Tips For Beating Downtime Boredom When Traveling Alone

Making an itinerary for solo travel is a liberating experience, as all the activities planned are for you and only you. In fact, solo wandering comes with more than a few perks, including affordability, freedom, much-needed you time, and the opportunity to live life to the fullest with new friends and adventures (via Frayed Passport). While all of these accompaniments are great, eager travelers often overlook the downside of solo globetrotting. The truth is even if you cultivate an action-packed or dream getaway, there are still things that take newer solo explorers by surprise. 

Commonly, feeling a little homesick at first, occasionally wishing someone special was enjoying your incredible trip with you, and sometimes finding yourself a tad bored are notable downsides (per Always On The Shore). But the good news is that after you get a few solo trips under your belt, you know you can plan for these instances. Take being homesick or feeling the occasional bout of loneliness, for example: Both are fleeting moments that can easily be remedied by socializing with others and checking in with someone back home. And when boredom strikes, especially during your wisely scheduled downtime, all hope is not lost, as there are a variety of things you can do.

If you are one of those lone wanderers who do not like having idle time to themselves, then go back to the drawing board when boredom strikes. Maybe a few activities piqued your interest, but you decided against them when planning what your day-to-day would look like. Well, now is the perfect time to revisit those options, see what is available, and try something new — even if it is last-minute (via Mapping Megan).

There are countless apps and sites for booking activities that allow you to book same-day, when possible. If you can join the tour, outing, or hike of a lifetime on short notice, then there is likely no reason to sit idly by. In many ways, this is exactly what it means to travel solo and step outside your comfort zone. So don't let boredom get the best of you. Find an activity you are excited about — maybe even a little intimidated by — and enjoy. That said, if you are deathly afraid of heights or fear being up close and personal with the local wildlife, then now is probably not the best time to challenge yourself by scaling a mountain or going on a safari.

Speaking of the incredible time you are having, there is a reason why people say a picture is worth a thousand words. So while raving about your adventures with new and old friends or family, don't forget to show off your photos. Even if you are not overly passionate about photography, you probably still enjoy posting the good times or a picture here and there on your social media accounts (via The Zoe Report). Regardless of whether your goal is to truly capture the moment or show everyone what they are missing out on, you can take your photos to the next level with a few minor edits.

You will likely cherish photos that pop — like the ones that showcase just how delicious dinner was or how gorgeous the beach truly is in your destination — long after your solo vacation is over. So, if you have some downtime and nothing to do, consider editing your vacation pictures. There are many easy-to-use apps that allow you to edit your photos on your smartphone and tablet, including Snapsee, VSCO, TouchRetouch, Adobe Lightroom, and more (per CNET). This is a great way to pass the time that is enjoyable for all, especially for the shutterbugs.

If you have jet-setted off to places where you need to learn common phrases or another language, then any boredom during your downtime can be used wisely. By practicing your pronunciation and learning even more about your destination's language, travel really does become easier. In fact, travelers who have even just the basics down are considerably better equipped to mingle with the locals and typically have less difficulty navigating their daily excursions (via Fluentu).

Many international destinations do speak English as a second, or sometimes third, language. But that does not mean you shouldn't bother with the basics. Often people are more receptive to visitors who at least try to speak the native language, and it is a wonderful way to truly experience a place's culture (per The Zoe Report). Plus, practicing the language while on your solo adventure is a good way to pass the time in moments of boredom, so do not be afraid to brush up on the go. Who knows — in time, you may just become fluent in another language, which could come in handy on your next vacation or later on down the road.

Solo wanderers experiencing boredom should also consider joining a free walking tour or opt for some type of class. Free walking tours are a great way to learn more about your destination, get a better sense of the city or location you are in, and even get in some exercise. There are usually a variety of free tours available in the most popular vacation spots. Though they are exclusively walking tours, more often than not, you can still immerse yourself in local history, folklore, true crime, festive walks, lush outdoor spaces, and so much more.

Likewise, signing up for a group class is another great way to keep busy. For instance, taking a cooking or baking class can expand your palate, teach you a fun new way of prepping food, and allow you to socialize with others with similar interests. That said, if the last thing you want to do while on your solo adventure is cook or bake, that is perfectly okay. Interested travelers can sign up for classes for just about anything — from flower arrangements, glass blowing, and woodworking to sailing, horseback riding, and even samurai skills. So, if you feel like you need something to do, check out the classes available in your location. In your quest for some group fun, you might just be surprised at how quickly you can make friends when trying out activities such as these (per Frayed Passport).

Of course, solo wanderers do not need to take their downtime so seriously. You left room in your jam-packed itinerary to decompress for a reason — mainly because traveling can be exhausting (per The Whole World Or Nothing). Think about it: You have been catching flights, hopping on and off public transportation, walking around the city, strolling through museums, and even engaging in some outdoor recreation. So, taking some time for yourself on vacation is perfectly acceptable, especially on a solo one.

Enjoying some relaxing you-time on a solo adventure can look like lounging on the beach, listening to music, catching up on some rest, or even playing a game or two. Sometimes, a game of crossword puzzles, Solitare, Tic Tac Toe, or Sudoku on your phone (smartphone and Ipad or tablet) is all you need to have a pleasant time when you are in between activities and feeling bored (via Vagabondish). And if you are staying at a larger hotel or hostel, there are likely games like oversized chess boards, pool tables, and more waiting for lone adventurers who prefer to decompress IRL (in real life).

Likewise, solo travelers looking for an easy, no-fuss leisure activity to combat boredom can put on a comfortable pair of shoes and simply go on a walkabout. With sandy beaches, bustling city centers, gorgeous scenery, and a plethora of amazing attractions likely at your disposal, going for a stroll is not hard to do. So consider walking (not running) along the coast, wandering through lush parks, or going on a nature hike.

Self-guided walks are often extremely fascinating and more low-key than a guided walking tour. On your personalized walkabout, you can take the time to further appreciate your surroundings without trying to keep up with the group or being rushed to the next location. That said, if there is a nearby city or town that you want to explore, you may need to arrange transport first. But once you arrive at your intended destination, let your walkabout begin. You can also find a fun spot in town that is perfect for some good old-fashioned people-watching when you start to feel a little aimless (via Curls Enroute).