Before you set off on a solo trip of any length of time you will probably feel nervous and full of doubt. There will be a thousand and one questions floating around in your head. You will be wondering what to expect, what can possibly go wrong, and whether or not solo travel is right for you. Even people who have traveled solo many times before will still have the same common fears creeping into their minds in the lead-up to their next solo adventure.
To give you a friendly push in the right direction, we’ve broken down some of the most common solo-travel fears, so they don’t seem so scary at all. These are the solo travel fears that you will face when you travel alone. fear of being alone, unsafe, bored, and scared. I’ve experienced all those fears and talked to many potential travelers who have, too. Fear can hold a lot of people back.
1) Is solo traveling safe?
Yes, absolutely. Safety should always be at the top of your mind, especially for female solo travelers. but the ways to combat this fear are to be prepared, to be aware, and to be smart. You have survived on the earth this long because you have figured out how to keep yourself out of deadly situations. Keep doing that when you travel. Keep your wallet, documents and valuable items secure and out of sight.
Also research your destinations, and make smart choices about your travels such as where you will stay, how you will travel and how you will store your belongings. Keep your head about you, follow cultural norms, and be alert.
2) Won’t I be lonely?
This was my biggest fear. There are times while traveling alone that you will be forced to make do with your own company. Enjoy it. Take the opportunity to observe and savour the world around you, read a book, or start a diary. Most solo travelers will find that it is actually easier to meet people when they are on their own, with locals, hotel staff, and waiters often going out of their way to engage solo travelers in conversation. There are also plenty of great ways to meet people on the road.
3) I’m not sure I’m brave enough
People are adaptable, we really are. You can do it. At least trust your abilities enough to try. if you really think about it, there’s a way around each of these fears. Visit countries with lower crime rates, take precautions, travel for shorter periods, or just go with a hearty dose of common sense. There’s no fear squashing solution, no shortcuts, no remedy. The way around this is to book those solo travel tickets, pack that bag, and just go for it – you’ll be so glad you did.
4) I won’t understand the language
No need to worry. There’s one universal language that crosses all borders, continents and cultural differences and that’s body language. People communicate both verbally and non-verbally in all parts of the world and when fussed about language differences. There are a lot of good translation apps for your smart phone these days, so download a couple and try them out ahead of time. Practice with them until you feel comfortable using them. how to say please and thank you, ask for perhaps the bathroom, be able to order some food, get directions to your hotel, etc
5) Being An Introvert & Shy
If you are an introverted person, Even if you think you’re shy and awkward, you’ll learn to lose it over time because travelers are friendly. Often, you won’t even have to be the one to start the conversation. solo traveling will really help you to overcome any shyness or awkwardness that you feel. You will find that the travelers you meet will generally be friendly and easy to talk to so if you want to make friends on the road it won’t be that hard.
6) What if my friends and family don’t approve?
Your loved ones might worry about you. Unfortunately, your family and friends may not be supportive of your solo travel plans. They may feel envious of you, or most likely will be concerned for your safety and well-being. I would encourage you to show them that you have researched and prepared for your trip, and share your plans with them. It’s important that they know where you will be and when whether they are supportive or not. Ask them to trust your intelligence and ability to strike out on your own.
7) What if I run out of money ?
If it’s your finances that have you feeling scared, the best thing you can do is tons of research, preparation and forward planning. Set yourself a budget for your travels including a daily spending limit. Break down every single part of your trip including food, transportation and tips. If cost is too high look at ways that you can save money. Adjust your plans based on your budget.
Solo travel especially for a female traveler can be really scary, but I also believe that it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself. You will learn so much about yourself while having amazing experiences in new places. Don’t let your fears stop you from traveling. I hope this post helps you to overcome your fears, and start planning a solo trip.
