How to overcome the fear of traveling alone.

Over the past few decades the world has seen a significant increase in the amount of people who choose to solo travel. In fact according to the American Express 2024 Global Travel Trends Report 76% of millennials and Gen-Z vacationers plan to take a solo trip this year.

It’s not surprising that the desire to travel solo is on the rise, as many people discover a newfound independence and freedom in their solo adventures. However, despite the many great aspects that come with solo traveling, it would be ignorant to turn a blind eye to the potential hazards of being in a foreign place on your own.

If you find yourself in the category of individuals who do wish to take a solo trip however, you still have your doubts if you could successfully take a trip to a new place all by yourself- here are my top tips to help you overcome your fear of traveling solo.

Do Your Research

There is no better way on this planet that can best prepare you for taking a solo trip than doing your research on the destination you would like to visit. This is especially true if you plan on visiting a foreign country- the last thing you want to do is violate a law, cultural norm, or societal expectation of that country that can land you into a lot of trouble.

Take for example the infamous detainment of WNBA star Brittney Griner who ended up in Russian jail for 10 months due to her own ignorance of their laws. In America cannabis is a legal substance however, in Russia it is not. So, I cannot stress the importance of keeping up with the laws of your desired destination.

It’s also important to stay up to date with what is considered to be socially acceptable in the place you would like to visit. The last thing you want to do is offend the locals by obliviously behaving in an offensive manner. Become informed on the appropriate mannerisms of that society. For instance, did you know that there are very little trash cans on the streets of Japan? Because of this locals hold onto their trash until they can properly dispose of their waste. Littering is almost unheard of in Japan (and it’s also illegal).

Coming into a foreign country being knowledgeable on what is and is not allowed will potentially save you from a lot of trouble.

Start Small

If you aren’t ready to take the leap of traveling to a foreign country just yet then starting off small is the perfect way to test the waters. My very first solo trip was to Atlanta and it was where I really discovered my love for solo traveling.

Going to a new city within my own country allowed me the experience to indulge in a culture that was different than the one I was accustomed to yet, the customs, culture, way of life was still (in a way) familiar because it was still an American city. There were no language barriers, I knew who to call in case of an emergency, I could still utilize the same services I typically do such as Uber or Lyft.

Traveling to a different city or state still provides the experience without having the culture shock. Starting small is the perfect way to build your confidence until you are ready to travel outside the country.

Go With A Plan

Making sure you have a set itinerary will prevent a lot of unnecessary stress during your trip. knowing to a certain degree the sites you would like to visit in the area will ensure you don’t waste any precious time scrolling online for hours trying to find fun things to do that would interest you.

Social media is a great tool to utilize when it comes to researching things to do in an area. One great app in particular is TikTok (yes, TikTok). When it comes to recommendations TikTok is a great resource to use. A simple engine search such as “Best restaurants in…” or “Top places to go in…” will open you to a world of new discoveries. There is no limit to the countless of places you can discover on the app.

I would also encourage you to explore airbnb experiences where you can find an array of excursions for your trip. Whether that be booking a walking tour, cooking class, photoshoot- you name it more than likely airbnb experiences is bound to have it.

Facebook Groups

It is safe to say there is a Facebook Group for every niche you can think of and that doesn’t exclude solo traveling. There are several different solo travel groups that are free to join on Facebook. In these groups you will find like minded individuals who share a love for solo travel. You will also find veteran solo travelers who love to share all the knowledge they have gained over the years.

From recommendations on hotels, restaurants, attractions, and itineraries these groups are heaven sent. They are also a great place to make new friends and even meet up with someone (making sure to do your due diligence of course) who may happen to be in the same destination you are at.

Solo Travel Groups

If the task of taking a trip alone still seems daunting you can always join a solo travel group. Again, technically you are traveling solo but you are also traveling to a destination to meet with other solo travelers in an organized setting. These groups are great because itineraries are planned out, transportation during your trip is provided and even some meals are included in the price. It’s important to note though that many solo travel groups do require you to book your own flights.

Some popular solo travel groups include

• Contiki Tours
• Intrepid Travel
• Under 30 Experiences
• G Adventures
• EF Ultimate Break
• Exodus Travels

Definitely look into solo travel groups if you want to get a taste of solo travel however, you don’t necessarily want to deal with navigating a new destination all on your own. This is a perfect way to test the waters and build your confidence when it comes to solo travel.

Saftey First

Whether you choose to explore completely on your own or via solo group it is always a good idea to be informed on what to do in case an emergency occurs. Before you pick a destination to travel to it’s important to research the political climate of the destination this is especially true for foreign countries. A lot of civil unrest can put you in a risky situation. A good website to reference is us.travel.org this is an official website from the US government that will keep you informed on the safety levels of each country you’re interested in visiting.

The travel advisory levels range from 1-4 with 1 being the safest level and 4 containing the highest risk and the government advising travelers not to go. But of course with everything your own discretion is advised. Typically I like to stay in the advisory level of 1 and 2 however, there are people who travel to level 3 countries and still have a great time. This website is a tool to aid you in making the best informed decision for yourself and your needs.

It is important to know the local emergency numbers of the place you choose to visit and also have the number of the US embassy in case you do get caught in any form of civil unresst that will makie it difficult for you to leave the country.

Have Fun

Solo traveling can and often is a beautiful experience that is enriched with adventure, discovery, and self-fulfillment and it something I recommend everyone to do at least once in their lifetime. You will find a lot of new qualities within yourself that you may not have known you had before!

With everything go with caution but still have an open mind to try new things and invite new experiences into your life. When it’s all said and done I am certain you will be happy you took the leap of faith.

Happy exploring and cheers to experiencing the world!