We've all been there. You've been eyeing that solo trip for months, maybe even years, but something always holds you back: Is it the fear of the unknown? The worry about being by yourself in a foreign country? Maybe you just don't know where to start?
This post is for you who have been thinking about booking a solo trip, but haven't quite mustered up the courage yet - You know you want to travel solo, but you're hesitant. Maybe you're afraid of getting lost, or maybe you're worried about what other people will think.
The truth is, solo travel can be one of the most rewarding and freeing experiences you'll ever have. It's something every person should try at least once, and it'll bring some of the most amazing memories and stories that you'll ever have. And the best time to finally take the plunge and book that trip is now!
Let’s talk about how to take control and finally make your dream trip a reality. So grab your passport and let's go!
How to take control and finally book that solo trip
Stop waiting for the “right time”
If you’re waiting for the right time to come to make your dreams come true, I hate to tell you this, but you'll be waiting for the rest of your life. The truth is, there's never going to be a “perfect” time to travel - there will always be "something" in the way keeping you from starting. You have to learn to seize the opportunity when it comes your way, and not let anything hold you back. So if you've been waiting for the “right time” to book that trip, stop it. The right time is right now!
Stop making excuses
If you really want to travel, you'll find a way to make it happen - and not an excuse as to why you can't.
Start by evaluating your priorities. Are you really too busy to take a week or two off from work? How about a weekend getaway instead? Do you really not make enough money to travel, or are you just not willing to cut back on your spending in other areas? If travel is a priority for you, start making some changes in your life to make it happen.
Stop listening to what other people think
This is your life, and you should live it the way you want to. If travel is something that's important to you, don't let anyone else hold you back. It's your decision, and yours alone, to make.
There always will be people who’ll try to talk you out of it - and most of the time, it comes from people who have never even traveled themselves. They don't understand your desire to see the world or they don't have the confidence to solo travel, so they're just projecting their own fears onto you.
Of course, it's always a good idea to consult with your loved ones before making any big decisions - but at the end of the day, you have to do what's best for you. If they're not supportive of your decision to travel solo, that's their problem, not yours.
Don’t listen to your fears
Fear is one of the biggest things that holds people back from solo travel. But if you let your fears control you, you'll never experience all the amazing things that this world has to offer.
So instead of listening to your fears, start facing them head on. Challenge yourself to do something new and out of your comfort zone every day. It doesn't have to be anything big - just something that makes you a little bit uncomfortable.
You can even start exploring the city that you live in on your own. Go to a local café, restaurant, museum or movies, but do it solo.
The more you do this, the easier it'll be to push past your fears and finally take that solo trip you've been dreaming of. Then you'll see that traveling alone is not at all as scary as you probably made it out to be!
Journal and get your thoughts out
Journaling your thoughts is a great way to help you sort out your feelings and figure out what's really holding you back from solo travel. Write down all your fears, doubts, and concerns - and then look at them objectively. Are they really as big of a deal as you're making them out to be?
Oftentimes, our fears are much bigger in our heads than they are in reality. So once you see them written out on paper, it'll be easier to confront them and start working through them.
Look at all the people who are doing it already
One of the best ways to overcome your fears is to see that other people are doing it already. If they can do it, why can't you? Look at all the solo travelers out there and be inspired by their stories. Read travel blogs, watch YouTube videos, and follow Instagram accounts of people who are living your dream life. That could (and should) be you!
Look at the amazing sides of traveling solo
Remember all the amazing things about solo travel:
You'll learn so much about yourself and the world around you, you'll make new friends and memories that will last a lifetime, and you'll come back from your trip feeling confident, empowered, and ready to take on anything.
Traveling alone and spending time with yourself is an opportunity to learn more about who you are and what you want in life and can be one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have.
You are your best company
No one will ever know you better than you know yourself - so why not spend some time with the best company you'll ever have? You don't need anyone else to validate your decisions or make you feel good about yourself.
Remember that you are enough, and that you can do anything you set your mind to. Solo travel is the perfect opportunity to prove that to yourself. You'll learn to enjoy spending time alone, and you'll come back from your trip feeling more confident and independent than ever before.
Get prepared
Do your research! One of the best ways to ease your fears about solo travel is to simply be prepared. Do your research before you go and make sure you know exactly where you're going and what you're doing. That way, you'll feel more confident and in control when you're actually on your trip.
Read blog posts and watch YouTube videos about the places you're planning to visit. The more you know about them, the less intimidating they'll be.
This is the part that takes the most amount of time in order to be done well. And that’s exactly what we’re here for! Check out our Travel Planning page to see how we can make your dream trip come true.
You don’t have to know every single step
One of the best things about solo travel is that you don't have to plan everything out in advance. Knowing about where you’re going, how you’re getting there and what you’re going to do there is important, but don’t feel like you have to plan every single detail in advance. You can (and should) be flexible, and go with the flow.
If you're not sure where to go or what to do next, that's okay! The beauty of solo travel is that you can do whatever you want, whenever you want. So if you're feeling spontaneous, go with it! You never know where it might take you.
*Bonus tip - Find your cheerleader*
One of the best things you can do to ease your fears about solo travel is to find a cheerleader - someone who will support your decision and encourage you to go for it. This could be a friend, family member, or even a stranger! Only surround yourself with friends who are encouraging and excited about your upcoming trip, and stay away from those who are constantly trying to talk you out of it. Having someone in your corner will make all the difference. They'll be there to offer words of encouragement and advice, and they'll help you stay positive and motivated throughout your solo travel journey.
The more positivity and support you have, the easier it will be to stay motivated and excited about your trip. So find your cheerleader, and let them help you take on the world!
The bottom line is that solo travel is an amazing experience that everyone should try at least once in their life. It's a great way to learn more about yourself and the world around you, and it's an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. So don't let your fears hold you back - get out there and explore! You probably will surprise even yourself.
This is just a small part of what solo travel can offer. If you’re feeling inspired to give it a try, never hesitate to contact us! Our team of mindset coaches and empowered women solo travelers are here to help you plan your first solo trip and prepare you to take on the world.
We'll provide you with a customized itinerary and be there every step of the way to provide support and encouragement. So if you're ready to take the plunge and embark on a solo travel adventure, take a look at our services and see how we can help you take that first step and make your dream of traveling solo a reality.
