enjoying photographing your exploit can be a way to ease the solitude. Embracing your own company, however, can be the way to enjoy it, and ending up empowered as a result of it.

 "Go for it. Perhaps try some smaller journeys alone first to build your confidence"

The opportunity to explore a piece of the world on your own is tough, exhausting but a mind-stretching luxury. Not only you will meet the most admirable people as you travel, but you will also become one of them. Author of the book ‘North to Alaska’, Trevor Lund, encourages ‘Go for it. Perhaps try some smaller journeys alone first to build your confidence. There are lots of other solo travellers out there who would love to meet you and hear your stories. Smile at the locals and at other travellers - be welcoming and friendly. People will want to help you out if you're approachable.’

 Pack your stuff. Smile and thrive.

Special thanks to Trevor Lund for sharing his experience. Learn more about his journey and read inspiring excerpts from his book in  Exploraris.com. Follow Trevor on social media. Buy his book "North to Alaska" here.