When a long holiday rolls around, social media fills up with friends' travel plans and family outings. You might catch yourself thinking, "Guess it's just me this timeβ¦" and feel a little left out.
But here's the truth: a holiday spent solo is actually the best kind. No compromises, no schedules to sync β everything runs on your terms. This article is all about how to genuinely enjoy a holiday by yourself.
The Biggest Perk of Going Solo
The number one advantage of a solo holiday? Complete freedom.
- Wake up whenever you feel like it
- Go only to the places you actually want to visit
- Eat exactly what you're craving
- Change your plans on a whim
None of these are easy to pull off in a group. Shift your mindset from "alone = lonely" to "alone = free," and your whole approach to the weekend changes.
Things to Do on a Solo Holiday
Take a Solo Trip
The classic choice β and for good reason. Solo travel is more approachable than it sounds, even if you've never done it before.
Short-range solo travel (1β2 hours away) A day trip or overnight stay at a nearby hot spring town or sightseeing spot. Light packing, low pressure, easy to pull off.
Purpose-driven solo travel Pick one single goal β "I want to eat ramen at that specific shop" or "I want to visit that museum" β and build the trip around it. Even the journey to get there becomes part of the fun.
Solo camping Solo camping has exploded in popularity in recent years. Getting your gear sorted takes some effort, but the experience of spending time alone in nature is genuinely hard to beat.
Catch Up on Your Reading Pile
A long holiday is the perfect chance to finally dig into those books you've been meaning to read. No time pressure, no interruptions.
Brew yourself a good cup of coffee or tea, put on some music you love, and just read. Simple as that β and it makes for a surprisingly rich day.
Binge a Series
A lot of people use long holidays to watch an entire TV series from start to finish. Pick something you've been putting off and go at your own pace.
Choosing the order, setting your own pace β that's the solo viewer's privilege.
Actually Cook Something Ambitious
Use the time to try a recipe that's too involved for a regular weeknight. Spend the whole day simmering a curry from scratch, bake bread at home, or put a creative spin on one of your usual dishes.
The satisfaction of making something with your own hands β and then eating it β is something takeout just can't replicate.
Start Something New
A long holiday is one of the best times to finally kick off something you've always wanted to try.
- Start learning an instrument (guitar, ukulele, etc.)
- Try drawing or painting
- Begin a programming course
- Start a blog or journal
"I started this during that holiday" becomes a memory you'll actually look back on fondly.
Go to the Movies or a Museum Alone
People who can go to a cinema or art museum by themselves are, honestly, pretty free in the best way.
You focus better watching a film alone. You move at your own pace in a museum. No one to check in with β just you and the work in front of you.
Even during crowded holiday periods, weekday mornings tend to be relatively quiet, so that's worth keeping in mind.
Tips for Making a Solo Holiday Feel Great
Create Phone-Free Time
Scrolling through other people's highlight reels during your holiday will inevitably lead to comparisons. Deliberately step away from social media for stretches of time and you'll find it much easier to actually enjoy your own day.
Keep a Holiday Log
Take photos, jot down notes, write a short diary entry. When you look back later and think "oh right, I did that," it makes the whole holiday feel more full.
Give Yourself a Small Reward
Set up something to look forward to β "on the last day I'll eat at that place I've been curious about" or "I'll finally check out that new shop." Having a little treat waiting at the end raises the overall satisfaction of the whole holiday.
A Solo Holiday Is Time to Know Yourself
When you're always around other people, it can be hard to know what you actually want to do.
A solo holiday is a chance to reconnect with what genuinely makes you happy and what pace feels right for you. Think about how you want to spend your next one β and in the meantime, make the most of this one.