How to travel solo at Christmas without feeling alone.

It goes without saying, that Christmas can be tough on solo travellers. In fact, many single travellers refuse to travel over Christmas, because they don’t want to be alone. Unfortunately, for some it is unavoidable and they are not able to spend the holiday season with their loved ones. Maybe you are one of those people who are stranded because of the weather or maybe you are on an extended vacation and cannot afford a ticket back home. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t have to be a depressing time.

A personal experience over Christmas.

I remember many years ago, I travelled to Austria over Christmas. St. Johann was beautiful with Christmas lights and decorations in all the windows. As the evening progressed the streets became increasingly more quiet. Shops were closed and a light snow was falling. I looked for a coffee shop to drink a steaming hot chocolate but couldn’t find anything open. That was when I realized that people wanted to be home, with their loved ones. I felt lonely and missed home.

Things to do when solo over Christmas.

Skype:

What would we do without technology? Who says you cannot be included when the family gather around the Christmas tree? Yes, in today’s day and age most people have access to Skype or Google chat. Video chat is a great opportunity to connect with your loved ones when you are far away from home.

Travel with a souvenir from home.

If you know that you are not going to be at home, travel with a souvenir from home. Something special that will bring back warm and fussy memories.

Attend a church service:

Many Churches offer a midnight service. You don’t have to be religious or belong to a specific church to be able to enjoy a Christmas service. In the past I have attended many services alone and I never felt lonely. If you don’t want to go to Church, walk around and admire the architecture.

Community Groups:

Many Expats are in exactly the same boat than you. Browse the Expat groups and find people close to you that are also alone over Christmas. Better, post an advertisement and invite other solo travellers to join you on Christmas eve.

Volunteer at a shelter:

Volunteer work can be very satisfying and good for the soul and solo traveller. Christmas is about giving and sharing. Why not give something of yourself and share in the Spirit of Christmas.

 Home alone over Christmas:

If you are unable to do any of the above, choose your favourite Christmas movies, cook a nice meal and enjoy the time alone. Watching classic Christmas movies like Home Alone I or a Christmas Carol will bring back lovely memories spent with loved ones and the .

Merry Christmas from Nelmitravel and may you have a blessed time wherever you are!