Solo travel has numerous benefits. It gives you time to think about yourself and gain a deeper understanding of who you really are and what you want in life.

Your journey will be smooth with no disruptions from family, kids, partners, or colleagues. But traveling alone has its own downside.

Loneliness may hit you and you may feel like your life is falling apart. This guide equips you with seven strategies to make long-term travel enjoyable.

1. Call home

One of the easiest ways to cure loneliness while traveling alone is calling the people you care about. They can be your parents, partner, kids or even best friends.

You can call them via Google Voice or Skype, and take it a notch higher through FaceTime or video-chat. Those loved voices will go a long way in neutralizing your blue moments.

2. Get out and meet new people

Going out, interacting with people and making new friends can be an effective solution to your loneliness.

Surprisingly, very few long-term travelers think about this quick fix to their loneliness problem. If you’re staying in a hostel, talk to other travelers and find out if hanging out for a couple of hours is something they’d like to do.

You can put up a notice on the board or chill out in the hall or kitchen where you can start a conversation with fellow travelers.

Talk about things to do and the amazing places they have visited. You’ll discover that you aren’t the only solo traveler and people are normally willing to share tips.

3. Take a walk

It’s easy to spend the whole day in bed when you’re in despair, but that’ll only make things worse.

The best thing to do is to go out and explore the neighborhood that you’re in. Use a map if you want to discover hidden treasures.

Finding something to do will help keep your mind off the fact that you’re actually alone. London is without a doubt the best destination for a solo trip.

When you visit London as a solo traveler, you’ll find taking a London free walking tour in the British capital refreshing.

You’ll be too busy exploring the majestic buildings, mind-blowing street art and scenic views to remember you’re lonely.

4. Seek out a travel companion

If you don’t feel like being alone any longer, consider finding one or two travel partners. Having travel companions can often enhance your experience.

Talk to other travelers in your hostel and find out who is heading where and whether they are willing to let you tag along.

There’s nothing wrong with having travel partners. You may just need a brief break from traveling alone.

5. Go out and party

Outdoor events attract many people and participating in a group activity can easily cheer you up. A merry environment is probably the best way to meet and make new friends. If you aren’t intimidated by crowds, you can take part in any outdoor happening.

6. Find a roommate

Staying with someone can enrich your travel experience and keep feelings of loneliness away. You can find people who are willing to stay with you through Airbnb.

Staying with a local family allows you to experience life differently than you would in a hotel room.

Florida for example is an excellent travel destination for long-term travelers who want to stay in vacation rentals where they can interact with locals.

7. Take a new challenge

Have you always wanted to try scuba diving, skiing, or horseback riding? You can also learn a new language or take a cooking class.

Now is the right time to face your fears and do that one thing you’ve been procrastinating to do. Taking up a new challenge may sound difficult at first, but once you get into it, it may just be your new passion.

Loneliness is a common feeling among solo travelers. Don’t let it overwhelm you and tear you down. Put in place these strategic measures to minimize those blue moments.

Remember to stay positive throughout the time you’ll be away on a solo trip.

Rilind Elezaj is a devoted career specialist who trained at Animas Coaching. He helps people make career choices that feel genuinely right for them. He usually helps the individual evaluate their background, curiosities, passions and training so that they can choose a job, business or type of further education that helps them be successful and fulfilled. When he is not helping others, you can find him exploring the deepness of nature.