What You Need To Know Before You Start Traveling By Yourself
When most people think about traveling by yourself, they create a picture of some huge, month-long, backpacking solo trip in a far-off land.
Is this what comes to mind for you?
In my personal experience, and through talking with many of my travel friends, this mental picture can become the very thing that holds us back from experiencing it for ourselves.
Have you ever found yourself watching or reading about your friends (personal or online) who are out there having solo adventures, leaving you feeling left out?
I know I’ve found myself thinking “wow, that looks amazing … one day I’d love to do that too”. Oh that elusive “one day”! Does it ever really come? How can we increase the odds in our favour??
If traveling by yourself is a travel goal of yours, you can take steps TODAY to help make that a reality!
Take the First Step
For most of us, the first step to traveling by yourself is not booking a one-way ticket and packing your life into a backpack!
That would be WAY outside the comfort zone, and something we would never actually do. The problem lies in the large gap between our current comfort zone and our goal.
So what do we do? We need to shrink this gap!
The speed you can shrink this gap is completely dependent on you. We all start with different-sized gaps, and we’re all willing to step outside our comfort zones only so far without feeling too exposed.
My first tip for you is this:
Start where you're comfortable, take small steps and work your way up to bigger things Share on X
Start by taking a small step outside your comfort zone. Each time you do this, your comfort zone expands to your new level of comfort.
Your gap just shrunk! Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small it seems.
The first time I traveled by myself was “officially” a business trip. I was the only person from my company being sent to San Diego, California for a week-long training course. I was pretty nervous, but was excited too!
I knew this trip would allow me to expand my comfort zone, so I mapped out exactly what I could do to start taking those small steps. Here are a few of the ideas I came up with:
1. Triple-check my hotel, car and flight info
2. Get as comfortable as possible with the route from hotel to airport and hotel to training sessions
3. Force myself to get to know some of the other trainees
4. Have a few dinners by myself until it stops feeling “weird”
5. Be sure to experience some touristy spots
Seems pretty simple, right? It was … but it worked!
By the end of that trip I had made some new friends (who remain friends to this day), I became comfortable eating in a restaurant by myself, and found how easy it is to see the touristy spots you want (and avoid the ones you don’t) when you’re the only one making the decision.
Caution is Good, Fear is Bad
One of the biggest questions people ask when considering solo travel is “is it safe??”
In general traveling by yourself is no less safe than any other travel. It’s always a good idea to exercise caution, but you don’t need to be afraid.
One of my favourite travel tips will really help you when traveling by yourself: Always show confidence in what you’re doing. Act like you belong, and people will tend to believe you.
I normally reserve that tip for getting into places you may not otherwise be allowed, or getting past overly exuberant security guards. However, when you’re alone in a new place it can really help set your mind at ease.
Always take a moment to orient yourself. Figure out what you want to do and where you want to go, then act like you’ve done it many times before. Security guards target the same people as pickpockets or others looking for tourists. If you look unsure, afraid, or confused you’re more likely to be stopped or targeted. Just use some common sense here … you won’t be able to get into restricted areas, no matter how confident you try to appear!
Caution is good, fear is bad! Share on X
Again, always be cautious, but don’t be fearful. As a beginner solo tourist you shouldn’t be putting yourself in any situations that you actually should be afraid … because those definitely do exist.
On a recent solo trip to Miami I settled on a cheap Airbnb place within walking distance to both a Metrorail station and the venue I needed to be at for a travel conference. When I checked online, the area looked a little run down, but didn’t concern me. After I arrived, I saw that it was definitely a poorer area of town. I could have easily felt afraid, and that would have ruined my trip. Instead I walked with confidence, acknowledged anyone who could have been a threat in a friendly way, and avoided backroads or times of day/night that could have been a problem.
Would a solo female traveler have the same experience I did in Miami? I likely wouldn’t recommend it, but it definitely depends on your comfort level. In reality, though it seemed a little sketchy, there were never any reasons to be afraid
Solo Days or Solo Experiences
A great way to take that first step outside your comfort zone toward traveling by yourself is to reserve a day or experience for yourself while traveling with others as you normally would.
Using this approach, everything else about your trip will be exactly the same as what you’re used to. You’ll be going to a place you’d normally go, with your regular companions, having experiences you’re used to.
The difference comes when you break off from the pack and do something alone.
This doesn’t need to be something huge. The purpose is just to take one of those small steps outside your comfort zone.
Maybe you’ll go for lunch by yourself. Perhaps you’ll take a stroll along the beach or main street. You could go on a bus tour or zip-lining experience. Or even plan an entire day around what YOU want to do and meet back up with your group in the evening.
This method was one of my favourite ways to increase my comfort zone when I was getting started! Here are a few examples:
In Las Vegas I dropped my wife off at her conference and spent the day wondering the strip. I ate alone, went to a show alone, and explored casinos I never would have bothered with normally.
In Dallas I left my travel partners and took a drive out to Southfork Ranch by myself. My mom and grandma were big fans of the TV show “Dallas” and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity!
In Phoenix I stayed with my aunt, but when she went to work I took a day-trip to Tucson and Tombstone for an amazing day that I chronicled in this blog post.
What can you do on your next trip the would give you a little push outside your comfort zone?
Start in Your Backyard
You don’t have to wait for your next trip to get started.
Most people are already comfortable in our own cities, so why not use that to our advantage?
Living in Toronto, there are always events and festivals happening somewhere; especially in the summer months. My guess is your city would have something similar.
From annual events like Doors Open, to volunteer opportunities like the World Junior Hockey Championships, to niche neighbourhood festivals there’s no shortage of opportunities to dip your toe into the solo travel game.
The best part of starting in your own backyard is that you’ve already conquered the fear excuse, and you’ve likely done a lot of the “weird” things before like going for walks or eating alone.
Are you excited to start traveling by yourself?
Just writing this post has made me want to go find something to explore!
So many people put off their travel goals because they can’t find a travel partner. I hope this post will help you find ways to start achieving those goals even if you need to start by yourself.
Was this helpful for you? If so, please share it with a friend who you think would get value!
Be sure to comment below and let me know what you came up with to expand your travel comfort zone!
P.S. If you’d LOVE to start Your Own Blog with “Just 3 Clicks”, check THIS out!
Was this valuable for you? If so I’d really appreciate your comments below and shares on social media.
Resources
Here is a list of the resources mentioned in this post:
Blogger’s Jumpstart Guide – Download my FREE guide outlining how to successfully start your own blog
VIP Travel Club – Travel by yourself in the security of a group of like-minded travellers!
Good stuff Bruce. I thinking starting off small is a great way to approach traveling by yourself. Also acting like you belong. Nothing sticks out like a sore thumb like someone wandering around looking lost.
I remember my first time traveling by myself I think I traveled to Cuba for work. Talk about nervous. But it was fun. After the initial shock of traveling alone was over I actually enjoyed myself.
Thanks Dereco! Isn’t it amazing how quickly we can get comfortable with those little steps once we take them
Great advice Bruce. I agree that taking small steps out of your comfort zone is a great way to begin. Thanks for sharing.
You’re very welcome Adewale … a tip that goes beyond travel, right?? 😉
I love a nice solo adventure – the ability to get away and disconnect is awesome. Nice tips and yes – starting in your backyard will help get you out of your shell for more trips down the line.
So true Dominic. Using things you’ve already got at your disposal (like your own neighbourhood) is a great way to expand your comfort zone
There was a time in my life when I would NEVERRRR, EVERRR even think of traveling alone! Then one day I just did it. I started off small; somewhere close like Las Vegas…. less than an hour and a half… From then on,I have no problems traveling alone. Great post Bruce. Thanks for sharing! =)
Definitely something that seems so scary until you do it. Thanks for sharing April!
Amazing advice! I really have been needing to read an article like this one, because I am so bad about getting out of my comfort zone when it comes to traveling.
Thank you for sharing!
So glad you found me Morgan … hope it goes a long way in helping expand your comfort levels!
Thanks for the info, Bruce! It would have been so nice to have known before I started traveling by myself. At least I was safe and had a blast!
Glad you weren’t scared off Linda! Happy travels 🙂
Great tips…
Start where you’re comfortable..that’s the money quote for me there!
Dr. Lisa
Dr Lisa Thompson recently posted…8 Laws of Success for Home Business Entrepreneurs
Thanks Dr. Lisa … so valuable in all areas of our lives, right?
You are so correct. On my first travel I confirmed all my tickets, hotels and even the city tours. I checked and re-checked untill I myself got tired! I guess this is how you start. Now I am more confident and can travel without any bookings and reservations. But as you said, we have to start somewhere.
Great tips Amrita! Do whatever is necessary to make yourself comfortable. Soon enough it’ll turn into second nature
Solo travel is definitely scary, sometimes intimidating. I haven’t tried solo travel myself but I’ve always wanted to. I could use some of the tips here to ease my way into it. I’ve heard it is really liberating and I intend to do it at least once in my life!
Best of luck Abigail! I’ll be looking to see when you take those first steps, and encourage you all the way 🙂
I love traveling and adventure and I love your stuff, too! However, I don’t travel alone. My family goes with me!
sherri brown recently posted…MLM Tips: 4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Post Your Company Name on Social Media
Always great to have family or friends to travel with, Sherri!
Hey great post and tips on solo trave. Especially the first tip which can often be the hardest bit which is to tske the first step.
I don’t travel a lot on my own but is becoming more frequent over the last 12 months and there is a lot of fear but for me there is still none bigger than dining alone.
That was definitely a weird one for me too, Anthony, but now i sometimes do it while i’m at home (even if my wife’s home too!)
Great article. I agree that most people think of solomtravel as a month or more of traveling abroad. It doesn’t have to be because that is a huge scary step. I like that you encourage everyone to do those baby steps first. Try your own city or a business trip first.
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Exactly! Nobody needs to take a huge year long, scary solo adventure right away. But it’s a great thing to work your way up to
I think you have done a wonderful job here! When I started traveling alone, I learnt from my mistakes and I didn’t do my homework well. But it was a great learning experience. This blog post is really helpful for all those who are planning to travel alone for the first time. Highly recommended! Thanks for the post 🙂
Thanks so much for your endorsement!
I travel mostly solo, so it was interesting to read the tips for someone just thinking about it. I like your advice about starting in your own backyard, as it the first step in that direction. I think the choice travel solo or not is quite individual, but do at least few things solo adds a special feel to the trip. Thanks for sharing!
Very true Anita, and starting smaller can help you figure out whether or not solo travel is for you .. .and if not, you’re not stuck half way around the world!
Your post is really motivating to all those who are not sure if they can actually do solo travelling but wish to do so. I agree with on taking baby steps befpre packing for a long travel, this will give one an idea if they can go through being alone while travellig or not. Great tips Bruce, sharing this post with my friends who want to travel solo (especially girls).
Thanks so much Suma! I really hope they get the same value you did 🙂
Absolutely awesome tips. You’re right, taking the first step can be scary. My first flight on my first solo-trip I was almost in tears, it was the fear of unknown and what if everything goes wrong. But then after so many trips after that, its been one heck of experiences and amazing memories.
My Travelogue by Bhushavali recently posted…Lesser known Bhubaneswar Temples – Part III (Odisha)
Very true … solo travel can unlock some of the most amazing adventures that you’d never find travelling in a group,
I began solo travelliñg last year so I agree with these tips, especially with starting in your own backyard. I took my first solo trip to Vanacouver and it was amazing and definitely helped me ease into travelling to other countries.
Thanks for sharing your experience Sam!
Great post. Those tips are very helpful and I especially like how you showed the difference between caution and fear.
Thank you Niamh! So important to understand the difference
I usually travel with my husband everywhere and love our set-up. I’m yet to experience solo traveling (aside from my solo business travels before which I don’t think really counts. LOL) but I’m happy for those who do. I’ve had friends who was supposed to travel solo but decided not to at the last minute. This is such a cool post for them to read. I love your tip on taking baby steps like going out to lunch by yourself or maybe taking a stroll. Small things but it really does help build confidence and awareness!
Great post, Bruce!
Thanks so much Marvi! I found that the solo business trips really made me comfortable with solo travel
Thanks for the great post! Many of my friends have been travelling solo, but I am afraid that it would get too boring with nobody to share the experience with or too frightening to rough it out alone. I’ll heed your advice and start small and see where it goes 🙂
Awesome Nathan! You’ll never know unless you try it, and you may love solo travel
Fantastic read and a really motivating one for people who are looking to travel for the first time by theirselves. I took the plunge many years ago and had no fear. But since then I met my partner and now we are a couple who travel everywhere who have no fear. 😀 Great advice here and hope others take it on board.
Danik recently posted…Top five sights to see in Moscow during the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Thanks Danik! I really hope this post helps people travel more too. Love that you found someone to share your experiences with though!
I love traveling alone! These are definitely great tips for people who aren’t used to spending time by themselves with themselves. I think taking it easy in the beginning and starting slow by just having a day alone is a great way to ease into it. Thank you for sharing!
Isn’t it amazing, Constance! Thanks so much for your comment
These are some great tips for solo travel. I first went on my own to San Francisco, which was a big deal as I live in London! However it was one of the best experiences I ever did. This is useful for anyone thinking of doing it. Once you do, you’ll be glad you took the leap!
I felt the exact same way after my first solo adventure! Thanks for your comment!
You give a lot of good insight and advice on traveling on your own. I never thought about trying somewhere like my own city to get comfortable, great idea!
Thanks Sherrie! navigating my home city was a great way to get used to exploring on my own.
Solo travel does require some preparation. Particularly when you are starting off with it. I have not done a solo travel so far, but have read a lot of accounts. And from that I can say what you are telling here absolutely makes sense. It will be so useful for someone starting to travel solo
I totally agree with the need for preparation, which is why I think starting local helps you figure out all those details so you’re not stuck in some far away land.
Very well said, Caution over Fear. I often tell my friends that you need not be afraid but you need to take precautions to ensure you are safe. They are two different things. And starting in your backyard is a great idea too for this helps you get customised to the experience while having lesser uncertain factors to deal with. Cheers
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Thanks so much Ami, I love that quote that you tell your friends, and may start using it myself 🙂
Great advice for anyone considering solo travel! Taking small steps to build confidence and starting with local solo experiences are perfect ways to ease into the adventure and make it a reality.
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Great advice Bruce. I agree that taking small steps out of your comfort zone is a great way to begin. Thanks for sharing.