Fighting Loneliness as a solo traveller in Bratislava

Greetings from Bratislava and officially COUNTRY #30 Slovakia!

Wow…30 countries, under 30. Yes I’m not 30 (yet), if you’ve been curious about my age. I won’t reveal it and don’t when people in person ask, it's my little human experiment right now.

I didn’t have any set plans for Bratislava, and am recording a YouTube video something like “ 10 days, No Plans in Slovakia”. Even with no plans, the life plan hasn’t really stayed consistent as my mental health has taken a bit of a lull.

Yes I’m OK and I will be OK. How are you?

If you’re solo travelling or considering solo travelling, something to know is being lonely will happen and depending on where you’re staying, what city you’re in or what kind of activities your budget allows, loneliness might creep up on you faster than expected.

A few things that have helped me:

• Get off TikTok (the mind numbing brings no value)

• ​PHONE a friend especially one from back home who knows you well and you can talk openly with

• Be kind to yourself

• Give yourself patience to come out of the lull

• Say hi and smile to the coffee shop, laundry mat or grocery store attendant to feel a moment of connection

• Ask my travel community if anyone else is in the same country to connect with

• Get outside. Feel fresh air.

As one friend reminded me, this feeling is temporary and with travel, the next day you could meet the most epic humans, or it’ll be the next destination to feel that spark again.

Feel free to reach out if you’re ever just in a meh mood. I can provide a listening ear and perspective from someone who just gets it.

We got this travel friend.