Scared or reluctant to travel on your own? Here are three tips for easing yourself into solo travel.
Anyone who’s read this blog for some amount of time knows that I’m a huge proponent of solo travel and think that everyone should do it at some point. The benefits are numerous: you can go where you want, no longer a slave to others’ schedules, finances, and indecision, and once in your destination you can do what you want, when you want. I just got back from a solo trip to Mongolia and loved the freedom of movement travelling alone afforded me; I was truly the master (mistress?) of my own destiny and it was empowering.
A few weeks ago on my solo trip to Mongolia
Given this, I’ve shared a few nuggets of advice on the blog for those interested in hitting the road on their own. In my post 9 tips for solo travel if you’re a girl, I offer info to fearless female voyageurs, and in my video How to meet people when you travel solo I give 10 tips to help travellers of any gender connect with fellow wanderlusters.
But these recommendations are perhaps only really useful to those who have already mentally readied and opened themselves to the possibility of rolling solo dolo on vacation. What about those who are reticent to take the plunge in the first place?
With this in mind, here are three suggestions for how to get used to travelling solo.
Go on dates– with yourself
Perhaps the best way to get used to travelling on your own is to get comfortable with your own company. And what better way to do so than to plan solo activities in your hometown? I frequently go to dinner, to the mall, or to the movies by myself; I’ve also rolled solo dolo to museums, food festivals, and parades. Scheduling alone time on your own stomping grounds is a great way to build confidence in a low-stakes, low-stress situation, since if you’re feeling lonely, a friend or family member is only a short phone call away!
Take short, “easy” trips that are close to home
Now that you’re more accustomed to your own company, the next step to easing yourself into going on a full-blown solo trip is to take short, uncomplicated excursions that are relatively close to home. Think about taking a solo weekend getaway to a destination not more than two or so hours away from where you live: logistically it’ll be easier to organize, and the comforts of home, should you get anxious at the prospect of navigating a place all by your lonesome, will still be within reach. My travel blogger friend Adventurous Kate, who is based in New York City, recently took a trip by herself to nearby Hudson, NY, which is exactly the sort of excursion I would suggest for someone new to solo travel: in places a stone’s throw away from your home the unfamiliar is basically couched in the familiar. Checking out neighbouring cities also serves the purpose of enlightening you to all the cool things to see and do in your proverbial backyard. Here’s to travelling locally!
Travel to destinations that are good for solo travelers
Congrats! You’ve finally mustered up the courage to challenge yourself by taking a solo trip to a locale that is further afield. But where to go as someone who is still new and not so comfortable with the idea of travelling alone? My recommendation is to select destinations that are tourist-friendly. This would include cities or countries that have a solid tourist infrastructure in place: a number of attractions that are easily navigable, good transport links to assist in getting around, and a variety of accommodation and dining options. Why? Having these things sorted greatly facilitates the travel experience and goes a long way towards helping new solo travellers keep both boredom and anxiety at bay. If you’re not particularly good with foreign languages and the thought of heading to a region where you’re unable to communicate causes you distress, think about tackling destinations where your mother tongue is spoken and/or understood widely.
By this reasoning, a trip to London or Hong Kong would be ideal for my American and Canadian solo travel hopefuls: amongst other things, they are well-trodden tourist trails that have loads of things to do, see, and experience. They also both have English as an official language and their public transport systems are extensive and easy to master. I’ve often joked that it’s impossible to get lost in central London as signage is prominent and maps are posted everywhere– heck, the “Look Right” or “Look Left” embossed on the pavement at most intersections even tells you how to cross the street!
I would also argue that large, cosmopolitan cities are the best places for reticent solo travellers to cut their teeth on, simply because it’s harder to feel lonely when you are surrounded by throngs of people and centers of action. I really believe that large, touristy cities yield increased opportunities to meet both locals and other travellers; I also think that putting yourself in a position to connect with others is a great way to stave off homesickness on your inaugural solo sojourns.
Are you afraid to travel solo? Why or why not? And what do you think of my tips?
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56 Comments
Great tips….maybe going on dates with myself is what makes it so easy for me to pick up and go solo. I’ve been dating myself since 1999, lol.
Haha yes!!! I think it’s good practice! Also good training: being an only child!! xo
My first trip to Paris was by myself. My travel-to-London friend did not have a third week to spare like I did so I just went across on the Chunnel by myself for a few days. As you mentioned in the article, places like Paris are perfect for learning to go it alone.
The only issue with travelling solo to Paris is having to bug a stranger to get that perfect Eiffel Tower pic… 😉
These are fantastic. I think it’s also good to go on solo dates in general, whether you’re traveling or not! I have done solo trips to smaller towns and enjoyed them as well. Granted they were smaller towns in passing on my way to bigger cities, but the experience was still great. I think there is an intimacy there that makes it easy to talk to locals than it would be in a bigger city.
Agree that solo dates in general are a good thing!
These are great tips Oneika!
Yay for solo travel I say!
Even though I’m married and have a tween child, I still travel solo every now and then, a couple of times a year, on long weekends, as I have a very understanding, open-minded German husband, and son is usually hiking, camping away, etc at the time lol!
I’m going to be travelling to the Philippines later in the year for TBEX, which luckily is in the Autumn school holiday, so both husband and son, have encouraged me to go for it, so I’ll be using it as a springboard to travel solo for almost three weeks. I haven’t decided where I’ll travel to after the TBEX travel conference but it’s going to be so much fun finding out. I’m even thinking of leaving a week unplanned and then deciding on the spot when I get there!
Oh cool!! Which places in SE Asia interest you?
Everyone needs the chance to spend quality time alone, and there’s no better place to do so than on the road of life. I’m a firm believer of solo travel and I can’t wait to leave on my next trip (heading to Central America and South America). Oneika, your blog is really motivating. Looking forward to more posts!
I’ve taken myself on a few dates. Great idea! This fall I’ll be heading to NYC, Berlin and Paris solo. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to being nervous. I have hotels booked but I’m considering switching to airbnb.
But how do you capture moments on camera if you’re solo? Do you often ask a stranger to take a picture of you? Just curious. Great article! I think ill start taking myself on more “dates” to muster up the courage to travel alone.
Ask a stranger, by offering to take their picture and they will usually return the favor. In the world of selfie’s get a selfie stick.
Oneika I love your blog Im African American retired during my younger years I traveled solo a lot still do, just got back from Mauritius my retirement trip. I finally got my sister to start traveling I’m taking her to Jamaica this coming January .I love your pics.look forward to following your blog.
Great tips! I found I sort of did things in reverse – I’ve been much more likely to take myself on solo dates since I got back from my solo travels!
Some good suggestions here 🙂
Dates with myself? Check. Some short trips – or not too far away – on my own? Check. A few solo trips to ‘safe’ destinations (London 😉 Hong Kong 😉 even Egypt)? Check. But what about extensive travelling? Far away? To, say, South America? Uuuhhh, still scared. Any suggestions for ‘safe’ destinations in South America?
Since , i become a mother and that Im now 30 years , im scared to travel by myself , is that normal? Ive been in paris, cuba, paris, anguilla. But now i feel im more scared. I am from montreal , now just to go in toronto . I doubt myself !! Any tips?
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