Travelling Solo Without Feeling Lonely

Six Tips for Overcoming Your Fear of Travelling Alone

by Nelda Schulte

You want to take your first trip on your own, but the combination of a new country, a foreign language, and an unknown culture, leave you feeling pretty shaky. Fear not! With a few tips on solo travel technique and a little moxie, you’ll find yourself happily travelling alone.

Tip #1

Accept your feelings of discomfort. Most first time experiences feel a little awkward; these feelings won’t hurt you or your trip.

Tip #2

Stay in Bed and Breakfast’s or Inn’s whenever possible. Not only is the price more reasonable, the breakfast automatically acts as a social mixer/equalizer, and you will meet people who are well travelled and eager to meet others.

Tip #3

Wherever you are, stop, take a few moments to let your senses drink in the sights, sounds and smells that beckoned you to venture out. Taking this moment, causes you to smile, which relaxes you and makes it easy to do tip #4

Tip #4

While smiling, talk to the people around you, ask them questions. Openers such as; "Where are you from?", "Do you have recommendations for good places to eat?", "What’s your favourite or most unusual sight?", are all great conversation openers.

Tip #5

Make a point of talking to three people everywhere you go. Part of the joy of travelling is meeting so many interesting people that you just wouldn’t meet if you stayed at home.

Tip #6

Give yourself a new adventure – either a place, cultural event, restaurant or favourite activity, to check out each day. You’ll find that every morning you’ll wake up feeling like you are on a treasure hunt.

By following these tips and creating some of your own, you’ll not only be feeling energized with your new surroundings you'll also discover a community of fellow travellers and new friends eager to share your journey.

Photo by Nelda Schulte