Solo traveling sounds fun and games for females until anxiety takes over at every step.
As a woman, it can be scary at times. The unwanted gazes, chances of getting lost or anything unplanned might happen too.
Your mind can spiral around these posisblities, making anxiety worse.
But you’re not alone in this.
Many people have been there too. But the good news is, solo travelling along with anxiety is still possible, especially with the right preparation, tools, and mindset. Moreover, it’s a powerful way to reclaim your confidence.
Is solo travel anxiety really a thing?
Traveling alone can be intimidating, regardless of whether it’s your first time. It can be a little overwhelming to be by yourself in a foreign country and spend an entire week trying new foods, experiences, and locations.
7 Tips: How to Overcome Solo Travel Anxiety?
There is a lot you can do when traveling solo and anxiety can keep you on your toes. So, here is how you can overcome anxiety.
- Choose Anxiety-Friendly Destinations
Picking a place that is safe for women to travel to if this is your first time traveling alone. Investigate further after you have completed your research on safe travel locations for women.
Before deciding to book your tickets, research that specific destination as much as you can online. Your anxiety about traveling alone might be lessened if you know a lot about the destination you are going to see.
- Portugal: easy transport, kind people, and chill towns.
- Japan: clean, safe, and organised (plus food available everywhere in the form of vending machines)
- Iceland: viewed with low crime rates
- Canada: friendly people and well-structured cities
Everyone’s comfort level varies, so choose a destination that matches your vibe and not only the trending places.
- Pack Only Helpful Things
You should abide by this advice: When you travel alone, you are solely responsible for all of your needs in a foreign country. It also, in a sense, makes you accountable to yourself.
For this reason, it’s crucial that you pack everything you might need for your trip alone.
For example, knowing a few phrases in the local language can make your trip run more smoothly when you visit a foreign country.
However, this does not imply that you acquire the language in its entirety. It will also help to learn a few simple words in the local tongue! Alternatively, you can buy a basic pocketbook that includes all the necessary terms and their corresponding regional expressions.
- Set Guidelines And Boundaries
You’re likely to feel a little anxious yourself when your loved ones are worried about you. Continually having someone check on you is a nice gesture, but it can also put you under needless stress.
You can establish limits on the amount of time your loved ones can spend with you. Make sure you inform them of your day in a timely manner so they don’t start to worry about you, whether it’s just a simple text message that says, “I have reached safely.”
Solo travel invites connections, but not every interaction is worth your energy. You will meet all kinds of people, and some may not respect your space, so practice saying No to uncomfortable interactions and things. Also, always trust your gut feeling.
- Allow Yourself To Rest
The average duration of a solo trip is no more than ten days. Additionally, you may have planned a trip to a foreign country and want to fit in as many activities as you can.
However, if something makes you anxious, it’s acceptable to stand back and calm down. You may even decide to take a day off or a break from your planned activities.
You can order room service. Eat in your room, then unwind by watching TV, listening to music, reading a book, or sleeping. Anything that would help you feel relaxed and at ease.
It is important to put your mental health first, but then you have to put aside the “what-ifs” as well and enjoy your trip.
- Consider Medication
If other methods of dealing with anxiety don’t work for you, you can talk to a doctor and take anxiety medication.
It is perfectly acceptable to use medical treatment when natural methods of healing are ineffective. Make sure, though, that you only take the drugs when you have exhausted all other options for dealing with your anxiety related to traveling alone.
- Carry Distraction Tools
Here’s another method for dealing with anxiety when traveling alone. You can read about how diverting your attention from your thoughts and emotions can help you feel less anxious.
Reading a book or listening to music, for example, can be quite effective. Determine what activities distract you during times of anxiety, as it may vary for you, and bring them with you on your solo trip.
Conclusion
It’s okay to be brave and anxious at the same time. Solo travel with anxiety isn’t about showing that you’re fearless; it’s about continuing despite the fear. It’s like holding your own hand and realising that courage and anxiety can exist in the same time space.
If you’re thinking about a solo trip or you’re taking your first, just remember that you don’t need to have it all figured out; you just need to try. That’s the first step, and that’s where the magic begins.
So pack your things and get ready to see a version of yourself who’s stronger than it looks.
FAQs
Is it safe for women to travel alone?
With the appropriate safety measures, yes. You’ll be alright if you choose your destinations carefully, follow basic female travel advice, and believe in your instincts.
How can I relax on the first day of my trip?
Maintain your comfortable routine. Don’t force yourself to try everything at once; instead, eat something you know well and listen to a relaxing playlist.
