Solo Travel: Tips to Overcome Your Fears of Traveling Alone
Are you scared of taking your first solo trip? Don’t worry! I’ve been right where you are.
The truth is – solo travel is scary. Even the most experienced solo travelers can still get nervous when they arrive in new destinations.
I took my first solo travel trip back in 2012. I spent three months travelling around the USA and met so many incredible people on the way. Since then, I’ve travelled to over 40 countries by myself, including several long-term backpacking trips.
So, I think it’s fair to say I’m a bit of an expert when it comes to solo female travel. I know exactly how it feels to almost cancel a solo trip because you’re terrified. I nearly did just last year!
There are countless articles out there telling you, “You’re never really alone” and “It’s so easy to meet people”. While I can vouch for that (at least for the most part), solo travel can still feel terrifying.
In this guide, I’ve shared tips to help you overcome your solo travel fears and help to build your solo travel confidence. You’ll also find some helpful resources to help you plan your first solo trip.
Unfortunately, there’s no magic wand for getting rid of your fears. But, if you’re scared of traveling alone, there are some things to do to help alleviate some of your anxieties.
My solo travel experience
Before I talk about overcoming your solo travel fears, I wanted to share my personal experience with solo travel. I know there are so many similar articles out there sharing advice, so why should you listen to me?
Well, I love solo travel. Genuinely. Love it. I’ve spent the last five years of my life traveling solo. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done and likely will ever do. There are so many benefits to traveling alone, and I could rave about it all day long.
I’ve become more confident in myself and my decisions, been pushed out of my comfort zone, learnt to relax and go with the flow when something goes wrong, and most importantly – I’ve been able to travel the world on my terms without waiting for anyone.
I’ve now been fortunate enough to travel solo to over 40 countries. I’ve visited all seven continents and had some incredible experiences. From travelling across Africa to hiking the Andes of South America, solo travel has allowed me to see so much of this beautiful planet.
However, I’d be lying if I said it had always been easy. While solo female travel is fantastic, it doesn’t come without its challenges. I’m not here to discuss the negatives of solo travel, but I’ve experienced enough of them to know that even on the bad days, solo travel is still worthwhile.
Even today, I still sometimes feel solo travel anxiety. I’ve almost cancelled trips to Ecuador and Nepal because of my fears. But.. I’m SO glad I didn’t.
Below, you’ll find all my tips and advice about overcoming your fears. This is based on my own personal experience of being scared to travel alone.
Why are you scared of solo travel?
I think it’s important to try to understand why you’re afraid of traveling alone. Is it a safety concerns? Fear of being alone? Eating alone? Language barriers? Loneliness? Homesickness? Not meeting anyone?
Ultimately, there are a lot of different reasons why people are afraid to book their first trip. But figuring out your biggest fear is a great first step in working to overcome it.
Write it down, and if there are a few, write them all down. This way, you’ll know exactly what you need to focus on to help overcome your fears.
Then, write down all the parts that excite you too, such as having the freedom to go anywhere, do what you want, change your plans and travel on YOUR terms.
It’s so easy for us to focus on the negatives, so try and consider the positives too.
How to overcome your solo travel anxiety
Start small with a shorter trip
Solo travel doesn’t have to mean quitting your job and going on a twelve-month backpacking trip. Whether you go away for one night or one year doesn’t matter. Solo travel is solo travel.
I started my solo travel experience with a week abroad in America. It was a country I was familiar with, I knew people there, and it wasn’t too long to be away from home (Funny story – I ended up staying for three months).
Taking small steps is a great way to build your solo travel confidence. Perhaps consider a weekend in a new city for your first trip. You’ll still be exploring new places, but it won’t be as daunting as travelling to the other side of the world. The next time, you can look at going somewhere for a longer period of time.
Follow other solo travelers
One of the best things I did to help get over my fears of solo travel was to follow people who were doing what I dreamed of.
After my first solo trip, I spent years (almost ten!) working and saving up as much money as I could to make my dream a reality. Watching other people on social media do exactly what I dreamed of is ultimately what gave me that motivation.
It was also incredibly reassuring to watch other women travel around the world and share their experiences. If they can do it, why can’t I?
The solo female travel community is very supportive and empowering. The news often only shares the bad things that (rarely) happen, so it’s a sensible idea to fill your social media feeds with the positive parts too.
Here are some of my favourite solo female travelers to follow on Instagram. TikTok has changed the landscape, but these are people who I like to think of as the OGs of solo female travel (at least for me). They show the realities and don’t glamorise it – they’re an incredible group of women.
- Where Goes Rose
- Absolutely Lucy
- Finding Alexx
- Backpacking Bananas (Christianne also has a helpful YouTube channel; it’s filled with realistic videos)
- Grace’s Adventures
- Adventure w Cam
Of course, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of brilliant accounts out there to follow. These are just a few of the people who have personally inspired me to travel solo.
Choose the right destination for you
Visiting the right destination is so important if it’s your first time solo traveling. While places like Ecuador and India might look appealing, they can be challenging even for experienced solo travellers.
If you’re already nervous about traveling alone, visiting a country which is known to be challenging isn’t going to help.
So, how do you choose your first solo destination? Well, it obviously needs to be somewhere you want to go. Write a list of all the places you want to visit and research which is best for solo female travelers.
Consider things such as how popular it is with backpackers, how easy it is to get around, safety concerns and research other people’s experiences.
One of the biggest factors for me is how popular it is with other solo travellers. For example, Japan is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world. I loved my trip to Japan, but travelling alone there did feel a bit isolating. I’m not sure I’d recommend it as a first-time solo trip.
Here are some of my favourite destinations for first-time solo travelers:
Asia: Thailand | Vietnam | Philippines | Bali (Indonesia)
The Americas: Mexico | Costa Rica | Argentina | Peru (consider Peru Hop) | US cities like New York and Chicago
Other: Australia | New Zealand | Most of Europe (Portugal, Croatia, Turkey and Italy are good options)
Even if the country you want to visit is known to be more challenging for solo travelers, you can still go. It just means you might have to do a bit more research ahead of time to ensure you’re fully prepared.
I love reading solo travel blogs to help me research. Travelling alone is a different experience from travelling with a friend or partner. Listen to the people who have done what you want to do.
Another option would be to consider a group tour, which I’ve discussed below.
Do some thorough research into your destination
Once you’ve decided on your destination, it’s time to do as much research as possible. It might seem like an obvious one, but having knowledge of a destination before I travel really helps me to feel more confident.
Here are a few things I like to research before landing in a new country.
Local customs | I always like to check if there are any local customs I need to be aware of. This might include dress codes or behaviour that’s considered rude.
How to get around the country | It’s worth checking the best ways to get around a country. It could be trains, buses, shuttles, or even renting a car.
What are the best places to see and top things to do | Have an idea of where you want to go and what you want to see. You don’t need to commit to anything (unless you need to book your activity well ahead of time), but it gives you an idea of what to do when you’re there.
What are the best accommodation options | Spend time researching hotels and hostels. Having an idea of the type of place you’ll be staying might help alleviate some fears.
How to pay for things | Always check the best way to pay for things. Do you need cash, or will most places accept card?
Safety | Check for any safety concerns in the country. For the most part, it likely won’t be much different to your own country. Research common scams and solo travel safety tips.
Fully plan your first few days
I’m all for arriving in a country and winging it, but this might not be the best for nervous travelers.
Planning things such as your accommodation, transport and tours for the first few days can help to ease your nerves. This might be for your first day, it might be for your first week, but having a plan means you can worry less about what you’re going to do when you’re there.
Planning ahead sometimes means less flexibility, but it can also be beneficial (especially for shorter trips).
In terms of longer trips, I don’t recommend planning every single day. It’s likely you’ll want to switch up your plans if you meet people or don’t like somewhere.
However, having at least the first few days of your trip planned can help to calm those nerves.
I do this less and less the more I travel. But in my early days of solo travel, I found it reassuring to know where I’d be staying, what I’d be doing and how I’d be getting around for those first few days.
Pre-book your arrival transport and plan your arrival
Even after years of solo travel, I sometimes pre-book my transport from the airport when arriving in new places (or at least ensure I have a solid idea of how to use public transport).
Arriving in a new country is always going to be a daunting experience. But knowing you have transport waiting for you can help you to relax and focus on enjoying your trip.
I don’t always think this is necessary, but it entirely depends on where you’re going and how confident you are.
Malaysia was the first country in Asia I ever visited. Despite everyone online saying the public transport is fine, I opted to pay for a taxi. I did the same in the likes of Nepal and Argentina. Yes, it’s more expensive, but it’s just one less thing to worry about. I’m already nervous enough.
If you’re worried about the cost – my best advice is never to sacrifice your feeling of safety to save a few dollars. In the context of a holiday or backpacking trip, that extra $20 isn’t really going to make much difference.
If you’re keen to use public transport, it’s important to research it ahead of time and ensure it’s safe. A few countries are renowned for having dodgy public transport, with tourists often the victim of petty crimes.
Nowadays, I mostly use public transport if it’s safe, but there are still countries where I wouldn’t question booking a taxi or shuttle.
If you’ve booked your accommodation, see if they offer an airport shuttle. I often find that booking through hostels is a little bit cheaper.
Consider staying in hostels
Staying in a hostel is one of the best ways to meet people when travelling. It’s more than likely that there will be other solo travellers staying there.
Even if you prefer to stay in a private room, hostels usually have social areas where meeting people is easy.
There are so many horror stories out there about hostels, but they’re honestly not that bad. Sure, there are some questionable ones, but most hostels are just as clean and modern as a regular hotel.
Some of the hostels in Southeast Asia are almost luxurious!
It’s a sensible idea to check the hostel reviews beforehand to double-check that it’s up to your standards. I like a dorm bed with a curtain and a female-only room where possible, and lockers are an absolute must (I know, I’m getting picky as I get older).
It’s also worth checking how social the hostel is. This mostly depends on who is there at the time, but reviews will often give you a good idea. It’s a great sign if the hostel organises events.
I always use either Booking.com or Hostel World to book my hostels.
Ask your accommodation for advice
Don’t hesitate to contact your hostel or hotel beforehand (or when you’re there) and ask for their advice.
I’ve found that hostels are nearly always willing to help and offer any advice you need. In many countries, it’s common for hostels to have WhatsApp, so it’s easy to ask them any questions.
They can help you with everything from how to get from the airport, where to eat, and the best things to do.
Book your tours through your accommodation
Booking tours through your hostel is a great way to meet other people. For the most part, you’ll be joining other people from your hostel.
Even if you don’t want to do any activities, check to see if your hostel offers free walking tours. These are (usually) only for people staying at the hostel and a great way to meet others.
I did a free city walking tour with my hostel in Ecuador and met a group of people that I ended up travelling with for the rest of my trip.
Decide whether you need to eSim and buy in advance
Having no phone connection when I arrive in a new country is a mistake I’ve made many times.
Yes, most airports have WiFi, but not all of them do. Plus, once you’ve left the airport, you’ll likely want to stay connected in case of an emergency or if you get lost (especially as a solo traveler).
Researching SIM options ahead of time means one less thing to worry about when you arrive. Imagine having your transport booked, SIM sorted, money sorted, and accommodation booked all before you leave – what a weight lifted!
eSIMs get a lot of hype these days, but I’m not the biggest fan. For the most part, you’ll get a better value deal with better mobile coverage by buying a local SIM. There are some exceptions to this, and I have used eSIMs in several countries.
You can generally see what’s cheapest by comparing the cost of an eSIM (I recommend Airalo), and checking on Google for the price of a local tourist SIM.
However, I love eSIMs when it comes to initially landing in a country. This is especially true when you can’t buy the local SIM at the airport. You can install the eSIM before you leave, and when you land you’ll have mobile coverage.
If I’m planning to buy a local SIM, I’ll normally just get the cheapest option with Airalo and then find a local SIM as soon as I arrive.
Connect with other solo travellers on social media or Whatsapp
There are many WhatsApp groups for specific countries which were created by other backpackers. The goal of the groups is to connect other solo travelers and backpackers.
You can share travel tips, ask for advice and arrange meet-ups. They have been invaluable to me and my travels.
There is sometimes more than one for each country, but you can ask the hostel if they know which is the best to join. There are also some lists here and here with links to various backpacking groups worldwide.
Facebook is another excellent option! Just search for your destination with ‘backpacking’ or ‘travel advice’.
Connecting with other travelers and sharing advice is an excellent way to overcome the fears of travelling alone.
Learn how to make friends when traveling
Feeling lonely seems to be one of the biggest fears about solo travel. I’m sure you’ve read the words “You’re never truly alone when you solo travel” before, and that’s sort of true…
However, it’s not quite that simple. There have been MANY times when I’ve just not connected with the people in my hostel (or I’ve not felt like being social). This can lead to feeling lonely and unhappy, but it’s just part of solo travel.
Rather than worry about feeling alone, put that energy into researching how to meet people at hostels. Also, accept that you might not always meet new friends, and that’s okay. Part of the beauty of solo travel is learning how to enjoy your own company and being at peace with that.
I’ve met so many amazing people through my travels that I now consider a close friend, but I’ve also surprisingly enjoyed my alone time. Honestly, when you travel continuously, constantly meeting new people becomes EXHAUSTING. Moments before writing this article, I booked to stay in an Airbnb instead of a hostel because I just can’t be bothered to meet new people right now…
But if you are a social butterfly, it’s worth doing a bit of research about how to make friends when travelling. I’m currently working on a post to help with this, so check back soon. But in the meantime, I promise it’s not as hard as it feels.
Safety is SO important, but don’t listen to the fear-mongers
For most people, personal safety seems to be the biggest reason they don’t travel solo. And I can’t blame them. The internet seems to be filled with horror stories about why X destination is dangerous and unsuitable for solo female travelers.
There is so much fear-mongering around solo female travel. But the truth is, I wouldn’t have been to half the places I’d been to if I’d listened to the internet or my family telling me it’s not safe.
Most countries are nowhere near as scary as the media or internet want you to think they are. In fact, I felt safer in places like Central America and Bolivia than in London!
Having said that, it’s still SO important to research your destination and check for the latest safety advice.
In some ways, this might hopefully help you to overcome your fears. If the main concerns are petty crimes like phone snatching, ask yourself if it’s any different to walking around your local city. If the answer is no, what’s stopping you from going on that solo trip?
It’s also a good idea to research some solo female travel safety tips. Here are a few I always stick to when travelling alone:
- Don’t walk alone at night
- Don’t flaunt your valuables
- Never give money to strangers
- Always trust your gut
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Keep your phone away
- Know your limits
- Always check that a local taxi is licenced (or use Uber/book through your accommodation)
- Tell a lie if you need to
These are all rules I follow wherever I am, even if I’m walking around my hometown.
One thing I will say is to always prioritise safety. If anything feels off, get yourself out of that situation. This is especially true for solo female travellers. Don’t take any risks when you solo travel. Pay the extra $20 for a taxi home (please), only get drunk with people you trust, and never knowingly put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation.
But honestly, don’t let safety fears stop your solo travel adventure. While serious crimes happen, it’s very rare. As I said above, research your first destination and go for one known to be safe and easy. You can then build up from here.
Also consider the activities you want to do. For example, I LOVE hiking alone, but I always check the area to ensure it’s safe.
Consider an organised tour
Organised group tours are excellent for solo travelers. And yes, it’s still solo travel.
They’re a fantastic way to explore a new destination without the fear of being completely alone. It also means you’ll have a local guide to help you with anything you need. Group tours are one of my favourite ways to travel to destinations that aren’t the most solo-friendly.
One of my favourite companies is G Adventures. Most tours include accommodation, some activities and transport, but you can still explore specific places on your terms. G Adventures also has no single supplement! You won’t be penalised for travelling alone. In fact, most of their customers are solo travelers.
I’ve traveled with G Adventures countless times, and they never disappoint.
These tours can sometimes be more expensive than doing it yourself, but they’re a great way to meet people. They also mean you don’t have to worry about planning everything.
If, after reading this post, you’re still unsure about a solo trip, I can’t recommend group tours enough.
Instead of a group tour, you could also consider a volunteering opportunity.
Try to be positive
I know this is cliché and easier said than done, but try to consider the positives as much as possible.
Solo travel is a life-changing experience. You’re hopefully about to have the time of your life. You’ll meet new people, see incredible places, experience wonderful things… don’t let the fears of what might go wrong hold you back from that.
Remember you can go home
Okay, this is probably a controversial one. However, one of the things that often helps me overcome my solo travel anxiety is reminding myself that I can go home whenever I like.
In the very unlikely event that your fears come true and you hate travelling solo… just book a flight home. It’s THAT simple. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means you’ve tried something that wasn’t for you.
But the chances are that won’t happen. In all my years of travel, I’ve never met anyone who regrets solo travel or has wanted to go home early.
Summary: Should you book that solo trip?
If you’re scared of traveling alone, I hope this article has helped you somehow. The reality is – solo travel is scary. And those pre-trip jitters never truly go away.
But being worried about something isn’t a reason not to do it. Part of the magic of solo travel is fighting those fears, focusing on your personal growth and allowing yourself to be free.
So yes, you should absolutely book that solo trip!
Here are a few of my solo travel guides for destinations all around the world:
- A guide to solo female travel in Peru
- My honest thoughts about solo travel in Japan
- Tips for a solo trip to New Zealand
- How to plan a solo road trip in New Zealand
- Traveling alone in Bolivia, what’s it really like?
- Is Ecuador safe for solo female travel? All you need to know
- A guide to solo female travel in Nepal
- Tips for solo female travel in Argentina
- Traveling alone in Guatemala, all you need to know
