Thinking about a holiday for single people but feeling a little bit nervous about making the first step? In today’s blogger interview psychologist and travel blogger Irene S. Levine gives some great tips for those who need a little bit of reassurance. She also explains why cooking, painting or Pilates holidays are fantastic for starting your solo adventures!
Want to find out more? Then keep on reading our inspiring interview with helpful tips for solo traveller holidays!
You’ve had a very exciting career – from being a psychologist to travelling the world as a freelance writer. What triggered your curiosity?
My career trajectory just seemed to unfold with one opportunity building on the skills and experiences of another. Of course, changing careers always involves some learning, retooling and willingness to take a risk.
Do you have 3 tips for someone who would love to try new things but feels nervous about making the first step?
- Ask yourself, “What is the worst thing that could happen?” Chances are it isn’t as bad as you think.
- Try to identify what about the new thing is making you nervous. Is it based on fact? Is it reasonable?
- Speak to someone who’s done what you want to do.
Your travel blog “MoreTimeToTravel” is for those who have “reached their midlife milestone birthday” – why do you think travelling in later life is such a great opportunity?
Depending on where you are at midlife, if you are lucky, things finally begin to settle down in terms of caregiving responsibilities for children and aging parents. You may also be less career-driven because either you’re settled in a career or moving towards retirement. It’s a special window of opportunity to think about what you really want to do, including travel, and to focus on collecting experiences rather than things.
You also have a blog that talks about friendships and “midlife loneliness”. What would you say causes the feeling of being alone and why can it be difficult to make friends later on in life?
People often forget that friendships are dynamic and change over time. We may have little in common except shared history with our childhood and university friends. Especially for women, each stage of life entails a transition (marrying, mothering, moving, being widowed, changing careers) that can topple long time friendships. Our friendships are resources that need to be nurtured and renewed.
What are your top 5 tips for people who feel a little bit lonely?
- Don’t succumb to the myth that everyone else already has friends. Nothing could be further from the truth.
- Get out of your house. Reach out to people around you whether in your neighborhood or workplace.
- Get a pet. Not only does it reduce loneliness and stress but walking a dog offers exercise and places you in contact with other dog-walkers
- Remember that when it comes to friendships, don’t expect too much too soon. It takes time for acquaintances to become friends.
- Connect with people over shared passions. Taking a class; joining a gym; take a trip; join a club, volunteer group or other community organization is a failsafe, non-threatening way to meet new people through repeated contact. It gives you a unique opportunity to choose those that seem friend-worthy.
We at Flavours combine travelling with giving people the opportunity to make new friends on our holidays for solo travellers. What do you think are the benefits of making friends this way?
Traveling with a small group of people is a natural way to bond over the shared experience of travel. You will probably be eating meals together and learning about each other—and will be free of the stresses and distractions of work and family at home.
Fire questions:
Favourite Italian dish: Anything with shaved white truffles on top
I can’t travel without…: My Longchamps tote bag
Travelling to me is…: Always a new adventure
Last Italian destination… Orvieto
Favourite Travel Quote: “All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.” – Psychologist Henry Ellis
Feeling inspired for your first time holiday for single people after reading Irene’s tips? Or wanting to get a little bit more information about joining our cooking, painting or Pilates holidays solo? Just give us a call and our team will be happy to talk you through or download our guide to solo holidays to read more about our previous solo travellers. If you have joined us already and would like to share your own experience then why not comment below?
About Irene: Irene S. Levine is a PhD, psychologist, author, blogger and freelance journalist. To find out more about Irene visit her blogs:
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