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!
Contents
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.
Jill Goodwin
Jill Goodwin, a seasoned wordsmith and avid outdoor enthusiast, skillfully weaves her passion for adventure into the fabric of her captivating storytelling. Accompanied by her loyal Australian Shepherd, Finn, Jill's content springs to life, immersing readers in the untamed beauty of landscapes and the spirit of exploration.
I have never tried traveling solo, but I do make it a point to unwind. I believe it’s important for our well-being.
I travel solo all the time for work! You shared some amazing tips! I can’t wait to use some of them next time I travel.
Traveling solo sounds like a great way to escape from daily life, and unwind. I find that I always have distractions or that I am needed as a parent.
What wonderful tips. I’m always a little nervous to try going solo but it’s so beneficial for the soul.
Thank you for sharing these amazing tips, I don’t travel by myself that often, And these will come in handy as well.
I have yet to travel solo myself but will take these tips onboard. I do love to be surrounded by nature so that would be a great way for me to relax and of course enjoy the pretty surroundings.
These are such great tips for anyone looking to travel solo for sure. I personally would never travel abroad by myself…. its always better with some friends or family. That is me personally. Love this and makes me want to go on vacation!
My favorite way to unwind is relaxing in a hot tub. I love hotels that offer this.
I love all these wonderful ideas. I think traveling solo can be so rewarding and relaxing. I would love to travel alone at least once.
I’d love to play games under the stars. How fun! I always like traveling solo.
Great tips and I wouldn’t know how to act traveling solo…LOL One day I’m going to do it, I’m going to pack up and head somewhere by myself.
Your tips on unwinding while traveling solo are incredibly helpful and inspiring.
I’m a travel solo lover & totally love your ideas sharing here & gonna apply all these tips to my next solo travel.
I love the idea of starting your day on a solo trip with yoga or walking meditation! Both of those are great ways to unwind!
Trying your hand at painting or photography on a solo trip are also great ideas since the trip will probably result in feeling creative!
Being under the stars at night is the most beautiful thing. I’ve done it a few times before and it’s amazing. This is an interesting and informative post for solo traveling.
Stepping outside your comfort zone and navigating a new place on your own can be a powerful experience for personal growth. stargazing and listening to the sounds are perfect. Yoga on the beach sounds great too!
Being quiet and just soaking it in is really a great one. So is yoga/mindful movement!
I love to travel but traveling solo is one thing that has always scared me. It sounds so peaceful and freeing to be able to do it alone. i need to take the plunge and just do it!
Embracing spontaneity while travelling solo can lead to some of the most memorable and fulfilling experiences. It’s amazing how saying yes to new adventures and connections can enrich your journey and bring you a sense of inner peace. Thanks for sharing these inspiring thoughts!
Thank you for sharing these practical tips for unwinding during solo travel! As someone who loves exploring alone, finding moments of relaxation amidst the hustle and bustle of a trip can sometimes feel elusive. But the idea of connecting with nature and immersing myself in its beauty resonates deeply
i have always shied away from travelling alone but your article makes me view it in a new light.
I’ll be travelling solo a lot in the coming year, so this is something I definitely need to try! I love this advice.
This is exactly what I needed! Traveling solo can be so rewarding, but sometimes it’s hard to unwind. Your tips are super helpful—I can’t wait to try them out on my next trip.
I think when we travel we are too focused on not missing anything that we cram as much as we can into our trip. This results in not having time to focus, unwind and actually enjoy the experience.
Whether I’m traveling solo or with the family, I always make time for my morning workout. It’s a great way to get centered and feel good for the entire day.
Embracing the unknown and little surprises you get when you travel is so important to having a great time.
Thanks for these tips about traveling solo. I travel by myself all the time and your words will come in handy.