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When I first toyed with the idea of solo travel after my divorce, I wasn’t picturing thrilling mountaintops or exotic temples. Well, I actually was, but those images all came along with a healthy dose of fear. I never showed it on the outside, but on the inside, all I could think of was every possible mishap and every detail I might overlook.
As a newly independent woman, the idea of traveling alone felt exciting…but also slightly terrifying. What if I got hurt? Would people judge me if I had a full three-course dinner by myself? And what if I really messed up, like missed a flight or got hopelessly lost?
The truth is, those fears were real. And yet, one by one, I faced them, sometimes with a little courage and a lot of humor.
Here’s a look at 10 common solo travel fears—and how to overcome them.
1. Fear of Getting Hurt or Sick
Let’s be honest—when you’re not 25, injuries don’t “just heal.”
The thought of getting hurt or sick far from home is a constant worry. But it turns out, planning is your best friend. I’ve never had to use it, knock on wood, but good travel insurance is a must. I also keep a small first aid kit with me and know the local equivalent of 911, just in case. I plan around my comfort zone, choosing well-trodden routes and avoiding overly strenuous activities (paragliding excluded, of course). Yes, it’s a worry, but you can handle it with a little preparation.
2. Fear of Not Knowing Where to Start
Planning a solo trip sounds fun until you’re knee-deep in options, overwhelmed, and thinking, “Where on Earth do I begin?”
I found it helped to start with the basics: choose a destination, book a place to stay, and map out a few must-sees. I plan what matters most to me—safety, budget, a few standout sights—then leave space for spontaneity. The beauty of solo travel is that you don’t have to follow anyone’s agenda but your own. So, tackle it one step at a time and let the journey unfold from there.
3. Fear of Getting Lonely
The introvert’s paradox: love time alone but don’t want to feel lonely.
Being solo on a trip doesn’t have to mean being isolated. When I start to feel lonely, I find little ways to connect—chatting with locals, joining a group tour, or making friends in a quiet café. I’ve even made connections through travel Facebook groups, and you’d be surprised how often people are open to chatting. It’s a fine balance of enjoying your own company and finding connection when you need it.
4. Fear of Being Bored
“Will I actually like solo travel, or will it just be me sitting in my hotel room, staring at the wall?”
I worried about this, too. But as I quickly discovered, solo travel is anything but boring. Without others’ preferences to consider, you’re free to dive into what interests you, even if it’s hanging out with elephants in Thailand. Boredom? More like freedom to do whatever the hell you want.
5. Fear of Eating Alone
Dining solo as a “mature” woman is a whole experience.
I won’t lie: walking into a restaurant alone the first time felt a bit daunting. Would people stare? Would it be obvious I was alone? But once I stopped worrying about how it looked, I actually enjoyed the experience. It sounds silly to practice eating but that’s what I did. I practiced eating by myself at local restaurants before I even traveled anywhere. I’ve learned to bring a journal, savor each course, and embrace that this is my time. I’ve even learned to treat myself to dessert, without judgment.
6. Fear of Missing a Flight or Getting Lost
Anyone else feel a tiny surge of panic imagining themselves stranded in a foreign airport?
The key is to leave myself more time than I think I need. For navigating a new city, I rely on maps saved offline and keep an old-school notebook with key info in case technology fails. And if I do get lost, I remind myself that some of my best travel stories have come from taking a wrong turn—like when I got off at the wrong train stop in Switzerland and ended up discovering a charming neighborhood I would’ve missed otherwise.
7. Fear of Not Liking It
What if I decide halfway through that I’d rather be home with my own bed and familiar comforts?
One of the best things about solo travel is that you get to call the shots. You’re not bound by anyone else’s schedule, which means you can pivot your plans at any moment. I like to book flexible accommodations and leave space in my itinerary to change things up if a place doesn’t feel right. It’s incredibly freeing to know that you’re in control of the trip—and that it’s okay to go off-script. And that includes coming back home early if you want to.
8. Fear of the Language Barrier
Ordering a coffee can become an adventure when there’s a language gap.
I used to worry about how I’d communicate, but apps like Google Translate have been lifesavers. I also make a point to learn a few basic words, like “hello,” “thank you,” and “toilet.” (Priorities!) And if words and hand gestures fail, a smile and a little patience go a long way. In fact, you’ll find that people are usually kind and helpful if they see you trying.
9. Fear of Staying Safe
The older and wiser part of me knows that safety is no joke.
Safety was one of my biggest concerns, and I take it seriously. I research my destination, avoid sketchy neighborhoods, and opt for hotels that are well-reviewed and centrally located. I also stay aware of my surroundings, avoid flaunting valuables, and rely on trusted transportation. With a few safety measures in place, you can focus more on enjoying the experience than worrying about what might go wrong.
10. Fear of Messing Something Up
What if I forget something crucial? What if my phone dies mid-trip? What if I overpack?
Honestly, these little “what ifs” can add up, but I’ve learned to tackle them with a checklist and a dose of humor. Yes, I might forget to pack something or take the wrong bus, but at the end of the day, it’s all part of the adventure. Make sure to have backups of your essential documents, pack sensibly, and leave room for the little hiccups—because every mishap becomes a memory (and, usually, a good story for later).
Embracing the Journey
I’ll be the first to say that solo travel isn’t always easy, especially with all those initial fears and “what-ifs.” But there’s something incredibly fulfilling about stepping out of your comfort zone, especially at this stage in life.
You will learn that each fear can be faced with a bit of planning, a touch of humor, and a lot of faith in yourself. So, if you’re feeling that tug toward solo travel, give it a go—you might just find that you’re braver than you ever realized. And trust me, the freedom is well worth it.
