It Could Be You
I remember when I decided to travel solo for the first time. My heart was playing drum and bass, and my mind kept asking – ARE YOU INSANE?! Overcoming the fear of solo travel felt nearly impossible. I wanted to quit this idea so many times; I was terrified. But at the same time, I wanted to visit my friends in Spain so badly. After wrestling with my fears, I finally decided to go for it. At age 21, I traveled to Spain, where I met up with my friends.
I stopped in Barcelona, had an amazing party, and then landed in the magical Granada, Andalusia. The day I arrived was the final of Euro 2008, Spain vs. Germany. Just a few hours after picking up my luggage at the Granada airport, my friends whisked me away to a house party where we watched the match, drank Sangria and ate pizza. And then… Torres scored a goal, making Spain the winner! Masses of Spanish fans flooded the streets, celebrating with flags, jumping into fountains, and climbing monuments. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I could only hear the screams of my friends, “¡Corre polaco!” urging me to follow them to the city center, where I joined the celebration.
The next day, we sat atop the massive walls of the Alhambra at night, drinking Tinto de Verano, listening to the sounds of Flamenco from a nearby pub, and enjoying the view of Granada below us, surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains. (So far, probably my favorite night.) After a few days, I went on a road trip through Andalusia, all the way from Almeria to Cadiz, passing through Cordoba and Sevilla. On my way back to Poland, I had one more stop in Barcelona.
Any regrets?
Every time I think about my first solo trip, I have a huge smile on my face and heartwarming memories. Do you think I still remember all my fears before this trip? Of course, I do—just to remind myself that fear only limits us and keeps us from the magical moments that await.
In this post, I’ll share some practical tips on overcoming the fear of solo travel. Since that first trip to Spain, I’ve traveled solo to more than 20 countries around the world. The only fear I have these days is not having my next solo trip booked!
Understanding Your Fears of Solo Travel
Before we start, let me tell you – it’s completely normal to be afraid. Traveling alone is about stepping out of our comfort zone, and it’s a common defensive reaction. We’re just human; we’re programmed this way.
When you think about it, traveling is the same as living daily life – you need somewhere to sleep and eat. Simple, right? Well, the problem arises because we need to fulfill these needs in an unfamiliar environment, alone. Of course, we don’t want to travel just to survive. We want to enjoy it! So we need to consider how we can satisfy our other needs and pleasures.
Identify and Address Your Solo Travel Fears
Below I want to mention some common fears that can happen to anyone.
Fear of Loneliness
This one is interesting because why do we want to travel solo? In most cases, it’s to be alone. But let me tell you something: you’ll only be alone at the start of your journey. Very soon, you’ll meet fantastic people. It’s easier to socialize with locals when you’re alone than when you’re in a group.
Fear of Safety Concerns
This fear is very reasonable, and safety measures should be taken before the trip. Good research on your destination is the best way to ensure your trip will be safe. But remember, nowhere is 100% safe, even in our own countries.
Fear of Getting Lost
This could have been an issue in the past when we only had paper maps. If my best friend and I survived with just a map in the labyrinth of Fes and Marrakech in Morocco, you can definitely do it with GPS on your phone anywhere these days.
Fear of Cultural Misunderstandings
This is the whole point of traveling—to learn about other cultures. Trust me, locals know you’re a traveler and will treat you with understanding. As long as you don’t disrespect them or their culture on purpose, you’ll be okay.
Fear of Language Barriers
It can be inconvenient, but you shouldn’t worry too much. If you know the basics of English, you’ll be fine in most countries. And if they don’t speak English, install Google Translate on your phone, and all your fears will disappear.
Fear of Boredom
This is more about you than the destination, don’t you think? Why travel to the mountains if you love beaches? But even if boredom catches you, be prepared. My best weapons are my Kindle and Spotify.
Fear of Making Mistakes
This fear runs deep in our minds and can even affect our daily lives. Life is a series of choices, decisions, and mistakes. Mistakes happen to everyone. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Learn the lesson and move on.
Fear of Judgment
A long time ago, I used to care about others’ opinions. But the older I get, the more I understand – live the life YOU want, the one that makes YOU happy. Don’t worry too much about others’ opinions, especially in this age of the Internet, where everyone criticizes each other.
Fear of Health Issues
If you have health concerns, make sure you consult your GP before any trip. It’s not my field of expertise. I always ask doctors for advice and vaccinations if I’m traveling to exotic countries I’ve never visited before.
Fear of Unforeseen Situations
I wish I had solid advice for this one. The only thing I can say is that the more you travel, the easier it becomes to handle these situations or even prevent some of them.
Once you identify your fears, you can start building strategies to overcome them.
Exploring Crete: Walking with a backpack in front of a charming church.
Start Small to Build Confidence
You don’t have to tackle Everest Base Camp as your first solo trip. If the idea of traveling solo to another country is too daunting, start small. It could be a weekend trip or even a day trip to another town in your home country. These shorter trips are perfect for testing the waters, gaining confidence and overcoming the fear of solo travel. Step by step. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
With each adventure, you’ll learn more about yourself and how you handle different situations. Most importantly, you’ll discover how much you’re capable of. Trust me, you can do more than you think. This experience is invaluable as you prepare for longer journeys.
Plan Thoroughly to Minimize Anxiety
One of the best ways to overcome the fear of solo travel is through thorough preparation. Proper planning can minimize your anxiety and make you feel more in control. Do your research and spend time learning about the place you plan to visit. This is actually part of the travel experience! I love this part and always make sure I know a lot about my destination. Of course, I leave some room for improvisation or advice from locals when I arrive.
Thorough Planning Tips for Easing Your Solo Travel Anxiety
In the introduction, I mentioned the basics you need to take care of when traveling – sleeping and eating. Of course, this is just simplifying things unless you’re into survival travel. The point is that solo travel is simpler than you think.
Before traveling, find a hotel or hostel. Often, food is provided there. Then, look for interesting restaurants near where you’ll be staying, some attractions, and, of course, how you’ll get around.
Solo travel has never been as easy as it is now! You can research and book everything from your sofa using only your phone. Apps like Google Maps, Booking.com, Airbnb, Uber, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor, and many more (which I’ll cover in a separate blog post) make planning incredibly easy!
Proper planning is already two-thirds of successful traveling.
Mexican street band performing while people watch from nearby benches.
Recognize the Benefits of Traveling Alone
This is my favorite part – the benefits! Overcoming the fear of solo travel is actually satisfying.
I love to travel solo because it allows me to fully immerse myself in local culture and meet fantastic people. Every time I travel alone, I learn something new about myself and my capabilities. Before my solo trip to Everest Base Camp, I thought I knew myself perfectly, but I was wrong. I realized I could do much more than I ever thought possible.
Embracing the Benefits of Solo Travel for Confidence
- Complete Freedom: You are the master of your own time and choices. You do what you want, when you want, and where you want. If you want to, of course, and no one will force or judge you otherwise. You can adjust your plans whenever you like.
- Personal Growth: You’ll be stepping out of your comfort zone every time you travel. This will boost your confidence and independence.
- Unique Connections: As I mentioned earlier, it’s easier to socialize when you travel alone. You’re more likely to engage with locals and other travelers, leading to meaningful connections and friendships.
Stay Positive and Practice Mindfulness
Don’t focus on what could go wrong. Stay positive and focus on the present moment. Keep reminding yourself why you’re doing this rather than dwelling on your fears. A great idea is to journal your adventure. Take notes every day and process the information. Reflect on your journey and your emotions. Be kind to yourself. At the end of each day, take a moment to appreciate the new experiences and the courage it took to embark on this journey.
Connect with Fellow Solo Travelers
You’re not alone in this journey. Connecting with other solo travelers can provide support, valuable advice, and comfort. The best way to do it is through online communities like Facebook groups, forums, Reddit, or Discord.
You might be surprised, but even if you live in a small town, there could be local meetups. You can find them using apps like Meetup or Couchsurfing. If you hear about any events related to travel, it’s a great idea to join them and connect with people who can provide useful advice.
Building Support Networks to Overcome Solo Travel Challenges
Get inspiration from solo travel content creators, like this one. You can find fellow travelers on Instagram, YouTube, or blogs.
A good first step would be to join our fantastic community on Discord, where you can ask questions and get useful tips from other travelers.
Conclusion
Overcoming the fear of solo travel is a process, but with each step you take, you’ll find your confidence growing. Remember that it’s okay to feel nervous, but don’t let that stop you from experiencing the incredible journey that solo travel can offer. If I can do it, so can you. So pack your bags, trust yourself, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
