Solo travel might seem like an intimidating idea at first to the extent that it may trigger anxiety for some people. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time or if you’re an experienced traveler – we all have our lows. Even I, a frequent solo traveler, get anxious out of the blue from time to time. So, based on my personal experience, I’ve put together this post to help anyone who might be having anxiety about traveling alone. After all, it was once my first time too, and even after 7 years of solo traveling, I still get anxious sometimes.

Disclaimer: I’m referring to typical anxiety, not anxiety disorder. If you believe you have symptoms that hinder your daily functioning, please seek professional help. I’m a fellow solo traveler and not a therapist.

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Why do some people have anxiety about traveling alone?

#1 Safety Concerns

Most people, if not all, will always have their guard up a little extra if they’re traveling alone. Being a solo traveler might make one seem like easier prey and will therefore will one’s safety concerns.

#2 Feeling lonely

A common misconception that would trigger solo travel anxiety for most people, or at least intimidate them, is thinking they might feel lonely just because they’re traveling alone.

#3 Being an introvert

Extroverted travelers might have no problem with socializing and meeting new people on the road, but it’s not the same for introverts. These often feel more stressed out by the idea of solo traveling and mingling with other nomads. Hence, the fear of feeling lonely increases in this case.

#4 Problem-solving

Trouble can happen to anyone anywhere and at any time, but it’s not the same if you were to be alone with no one around to help solve the problem. And this is another reason some people may be reluctant to travel alone, fearing they might not be able to make it on their own.

#5 The overwhelming responsibility

Fixing things that go down south is not the only responsibility a solo traveler often worries about. The logistical hassle and all the planning can be a big deal to many people and often very overwhelming.

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Overcoming anxiety about traveling alone – 8 Helpful Tips

#1 Accept that it’s completely natural

It’s important to understand that it’s completely natural to have anxiety about traveling alone, especially if it’s your first solo trip ever. The first step to overcoming this anxiety is to acknowledge that whatever you’re feeling is valid.

#2 Shift your mindset

I’m a hardcore believer in the motto “MINDSET IS KEY” and it definitely applies here too. Being alone does not necessarily mean you’ll be lonely. In fact, traveling alone allows you to be open to meeting new people and socializing more than if you were to be traveling with a friend.

Relevant Read: How to Beat Solo Travel Boredom

#3 Choose your first travel destination wisely

I don’t like to believe that there are destinations that are safer than the others. Sure, statistics and crime rates back this up, but the media also exaggerates stereotypes and sometimes spreads false news. Not to mention that during my travels, I’ve experienced unsafe situations in destinations that are thought to be “the safest” and vice versa. Bad things can happen anywhere in the world and anytime, so safety isn’t really your indicator for a good destination here. There are, however, some destinations that are easier to experience as a solo traveler. So, here are some points to consider when choosing your travel destination for your first solo trip:

• You can opt for a local destination where you’re familiar with the language and culture.
• If you choose to travel abroad, you could pick a country where you speak its language fluently or share cultural similarities with.
• You can travel to a country where you have local friends.
• If you’re a solo female traveler, you can also choose to join a women-only travel group.

#4 Take safety precautions

Speaking of safety, it’s important to take the required precautions whether or not you’re anxious. After all, personal safety should be the number one priority of any traveler – be it a solo traveler or not.

Relevant Read: 10+ Tested Safety Tips for Female Solo Travel Newbies

#5 Do your research and be prepared

Upon choosing your travel destination, it’s important to do enough research about it to be well prepared for your big adventure. Check out what travel bloggers have to say – look up their tips, destination guides, and even itineraries for inspiration. You also want to read reviews on TripAdvisor or any booking platform. Besides the simple Google search, a really good place to start your research is Pinterest. You could even create a Pinterest board to pin all your findings regarding your trip, and you could also do the same on Instagram and create a folder to save any useful posts.

#6 Plan your itinerary in advance

Once you’ve gathered enough information to plan a trip, it’s time to put an itinerary together. Having an idea of how your days will be like before actually going on the trip will make you feel more at ease. Of course, it’s always good to leave room for spontaneity and you shouldn’t expect every single detail to go according to plan, but having a basic plan is comforting to go back to.

#7 Practice mindfulness

If you ever feel anxious, I’ve found mindfulness to be very helpful. Try breathing exercises, meditating, or journaling. It’s good to get used to such practices before your trip so if you do ever need to resort to them while traveling, you wouldn’t feel lost or overwhelmed.

#8 Allow yourself to FEEL your emotions

Don’t force yourself to do anything and allow yourself to feel all the emotions you’re experiencing. It’s not the end of the world if you decide to waste an entire morning laying in bed, eating cupcakes, and binge-watching Bojack Horseman. Yes, guilty of doing so!

My point is, that if you feel like absolute crap, allow yourself to feel it all. After you take it all in, you’ll find yourself getting out of bed on your own because you feel like it not because you have to.

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Solo Travel Tips for Introverts

If your anxiety is triggered by being introverted by nature, don’t fret! Here are some tips that should help you on your first solo trip:

• Learn to enjoy your own company first.
• Don’t force yourself to initiate interactions with strangers if you don’t feel ready yet.
• Consider joining group tours or group activities.
• Make a list of potential ice-breakers before your trip.
• Stay in a hostel.
• Push your boundaries but one step at a time.
• Get comfortable with short-term interactions like asking for directions.
• Be open and don’t block interactions coming your way.

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Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

Travel (solo or not) isn’t always rainbows and butterflies – things might go down south sometimes. You might fall ill or lose your luggage, and that’s when you’ll thank me for having your back covered with travel insurance.

SafetyWing offers different travel insurance packages, tailored to your needs, but their Nomad Insurance is my favorite option.

This travel medical insurance is perfect for frequent travelers. It covers lost checked luggage, travel delay, doctors, hospitals, and more. It even covers the COVID-19 emergency quarantine period if deemed necessary by a physician.

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You might also like:

• How to Make Travel Friends As a Solo Globetrotter
• A Beginners Guide to Traveling Alone for the First Time
• How to Beat Solo Travel Boredom
• Going to a Music Festival Alone – How to Make Friends, Stay Safe, & Have a Great Time

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