Solo travel is exhilarating, empowering, and freeing. It can also be daunting if you’re prone to anxiety. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be scary. With proper planning, you can ease the stress that solo parent or single traveling can cause and enjoy the experience. Here are a few tips on how to conquer solo travel anxiety:
Choose The Destination Wisely and Plan a Detailed Itinerary
When you’re unsure what to expect, feeling anxious is normal. The best way to combat this is by choosing your destination wisely. Do some research on the place you want to visit. Read about the culture, food, people, and attractions. It will give you a better idea of what to expect and help you plan a detailed itinerary.
Planning gives you a sense of control and makes you feel more prepared for the trip. Have all the arrangements in place, such as booking a Den car service if in the area for transportation. Your safety is assured, and you have professionals to call any time you need a transfer.
Related Read: Benefits of Traveling Alone
Pack Light and Leave Room for Flexibility
Packing lightly enables you to move around more easily and gives you the flexibility to change plans if you need to. It’s tempting to overpack when you’re solo traveling as you imagine all sorts of scenarios where you might need certain items. In most cases, you won’t need half of what you think you will.
Bring only the essentials and leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs. Having lots of luggage to drag around will only add to your anxiety. You might lose some, forget where you put them, or have to pay extra fees for overweight bags. Set some money aside for emergencies and unexpected expenses, so you’re not caught off guard.
Talk To People Who’ve Been There Before
Talking to someone who’s traveled to your destination eases your anxiety. The person can share their experience with you, give tips on what to see and do and let you know what to expect.
If you don’t know anyone who’s been there, look for solo travel groups or forums online where you can connect with other travelers. It’s also a great way to make friends and meet people before starting your trip.
Start Small and Build Up to Bigger Trips
If the thought of solo travel is too overwhelming, start small. Take a day trip to a destination in your neighborhood or spend a weekend in a nearby city. You’ll get used to being on your own and away from home. Once you’ve conquered that, start planning for longer trips. Build up slowly to more extensive travels, and you’ll find that the anxiety will dissipate over time.
Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is always a good idea, but it’s vital when solo traveling. You’re covered if something happens, and you need to cancel your trip. If you get sick or injured while on the trip, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you will not pay for the medical expenses out of pocket. It will ease any anxiety you have about being in a foreign place with no one to turn to.
Dont Reveal Your Trip Details
Don’t reveal that you’re traveling solo once you embark on the trip. Also, don’t tell people all the details of the trip. When you’re unpredictable, it’s harder for people to take advantage of you. It will keep you safe and ease any anxiety about being in a new place. Also, let a trusted person know your plans. Call them at a set time every day and let them know you’re safe.
Make Copies of Important Documents
Make copies of your passport, driver’s license, travel insurance, and credit cards, then keep them safe. If you lose any of them, you have a backup. Having all your documents in order will reduce the anxiety of losing something important.
Enjoy Yourself
The most important thing is to relax and enjoy yourself. Take things one day at a time and go with the flow. Be open to new experiences, meet new people, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to see and do everything.
It’s okay to take a day off and relax by the pool or wander around aimlessly. Be present in the moment and savor the experience. Soon, you’ll find that solo travel is liberating and empowering. It will open your eyes to new cultures, people, and experiences.
