How to Feel Confident While Traveling Solo

Last updated on November 3rd, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

Traveling alone is a big step, especially if you aren’t used to doing things alone. I remember the first time I ventured out by myself; it was undeniably overwhelming. I kept thinking, “are people looking at me? Do they know I’m alone? Can they tell I’m not from here?” The thoughts kept pilling on and on until I questioned everything I was doing, which hindered me from having a good time. I don’t want that to happen to you! So, in today’s topic, we’ll explore how to feel confident while traveling solo.  

Related Posts:

• How to Save for a Trip in just 6 Months
• What to Do the Day Before a Big Trip
• 5 Tips on How to Survive a Road Trip
• How to Cope With a Bad Mood While Traveling

Research the area you’re visiting.

The first piece of advice to help you feel confident while traveling solo is researching the area before leaving. Our brains tend to feel more relaxed when familiar with whatever we’re doing. It’s no longer a foreign experience, so the mind doesn’t put up much of a fight. So, by equipping yourself with as much knowledge about the location, your brain is less likely to become panicky because you are more familiar with the area, which means a better vacation for you. 

You won’t know everything without first adventuring there, but you can take the guessing work out of little things like how far your hotel is from the town center, or what kinds of public transportation is available, and so on. Doing this simple step will have you feeling much more capable and ready for your solo adventure!  Remember, knowing is half the battle. 

Let close friends and family know where you’re going.

Whenever I’m going on a trip, I first let my family and friends know. This added step eases my mind simply because I know that other people, people that care about me, know where I’m at. In the event something happens, they know where to look. So, whenever traveling, whether alone or with others, I highly encourage you to let others know where you are headed. Trust me, this will allow you to travel with peace of mind. 

Make sure to subscribe to the newsletter below to keep up-to-date on the latest travel tips and inspiration!

Bring items that comfort you.

Another tip to feel confident while traveling solo is to bring one or two items from home that help you feel grounded. This could be your favorite blanket, a picture of your family, your favorite socks, anything that makes you feel at home. Bringing a piece of home with you gives you the courage to push forward when seeing the world. Unfortunately, you may need it because it’s easy to feel homesick while traveling solo. However, your chosen item will remind you that this trip is only temporary and you’ll be home soon. And that it’s best to enjoy it while you’re there. 

Practice

This sounds silly, but practice makes perfect! So, before adventuring onto your solo trip, go out alone exploring in your hometown. Practice being a solo traveler. Visit local museums, get lunch, go for a walk downtown, and be a tourist in your own city. This will build that confidence you need when visiting somewhere new without the added pressure of a new environment.

And something that tends to be even more challenging for first-time solo travelers is taking photos of themselves out in public. Now, I will admit, I struggled with this initially, but then I got tired of not getting any pictures. So, slowly but surely, I mustered up the courage to take my own photos or ask others around me. 

To ensure you get some awesome photos, remember that no one is paying you any attention; they are all wrapped up in their own worlds. So, while you’re venturing around your hometown, try taking some photos or ask someone around you to snap a few quick pictures of you.

The four strategies I went over for feeling confident when you travel (research, informing family & friends, bringing home with you, and practice) are sure ways to make you feel at ease whenever you’re adventuring alone. Let me know in the comments below what your favorite tip was or what steps you take to feel more secure when traveling solo!

And lastly, remember to subscribe to the newsletter below to keep up-to-date on the latest travel tips and inspiration!

Like this post? Pin it for Later!

This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.