Solo travel is a fantasy many travel loving people have! But not many have the courage to chase this dream. What’s stopping us from taking the leap? Is it the fear of being alone? The fear for safety? Or just the thought of having to fend for yourself alone?. But amidst all this uncertainty that small voice inside you is still screaming out to go on a solo adventure!, trapping you in a dilemma of to or not to! How do you listen to that voice and also get over your fear? How do you overcome the fear of solo travel?
- Know that wherever you are in the world you will always be surrounded by humans
No solo travel is actually solo!! Because unless you’re travelling to a region where the human population is near to nil, you’ll always be surrounded by humans just like you, whether it’s the locals or travelers. So if you find yourself in a place where you don’t know anyone, go out, make new friends or engage with locals. By doing so you will get a chance to experience the local culture at a better level and may be even be lucky enough to find a friendship that will last a life time.
- Learn a bit of the local language
Yes, it is true that today most of the countries have a thriving English speaking community. But it’s always smart to learn a few basic words from the native tongue, just enough to convey your message and get your work done! Knowing simple words like “Yes” “No” “left” “right” can make a whole difference to how your plans work out. So invest some time and energy in to extending you vocabulary, trust me you’ll never regret doing so!
- Read read and read
The best way to overcome your fear, is to read about you destination and get a basic idea before you leave. Get to know how the local culture works, learn about what to do and not to do or learn about the safety side of the country. This will not only help you to overcome your fear but also help you to better plan your trip.
- Learn from others mistakes
Here’s where blogs come in handy!! Read blog articles on solo travel, meet fellow solo travelers and dig deep in to their travel experiences and lean from their experiences.
- Double and treble check legal documents
This is the ONE rule I stick to and follow through each time!! Make sure you have the most important items you need for this trip to happen- Your passport, visa and money. Rest everything you can buy or borrow!! If you have these three things you can survive on your own and fend for the other items once you get to your destination!
- Keep a safety account that you can dip in to in an emergency
This is a way to save yourself the trouble and mental trauma of losing money or spending without knowing! But make a mental note to only dip in to this account only and only if you need it! The temptation to dip in to such accounts are high, but Stay Strong!!
- No preconceived notions please
Don’t go in thinking things are going to go wrong or you’re going to feel a certain way! Trust me once you’re on the road you will be surprised as to how capable you are! If you keep telling yourself that the journey is going to be scary, it will. Just stop procrastinating and just think of all the great things you will get to do! And make those dreams come true!
- You will never really know until you do
Lastly but most importantly just do it!! That’s the only real way you will ever overcome your fear!!
If your sitting at home wondering whether you should take the leap, know that even though it may seem scary at first, it will be one of the most rewarding things you will do in your life! It can help you to discover who you really are and help you to grow in ways that you never knew was possible!
And if you are a pro at solo travelling, do let others know about your experience and your advice for beginners in the comments bellow! Your words might give the push someone out there needs to take the leap!
Until next time,
Safe travels
Learn to enjoy you’re own company. This is especially important when dining alone. You won’t have to debate or discuss the food with a friend- great- enjoy this moment. You’ll be hungrier because you tend to walk more and see more when travelling alone. Another tip is to enroll in a language in a foreign country. Nice way to meet people and feel a part of the place. I did this once in Siena for a month.A great way to spend time alone in a place.
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So true! I think becoming comfortable alone is the key to enjoying solo travel! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences!
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Your post hits home, I just love solo travelling, well since I am a professional photographer, it’s difficult to deal with company, yet I explore so much more on trips as a solo traveler.
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That is so true, when your traveling alone you don’t need to adjust your plans to accommodate anyone else, and this leaves to more time for you to do what you love the most! Thank you so much for dropping by!
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Thanks for dropping by as well.
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Rightly said.
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Thank you for stopping by!
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Loved this. I am going to share this with friends who always ask me why don’t I fear solo travel
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Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it! I see you have been traveling around Sri Lanka, Hope you had a great time! Love reading about your adventures here 🙂
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This just makes me want to just pick up and go even more!
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Thank you so much for stopping by! I do hope you do!! 🙂 Trust me you wont regret it!
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Great advices!
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I’m glad you agree 🙂 Thank you for stopping by !!
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Definitely agree with a lot of your points here, even travelling solo people for me are as you say always going to be around and one of my favourite bits of travelling
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“No solo travel is actually solo” – absolutely right 😉 In fact sometimes it takes a huge effort to be truly alone. Nice blog.
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Thank you for stopping by! True, its hard to get away from humans even if you want to 😉
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