Traveling alone can be one of the most liberating experiences. There’s you, a destination, endless possibilities, and no one to consult with regarding your choices. You just do what you feel like doing and go where you feel like going. However, traveling alone can understandably cause some safety and confidence concerns. How do you overcome them? Find out below.
Research the country before you go
Countries and cultures are not the same—duh—but keeping this in mind is extremely important for solo travelers. The most important factor is safety. Some countries and cities are less safe than others, and if you’re traveling alone, it may be wise to postpone visiting them until another time.
If you’re traveling solo, don’t put yourself in danger by traveling to places known for high crime rates. Choose a tourist-friendly location—the other you can visit later, with a group of friends, if you really want to.
Stay in touch with your loved ones
Traveling solo doesn’t mean disappearing from the face of the Earth, especially in the age of flawless, instant communication. Staying in touch is easy. All you need is a phone and internet access.
Consider using an eSIM for travel. An eSIM app allows you to pick and purchase affordable mobile data plans for different countries so that you can access the internet from anywhere without local physical SIM cards.
Staying in touch with friends and family will reduce the feeling of loneliness, which can be quite oppressive when you’re alone in a foreign place. After all, we’re a social species, and we need our network—so call them when you get homesick.
Plan in advance
Having a clear idea of what you intend to do during your trip can reduce anxiety and make you feel more comfortable in general. If you already have a destination set, take some time to think, research, and write down not just what you’re going to do but also how you’re going to get around and anything else that comes to mind.
Of course, spontaneous decisions are fun and exciting, so leave some room for them if you want, but a detailed itinerary can provide a purpose and a vision of what to expect, making you feel like you know what you’re doing.
Stick to your normal routine
Some of us are creatures of habit, and having a routine can be very helpful when we feel lost and uncomfortable in a new place. Drink coffee at your usual coffee time, go for a run, and take a shower with your favorite products. Just try to do certain things at certain times as if nothing has changed. If you live like you’re at home, you’ll soon feel at home.
Go out and meet people
Extroverts will have an easier time following this tip, but still, regardless of your personality type, try to talk to people to the best of your ability and comfort. Traveling alone doesn’t mean you have to isolate yourself. You can still meet people and even make friends.
Interact with other tourists at attractions, strike up a conversation with travelers at your hotel, or use social media (such as Facebook groups) to find like-minded people in your area. There are many ways to meet new people, make connections, and feel more comfortable and less lonely.
Learn to live for yourself
This tip can be the most difficult because it involves doing things alone… and being happy about it. We’re conditioned to think certain activities aren’t meant to be done alone. Eating in restaurants, going to cafés, going to the theater—you rarely see loners doing these things. But if you’re traveling alone and want to fully enjoy your trip, being alone shouldn’t keep you from these small pleasures.
Learn to appreciate your own company without worrying about what others think. Sure, you might look odd eating alone in a restaurant, and so what? Getting rid of the fear of being judged is difficult and takes time and practice, but the liberation is priceless.