My first “solo trips” were work-related trips within the states, which for me was a big deal. Being from a small town, very few family trips, and I had never stepped foot on a commercial plane until college, any travel solo was a big deal for. San Diego was the most memorable as I felt unprepared, and I had a hotel experience I could only imagine happening in my nightmares. This was the trip that made me start asking how I can see the world, both within the states and internationally, and feel safe while doing it.
Solo travel comes with various fears, the fear of being alone, sitting down for dinner alone is not always comfortable, higher costs, language barriers, and safety concerns can all be reasons holding someone back from seeing somewhere they have always dreamed about. But how can you step out of your comfort zone to do so?
Get comfortable being uncomfortable, this is where the best parts of life can happen. Remember, there is a difference between uncomfortable and being safe. Here are the steps I complete before I travel anywhere to make sure I am prepared, and spend more time stressing about what delicious meal I get to try next than making sure I am safe.
I always will research the destination prior to booking, this includes the crime trends. If I am aware there is a higher risk for theft, I plan ahead. I know the area’s common scams, and try to understand the best forms of public transportation. In doing this I am able to book the major pieces of my trip and plan around them with keeping safety in mind. I will have my airport to hotel transportation planned ahead, and usually still when it’s light out. I always request a room on a higher level, I regularly keep extra copies of all my important documents (photos, and photocopies) and I always carry a form of ID on me.
If I am travelling internationally I will always take time to understand the local customs, this helps you navigate the area better, and allows you to keep a lower profile while traveling which is important. It also allows me to better curate a trip that is more authentic, than always ending up in tourist locations, you never know what amazing meal you will find off the beaten path.
Through my blog I will continue to post safety specific, and trip planning posts. But I want this to be a reminder it is okay to be uncomfortable. Don’t overplan your trips, you want to be prepared to be confident, but you want some spontaneous adventures with strangers you meet. If you’re nervous about solo travel, start small. Start in the next state over, a road trip, or take yourself to dinner and a movie locally.
What trip or experience have you been putting off because it’s out of your comfort zone? I’d love to hear in the comments, and maybe I can help you curate your next adventure. Sometimes Adventuring Faithfully starts with something as simple as saying yes.
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