Solo traveling is a bucket list item for many women. But let’s face it, traveling by yourself can be nerve-racking for a first-time explorer. It’s easy to get caught up in the fear of being alone or the anxiety over the unlikely scenarios we create in our heads (yes, I know you do it too). But let me tell you girl, the empowerment that comes from getting comfortable with solo travelling is so much greater.

Conquering the Fear

Something that tends to hold us back from new adventures is fear talking. Loved ones might not understand your desire to travel by yourself and will probably try to convince you out of it. I know that’s happened to me. But even worse is when we allow fear to talk to our own thoughts.

Fear will always try to talk you out of the experiences that will level up your life. And girl, you are too strong for that. You have to transform the negative comments into positive reinforcement. Like this:

Adventuring alone is not lonely, it’s empowering.

I mean, you are literally conquering the world by yourself.

Perks of Solo Traveling

1. Gaining confidence in yourself
2. Time for self-reflection
3. Choosing activities that you want to do
4. Checking off your bucketlist destinations

My First Time Solo Traveling

What first inspired my courage to solo travel was (not to get all Eat, Pray, Love on you) heartbreak. Yes, that cliché story of needing to find myself after a tremendous fissure in my life. At that point, I wanted to change, and that included becoming the woman that I wanted to be but wasn’t quite sure I was: courageous, independent, confident. Comfortable with getting out of my comfort zone.

I realized that I was the only person in control of my journey. I couldn’t wait around for someone else to always explore where I wanted to go or be excited about the experiences that I wanted to have. The truth is that everyone comes with their own set of dreams and desires. Not every person will have the same sense of adventure as you—or quite frankly, the same financial means and availability—and you can’t rely on other people to start living your dream life. There’s no time to waste!

If there’s a dream destination lighting up your heart, here’s my biggest piece of advice: go. Run toward it, unapologetically, and without fear. If you don’t go to these places by yourself, there’s a chance you may never get to go at all.

Pick a Destination You’re Comfortable With

I knew instantly where I wanted to go, as if it were waiting for me the whole time: Asheville, North Carolina. I had wanted to visit for years—ever since I found out there’s a freaking CASTLE hiding in the mountains—but could never find anyone who was interested enough to tag along.

I almost talked myself out of going every day leading up to that trip. But when I finally packed my suitcase and started driving south, there was this huge weight that lifted from around my heart.

I only drove one state line down and stayed for two nights, but it was one of the most courageous choices I’d ever made. And it inspired me to continue making courageous choices, like hiking or going to concerts by myself. It’s okay to start small. Heck, I encourage you to start where you feel safe. Start by driving into the next town over or planning your solo trip to a city you’ve already been before.

5 Tips for Confidently Traveling Solo

1. Share your itinerary. Make sure your mom, your boyfriend, or your best friend has an itinerary of your schedule. Always have someone that you trust know where you are.

2. Stay in high traffic areas. Keep your accommodations in an accessible location. For me, I prefer staying in hotels or hostels during my solo travel because I know there are other people in the immediate area.

3. Research the area and schedule activities in advance. Pinterest stalk the city and study Google Maps before booking your trip. Not only will you already have the best information for your itinerary, but by the time you reach your destination, you’ll already feel like a pro in the area.

4. Think through your action plan. Prepare yourself ahead of time for any bumps in the road. Keep notes of any contact information you may need if something goes wrong (like road side assistance or your country’s embassy).

5. Have a backstory ready. We’ve all experienced those moments of discomfort when someone gives off creepy vibes. If you’re uncomfortable, don’t share that you’re alone. Have a backstory ready, like “My boyfriend is on his way to join me.”

Take the time to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. What matters is that you had the confidence to take those steps in the first place.

PIN IT!