Comments on: 10 Common Fears That Stop You from Traveling Solo

By: J

Sat, 09 Apr 2016 14:56:31 +0000

The first time I traveled internationally I was 24. Let’s just say there were some tears coming down when I was hugging my mom and dad goodbye. Mind you I was traveling with my cousin, so I can only imagine when I get the courage to travel solo. On top of that, I’m a painfully shy girl who is always hoping the other person starts the conversation. It’s been two years since then but I’m working on it, and this list gives me more incentive to make it happen this year!

By: Creamisse

Creamisse — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 06:53:30 +0000

I am relieved after reading this. I’ll be off to Sydney tomorrow; 18-year-old female, alone and nervous. I was scared of almost everything that came into my mind: plane crash, couldn’t find my hotel, running out of money, having dinners alone, meeting new people, getting mugged, terrorists, getting lost at night… The fear-list goes on. After reading this, I realized that there really is nothing to worry about. Everything will turn out well and fun, and this will undoubtedly be one of the greatest experiences in my life. Now I look forward to Sydney. 🙂 Thank you for the wonderful article.

By: Lizzy

Lizzy — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 16:59:06 +0000

I went on a two month backpacking trip through New Zealand and Australia this past summer. While I did and saw so many amazing things, I still felt quite lonely on bus rides and as I went on solo tours. For some reason my travels didn’t really match up with other people’s plans and so I rarely had a companion as I did things. I did make friends that i still chat with today. but I felt sad that my vision of “meeting people to road trip through NZ” with didn’t come true. Has anyone else ever had this experience? I consider myself to be a very easy-going person, but I still felt overwhelmed and kind of alone throughout the trip. Maybe it was too short a time to really connect with others. Any advice or insight would be great!

By: Joyce

Joyce — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 19:18:25 +0000

Nicely written Kristen and it’s true. What seems so crazy or scary to do at home (for instance walking to a table and ask if you could join), is completely accepted while travelling. I think it is because we are all travellers and indeed, everyone has some shyness over themselves and no-one really wants to feel lonely, so we help eachother out by being more open. Plus it gives you a chance to get to know someone new and hear about their lives and stories. How awesome is that.

Lonelyness was my biggest fear while going all the way to Indonesia on my own. “What if I don’t meet anyone?!” Well, first day already and I met some great people whom I still speak and visit sometimes. Maybe 1% of all the time travelling through Indonesia I have been on my own, which at that time was hard for me. All alone on the other side of the world. I quickly got out of the hotelroom and just kept my mind busy, so I wouldn’t overthink to much.

Now that I look back I learnt so much. A whole new mind-set and far more independent and how exciting and thrilling I still find it, I will definetely go solo travelling again because I know I can. And remember, being alone doesn’t always mean you are lonely. 🙂

By: John Metcalfe

John Metcalfe — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 09:01:26 +0000

I can definitely relate to your “But I’m kind of the shy type” point as I am a naturally shy person who suffers from social anxiety..

The first time I went to Thailand solo I was full of apprehension but amazingly I found it very easy to make friends with fellow travelers..

In fact I would say that traveling solo has had the added benefit of helping with my social anxiety in general wherever I am in the world..

John

By: Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 18:12:54 +0000

In reply to Chrissie B. That is incredibly cool. I'm glad to know that because I'd really like to do something similar in South Africa.

By: Chrissie B

Chrissie B — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 07:00:05 +0000

I live in South Africa and I started travelling alone about 5 years ago, and mostly by motorcycle. Initially it was just weekend rides, maybe 350km or so, then the distances got longer and longer.
Last year I did a 5000km solo ride around South Africa and it was fantastic! People said I was mad doing this alone in a relatively dangerous country, but I did not have a single incident (other than people driving badly), nothing got stolen and no one harassed me.
But now I am embarking on my biggest adventure yet! I am moving back to Germany, after 39y here. I arrive in Germany day after Christmas and on the 30th I fly to London to join my kids for New Years. I must admit all this plane and public transport travel makes me nervous! I’m used to having my own wheels and going where and when I choose, and not having to worry about missing a plane/train/bus!
But next year I will buy another motorcycle and then I will tour Europe. 🙂

By: Jamie

Jamie — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 16:46:55 +0000

Backpacking alone is actually the greatest! I backpacked for the first and only time so far alone, and it was literally because all of my friends were all still at university, while I had finished. People automatically gravitate towards you if you’re alone. I found that people will always approach you if you’re alone. As soon as I started traveling in groups, I always met less people, and felt like my experience was a little robbed.

Sure, traveling with someone else is great, but being alone brings a whole new meaning to the experience.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 16:09:00 +0000

I totally agree with this! My first trip was to India when a friend backed out, I decided to go alone. so many people travel alone! In the four months i was there, i was only on my own for a few days. next solo trip was Hawaii, where I met my husband…then Ecuador as a couple. Which was actually so much harder to meet people. I was jealous of the solo girls that would team up and go off on their own. People are basically waiting to meet you and its like a dance of doing whatever you want with whomever, wherever! I would say its a bigger concern to learn how to constantly say goodbye to all the soulmates you meet <3 again great article! 🙂

By: Sophie

Sophie — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 07:27:46 +0000

Great post! I am starting my SOLO travel adventure next Sept/Oct and I just can’t wait. Starting in South Africa for a school reunion – thinking I’ll stay for my birthday so that’s 5 months….. then the world is my oyster….
Hey Matt, if you are only taking cabin luggage – how do you get your scissors or nail clippers thru!!!
Keep on the great work.