Would you like to travel solo? It takes a bit of confidence, even with how fun it can be! But you should never let that sense of anxiety over traveling alone stop you; it’s one of the best ways to see the world, you don’t have to wait on anyone else, and it’s entirely up to you what the itinerary looks like!
But if you’ve had a bad experience while traveling solo before, getting back on the horse is a hard thing to face. You might want to never go anywhere else again, or you’re only considering traveling in a group from here on out, even if that’s a way of traveling that you hate.
However, solo travel is a purely amazing thing to do, and you should try it out if you’ve got the chance. And whatever happened that knocked your confidence, or made you feel like you can’t travel alone anymore, shouldn’t be something that prevents you from seeing the world either.
That’s why we’ve listed a few tips for would-be solo travelers down below. Beating the fear is totally possible, and there’s a lot you can do to feel good about enjoying nothing but your own company while exploring the world.
Disclaimer: Links in this page are meant to help you find relevant information and book attractions easier by linking directly to specific pages on partner websites (i.e. TripAdvisor, Vegas.com). If you click a link, we may earn a small commission on transactions. This helps support the cost of running our website, and it adds absolutely no extra cost to you as the consumer. Thank you, we appreciate your support! You can read more on our disclosure policy.
Try a Tester Trip
This is the most practical thing to do. If you want to try traveling solo again, go on a small trip and maybe not too far away from where you live. Stick to the same country, go a couple hundred miles, and build up your confidence in this new area. Stay in different forms of accommodation, try out different restaurants, and strike up a conversation or two.
If you need to, you can then increase the distance each time and see how you feel being on your own so far away from home. You might just find that excited feeling flooding back, as you’re reminded of just how fun it is to discover a new place with nothing holding you back.
Make Connections on Location
Talking to people as you travel is always a good thing. You can make a lot of new friends just by asking for the time, or asking about directions, and you’ll never be worse off for having a casual chat with someone on destination. Making such connections can make you feel a lot less lonely about being in a new area on your own, if this is a big part of the problem for you right now.
Buy a coffee, sit down in a cafe, and then chat to people who sit nearby about anything and everything. People tend to love to talk about their hometown, so you won’t find it hard to get the conversation going once you make the first move.
See an Expert About Your Anxiety
Anxiety is common when you’re in a situation you’ve never experienced before. Even though you’ve traveled alone in the past, if it’s been a while and you’ve got trauma to deal with on top, you’re probably overwhelmed with anxiety at the thought of going again. Anyone would be, and we would be hard pressed to say you should just try to ignore the thoughts.
However, you can try to address these symptoms (and their cause) with someone who knows what they’re talking about. Indeed, there’s various treatment for anxiety out there, and it’s up to you what care you access. Take control back into your own hands. Just as long as you talk to someone and work on coming up with coping strategies, you’ll feel much stronger about traveling solo once again.
Pack Comfort Items for the Plane
If flying is hard for you, or getting through the airport has become stressful for you in recent years while on your own, pack a few comfort items that’ll keep you grounded. A travel cushion that’ll keep your head supported, headphones and a phone battery pack to ensure you don’t run out of power, or even just a cuddly toy that calms you down to hold!
Don’t feel bad about the need to pack any of these items, and if you can, check in online to speed up the experience. Find a quiet spot to sit down before your flight to gather your thoughts and energy, and then don’t be afraid to tell the air hostess that you’re feeling nervous. Once they know this information, they’ll be able to help keep you calm throughout the flight.
Avoid the Horror Stories
You don’t need to hear them right now! In fact, you probably never need to hear them! Because horror stories like these tend to be embellished, and use various scaremongering tactics to make people like you never want to travel solo again.
And let’s face it, the scary stories are the only ones that tend to gain any traction online, as people love to pass on tales about bad things happening. They’re more ‘interesting’ to hear about or read through, but that won’t do you any favors! Instead, talk to people who have been to your desired destination before and ask about what they enjoyed while they were there.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Loneliness
Being lonely when traveling alone is a common issue. There’s no one around to chat with as you hike, nor to hit the bar with in the hotel at the end of the day. You’re on your own, surrounded by strangers, and it’s up to you to make the most of such a situation.
For some people, this takes a lot of energy and effort, and sometimes you’d just rather have a shower and go to bed! If so, you’ll have to learn to deal with the loneliness as it comes; sending a text to a loved one is great, but it may take them a while to get back to you.
But we would recommend trying out a few social activities with people you don’t know. Once again it’s a good way to make some connections, even if you’re just having a meal in the hotel dining room. Chat with people and let your hair down a little; you don’t have to follow anyone to a bar downtown, but it’s OK to have a drink with someone you’ve just met. If you do, it’ll definitely beat back the loneliness you may be swamped with right now.
Remember, There’ll Never Be a ‘Perfect’ Time
If you’re waiting for that moment when you feel ready again, and like it’s the best time to travel solo once more, you’ll be waiting forever! There’s never going to be a ‘perfect’ time, and if you want something, sometimes you just have to push yourself into going after it.
Remember this when you’re thinking about traveling solo this year – if you want to go, you’ll just have to go. Book the trip, come up with a plan for where you want to go and what you want to do, and take your time in finding your confidence while traveling alone again.
That’s A Wrap!
Solo travel should be enjoyed. If you’ve had a bad experience in the past and it’s making you worry about being out there alone, let yourself heal and then find your feet again. Confidence comes from experience, and sometimes from being faked until you really feel it, and you deserve to feel good about adventuring!
So try a small trip first, talk to someone about your anxiety, block out the horror stories people pass around about traveling solo, and see the world for yourself again.
Disclaimer: Links in this page are meant to help you find relevant information and book attractions easier by linking directly to specific pages on partner websites (i.e. TripAdvisor, Vegas.com). If you click a link, we may earn a small commission on transactions. This helps support the cost of running our website, and it adds absolutely no extra cost to you as the consumer. Thank you, we appreciate your support! You can read more on our disclosure policy.
Like it? Pin it!
