Solo Travel Anxiety: Get Comfortable with being Uncomfortable 

As the rise of travel continues so has the rise of solo travel. One of the things that sometimes come unexpectedly with solo travel is solo travel anxiety. It’s something that even the most independent people (like myself) have experienced and it’s definitely something that newer travelers have experienced. But what if you want to see the world and you don’t want to wait on friends, family, or a partner to do so?

Keep reading along and I’ll provide tips to help you work through solo travel anxiety! 

Benefits of Solo Travel

Before discussing the downsides of solo travel I think it’s important to first highlight how amazing it is to be so confident and independent to see the world on your own. The more you do it the more it’ll build on that confidence and you’ll better learn how to navigate new cities or solve problems on your own. 

I find that solo travel can be a great way to learn about yourself and reflect on your own preferences when it comes to travel. It can also be a great way to move throughout a city on your own terms. Wake up late or early, eat at the restaurants you want, and do as many or little activities as you please! 

When traveling alone I’ve also noticed that people are more comfortable talking to you and telling you about themselves which allows for deeper cultural immersion. If you’re someone that feels that solo travel anxiety more than others, conversations with strangers can make you feel better about being somewhere alone. 

Now that we know how great solo travel can be let’s get into the steps you can take to make sure you have a great experience.

Prepare in Advance to Ease Solo Travel Anxiety

Start in Your Own Country

When people hear solo travel sometimes the first thought is a 10-day backpacking trip across Europe. It does not have to be that at all. Your first solo trip can be in your own country for a long weekend. If you’re American, starting at home can be one of the best places to start! This country has mountains, beaches, deserts and everything in between so plan a nice trip in a country where you speak the language and know the customs just so you can get used to planning a trip alone. 

Spend Time Planning 

One thing that also helps with solo travel is packing your itinerary with tons of activities. Typically when building an itinerary I advise clients to leave some space for spontaneity, however for those new to solo travel it would be great to have your day planned out so you never feel bored or alone. Who has time to feel alone if they’re busy being adventurous!

Safety Precautions 

It’s important to be save when traveling alone so make sure to tell your family and friends at home exactly where you’re staying and how long you’ll be there and check in regularly. I also recommended researching neighborhoods that will be the most suitable for your activities but also will be safe. I typically advise solo travelers to stay at hotels rather than Airbnbs since an extra layer of security. 

Pack the Essentials 

Packing everything you could possibly need makes it easy to handle any situation that comes your way. I’ve created a list of 2024 Packing Essentials which include first aid kits, ear plugs, door stopper alarms and more to keep you prepared to travel alone. 

Coping When Solo Travel Anxiety Arises 

As prepared as one can be there’s still no way to know if the solo travel anxiety is going to come so rather than completely ignore it the best thing to do is work through it. When I traveled to Costa Rica by myself for about 5 days, I felt terribly alone so I did some of these things to help with those feelings: 

1. Take a book and read on the beach, outside, at a cafe. Being outdoors but mentally lost in a book should calm down some of that solo travel anxiety.
2. Journal. Write down exactly what you’re feeling and maybe try to get to the bottom of why you feel that way
3. Call a friend/family. Sometimes hearing a familiar voice will remind of you home and bring you some comfort!
4. Bring some of your at home routines to vacation. Do you typically run in the mornings or walk to get coffee before work? Do the same thing while you’re on your trip. The familiarity will make you feel way more comfortable.

Consider embracing that uncomfortable feeling as well! Try some new activities or talk to a stranger. Even if things don’t go exactly as planned celebrate your bravery and remind yourself that the old you probably would’ve never felt comfortable doing what you just did! 

Alternative Option if Solo Travel Anxiety is Too Much

Sometimes solo travel is too much for some people especially the outgoing type. As someone who loves their alone time I recently came to terms with the fact that I may be a bit more outgoing than I expected! So a great alternative is group travel. In a way it can still be solo since you’re going alone but you spend the entire trip with the same group of people that can sometimes turn into lifelong friends!

I’m actually going on a group trip with G Adventures in two weeks to Peru and will be documenting my experience! Here are a few other companies that I have heard of that have great reviews: 

• FTLO Travel – Group Travel for Young Professionals (I’m trying this one next!)
• Contiki – Global Travel for 18-35 year olds
• Intrepid –  Small Group Travel for Adults or Families 

To Recap

Solo travel can be a great way to experience the world on your own terms and grow as an individual. With the right preparation you can have an amazing experience and incredible memories that last a lifetime. Of course if the solo travel anxiety gets to be too much there’s ways to work through it or choose a different way of travel that isn’t so solo. 

I hope this post encourages you to plan that trip and go on that vacation. If you need any help planning that out consider hiring a travel advisor (like me!) who will make sure that your adventure will be seamless. Click the link below to learn more about my services. 

Comment below and tell me about your solo trip and what you did to ease your solo travel anxiety!