How to Overcome Your Fear of Solo Travel (Hint: You Don’t Have to Go It Alone)
Let’s be honest, thinking about taking your first solo trip can feel exciting and terrifying. You might picture yourself sipping wine on a sun-drenched terrace in Italy…but then your inner voice chimes in: What if I feel awkward? What if I get lonely? What if I can’t figure things out on my own?
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many women feel nervous before their first solo trip, and guess what? That’s totally normal. Solo travel isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being brave enough to take the first step in your own way.
Here’s how to ease into it, build your confidence, and maybe even fall in love with the freedom that solo travel can bring.
1. Start Small with a Local Staycation
Solo travel doesn’t have to mean hopping on an international flight. Book a hotel or Airbnb in your own city (or within an hour’s drive) and plan a mini getaway. Treat it like a real vacation meaning pack a bag, explore a new neighborhood, go to dinner solo, and maybe even schedule a spa treatment or museum visit. This lets you get comfortable with being on your own without straying too far from your comfort zone.
2. Try a Short Trip First
Instead of a two-week adventure across Europe, start with a 2–3 day solo trip. Pick a destination that’s easy to navigate, English-friendly, and walkable. Research in advance, plan a few key activities, and keep your itinerary flexible so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
Bonus tip: schedule a local experience like a food tour, wine tasting, or cooking class. These are great ways to meet other travelers and immerse yourself in a destination without committing to a fully social trip.
3. Go “Solo’ish”
There’s no one-size-fits-all version of solo travel. If going fully solo feels intimidating, ease in with a group trip designed for women travelers. Look for companies that offer a mix of group activities and free time, so you get a balance of connection and independence. You’ll have built-in company when you want it, and the flexibility to do your own thing when you’re craving alone time.
Some solo travelers also book short-term group tours within longer trips, like a 3-day hiking adventure or a guided city tour so they’re not completely on their own the whole time. This “solo’ish” approach is a great way to dip your toes in.
4. Set Yourself Up for Success
Fear often comes from the unknown, so the more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel.
Here are a few things you can do in advance:
- Research neighborhoods and hotel reviews to find safe, solo-friendly accommodations
- Download helpful travel apps like Google Maps offline, Google Translate, and WhatsApp
- Keep a list of local emergency contacts, the nearest embassy, and health info
- Plan your airport arrival and transport to your lodging so your first few hours feel smooth
- Build a rough itinerary so you have structure, but leave space for spontaneity
5. Remember: There’s No “Right” Way
Solo travel is whatever you want it to be. It’s okay to start small. It’s okay to join a group. It’s okay to feel nervous. The point isn’t to do it perfectly, it’s to try. With each step, you’ll build confidence, discover new things about yourself, and open up a whole new world of possibility.
You don’t have to wait for someone to join you. And you don’t have to go completely alone. You just have to start.
Ready to Try?
Just Go Solo has trip inspiration ideas, women only and solo traveler tour opportunities, safety tips, and tools to help you plan your perfect first trip, your way. Just Go Solo, or Solo’ish! 🩵
