Your biggest solo travel fears and how to solve them

Your biggest solo travel fears and how to solve them

Fabulous, famous, fantastical therapist Virginia Satir released a headline-worthy study a while back on the importance of hugs. Apparently, we need at least eight hugs a day for maintenance and twelve hugs a day for growth. It strengthens our immune system, makes us feel safer, improves self-esteem and grounds us. I love cuddles. So long as it's consensual and not creepily long.

We're social beings who need community. So, it's no wonder going solo feels scary. But…

1. Going solo doesn't mean you'll be alone.
2. Time alone is also proven to build confidence and independence, and it gives us the space to explore our likes, thoughts and feelings.

Balance 🙏

My "fears and how to solve them" series has covered expat fears, and freelance fears, and now, my darlings, it's time for solo travel fears.

Solve your fee fears first

Fear #1 😱

So I must leave, I'll have to go
To Las Vegas or Monaco
And win a fortune in a game, my life will never be the same - ABBA, Money, Money, Money, 1976

Solution #1 😬

If my ode to ABBA wasn't clear, a common solo travel fear is running out of money abroad. What if something unexpected happens? Missed flights, struggling to find a freelance gig, underestimating spending. There's a list. But there's also a solution.

First and foremost, use Wise silly. Six million customers use us worldwide, and we saved customers ~£1.5bn compared to banks over the past year alone. We have the most international debit card out there, and you can send money to 40+ countries to 70+ countries, as well as open account details in 10 major currencies. Spend like a local on your travels, save for your trip with Wise Jars and receive money at the mid-market rate for those "just in case" moments.

Secondly, plan. Look into the average cost of where you're going, put money aside with that little gem of a tool I just mentioned, and if you're working on your travels, line your gigs up before you go.

Fear #2 😱

Doing things alone

Solution #2 😬

Stepping out of your comfort zone is tricky, but just like interviewing or dating, practice makes perfect. Fear is normal; we all have it, so allow yourself to feel it without judgment. Plan what you're going to do, and maybe take yourself out for dinner or a cinema date before you go. You'll find it to be pretty liberating faster than you think. If you're scared of what other people think when looking at you eating pudding number three, don't be. Everybody is ALWAYS too busy thinking about themselves, and if they do glance at you, they're probably thinking, "What a G."

Fear #3 😱

Feeling lonely

Solution #3 😬

It is not the same as solo salad-eating fear, but rather the fear of being away from friends and family and making friends abroad or enjoying your own company.

You will absolutely meet people along your travels. From staying in a hostel to using your newfound confidence to get chatty, you'll be flying home with a handful of new friends. So, sign up for that activity, look for expat groups online, and reserve your spot in a hostel of choice.

Fear #4 😱

Will you be safe?

Solution # 4 😬

Sometimes, it’s easy to confuse fear of safety with fear of the unknown. It goes without saying, the media definitely over-hypes the danger of countries around the world, but, of course, knowing you’ll be safe is primary. So…

Look into where you’re going, investigate safe ATMs and money scams, remember public spaces are safer than private spaces, it’s ok to be direct and protect yourself over someone else’s feelings if you feel unsafe, and while you may be in a “livin la vida loca” mood, pause before making an impulsive decision. And make sure you’re covered by travel insurance in case you decide to go mountain biking, fall off, and are left worrying about putting your own plaster on.

Fear #5 😱

Getting bored

Solution #5 😬

My mother used to say, "Only boring people get bored." Which was mega harsh. But the message behind the scathing statement was, "There's always something to do, somewhere to see, someone new to meet." You won't get bored, you'll value your downtime, and you'll collect adventures like I collect memories of things I wish I didn't say.

We’ll be your travel companion