
As a little girl, I always envied my sister, who often left me home alone and went on solo trips. Back then, the concept of solo traveling was not something that I understood, so I poked her over and over again to take me with her.
When I grew up, she shared her experiences with me and told me how much she loved these experiences. Since then, I have always wanted to go on a solo trip. But there were a few factors that stopped me.
These are some common fears related to solo travel that got the better of me. I am sure I am not the only one who faced these fears. Let me share the common fears that stopped me from traveling solo initially, and I am sure it did stop many of you as well. Read them and get a better idea so that you can make better plans!
Common Fears About Traveling Solo
Fear of solo travel is something obvious, more so if you have never traveled alone before. This was precisely my situation, but I got over it. At least most of it. However, I still get anxious now and then when I travel alone. Here are some of the common fears that I faced before traveling solo, which you will face as well.
I Will Be Out of My Comfort Zone
I am sure you are also scared of leaving your comfort zone. This is completely natural, and it is impossible to get over this fear if you do not go on a solo trip. And the moment you plan one, you will start knowing a different version of yourself.
You will find someone who you did not know before. You will know yourself better by learning things you like and things you dislike. I personally found out what my boundaries are. There were times I almost canceled the trip but somehow managed to get out, and after that, there was no looking back.
I might Get Lonely
Even though I am an introvert, I like to be around people, and once I find my comfortable group, I am smooth. I was unsure whether I would be able to handle everything alone and communicate with people and scared that I would get bored.
I was scared I might miss my family and get homesick after a while. However, thanks to my family and friends who wanted me to get out of my shell and assured that they were just a call away.
However, know that this feeling of loneliness is sometimes necessary to heal. It is important to spend some time with yourself to get yourself better. So, even if it is a common fear, get through it and learn a lot about yourself.
What If I Get Lost?
This is something I have experienced. However, this fear got rooted in me because of the stories I heard from my sister. She used to tell me stories when she got lost while traveling alone. This is a valid fear and can be very scary.
This is not something that happens often, but just a worst-case scenario that you consider. However, you must have a backup plan and emergency contacts for such situations. Moreover, travel insurance is something you should definitely consider.
Also, keep digital copies of important documents like IDs, passports, and contact information of where you are staying to access those if anything unfortunate happens quickly. Share your itinerary and other information with family and friends.
Keep a map in your bag and download offline maps as well. However, if you are actually lost, get assistance from a local cafe, shop, or hotel.
Will I Be Safe?
Safety is one of the common concerns for solo travel, and even more if it is, Solo travel for women. These are other common fears. Well, there is no way to guarantee complete safety, but you can take many precautions.
Criminals look for opportunities when they are vulnerable. They target people who are not paying attention or are unmindful. Just be confident and be street-smart. Keep all your documents safe. Wear clothes that would help you blend in with the common people and not that would scream “tourist alert.”
Moreover, before you choose a destination, do proper research. There are certain cities where it is not safe to travel solo. Be mindful when you are choosing a destination. Look for the best solo travel destinations, and you will have a good beginning.
What If I Run Out Of Money?
There is another aspect that scared me a lot. However, after the first two or three trips, I got the hang of it, and that is money. What if I ran out of money in an unknown place, which is also when I am alone? I know it is a legitimate fear.
Do some good research, prepare a budget, and break down all the parts including transportation, food, and tips. However, these days transferring money from one account to another has also become easy.
How Will I Interact With Strangers?
Communicating with strangers is something you have to do when you are traveling alone. If you are an extrovert, it will be easy for you. Unfortunately, some people might be pushy and behave inappropriately.
Often, asking for help gets awkward, so have a straight face, and be street-smart. Have a minimal conversation and only interact when it is absolutely necessary. This is a common fear, but when you are traveling alone, there will be times when you have to communicate with strangers.
Language Barrier
Language barrier is something we often face when traveling to another country. It is not possible for us to know all the languages, and in some places, people might find it difficult to understand you because you do not speak their language.
It is not possible to know every language in the world. And this should not stop you from traveling the world. Just catch on some popular phrases, and a few common words which will help communicate with the locals, if they are not comfortable speaking to you in your language.
Cultural Barrier
Remember that in some Eastern countries, the rules are different than the Western world, especially for women. So, research the rules before going to a place, or you might grab unnecessary attention.
I often wondered how people would perceive me because of how I dress and behave. My culture is different from theirs. What I can wear and do in my hometown is not something people would welcome if that were not in their culture. And I have seen that it often becomes a pain point.
Would I Be Able To Eat Alone?
Going out alone and eating in a restaurant alone has never been my strong point. This was one of my biggest fears when I thought of traveling solo. Getting a coffee on the run is something entirely different, but going to a restaurant for dinner is something entirely else.
If you are an introvert, you have to get over that awkwardness and order your food. After one or two times, you will get used to it. Things have become easy these days. You can just order your food online or dine out and eat from the comfort of your hotel room.
So, When Are You Planning To Leave?
I know deciding to travel solo and manage your family members while you are convincing yourself as well is difficult. But trust me, once you get the hang of it, you will love it. If you step out one time, you will try to get some time for yourself at least once a year.
Once you get over your fears, there is a whole other world waiting for you. Traveling solo changes your life. It might be a scary thing, but often a necessary one. Of course, traveling with friends is something we all love, but try to go on a solo trip once, and you will not regret your decision.
Read Also: