One Day Alone: A Group Traveler’s Day of Freedom

There are times when traveling solo is not an option. In this case, carving out and taking at least one day alone should be.

Perhaps you're going on a group tour, to a family reunion or a destination wedding. Maybe a partner truly wants to travel with you all the time (though I hear from many who find the opposite) or a friend needs extra support when traveling.

Whatever the reason you're traveling with others, I think there is a good case to be made for taking at least one day solo.

Being with people 24/7 is not a normal state for most people. We all have some time during the day that is quiet and we are by ourselves. Whether we create that time intentionally or it's part of the natural flow of life, there is time for yourself.

That same alone time needs to be created when traveling with others. Traveling in a group can be exhausting. Following the guide or collectively trying to decide where to eat can be tedious.

In the newly-published Alone Time, clinical psychologist and professor of psychology, Sybil Geldart, PhD shows that solitude is not only a “nice to have” but that it also contributes to our health and wellbeing.

Time to yourself is rejuvenating and can result in you being a better travel partner. So, let's go for it. Below are tips for carving out a day of freedom in a variety of travel situations.

Tips for Taking Time to Yourself when Committed to Others

I first noticed this need for time to myself when a lot of family landed in my home for an extended stay during a family reunion. A large, very extroverted family. Without thinking too much about it, one afternoon I took off for a long bike ride. It was years later that my sister-in-law mentioned this. She had noticed it but not because she was offended. She respected the fact that I took care of myself.

This is, in essence, what I encourage you to do. Take care of yourself.

Whether you're an extrovert or an introvert, here are some tips for taking a day alone when traveling with others.

1. Choose the right type of group trip for some solo time. You can find time to yourself even when you take an organized tour. First, choose the tour correctly. The best opportunity is on what is called a hub and spoke tour. In this case, the group typically stays in one location for a number of nights and moves locations only rarely. This means that you can choose not to join the group one day and not be left behind. They'll return from their day and you will have had a day on your own. For ideas for a more traditional bus tour read Finding Solo Time on a Group Tour.
2. Schedule your alone time in advance. Whether you're on an organized tour or traveling with companions, there is usually an itinerary that everyone agrees on. Look at it, choose the day of least interest to you, and plan your own adventures for that day. The important thing is to let people know in advance that you will do so. You're not being rude. It's not because you don't like the people you're with or the day's plan. It's just that this is something that you need from your trip.
3. Take spontaneous solo time. If the itinerary is not set, you need to be ready to be more flexible about finding your solo time. You don't have to visit every site or take every day tour that your friends want to take. Find joy in experiencing your trip your way and returning to the group with something different to share while listening to their experiences as well.
4. Build alone time every day to add up to a full day alone. Sometimes a full day is not possible. In this case, take snippets from the day. Enjoy the free time that is typically offered after a local tour and enjoy it by yourself. There are often optional activities such as drinks before dinner. Listen to yourself and your needs and take that time to yourself.
5. Enjoy sunrises and sunsets. These are typically times of day that not everyone is up for. They are great opportunities for getting out on your own. Plus, they are the best times of day for interesting light and great photos.
6. Add a goal to your trip that requires you to be alone. It can be something as simple as posting photos to family back home or getting a book read for your book club meeting on your return. Whatever it is, set the stage and let people know that you have other goals for your trip than just to be on holiday,

The truth is, you will not be alone in your desire to have time alone or even a full day to yourself. The challenge can be the fear of missing out. It takes listening to yourself to ensure that you get what you want from your trip, especially if it is one day alone.

You might also enjoy Solo Traveler On a Group Tour: It’s Not What You Think.