23 Things to Overcome Fear and Anxiety when Traveling Solo

In the blog Nomadic Yak, Harry shares his tips for traveling by himself.

He first suggest identifying the source of fear and then taking appropriate action. Here are what he has identified as the four main causes of this anxiety:

1. First-time Solo Travel Anxiety - According to Harry, 99 per cent of anxiety disappears with two hours of arrival at your destination

2. Fear for Your Personal Safety - See Harry's 35 Solo Travel Safety Tips for common sense advice on how to reduce your risk.

3. Fear of Getting Lonely and Bored - Remember that most of the time you will be surrounded by like-minded travelers and fascinating locals.

4. Fear of Socializing and Making Friends - You will be forced to step out of your social circle and speak to strangers.

And here are the 23 tips:

1. Spritz Yourself with Calming Spray

2. Buy Local Internet Connectivity for Your Cell Phone

3. Set up Find My iPhone or Find My Device

4. Study 35 Safety Tips

5. Focus on the Positives of Solo Travel -

   1. Flexibility to go where you want when you want

   2. Focus on yourself

   3. More opportunities to meet people and make friends

   4. You become more self-confident

   5. You discover yourself
      

6. Write Out Your Anxieties and Coping Mechanisms

7. Carry a Small Memento from Home

8. Journal for Five Minutes per Day

9. Find Yourself a Happy Spot - I like cafes

10. Know You Can Return Home at Any Time

11. Use Anxiety to Prepare Properly and Be More Alert

12. Overcome Fear of Flying - See Harry's Tips

13. Read the Accounts of Other Solo Travelers - The Solo Traveler Subreddit is recommended

14. Travel Slowly - Stop at least three days in each destination

15. Apps Can Help with Anxiety - Headspace, Calm, Medito, Spotify (Sleep and Wellness sections) are recommended

16. Carry Essentials at All Time except Your Passport - phone, credit card, cash, ID, charger and cable, medication

17. Learn to Say "No"

18. Bring Medication and Continue Counseling (If Applicable)

19. Save Local Hotlines in Your Phone

20. Know You Will Rarely Be Alone - 80 per cent of the time you will be surrounded by other travelers, tour guides, motel staff, and friendly locals

21. Plan Logically to Prepare Mentally - Research itinerary, budget, accommodations, and transport

22. Remember Overcoming Fear is a Reason to Travel Alone - Embrace the anxiety; you are doing something worthwhile

23. Throw Yourself into It - Just do it