Do you know something? I wish this post was titled, ‘Solo Travel: How to overcome self-doubt.’ But as a matter of fact, I still doubt myself all the time! In one respect, some may feel that’s a shame. I wish that those pesky little monsters inside my head telling me it’s a bad idea would just be quiet! However, on the other hand, it’s pretty standard to do something new and still feel anxious. Therefore, if you are unsure about travel or if you are going travelling but are still quite nervous, this post is for you. 

I will begin by going through factors that are a matter of mindset. For those, I will plainly state ways to shift your thinking and have a louder voice that provides a good challenge to negative thoughts. Following this, I will offer a combination of mindset advice and practical tips for the others relating to safety, budget, and well-being while travelling.

1. ‘But I should be a corporate girly.’

Yes, and many ‘corporate girlies’ probably dream of going travelling. As mentioned in the post where I discussed how I decided to go travelling, life’s really too short to neglect what you want because of societal expectations. And if you are in a position where you can travel, then travel!

Also, there is still so much time to pursue the career you desire. Additionally, traveling broadens your worldview and can even enhance your CV. So, you would be getting the best of both worlds.

2. What will others think?

Again, this relates to the first point. But I have been worried about telling people because I always fear that they may be judging me. However, most people I have spoken to say that they think it’s really cool! And why care so much about what someone who negatively judges thinks of you. They’re just boring! 

And if that doesn’t put those who have been unsupportive into perspective, the world will!

3. But I will be going on my own?

With 24% of Brits planning trips alone in 2025, it is hardly uncommon. I also know multiple people who have been solo-travelling/are solo-travelling. As a matter of fact, they’re all women! If you wait until someone is willing and able to accompany you for the duration of your planned travel, you may be waiting forever. 

What helped me was thinking about it, such as moving to a different city where I don’t know anyone or even starting university where you don’t know anyone. Of course, it’s scary at first, but over time, it feels easier. Usually, people end up being thankful for deciding to move rather than staying in their hometown. 

I know many people reiterate the importance of loving yourself before travelling. I agree and disagree. The definition of self-love seems somewhat arbitrary. Obviously, I don’t look in the mirror every day and think, ‘Omg, I’m so hot’. On a deeper level, I often find myself to be very self-critical. 

However, it is beneficial to work on becoming more comfortable in your own skin, being alone, and in a place where you can focus on addressing the things you struggle with. Also, I will definitely be staying in touch with those who I am close with back at home.

4. How will I make friends?

Okay, I was also scared of being alone when I first moved from my hometown. But it all turned out well in the end. 

Obviously, it is challenging when traveling because, even if you are aiming to ‘slow travel,’ you’ll still be in one location for a relatively short period. However, according to the sources I have provided below, there are multiple ways to make friends abroad. Staying in hostels, going on group tours, working, volunteering, and even using apps (think, like travel Tinder) are effective ways of making friends. 

Likely, I may not click with people everywhere or immediately, and that is okay. Moreover, some friendships may be much more surface-level compared to those back home. Again, that’s fine because the time spent with anyone I meet will still be valuable. 

Conversely, it is possible to make lifelong friends when travelling simply because of having that shared interest and experience. 

5. How can I afford it?

Understandably, affordability is a barrier for many people. Yet, it shouldn’t make travelling impossible! 

Homestays are a great option, offering both affordability and a unique experience. You get matched with a host, and then you spend a bit of time volunteering in exchange for a free place to stay, free (home-cooked) meals, and tours! There are also options to work abroad, including summer camps, hostel work, or hospitality. From experience, hospitality isn’t the most fun work, but a tedious job abroad is going to be more exciting than a tedious job at home, right?

There are also multiple ways to save money while travelling, including shopping around for deals on flights, buying locally (which is also beneficial for the locals, making it a win-win), and staying in places for a more extended period. There are also so many ways to ‘budget travel,’ and I have provided the relevant sources below. 

Finally, saving money, particularly in today’s economy, is commendable. Although, I really cannot see how travelling is a waste of money. Your savings might go down, and it might take longer to save for something else. However, travelling is invaluable in terms of experience, education, and growth.

6. Will I be safe?

Short answer, it depends. But by taking precautions, you are far more likely to be safe. I have a whole post on this. But to keep it short and sweet, do plenty of research, purchase the right equipment, and use some common sense.

What doubts have you struggled with concerning travel? If you relate to any of these, or if you have your own to add, then I would be interested in hearing about them in the comments. Although travelling is an amazing experience, I personally feel that self-doubt is unfortunately an inevitability that comes along with it.

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