Interested in solo travel but aren’t sure if it’s right for you? Here’s a few considerations before you book your first solo adventure.
To solo travel or not? That was the question I asked myself over and over again while contemplating my first solo trip. On one hand, I loved the idea of being completely on my own schedule. On the other, I worried if someone as social as I could go a week without a companion.
Here’s a few things I considered before deciding to solo travel
Am I comfortable being alone?
Am I able to strike up a conversation with strangers?
Can I dine alone without feeling anxiety?
Do I know the risks and precautions to take to be safe?
Do I have the financial capacity to travel without splitting costs with someone?
Fortunately, I’m someone who highly values alone time and has no problem striking up a conversation with the stranger sitting next to me, so the first two questions were an easy yes.
Solo Dining Trial Runs
I wasn’t so sure about the dining alone part, so I put it to the test. I started easy with a book and a fast-casual restaurant (think Panera). It wasn’t terribly awkward, so I decided to step up my game and dine at a sit-down restaurant. On my first attempt, I grabbed a seat at the end of the bar, as far away from the dining room as possible. It wasn’t as bad as I’d expected, so I took myself out to again, this time in a busier part of town, and grabbed a seat in the middle of the bar area. Within a few minutes I was engaged in casual conversation with the bartender, and by the time I left, I felt so relaxed on my own that I stopped by a new pub to grab a pint before going home. I’ve been solo dining on occasion ever since.
Safety First
To educate myself on the safety risks, I utilized the State Department’s website. If you’ve never done this, it’s time to add it to your pre-travel routine. They post all known risks to the region, anything from petty theft to violent crimes, as well as official recommendations as to whether or not U.S. citizens should enter the country. Google was also a best friend of mine. There are so many resources out there for solo travelers. A simple “safe countries for solo travel” search will take you a long way. This is a great place to start if you know you want to travel but are unsure where to go.
[Pro-tip: I also took the time to learn a few self-defense techniques, just in case. You can never be too safe!]
Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees
If you’re worried about financials, set up a savings account strictly for travel and start setting aside a little each month. I started a travel account in 2012 while planning a trip to Hawaii. After the trip, I continued a monthly auto-deposit and now use that account to refund myself when I travel.
Consider This…
When deciding if solo travel is right for you, it really comes down to this: Know your comfort level but don’t be afraid to step outside of your box. Start small – visit an exhibit or grab lunch at a restaurant you’ve been dying to try. You may just find that your solo travel anxiety withers away and excitement takes over!
