How to Get Over the Fear of Traveling Alone

Learning how to travel alone can open doors to epic adventures and truly unique growth opportunities. The one thing holding most travelers back from making the leap? Fear.

It can be intimidating venturing into the unknown, especially on your own. You may have heard stories of horrible solo travel experiences. Maybe Mom and Dad are worried about your safety, or perhaps you’re just wondering…is it weird to travel alone?

Okay fair—you probably can’t expect a stranger to capture the right angles like this.

It’s natural to have solo travel anxiety, but the truth is, sometimes traveling alone is the best way to do it. Solo travel allows you to get to know yourself on a deeper level, explore your strengths and weaknesses, all while making your dream trip exactly what you want it to be.

So, here’s how to get over the fear of traveling alone so you can see the world on your own terms!

Is traveling alone awkward?

You may cringe at the idea of eating a meal alone or having all eyes on you while you’re trying to capture the perfect selfie. If you’re an introverted traveler, you may dread being the only single person in a tour group or striking up a conversation with a stranger. Sure, there are awkward moments when traveling alone, but awkward moments are inevitable when traveling—whether you’re solo or not.

There are many more moments of excitement and connection if you’re open to the experience. You’ll be able to meet other travelers, make new friends, go where you want, and eat what you want.

If you’re afraid to travel alone, it’s an opportunity to push yourself outside of your comfort zone, and every moment will get easier. And if all else fails, just make sure you have a good book on hand to keep you company in the awkward moments.

What are the benefits of traveling alone?

Um, how about no one trying to show you a TikTok during a moment like this?

Most seasoned solo travelers will tell you traveling alone is the only way to travel. Once you get past the solo travel anxiety, you’ll find that the benefits far outweigh the moments of awkwardness. Some of the top benefits of traveling alone are:

• You’ll make epic friendships. Solo travelers attract other solo travelers. They are just as worried about being lonely as you are, and just as eager to make connections. Whether you join a tour group or not, you’ll appear more approachable as a solo traveler, which makes it easier to find travel buddies who may become lifelong friends.
• You can do whatever YOU want to do. No more compromising. Don’t let the fear of traveling alone hold you back from traveling, sleeping, eating, and living each day exactly as you wish. You don’t have to wait for a travel buddy to create your dream holiday.
• You’ll get to know yourself on a deeper level. There’s no better way to get to know yourself than spending time alone. Solo travel is the perfect opportunity to get comfortable in your own skin and truly find yourself.
• You’ll expand your confidence. Experiences that push you outside your comfort zone are the perfect opportunities for growth. Traveling alone is no different. You’ll be forced to think on your feet, cope with uncomfortable situations, stand up for yourself, and speak up. Every decision made is yours, and with that power, you’ll return home feeling like you’ve conquered the world.

How to get over the fear of traveling alone

Learning how to spend time with yourself is essential to living a happy life.

Fear is a natural human response. It allows the human body to protect itself from harm. It’s always important to do your research before heading off on a solo travel adventure so you can stay out of harm’s way and minimize that fear response.

But if you’ve educated yourself on the cultural differences, how to get around, have learned some key phrases in the local language, and have a general awareness of your surroundings, traveling alone doesn’t have to be scary.

Still wary of those traveling alone benefits? Here are 6 ways to to get over the fear of traveling alone.

1. Acknowledge the fear.

The fear of traveling alone doesn’t just go away on its own. The more we ignore fear, the bigger it grows. Instead, acknowledge it. Give it a name—it can be your new travel buddy! Thank the fear for being there, for trying to protect you. Know that it has your best intentions at heart. It will become less scary if you can befriend that fear, and soon you won’t feel it at all.

2. Dive deep into the source of your fear.

What is at the root of your solo travel anxiety? Can you identify the thing you are most afraid of? Is your fear rational, or is it something worth conquering? More often than not, solo travelers are afraid to travel alone because of the awkward moments rather than fearing for their safety. Often, we can turn the nerves into excitement, especially when adventure is ahead.

3. Remember your why.

Solo travel intrigues us for many different reasons. Some may crave adventure and enjoy pushing themselves out of their comfort zones, while others may look to solo travel as an opportunity for growth.

Others may want to explore the world, but can’t seem to find a travel buddy to do it with. Why did you explore traveling alone in the first place? By identifying your why, you can remind yourself of the traveling alone benefits, and the fear will dissipate.

Revisit your goals to find your inspiration.

4. Do your homework.

Before you embark on your first solo travel experience, do your research. Read travel guides to learn more about the best places for solo travel, and deep dive into your dream destination. Educate yourself on the culture, practice your language skills on DuoLingo, and download apps to help you navigate where you want to go.

The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel. Having a plan will save you from some of the solo travel anxiety—and you can always abandon it later if you change your mind!

5. Engage with the community.

No one likes to stand out like a sore thumb, especially when traveling alone. Get acquainted with the local customs, dress yourself in local clothes, and attend local gatherings if you have the opportunity. Not only will you blend in, but engaging with the locals will make you feel like part of the community, and you’ll realize that you’re never truly alone.

6. Make it a habit to get out of your comfort zone.

The more we do something, the more it becomes second nature. The first time you travel alone, it can be scary because you’re out of your comfort zone. By pushing your boundaries over and over, they will expand. So push yourself, challenge yourself, take it one step further. Before you know it, you’ll be a solo traveling addict, always looking for the next thrill.

Convinced? Talk to our FREE Online Advisor & get matched with 5 solo travel programs

Solo travel anxiety? We hear you.

It’s always intimidating to take a leap into the unknown. Even the most experienced travelers can feel solo travel anxiety before packing their backpack and taking a flight alone. Yes, there are awkward moments and uncomfortable situations, but the benefits and thrills of solo travel far outweigh the fear of traveling alone.

Say yes to your dream destination, to challenging yourself, to traveling exactly the way you want, and to spending time with yourself—it’s something every human should do at least once!