Travelling is one of the most exciting parts of life. Not only can you experience new cultures and ideas, but you get to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, giving you a chance to reflect on the past and prepare for the future. If you’re travelling without your family, however, read these top tips to ensure you have a great time.
- Keep in touch
It’s essential that you keep in touch with friends and family when you’re away from home – especially when you’re going for a long time. Take advantage of free Wi-Fi and services such as Skype and Facebook Messenger, and also consider the free international calls service offered by companies such as Planet Numbers. The more options you have when travelling, the easier it will be to spend time away from the ones you care about the most.
- Buy them gifts
If your friends and family can’t join you on your holiday, you can still make them part of your journey by buying them gifts on your way. Souvenirs are a great way to show your loved ones that you were thinking of them, but they also help you bring back a piece of your holiday with you. Avoid generic gifts like fridge magnets and t-shirts, and think outside the box when you’re travelling. Local delicacies (that are okay to bring back to the UK) and trinkets are some of the best options but ask around if you need advice on what to pick.
- Make memories that you can share
You may be travelling without your loved ones, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t share your experiences with them when you return home. Make memories that you can share together by recording videos, writing their names in the sand or even taking your child’s teddy bear with you and snapping pictures of them on your journey. If you’re big into bears, you could even check out this guide to the best destinations for teddy bear lovers.
- Find a support network
Our friends and family can give us the support we need to try new things and step outside of our comfort zones; without them, travel can be challenging. The best way to overcome this is to find a support network that you can rely on when you’re travelling – whether that’s a friend, a backpacker, a tour guide or a resident. Lonely Planet has put together a great guide to finding a travel buddy if you don’t want to go it alone.
- Plan for the future
If you’re missing your family, then consider making plans for when you return home. Whether that’s a simple catch up or a holiday away together, having an adventure to look forward to can make you feel less guilty about your travels without them.
There you have it – five great tips for travelling for a long time without your family. Whether you’re away for business or pleasure, have a great time, and remember that your loved ones are only a phone call away!
