Bedürfnisse beachten: Allein unterwegs: Was kann ich unternehmen?

Solo travel can boost our self-confidence. Those with little experience should take it slow. But how does one discover which activities bring joy when done alone? Psychologist and coach Katharina Stenger advises focusing on the question "What do I need right now?". For this, four categories are useful: enjoyment, inspiration, relaxation, and motivation.

Enjoyment could mean visiting a favorite café, going for a stroll in a flea market, or taking a photo walk. To seek new inspiration, one could visit a museum or explore a neighboring city. For relaxation, activities like forest bathing or a wellness day are recommended. For motivation, Katharina Stenger suggests trying out a sports class, yoga, or painting class.

While the activity itself matters, it is more important to ensure the chosen activity aligns with our individual needs. Stenger advises starting with activities that feel relatively natural when done alone, gradually expanding one's comfort zone. A simple walk or afternoon in the library could be the first step. Then perhaps a museum, cinema, bustling café, or a vocational college course that piques interest.

After each experience, a brief reflection is advised: Was it fun? Did it relax me or increase my stress? Was I curious, inspired, or bored? Over time, this will create a personal compass. Crucially, we must also recognize that some activities simply don't bring joy when done alone, and that's a valuable insight too.