I was thinking back to my early days of solo travel. I remember how afraid and nervous I would be before a solo trip. Thank goodness I just went anyway. It’s true that sometimes you need to do things scared because your fear might never settle.
Many solo trips later, l’ ve realised that a lot of the skills I needed, I could learn and practice in my every day life. I could build my solo travel confidence in my home city. And so, I’m writing this to encourage YOU to prepare for solo travel while you are at home. Let’s break it down.
Practice logistics before you travel
I live alone and do most daily life by myself already. I didn’t realise it at first, but my independence at home was preparing me for solo travel. Think about it? Do you go shopping by yourself, figure out your transport by yourself, get admin done alone? You might also find that you too are already practicing your solo travel skills. Another example is that I use Google Maps very often in my life at home to find unfamiliar locations. Having the realisation that you may already be navigating parts of your life alone, is a boost in confidence for your upcoming plot trip. You’ve got this!
Start exploring your city alone first
To take it a step further, explore your home city like a tourist. This could look like taking yourself on a solo coffee date or doing a museum visit. You could check out a local market for the morning or even go to the movie cinema alone. It can feel awkward to do activities by yourself at first. It’s so worthwhile to push through the awkwardness while you are in a town or city you are very comfortable in. You could even book a staycation in your home city by finding a cute hotel nearby. I have my eyes on a hotel with a rooftop pool in Cape Town. Bit by bit you’ll find that exploring your home city alone can help to build comfort of being alone.
Figure out your solo travel personality
Unlike group or couple travel, solo travel is all about you. You will learn more about your solo travel personality throughout your travels but you can get head start at home. Put time aside to think about the type of experiences you like and don’t like. Figuring out your solo travel personality will help you discover whether you enjoy slow travel or a packed itinerary. Do you prefer to stay at a hotel, an Airbnb or a hostel?
When you can narrow down your options, it can reduce feelings of overwhelm during solo travel. I love being by the ocean so I tend to favour islands and coastal destinations. Keep reminding yourself that this is your solo travel journey and you can choose what makes YOU happy without guilt or sacrifice.
Learn what makes you feel safe and comfortable
Safety is always an important solo travel consideration. Safety truly does come first. I explore South Africa solo and I often am asked whether it is safe to solo travel in South Africa. Travelling solo, especially as a woman, does come with risk. It’s important to priotise your safety through your destination choices, your accommodation and even the way you navigate.
Solo travel confidence doe not start at the airport. It starts with easier, smaller moments right at home. The more you practice your logistics and the more you explore your home city, the better prepared you will feel on your solo trip.
I believe in you and as your solo travel cheerleader, I’m rooting for you!
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Enjoy your solo trip and be safe!
