Five Biggest Fears About Solo Travel Answered Here for You!

People are often curious about my solo travels. After all, I have a wonderful husband so why not travel as a couple? The simple answer is, we often do. I’m just more interested in exploring the world and am comfortable with foreign languages, long plane flights, and logistical challenges. And he’s fine with that. I’ve been traveling solo for most of my business career and now, as a retiree, I’m able to visit those far-flung destinations I’ve dreamed about. Often solo.

So should you. There’s no magic to traveling abroad. You are more than capable. You’ve successfully managed the difficult logistical demands of home, family and career. Solo travel? You’ve got this.

Here are a few concerns about solo travel and how to deal with them.

What if I get lost?

I have poor spatial awareness. I take extra precautions when I travel to keep from getting lost. But it’s inevitable. I’m wandering around an unfamiliar city and pretty soon I have absolutely no idea where I’ve come from. Easy to solve.

This way you have an idea of the length of your route and the time and energy you’ll need for the excursion.

Here’s a YouTube video explaining how to set up your route in Google maps.

What if I get lonely?

First, if you want to travel solo but you don’t want to travel alone, book a tour. Globus Journeys or Gate1 travel are two I’ve used and highly recommend. Their tour guides are accustomed to handling tour groups with singles, both male and female.

And they make a special effort to include all of their group in scheduled activities. And travelers are welcoming by nature, that’s just how we roll! More likely you’ll make friends that you’ll stay in touch with on future trips.

Or if group travel isn’t for you, plan to join a local touring company and take a day trip from a few of the cities on your itinerary. Viator is a great one I often use and recommend. Again, start a conversation with one of your trip mates or couples and enjoy the experience together. In any case, the amount of time you spend alone is up to you, but you never have to be lonely. Give yourself permission to be independent, adventurous and confident.

What if I get sick?

Are we talking a virus or life-threatening illness? Because if you end up with something treatable, you’ll handle it the same way you would at home. Take a day off and rest, get over the counter medications if you need them.

If it’s life-threatening, you’re traveling in Europe and suddenly you need to make an emergency call – what do you do? Dial “112.” Don’t call 911 as you would in the United States; that number doesn’t work in Europe. Dialing 112 from any country in the European Union (EU) will connect you to emergency services, such as police, fire, and ambulance services. (See the list of European Union member countries.) Dialing 112 could be a life-saver and is completely free. You can dial 112 from any mobile phone, landline, or payphone. In most EU countries, the operator will speak both the local language and English (you can find country specific details).

If you’re traveling to countries outside of Europe, check the State Department website before you depart to identify the emergency calling number in the countries you’ll be traveling to. These numbers are available from the State Department.

What if I get mugged?

If you opt out of traveling the world because of the unlikely threat of a random crime, you’ll miss the adventure, the exploration, the wonder! Most people are kind, honest, helpful and trustworthy. Be careful, but don’t hide.

I was mugged on New York City’s Upper East Side at 10 o’clock in the morning. A young man followed me into the revolving door of my office building, pinned me to the glass and grabbed my purse. Fortunately, he was apprehended and I pressed charges. The NYPD were fantastic.

If you are the victim of a crime, you will need to report it to the local police as you’ll need a Crime Reference Number to claim on your insurance. If you are with a tour group, the group leader will facilitate the report. If not, and if police have not been on the scene, return to your hotel check with the concierge at your hotel who can involve local authorities. But don’t give up the adventures of a lifetime because of unfounded fears. Use good judgement. Just as you would at home.

What if I’m having the time of my life and I want to stay longer?

You’re on your own here girl, but that’s more likely than all of the above options. Try one trip and see how it goes. You may end up a broad traveling abroad.

xox