If you\u2019re a fan of Law and Order: SVU<\/a> or Lifetime movies, then you will understand the paranoia around solo travel especially for women.<\/p>\n Everyone is promoting solo travel (including me), even with the dangers lurking in the streets.<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t to send you into a fear frenzy or scare you into oblivion. But, there are serious concerns no matter if you\u2019re me or Wonder Woman<\/a>. Or, Wander Woman<\/a> \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n It\u2019s ok to be afraid to go solo. Haven\u2019t you wanted to hop on a plane and go somewhere with friends, but no one was interested in or had the money? When you and some friends were planning a trip, it was only you on the day of travel? Right?!<\/p>\n Yes, it’s frightening, but it’s also exciting. Solo travel IS just what you need. I\u2019m not saying every trip must be alone but focus on your desires and your means to go for you and not based on everyone else.<\/p>\n Need convincing?<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Are you Nervous to take your First Solo Trip? Here are some tips to get you in the mindset:<\/p>\n Take it easy. You\u2019re not the first or the last person who wants to take their first solo trip. There are plenty of resources that will help you feel inspired, plan, and travel. Here’s your guide to solo travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n Go somewhere within driving distance. Get comfortable navigating a brand new space and place. You are already equipped to solve problems like where to eat with Yelp<\/a>, how to get places with Lyft<\/a>, and where to sleep Airbnb<\/a>. Allow yourself to explore a new place as you would overseas. Then you can progress to shorter trips farther than driving distance.<\/p>\n Tip: Review the Airbnb Guide here<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re not sold on going solo, not even an overnight trip, then try going to some local events alone. Traveling solo is like a skill. It takes practice to improve and strengthen if you want to put it to use. So try picking events where you’ll have less anxiety and don’t need to socialize as much. Or, join a crawl or a walking tour.<\/p>\n Most times anxiety builds when there are unknown circumstances. Like where to stay, where to eat, what to do, how to get around, etc. But, guess what? There are tons of resources on the internet. I like to rely on my friends and family opinions. I’m sure you do too. If that’s impossible, check out these facebook groups in this Solo Traveling Guide<\/a>. The members share tons of advice about destinations around the world.<\/p>\n So now that you\u2019ve sought out advice, tips, and ideas for your first solo trip, now it\u2019s time to prepare the details. Having concrete details, at least for portions of your trip will help you deal with some of those first-time solo jitters you\u2019re experiencing.<\/p>\n 1. Flights:<\/strong> Your flight details are almost always saved in your calendar with Gmail. In case it isn\u2019t, then make sure to write down your flight dates. Tip: Forward them too to your family and\/or friends. They\u2019ll want to know where and when you\u2019re embarking on your\u00a0first-time solo trip.<\/p>\n 2. Where to stay:<\/strong> Where would you be comfortable staying during your travels? Are you focused on maintaining your budget or are you willing to splurge a bit on lodging? Answering these questions will give you some ideas on where to stay.<\/p>\n 3. What to do:<\/strong> Plan for must-see locations and even a bit of hidden gems in the town or city you\u2019re visiting. Remember those groups I suggested above, check them out for what to do and see.<\/p>\n 4. Where to eat:<\/strong> This might be a little bit scary since more than likely you\u2019ll be dining alone. Don\u2019t be thought. With so many solo travelers around, you\u2019ll find several travelers doing it. It’s empowering.<\/p>\n 5. Weather:<\/strong> Look up the weather that way you\u2019ll know what to pack. It\u2019ll be pretty frustrating to pack summer clothing when it’s going to be cold.<\/p>\n 6. Money:<\/strong> Focus on your finances before you leave for your trip. Before you use your card abroad, inform your bank where and when you\u2019re going. You wouldn\u2019t want to be in another country, and your bank blocks future transactions on your card. Also, if you plan to use your debit or credit card, speak with your bank about international and ATM fees. These fees rack up each time you swipe and\/or withdraw money. Plan to take some cash abroad with you. You never know what may arise while traveling. At least you have some emergency cash that you can exchange at the airport, bank, or exchange store.<\/p>\n If you don’t know where to start and need some guidance building a travel budget, check out the I Want To Travel <\/a>Too Challenge<\/a>.<\/p>\n 7. Safety:<\/strong> If you\u2019re traveling abroad, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program<\/a>. You\u2019ll receive notifications of any emergencies happening in your area. The US Embassy will provide assistance during your time overseas. It’s free to create an account. Log your current or upcoming trip to stay alert to what\u2019s happening around you while traveling. Also, you may want to buy some travel insurance<\/a> in case you get sick or worse. *knocks on wood*<\/p>\n More safety tips: Know the local emergency number (i.e. police, fire, etc) when in another country<\/p>\n 8. Don\u2019t over-prepare:<\/strong> Sooo, this may sound hypocritical, but adventure comes naturally. Not everything will work in your favor. I\u2019m not trying to jinx you, but an adventure is being able to adapt and discover things on your own. If you\u2019re using every bit of advice found, then you\u2019ve defeated the purpose of a solo trip. Solo = You. Don\u2019t overwhelm yourself with every Youtube video or article on your destination.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t get butterflies while doing something, then are you really taking a risk? Risk doesn\u2019t mean dangerous or extreme. Risk is subjective. What is risk to you? One or two days in Greece? Hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro? If you wait for family and friends, will you ever get started?<\/p>\n The first time is the hardest. You must persuade yourself to commit to your plans. Book your flight. Hit confirm. Now, plan the rest of your trip. And, when you do, show up for your flight, at your hotel, at your scheduled tours or events.<\/p>\n 1. I recommend before purchasing your flight, you ask and plan for the following:<\/p>\n Who are you waiting for? You can pick up and go as you please. Well, that’s if you don\u2019t have any familial or medical obligations. Travel solo at least once in your life. I always ask myself this one question when I want to know if I should do something: \u201cWill I regret it when I\u2019m 65 years old?\u201d If the answer is yes, I do it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If you’re a fan of Law and Order: SVU or Lifetime movies, then you will understand the paranoia around solo travel especially for women. Everyone is promoting solo travel (including me), even with the dangers lurking in the streets. This isn’t to send you into a fear frenzy or scare you into oblivion. But, there […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9599,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"Have The Guts To Travel Solo? Why Solo Travel Is the Most Exciting Yet Frightening Journey Ever","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[71,67,68,69],"tags":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"yoast_head":"\nRelax<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Take an Overnight Trip<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Go to Events Solo<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Address Your Fears<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Prepare<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Out of Your Comfort Zone<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
First Time For Everything<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Single and Childfree?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n