Guide To Solo Travel When Grieving A Loss

Travel: A Powerful Tool for Healing After a Loss

Solo traveling can be a great way to overcome the loss of a loved one, whether a partner, family member or friend. There are countless benefits of solo travel or traveling in a group, and each approach offers its own advantages that support emotional processing and personal growth.

• Space for reflection: With uninterrupted time to process your emotions, solo travel serves as a good option for grieving at your own pace without any external pressures.
• Emotional release: Traveling solo puts you in a new environment for a fresh perspective, which can help you acknowledge your grief while also finding moments for peace and beauty.
• Reconnection: Grieving can make anyone feel lost. By getting the courage to pack your bags and explore a new area of the world, you can reconnect with who you are outside of your loss.
• Empowerment: Traveling solo can help build confidence and remind you of your resilience and ability to embrace life again.
• Support: Traveling solo with a group offers an excellent balance of solitude and support, offering you opportunities to experience personal moments while having the option of companionship when you need it.
• Shared connections: Being around others, even strangers, can offer unexpected comfort and support when sharing meaningful conversations that can aid in healing. Not only will you be able to connect with others, but these spirited conversations may lead to lasting friendships beyond your travels.
• Less logistical stress: Planning can feel overwhelming, especially when grieving. Traveling with a group takes the burden off decision-making, with logistics like transportation, accommodations and activities often arranged for you.
• Safety: A group setting provides a built-in support system for solo travel, offering reassurance in unfamiliar places while allowing you to comfortably explore at your own pace.

It’s common to have a fear of solo travel, especially when grieving. However, there are countless benefits that can help you heal and reconnect with yourself after losing a loved one. 

Five Stages of Grief

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross is known for introducing the five stages of grief. These stages are not linear, and some may find themselves in one stage longer than another. Or, they may experience these stages in a different order or intensity. However, understanding these stages of grief can help you heal and understand your emotions.

• Denial: The first stage of grief is denial, where it can be difficult to come to terms with the fact that a person you loved is actually gone. This stage acts as a defense mechanism to help your mind slowly come to terms with someone’s departure from this earth.
• Anger: The second stage of grief is anger, where feelings of frustration, helplessness and resentment may arise. This anger can be pointed at yourself, others or even the person who passed.
• Bargaining: During the third stage of grief, many find themselves bargaining or negotiating to try and make sense of their loss. This is where “what if” and “if only” thoughts arise, along with guilt or regret.
• Depression: Depression is the fourth stage of grief, where feelings of deep sadness, withdrawal or emptiness creep in. This stage is where the reality of the loss settles in, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and fatigue, along with a disinterest in daily activities.
• Acceptance: The final stage of grief is acceptance. This is not where one moves on but comes to terms with a loved one passing. Acceptance involves finding a way to adjust, heal and continue forward while still honoring the person who passed.

Overcoming the Fear of Solo Travel After Loss

Overcoming the fear of solo travel after a loss requires patience, self-compassion and preparation. This will be a gradual process that takes time. To start, acknowledge your fears, as these are natural responses to stepping out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s safety, loneliness or emotional overwhelm, understanding what’s holding you back from traveling solo can help you take the first step to a new adventure.

You can also start small. Consider a weekend getaway close to home before embarking on a longer journey. From there, you can then plan a bigger solo travel experience to a destination that feels comfortable. For example, if you seek peace, a quiet retreat in nature might suffice. Or, if you seek distraction, consider a bustling city.

As always, plan well ahead but stay flexible for spontaneity to explore attractions you might not have known about. You can also overcome fear when traveling solo by keeping in touch with loved ones on your adventure for added peace of mind. Checking in with friends and family allows you to share your experiences and foster connections. 

Steps to Prepare Yourself for the Healing Journey of Solo Travel

Preparing for your healing journey requires both emotional and practical planning. Here are some general steps to follow:

• Set an intention: Understanding why you want to travel and what you hope to gain from it, whether peace, reflection or simply taking a break from grieving.
• Choose a destination: Take time to pick a destination that feels right and aligns with your emotional needs, such as a quiet retreat or nature-filled getaway.
• Prepare emotionally: Understand that moments of sadness may arise, and allow yourself to feel these emotions without judgment.
• Stay connected: Check in with loved ones throughout your journey, but also give yourself time for solitude to grieve on your own terms.
• Embrace the healing process: Practice mindfulness, such as meditation or yoga, and try something new to allow for emotional release.
• Plan practically: Book flights, accommodations and activities in advance to reduce stress and research your destination beforehand.

Best Solo Travel Destinations

At Road Scholar, we have an exciting collection of solo travel offerings to choose from to help you navigate your grieving journey. Some of the best solo travel destinations include:

• Costa Rica: Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the pura vida way of life while discovering endemic species, relaxing on pristine beaches and enjoying local cuisine.
• Europe: From Croatia to England, Scotland, Montenegro and beyond, Europe is ripe with adventure. Explore cobblestone streets, visit world-class museums and discover medieval villages for an unforgettable adventure.
• Québec: Discover old-world charm without crossing the pond with a trip to Québec, where you can explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites and quaint local parks.

These are some of the many experiential learning adventures we have for solo travelers. Explore our full collection to find a program that piques your interest.

Travel Groups for Solo Travelers

Joining a travel group for solo travelers is a great way to grieve at your own pace while having social connections when you need them. At Road Scholar, we have a great collection of solo travel groups where you can join expert guides and a diverse cohort of like-minded learners, allowing you to connect with each other while discovering new cultures, wildlife and more.