The day of your trip comes and you’re waiting at the gate full of wonder and butterflies. The nervousness of the moment is making your legs shake and your palms clammy. You\u2019re finally going solo and you\u2019re anxious and certainly second-guessing yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can\u2019t seem to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWho do I laugh with?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMake memories with?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWHO\u2019S GOING TO TAKE ALL MY PICS?!!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019re questioning how you are going to fight the fear of loneliness while traveling solo. But, hold up, there\u2019s a tendency to equate being alone with loneliness. Don\u2019t do that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is also skepticism when it comes to traveling alone. Whether it\u2019s from your family, friends, significant other, strangers or even yourself. If you took the opportunity to face your fears, smack the buy button, and book that solo trip, then you\u2019d be able to overcome the skepticism and fear of loneliness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fear of not having a tribe and the protection of friendship can add to the feeling of loneliness. Especially if you\u2019re an extrovert and feed off of being around others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you need a new perspective, let me give you peace of mind, help you muster up the courage to finally go without hesitation, and just be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s dig deeper into how you can fight the fear of loneliness while traveling solo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s just you and the beautiful view outside of your hotel window. The waves are crashing softly on the beach and the other guests are having the time of their lives. The bathing suit you picked out to wear for the day is calling your name from your bag. But, the fear of loneliness is calling you at the same time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You wonder, what is this feeling that is trying to dampen the mood of your big solo adventure. Maybe your FIRST solo adventure at that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is it really loneliness? \u201c<\/em>Loneliness<\/em><\/a> typically includes anxious feelings about a lack of connection or communication with other beings, both in the present and extending into the future.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re in this space, then take a deep breath. Yes, you may not be around your friends or family to share these moments with you. But remember you can do whatever the hell you want. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Think about it, would you go anywhere or see anything if you waited on people to live your life? No! So live in the moment and take advantage of the time and space you have to yourself. Get out of your own way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n By doing this, you can take the time to really understand the difference between feeling lonely and being alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you truly want to be connected to your friends and family, then share your memories and moments via social media. Your solace may only be a direct message or a video call away. Even in a far off place, you’re still with the people you care about the most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few more ideas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve accepted the fact that you’re by yourself and experiencing these emotions and views, you can relax. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I get it, you’re ALONE! But the fun doesn\u2019t stop because you are alone. This is the perfect chance to make new friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Priyanka Gupta<\/a>, from On My Canvas<\/a>, suggests \u201changing out more with local people than other travelers.\u201d Meeting new people from the local destination helped her find places in the area and warn her about some localities, etc. It \u201cgives a feeling of home away from home,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you tag along with locals (obviously with safety in mind) or book a tour guide, you get to absorb and take in the local culture without any distractions or compromising. It\u2019s magical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a look at your bucket list and check off all the things that YOU want to do. You can decide the WHEN, WHAT, WHERE, WHY and HOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be alone but also be liberated. Discover the ends of the Earth and bury yourself in the various cultures that make everyone unique. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your solo trip could be used to unwind or explore your introverted or extroverted side. Think about all of the things that you could be doing and the experiences you can have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your growing confidence is enough to beat the fear of loneliness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t forget the reason for your solo trip in the first place. Your solo trip is meant to be fun but it is also a learning experience. Maybe your reason for being there is to learn about the culture, listen to the beautiful accents, taste the local cuisine, get out of your comfort zone, and\/or learn more about yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the downsides, be an explorer of human connection. Whether you\u2019re an introvert, you can engage as much or as little as you want. If you\u2019re seeking to explore more about the local culture, then locals are your \u201cbest friends” for the time being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These are the people you will look to for help when you need it most. Note:<\/strong> Take precautions as you engage with strangers. A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn\u2019t do it home, don\u2019t do it abroad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEven though there are a lot of advantages to [solo traveling], there are also some downsides like feeling lonely while moving around, especially if you are used to being around your friends and family all the time and now you all alone in a big world seeing groups of people everywhere,\u201d shares Melissa Giroux from A Broken Backpack<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBe Alone, But Liberated<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Be an Explorer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n