How To Survive Christmas While Solo Travelling
Solo travelling is one of the most fulfilling things you can do, but homesickness can sometimes be overwhelming, especially around the holidays. Here is how to survive your first Christmas abroad and make the most of this wonderful time of year!
The above image is actually me during Christmas 2024, in Japan. I was working a ski season there, something I have done for the past 4 years now. That’s 4 Christmases away from home.
I’d be lying if I said it got easier, as I always feel most homesick around Christmas. It is just the time that makes me think of family and my loved ones the most.
That being said, I still have come a long way from my very first Christmas away from home, where I was just 18 and on a Gap Year in Australia. I remember crying all day, regretting all my life choices and having a miserable Christmas.
Nowadays it’s nothing like that anymore, and while it is still sad, I have come to like these Christmases spent abroad, with new friends and different traditions.
So, here is how you can make the most of your Christmas abroad, as well as some tips to overcome any negative feelings and experiences.
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Tips for surviving Christmas as a solo traveller:
Location matters, but people matter more
Many say that to enjoy Christmas abroad, you need to be in the right destination. That could mean somewhere that celebrates Christmas, somewhere with amazing decorations or somewhere with the most other solo travellers.
And while they are all fair points, I wouldn’t fret about the location as much. I have seen countless solo travellers do so, only to get caught up in a new destination that may on paper be “perfect” but feels off personally.
I think it’s more important that you are at whatever location you choose (or end up in based on your travel plans) a few days beforehand and able to build a community. Almost everywhere you go nowadays, you will meet at least one other solo traveller. So, your mission, is to find that other person and stick to them.
That may sound a little silly, but nothing makes a destination feel more “homely” and “festive” than knowing someone else and being able to share those days with them.
If you are struggling to find other travellers, try Facebook travel groups. They really come alive at Christmas and you’ll be surprised by just how many people are in the exact same boat as you.
Make plans for Christmas Day
My first Christmas away from home, I felt super lost all day. While I knew my loved ones were celebrating at home, I was on the other side of the world.
I’d recommend to plan out your day as much as possible. Start by grabbing a nice breakfast somewhere, maybe book a tour or local show and then plan a Christmas dinner in the evening with those around you. I personally find a potluck always works really well. That could be people you met travelling, hostel mates, people from travel Facebook groups, anything like that.
Knowing you have that plan and sticking to it means you don’t have too much “free” time to overthink and let negative emotions take over. Instead, you’ll be having a lovely day.
You could also join a local Christmas event, many countries have local traditions going on that are a joy to take part in.
If you are worried about this part and would rather have plans made for you, there is no better solution than staying in a hostel. Here, you are guaranteed to have other people around you on Christmas Day, plus hostels always plan something special like a dinner for that day.
Call your loved ones
While keeping busy on Christmas day is important while abroad, I think it’s equally as important to plan in time to call or facetime your loved ones. Take time difference into account when making these plans, but call!
My first Christmas, the call made me even more homesick, but I still wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Keep in mind that your loved ones are likely missing you just as much (if not more) than you are missing them. Making that time to see each other, even if only virtually, is a really crucial part of the day for everyone involved.
One tip I would have is to try and find a private location for the call and maybe not call your family when they are in the midst of the celebration, but instead slightly before or after. That way they have more time to chat without the hectic energy of hosting a party and kids ripping presents open.
Final thoughts
While Christmas abroad can be difficult, especially if it is your first one away from home, I hope these tips help you make the most of your day. Remember to enjoy it as well. Each country has their own traditions and ways to celebrate, and its often a joy to be able to join in and learn about Christmas in other areas of the world.
Also remember that feeling homesick is okay and nothing to be ashamed of. Especially on a day like Christmas!
If you have any other tips for surviving a solo Christmas abroad, please leave them in the comments!!
Hi, I'm Bell
My blog is here to show you that there isn’t one correct way to travel the world. Together, we can figure out what that means for you. Learn more about me here!
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