Often, the fear of taking action can overshadow the desire to do so. This holds true for many readers who reach out to me, expressing their wish to travel solo while grappling with the anxiety of being alone.
Fear can be a major roadblock.
Personally, I have a strong desire to camp in the Canadian wilderness, yet I also have a significant fear of bears. This fear isn’t unfounded; bears can indeed pose a danger. However, incidents are rare, and my anxiety is disproportionate to the real threat.
Fear can be unnecessarily immobilizing.
In the same way, the fear of solo travel can freeze individuals in their tracks. Most often, these fears stem from issues that can be resolved. Unlike the wilderness, there’s a certain logic to navigating the world as a traveler. By understanding that logic and acquiring necessary skills, solo travel can become less daunting.
To enhance this post, I consulted with various travel experts and sought insights on travel fears and concerns through a platform called HelpAReportOut. I asked what prevents enthusiastic travelers from embarking on their journeys and received valuable advice to share with you. Let’s delve into it.
Confronting the Fear of Traveling Alone
The first step in overcoming any fear is to identify it. Break it down to uncover its source and determine its validity. Below, you’ll find a list of common fears associated with solo travel. Click on each fear to explore strategies for overcoming it:
- Fear of loneliness while traveling solo. Have confidence! Solo travelers often find themselves surrounded by new people. While loneliness can occur, many readers of Solo Traveler frequently mention the numerous connections they make on their journeys. That’s been my experience too. Check out How to Travel Alone Without Being Lonely: 10 Tips & 12 Posts.
- Fear of a dangerous world. To combat this anxiety, my first piece of advice is to limit your consumption of media that fuels your fears. As Aaron Edwards from Life Travelers Traveling Life points out, “The media only highlights the negative.” If the news makes you anxious, consider taking a break from it before you travel, and try to avoid crime shows as well. For more reassurance, read Great Advice for Solo Travel Confidence: You’ll Be Okay.
- Concerns about personal safety. You can prepare yourself for safety. Just as you do at home, planning is key when exploring new areas. Refer to 5 Principles of Solo Travel Safety for fundamental tips, or delve deeper with Solo Travel Safety: 50+ Proven Tips to Keep You Safe.
- Fear of feeling self-conscious while dining alone. This concern often arises from a limited perspective on dining options. Traditional restaurants are just the beginning. For more insights, read Eating Alone is Easy When You Know How.
- Fear of not keeping pace with a group. This fear requires self-awareness and advance planning. Assess the activity level of your destination to ensure it aligns with your own abilities before making a reservation. Allow yourself a day or two to recover from jet lag if you’re crossing time zones, and plan any necessary support for airport transfers.
- Fear of traveling with pre-existing health conditions. Before making travel plans, consult your healthcare provider to ensure they approve your trip. Purchasing travel insurance as soon as you book is wise. Make sure to bring an adequate supply of medication in labeled bottles, and consider wearing a medical alert bracelet. Depending on the condition’s severity, you might also want to inform any travel companions.
- Fear of food allergies while traveling. This is a significant concern for many solo travelers. As my husband has celiac disease, he must avoid gluten. Conditions such as egg and peanut allergies are even more critical. Thankfully, the travel industry is becoming more accommodating to dietary needs. When booking flights or tours, let the providers know about your allergies—they are usually willing to help. There’s also the app FindMeGlutenFree, which my husband has successfully used in various countries. Always pack safe, non-allergenic snacks for your journey; as a vegetarian, I carry peanut-free nuts with me.
- Fear of culture shock. Cultural differences are inevitable when visiting another country. To ease this anxiety, do some research beforehand. Watching travel videos on YouTube and reading destination blogs can help prepare you. Remember to be respectful of cultural differences; though they may not align with your norms, they emerged for a reason. Understanding that reason often enriches the travel experience.
- Fear of unfamiliar foods. If you’re a picky eater at home, it’s natural to worry about food choices abroad. If possible, sample your destination’s cuisine at local markets or restaurants before departing. If you’re concerned about spicy foods, you can usually request milder options.
- Fear of mental health challenges. Tabby from JustCantSettle.com shared her approach: “For me, two key elements are mental health and the nerves surrounding solo travel as a young woman in unfamiliar countries. My strategy involved open conversations with friends, mapping out my goals, and facing small fears daily—like attending a gig alone or taking a weekend trip solo. I realized my anxiety would be higher if I stayed home and stuck to the same routine. Despite the challenges, such as panic attacks in bustling markets, I have always cherished my experiences as a solo traveler and would do it all over again in a heartbeat.”
- Fear of leaving pets behind. Lindsey Danis expressed her worries about her dog while traveling. “Although it didn’t stop me from going on a five-week trip, I couldn’t help but worry about my senior pet. What helped me was finding trustworthy caretakers (my roommate and mom shared the duties), keeping pictures of my pet on my devices, checking in during my travels, and accepting that loss could happen anytime, whether I’m traveling or staying home. Though it was tough, I had a great time and managed to worry less as I traveled.”
- Fear of neglecting family responsibilities. Katherine from Bright Lights of America noted that guilt over familial responsibilities once deterred her from traveling. After losing her mother, she felt she couldn’t pursue her travel dreams without abandoning her family. Therapy and discussions with her family helped her realize she could offer support from anywhere. Two and a half years in San Francisco later, she reflects on balancing her life with a commitment to her family’s well-being.
For more insights on overcoming the fear of traveling alone, check out these helpful posts:
Last updated: 1st October, 2024
