Solo travel can be a daunting proposition. What if you get lost? What if you get lonely? What if something goes wrong? These are all common fears that can prevent us from embarking on solo travel, but they don't need to. In this post, I’m sharing practical advice for how to take the plunge and make the most of your solo travel experience.
1. Identify Your Fears
By pinpointing what is actually making you afraid of solo traveling, you can more easily figure out how to approach those specific fears. Once you pinpoint your specific fears, make a plan to be proactive about them. For example, if you're scared of feeling lonely, make sure to make plans with a friend you know in the area once you arrive. Don't know anyone? Book adventures on Airbnb Experiences to do activities with a group, or download BumbleBFF to meet new people.
2. Take A Short Trip
If you're fearful of solo travel, don't commit to something long term – commit to a one or two day trip to test the waters.
3. Connect With Other Solo Travelers
One of the best things to do in your first solo trip, is to book a trip to a place that is well known for being a solo-traveler hotspot. You wouldn't expect to go into the middle of nowhere and expect to have opportunities to meet a lot of people, would you?
4. Embrace Adventure
Being open to the adventure that comes with being alone is one of the best things about solo travel. If you are traveling with someone else, you can't be as "wherever the wind takes you" and have to consider the other person's likes, dislikes, and opinions as well. When you're traveling alone you can really, truly embrace whatever comes your way.
Solo travel can be an incredible, safe, and achievable way to experience different cultures, challenge yourself, and grow as a person. By taking the steps to understand your fears and prepare for your journey, you can make the most of your solo travel experience and gain confidence to venture out on even longer and more adventurous trips.
Don’t let fear stand in the way of your solo travel dreams. If you’ve been wanting to go on a solo trip, use the tips in this post to get started and make the most of your adventure.