7 fears solo travelers face
Many fears come with traveling solo, especially if you’ve never done it alone. However, rest assured that traveling solo is one of the most rewarding experiences. Once you do it, it’s easy to get hooked.
When you travel solo, you meet many new people, try new adventures, and face many unique challenges. All these things help you grow as a person. And although all these fears won’t completely go away each time you book a trip, the best thing you can do is confront them each time so that you don’t miss out on great experiences.
Here are some fears solo travelers face on the road and how to overcome them.
7 fears solo travelers face
Table of Contents
1. Feeling Alone and Not Meeting People
One fear solo travelers face is being alone. This comes from being used to eating and going out to places with the company of others when we are back home. You have set friends and family who join you. However, when you travel solo, there is a feeling of uncertainty about making new friends.
I still feel this every time, but I don’t let that stop me. I still book the trip. You’ll be surprised to discover that making friends while traveling solo is actually much easier because many people are doing the same thing, looking for new friends.
If you’re open to meeting new people, making friends is probably the easiest thing about traveling solo. You can do this by staying in a hostel, joining a tour, or chatting up conversations with people.
2. We Worry It's Not Safe
One of the biggest concerns is safety, especially for women. When people know I travel to certain countries, I get many questions, and I’m reminded about how “dangerous” that country is (even though they haven’t been there themselves). This fear mainly comes from the media feeding people the worst about each country.
However, when you arrive in a country, you realize it feels no different than back home. In others, you only need to be a little more aware of your belongings because of petty theft. Regarding the people, you feel relatively safe, and locals are very kind and welcoming.
If you are concerned about your safety, check out my solo travel safety tips.
3. Getting Homesick
Getting homesick is unavoidable. It’s bound to happen at one point. But, just like back home, there will be days you feel down and days where internal things you’ve been dealing with resurface. Traveling helps with many things, but it is not a magic pill that fixes your problems.
When you feel homesick, the best thing you can do is have video calls with your family and friends. Also, don’t be hard on yourself. If you just want to stay in all day and watch Netflix, do it. However, don’t stay in that rut. After letting yourself feel down for a day or two, get back up and do things you love that make you happy. Being homesick is just a bump on the road.
4. You're Worried About Being Judged
Let’s be honest here. As much as we try not to care what other people say, we know there are always people judging, especially if it’s a long-term journey and you’re a female.
I’ve heard all types of comments said to other travelers and me. Comments about sugar daddies, traveling during the pandemic, and how long-term travelers are lazy people who don’t want jobs.
I’ve seen people on social media judge travelers for posting to “show off” their travels, and even my ex got asked if he sold drugs when we backpacked through Asia.
People will always have an opinion, but it’s up to the traveler to ignore them. It’s your dream, not theirs. Don’t let their judgments hold you back from living your best life.
5. Don't Know Where to Start
It’s a big world out there, and you want to see it all. I know, I’ve been there. Choosing where to go solo can be overwhelming. You hear about people loving certain places and hating others. My recommendation is to start with a country similar to your own. This helps you get your feet wet. Think of the things you most love. Perhaps it’s food, or adventure, or nature. Whatever tops your list, go to those destinations that have what you like most.
6. Worry You Might Hate It
The truth is, you might. And it’s okay. There’s also the possibility that you might love it. I didn’t have the best experience in Indonesia because I felt I was being scammed all the time. When the month was over, I was happy to leave. Now, I yearn so much to be back because I actually had a great time there. At the moment, I think I was just tired of traveling (because that can also happen.)
I also skipped India because people told me as a girl, it can be uncomfortable. Now, I regret not going because I’ve heard so many other people say they loved their experience there.
So, I recommend you just go. If you hate it, don’t go back. Or maybe do, and give it a second chance. You might end up loving it. You never know until you try.
7. Getting Sick
Traveling and getting sick is scary. When you’re home, you know exactly how the medical system works. When you travel, you don’t. That’s why it’s good to carry travel insurance in case of serious illness. The good news is that getting seen by a doctor in many countries is fast, easy, and cheap.
For example, to be seen by a doctor in the U.S., it’s costly and difficult. But in Mexico and Colombia, the prices are low, and you can be seen immediately. Some people are scared of the services, but you’ll be they are just as good as back home.
I’ve gotten food poisoning three times, twice in Asia and once in Mexico. I also spent three weeks in quarantine in Colombia because I got sick from Covid. Fortunately, it was very easy to get medicine. It was a scary time too, but I got through it by being in contact with family.
Don’t let any of these fears stop you from living the dream of traveling solo. I promise it will be worth it!
What fear is stopping you from going?
What to Pack
Are you planning a backpacking trip soon? Check out some of my favorite items to pack:
7 Fears Solo Travelers Face
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note I only recommend products and brands that I personally use or have used and believe in.
7 Fears Solo Travelers Face
