In this post I go through lots of simple steps to work through solo travel anxiety and give lots of examples for small solo activities!

Going solo on your adventure can be daunting, particularly when you’ve got anxiety keeping you dutifully informed on everything that can go wrong. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite things to do to prepare for going solo. I still do all of these activites as often as possible. Even though I’ve gone on solo trips before, my anxiety never lets me down in finding new ways to make me stressed, even if I’ve already proved it wrong before. The key is repetition. Do it again, and again, and again, until it becomes so comfortable you’re barely even thinking about it anymore.

Start Small

You don’t need to follow all of these steps in the same order. Just make sure you start small, whatever that means to you. For some people, a solo hike in nature feels a lot safer than a solo dinner date. That’s totally fine! Mix and match based on what eases your anxiety most. I’d love to hear what things you end up trying out, or if you have any other ideas to add to the list, let me know in the comments!

Nothing will ever go perfectly, so if you start small, it will be easier to handle any challenges that pop up along the way. Start with small, local adventures around your hometown. Build your way up to a short domestic trip. Eventually, you will be able to stay calm and handle any surprises that come up on your first big solo adventure. 

Solo Coffee date

• I love packing up my computer and security water bottle (IYKYK) and heading to one of my favorite local coffee shops. Spending a few hours there, whether it’s tackling school assignments or crafting new blog posts while savoring a delightful mocha, is one of my favorite ways to work. I’ve placed this one at the top of the list because working at a coffee shop surrounds you with like-minded individuals working (often solo) on their own tasks, but still offers the perfect opportunity to practice enjoying your own company while being out and about.
• Look up cute local cafes to support in your area. While Starbucks may be convenient, choosing local cafes is a more sustainable choice. Plus, not only does it feel good, it helps support small businesses and build a sense of community.

Solo Dinner/Lunch Date

• While it seems similar to the last one, taking yourself out for a meal can definitely feel a lot different. In a cafe, you’ve got your own little bubble, and as a bonus, most of the other people in the cafe will probably be by themselves, too. Depending on the place you go, most people out for lunch will probably be with someone else, so it can feel a little awkward the first few times to be there alone. Personally, I like to bring a book with me to read while I eat. This solo excursion will teach you what it feels like to eat alone in foreign restaurants. Plus, no more wasting time trying to agree on a place to eat; you get to pick whatever you want!

Solo Hike

• The point of this one is to go out on your own away from towns (and lots of people). If you don’t plan on exploring nature on your trips, you can probably skip this one. However, it’s an added bonus that this activity is completely free! I love immersing myself in nature, and whether I’m abroad or at home, hiking tops my list of favorite activities!
• Some tips for going on your first solo hike:
  1. If you’re new to solo hiking, pick a hike that you know is pretty popular. That way, you’ll be sure to find many other hikers on the trail (just make sure you go up early to snag a parking spot).
  2. Tell someone where you are going. When I go on longer hikes up in the mountains, especially where cell service may be spotty, I like to let someone know where I’ll be going. It’s never actually been needed (knock on wood!), it’s more so to ease my anxiety.
  3. Going somewhere solo is a much different feeling than going somewhere alone. You’ll likely come across other hikers, but there will be moments when it’s just you and nature. If you think that might stir up some anxiety, bring whatever you use at home to help calm down. Some people listen to music (but respect the wildlife and other hikers and use headphones). If you’ve got a dog, or a friends dog you can borrow for the day, bring them along with you! I love bringing my pup with me hiking. She’s no guard dog, but I do feel safer when I have her in my company.

Solo Day Trip

Now’s the time to combine all your solo activities into one big day! It’s a chance to indulge in a bit of ‘travel’ planning minus the long-term commitment. Take some time to curate a day of solo adventures, aiming to embrace the day entirely on your own.

If your budget allows, consider extending your solo excursion from breakfast to dinner. If you live in a small town near a large city, how about dedicating your day to some big-city exploration? Plus, it will feel more like a mini “trip.” I personally love planning solo day trips down to Denver; the city never fails to offer exciting discoveries and new restaurants to try! 

Safety

I know my personal safety can add a lot of anxiety for me. I carry a birdie personal alarm with me EVERYWHERE I go. It’s always in reach for me to pull at a moments notice if I feel unsafe or uncomfortable. It’s such a small, affordable device but it’s done loads for my anxiety!

Need a little inspiration?

Check out these travel quotes to help inspire you to pack your bags and see the world!

Your Adventure Awaits – Get Started Now!

Some people recommend trying out a mini multi-day trip somewhere close to home as practice for larger trips (such as international trips). I think it’s a great idea if you have the budget for this. However, I am very aware that this is not a realistic option for everyone. As a budget traveler, it’s not realistic for me either. However, I believe it’s not necessary when prepping for a bigger trip. 

The point of these activities is to figure out what you like and dislike, what feels easy, and what you might need more time adjusting to when it comes to solo travel. Just keep repeating the solo outings from this list, switching up where you go, of course. Before you know it, those solo jitters will be history!

I wish you all the best on your solo outings! Let me know in the comments below which of these you’ve tried and which one you enjoy the most!