Going on vacation alone can awaken a very understandable feeling of loss.
Nearly 20% of adults say they suffer from unwanted loneliness. A feeling that is often accentuated during key periods such as bereavement, a breakup or summer vacation.
However, solo vacations are not inevitable. When you choose to no longer endure this state, traveling alone becomes a magnificent opportunity to reconnect with yourself.
Learn to listen to yourself again without noise
Everything changes at the moment when solitude ceases to be perceived as a void and becomes a privileged interior space. Psychologist Beatriz Gil Bóveda highlights the benefits of this experience.
“When we don’t have to adapt our pace to anyone and when we can listen to ourselves without noise, very beautiful things can happen: rest, mental clarity, decision-making and experiencing forgotten emotions.”
To prepare for this inner terrain, there is no need to schedule hyperactive days. The expert advises setting simple intentions: enjoying a sunrise, walking without rushing, or keeping a logbook.
Above all, she invites us to release the pressure: “Rest and ‘dolce far niente’, that is to say the sweet moment of doing nothing and not feeling guilty, are also precious; just like letting emotions flow: If you feel sad, cry. If you feel joy, celebrate it. If silence scares you, listen to it. Sometimes being alone is not a sign of emptiness, but of reconstruction.”
Find your rhythm and create connections that reflect your image
Going alone works even better if you choose activities that you sincerely want, while accepting what arises without self-judgment. Psychologists recommend alternating time for yourself (a long coffee on the terrace, a visit to the museum) and light moments of social contact.
To gently break the ice without distorting your trip, several options exist:
- Join a guided tour or a “free tour” to meet other travelers for an afternoon;
- Participate in thematic retreats (yoga, hiking, creation) offering a structured and reassuring setting;
- Engage in conversation in shared spaces, like hostel lounges or local cafes.
Social networks: watch out for the mirror effect
During the holidays, there is a great temptation to take refuge behind your phone. Psychologist Gabriela Paoli warns against the use of screens, which can exacerbate the feeling of isolation.
“Virtual interactions often lack the emotional depth of face-to-face relationships, and excessive use or dependence on these platforms can exacerbate, intensify and prolong the feeling of isolation.
It’s not about cutting yourself off from the world, but about consuming the virtual world with moderation. Use networks with intention: give reassuring news to your loved ones or exchange on solo traveler forums, without letting other people’s stories pollute your present.
Ultimately, solo vacations offer a valuable break from external expectations and reconnect with your basic needs. By taming your own rhythm and welcoming each emotion without guilt, you will transform this time for yourself into a real stage of personal reconstruction.