Travel

The Soloist’s Guide: 4 Intriguing Activities for the Lone Adventurer

Dating yourself - or 'self-dating' - is an incredible way to embrace your own company and add some excitement to your life. Never feel lonely when you're flying solo; instead, spice things up with these four fantastic activities!

Administrator

2 August, 2024

No longer worry about “who to hang out with” or overthink the activities you want to do when you’re alone. As a single person, you can still make your personal life exciting with these four self-date activities!

1 Improvise with an Improv Theater Workshop

Have you ever experienced performing on stage without a script or rehearsed lines? Improv theater is the place for you – where everything happens spontaneously, naturally, and full of surprises.

For many, going solo is a challenge. However, with improv theater, it’s an opportunity to face your personal fears and express your true self without feeling self-conscious or worrying about others’ judgments.

Improv theater is where you meet new people and together, create unique stories. You will learn to trust yourself and others, break down barriers, and build new connections.

Improv theater puts you in unexpected situations, forcing you to solve problems and adapt to new environments. It’s a chance to hone your creative thinking, flexibility, and overall personal development.

Reference price: Approximately 150,000 – 200,000 VND/workshop; around 2,500,000 – 3,000,000 VND/course.

Improvise with an Improv Theater Workshop

Some places to join Improv Theater Workshops:

Cái Tổ Nhỏ often collaborates to organize Improv Theater Workshops and courses conducted in English, with interpretation provided, and no prior experience required.
Classes by Vân Possible at Saigon Improv House – the first improv school in Saigon, offering multiple levels from 1-4 to help you progress from beginner to advanced skills.

2 Heal Your Soul with Art Therapy Workshops

Art therapy is a unique form of psychological treatment that utilizes communication, practice, and artistic creation to support the healing process. What sets it apart from traditional methods is that the therapy doesn’t focus on developing artistic skills but rather uses art as a tool to express and release deep emotions.

Art therapy employs various forms, with visual art being the most popular, including painting, sculpture, clay modeling, embroidery, collage, modeling, and mosaic. Additionally, it extends to other fields such as culinary arts, music, dance, and movement.

By engaging in creative activities, participants can:

Express emotions: Art therapy helps them overcome language barriers and express emotions that are difficult to put into words, especially negative feelings like sadness, anger, and anxiety.
Increase self-awareness: Through the creative process, they can gain a more objective perspective on themselves and their issues, leading to improved self-awareness and understanding.
Reduce stress: Artistic activities provide stress relief, alleviate anxiety, and bring a sense of relaxation and peace to the soul.
Develop skills: Art therapy enhances focus, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication.

Reference price: Approximately 200,000 – 400,000 VND for monthly activities, group therapy; around 650,000 – 3,500,000 VND for individual therapy sessions or long-term courses.

Heal Your Soul with Art Therapy Workshops

Some places to join Art Therapy Workshops:

MAI:tri, founded by Art Therapy Master Nguyen Huong Linh, regularly organizes creative experience workshops and provides online art therapy services.
Psychub offers clinical psychological counseling services using art therapy.
Múa/Chuyển động trị liệu Việt Nam (VDMT) provides short online courses on psychological therapy using Dance/Movement Therapy, workshops, and community projects in art therapy.

3 Find Peace with Meditation Workshops

Meditation, originating from ancient Indian culture, has found its way into various religions and become an effective practice for both physical and mental well-being.

There are numerous meditation techniques, including float meditation, mindfulness meditation, Vipassana meditation, Sound Bath, and more. Each method has its unique characteristics and offers specific benefits to the practitioner.

For those new to meditation, individual meditation is the ideal choice due to its comfort and ease. Without the influence of others, you’re free to explore and experience meditation in your own way.

As everyone has unique health and psychological needs, individual meditation allows you to choose the approach that best suits you, ensuring optimal improvement in health and mental state.

Meditation demands stillness and intense focus on the inner self. Guiding a companion in meditation, though well-intended, can be distracting and hinder your concentration.

Meditation is a journey of self-discovery, leading to self-love and care. In our busy lives filled with relationships, individual meditation offers precious moments of tranquility to connect with your inner self and find peace in the present.

Reference price: Free for non-profit organization activities; around 600,000 – 900,000 VND for a float meditation session.

Find Peace with Meditation Workshops

Some places to join Meditation Workshops:

Float Meditation offers a unique and fascinating float meditation experience.
Xứ Sở La Vie Est Belle is a nature-focused educational space that often hosts meditation events.
Salt Cancer Initiative regularly invites experts to lead meditation and breathing workshops, especially aimed at supporting cancer patients.

4 Play with Cats and Dogs at Pet-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants

Looking for a place to unwind and de-stress? Pet-friendly cafes and restaurants are the perfect destinations! They offer not only delicious coffee but also a world filled with adorable cats and dogs.

Have fun with your furry friends: Immerse yourself in a cheerful atmosphere and interact with well-behaved, friendly cats and dogs. Their cute gestures and actions will melt your heart and take away your worries.

Boost your mood and emotions: Interacting with animals has been scientifically proven to positively impact mental health. Playing with these furry companions will help relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and bring joy and happiness.

A haven for animal lovers: If you love animals but can’t keep a pet at home, pet-friendly cafes and restaurants are ideal places to indulge in your passion. Here, you can spend time playing, petting, and caring for these four-legged friends, creating unforgettable memories.

Reference price: Various price ranges from 15,000 – 1,050,000 VND for drinks, food, and even wine.

Play with Cats and Dogs at Pet-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants

Some pet-friendly cafes and restaurants to visit:

R House – Diner & Lounge: A cozy, lush green space that also cares for and rescues dogs in need of new homes.
IAMDOG Pet Tea ‘n Desserts: A charming cafe with a white-themed interior, a variety of desserts, and adorable dogs.
CATFE: A cafe with a sophisticated and slightly classic ambiance, exclusively for cat lovers.

These are four interesting solo activities we’ve compiled for you to enjoy when you have free time and want to treat yourself. Don’t hesitate to try new things on your own, as you can create a colorful life and experience wonderful moments.

Source: Vietcetera.

Frequently asked questions

There are plenty of fun and engaging activities for those embarking on a solo adventure. Firstly, consider taking a walking tour, which is a great way to explore a new city and meet fellow travelers. You can also try people-watching and striking up conversations with locals, which provides insight into the local culture and makes you feel less alone. Solo dining can be enjoyable too; embrace it as a chance to treat yourself and savor the food without distractions.

Dining alone can be a liberating and enjoyable experience. Embrace the opportunity to treat yourself to a nice meal and really focus on the flavors and atmosphere. Bring a book or journal to keep yourself entertained, and don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the staff or other diners.

Absolutely! Consider joining a local sports team or club to meet people with similar interests. Volunteering is another great option to connect with others and give back to the community. You can also attend language exchange events or join online communities before your trip to make some friends beforehand.

Safety is always a priority when traveling alone. Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places or tourist hotspots. Keep your valuables secure and consider using a money belt or hidden pouch. Research local laws and customs beforehand, and always have a backup plan in case you encounter any issues.