I get asked all the time about when I travel alone.
They want to know, "Aren't you afraid of traveling by yourself?"
The answer is simple -- no I am not afraid to travel alone.
You see, for many years of my life, I lived in fear of doing anything — moving to a new city, quitting my job, and starting my full-time blogging career, and yes — for many years I was deathly afraid of going anywhere by myself. One of the reasons I have so much freedom to travel alone is my self-run business; understanding how to start an LLC has allowed me the flexibility to explore and run my company remotely, regardless of my location.
But somewhere along the lines, God spoke strength into my life and I no longer feared the things I once feared.
Back a few years ago when I dove into this blogging career full time, I promised myself I would be open to trying new things, because we all know with blogging, the doors for travel are opened for you if you share about your adventures.
When I went on my first press trip to New York for the Avengers event, right then and there, I fell in love with traveling. I did that one by myself -- and had to find my way around the city with just a couple of other bloggers. Honestly -- it was one of the best times in my entire life.
Then I went to California, and to Texas -- and then I did New York again.
And you know what? The more I travel by myself, the less afraid I am.
Here's why I feel that way --
5 Reasons Why I am Not Afraid to Travel Alone
1. The World May Be Dangerous, But It's Not as Dangerous As It's Made Out To Be
Before I traveled to New York, I was scared of that place. Why? Because all I have ever known about New York is that it has high crime, murderous villains, robbers, etc.
We see so many movies and read so many sensationalized headlines that we’ve become conditioned to assume that the world “out there” is a scary, dangerous place. But guess what? It’s really not.
I have been on the streets of New York and walked with just my phone and my friend Crystal, and we walked ALL over the city -- and not once did anyone treat us poorly.
Yes -- I am sure if we sought out that kind of person then yes we could find them, but when we needed directions or help, we knew the kind of people to ask. Also, after getting my first aid training in Ottawa, I felt more confident dealing with unexpected emergencies during my trip
We even braved the subway when we went to New York.
#2 I Trust My Gut Feeling When I Travel Alone
I pay attention to my gut when I am traveling. Yes -- as a woman, I have to be careful who I talk to, and traveling as a woman is different than a man.
But here is one thing that I make sure I do -- I treat my trip away from home as if I was at home. What I mean by that is if I don't act or do that in my home town, I am not going to do that while I am by myself.
This means that I’m not going to go wandering in an unfamiliar place on my own at night, or take rides with complete strangers, or go off without telling someone where I went.
You definitely will not find me in a bar getting drunk or doing drugs or anything else that would put me in danger no matter where I am.
I also have learned to be aware of my surroundings and to trust my gut. If I find myself in a situation where I feel uncomfortable, I do what I can to remove myself from it. When you travel by yourself, you are your own best defense.
#3 Research, Research, Research
Anytime I am going on a trip, I always do my research before I go. I decided to start doing this after my first trip to New York.
When you visit Times Square, I was not aware of the money scammers that hang out down there for "picture opps". Being a first time traveler, I bought into it and had my picture made with Elmo and then right after, he wanted $20 for the photo.
He finally let me go, and I was fine. But I quickly learned my lesson to check out the area by Googling and reading up on things like cultural norms, common scams, and how I should dress as a tourist.
Doing my homework helps me fit in to new cultures better, and also makes it easier to be vigilant without being paranoid.
#4 Not Everyone is Out to Get You
This one is a big one for me as I am not afraid of meeting people and just walking up and asking questions. But some are deathly afraid of this.
I realized this most recently when I went on a trip to Austin, Texas. I was meeting up with my Nutrish friends for a fun-filled couple of days and there was a very nice man on the plane.
Granted, he was probably flirting, but I just let it go as he was being super nice. He helped me get my luggage up in the overhead bin and when it was time to depart the plane, without me asking, he got my luggage down for me.
To me, that is a true gentleman and I thanked him for his kindness and we went our separate ways.
Just as the world isn’t an extremely dangerous place, people are not always so evil. I spent a lot of time being very suspicious of anyone who would strike up a conversation with me for about the first year I was traveling alone. Until I realized that those people were just trying to be friendly.
While it is important to pay attention to your surroundings and the people you come in contact with, you do not have to look at everyone as a threat or someone who wants to do you harm.
You will enjoy yourself so much more, if you just relax and open yourself up to meeting new faces and having great conversations.
You will realize that people are more like you and not as different as you think. It's neat to meet new people and hear their story and how they go to where they are.
#5 Find Like Minded People Who Like to Travel Too
One of my favorite parts about traveling is that many times it is with the blogging groups I am a part of. We attend the same conferences, the same press trips, and when we do, we find ways to meet up together to hang out and enjoy the company.
There’s no need for me to be afraid, because I’ve learned that traveling by myself doesn’t necessarily have to mean being alone all the time. There is always a friend close by!
What about you?
I realize that traveling along as a woman will always be one of those things that gets misrepresented and blown out of proportion. Hopefully the information I shared with you here will give you a little more confidence and help you rest a little easier the next time you want to visit somewhere new.
I am the exact opposite - I hate traveling alone. My sister travels the world alone, though. She just got back from Thailand. Alone.
Thailand? That would be amazing!
I think it's great that you conquered your worries and learned to enjoy travelling by yourself. Imagine all the missed opportunities you would have if you never tried. I'm very impressed!
Yes! I have been able to cross so many things off of my bucket list.
I like how you beat out the nervousness that comes with talking to strangers. I've never had trouble talking to strangers but I can tell by their politely horrified expressions I'm fairly unique in this area. Either that, or I make so many social feux pas that I've probably publicly humiliated myself. Six of one, half a dozen of the other.
It usually never bothers me, but when I travel I used to be afraid to talk to people. Not anymore 🙂
I agree. As long as you do your research, go with your gut feelings, and do your best to make safe choices, why not travel alone! I need to share this with my grandma, she loves to travel.
It's one of my favorite things in the world to do now.
These are all great tips and like you I do my research. I have traveled alone as well and I made sure my family back home had my hotel information as well as keeping my phone on me at all times.
That is a great tips Stacie! I need to start doing that as well.
Sometimes traveling by yourself is fun, I like traveling a bit around locally in New England but think if I went further I wouldn't go alone.
I was always so afraid of doing that Brandy -- but you can find it liberating and very freeing to visit somewhere new all by yourself.
I traveled once...alone to Minnesota. I was terrified because our plane had extreme turbulence. I never want to experience that again!
I have been there and done that before -- our plane hit a wind shear and we had to turn around and go back. But I just pushed that fear aside and kept going. I never want to let fear rule my heart.
I love to travel alone. It is so freeing to be able to just see where the day takes me.
Yes Lisa -- I agree!
I absolutely admire your attitude! That's amazing! After your Cali and Texas trips, you found strength within you....what a great story!
Thanks Jeni -- yes -- it was a very liberating moment when I stopped being afraid.
Very good reasons!I am not one that is afraid to travel alone either- or eat a meal,or go to the movies.
Me either! I take myself shopping by myself and out to lunch all the time and I am totally okay with it
I love to travel and really don't mind doing it alone. I prefer to explore with my family, but like you experience has brought comfort.
I love traveling and doing things with my family as well, but I love when I can get away by myself 🙂
I've grown to love traveling by myself as well! Sometimes it's just nice not to have anyone else to keep track of. 😉
Yes. I totally agree. It is my time to get away and just chill out 🙂
Your bravery in traveling to new places is inspiring! I hope to travel more in the coming years too!
It has been very liberating for me. 🙂
I can't imagine being afraid to travel anywhere in the US by myself -- or most of the rest of the world, either. I'm glad you've found your courage!
Great tips! I enjoy travelling alone; I set my own pace and activities! The occasional girls trip or group trip with the right people can be fun, but it is never as relaxing as when I travel solo.
Good to know you have conquered your fears and are running your own blogging business
I am the same, I travel Alone, and with the right head and mind your safe. Well as safe as in any city around the world. You just have to dress to adapt and generally that is enough.
Hey Jennifer, I read your post and totally agree with everything you said! Sometimes traveling alone can be more fun. I backpacked SE Asia alone and I knew I'd be fine!
You are courageous and wise! I am not sure if I am afraid or not of traveling alone, never tried it... simply because I don't like traveling alone. I need somebody to share the happiness of traveling, seeing things and eating food. I may never travel alone.
Another Jenn here and another solo traveler! Actually my blog is all about my experiences going out there solo. I think it is the best way to go, and that it is addictive: if you are a slighlty independent person, you'll love it and you will never want to go back! The freedom! Yes, sometimes it can be a bit more dangerous, but in most cases common sense will keep you safe.
I hope that some time in the future, when someone learns that I travel solo will tell me "oh yes, me too" or "I've heard that it is amazing!", instead of being looked at funny and say that it is scary... but we'll get there! Very nice post Jenn =)
Great tips, advice and suggestions for traveling alone. I have never visited another country all on my own so I am inspired by both your courage and your motivation!
Wow! That's amazing! That sounds so much like me. This brings unique experiences and a chance to explore oneself.
I wholeheartedly agree with your list, especially with 'not everyone is out to get you' and listening to your gut. Those two go hand in hand, when I solo travel -- you have to quickly pinpoint threatening behavior vs someone actually being kind. Living abroad, I've learned to let go of my "Americanisms-watch-dog' and just let it flow. We've had great conversations and random gifts, just because we were willing to try.
I love travelling on my own too, although I guess people are not as surprised if you're a man travelling alone. Travelling by yourself also gives you so much flexibility!
Your comment #1 is the most important. We humans are hard-wrired to be afraid (survival, you know) even when the danger is slight. Friends and family asking, "Are you sure that's safe?" doesn't help.
When you travel, you are never truly alone. You just don't yet know the people that you are traveling with! But I feel you on the constant questions from others about traveling alone. I was recently in Egypt and everyone flipped out asking if I was afraid. I told them, yes, as a matter of fact I am terrified. I am terrified that I will go to the Pyramids and they will somehow be smaller than I imagined! 😉 (they totally did not disappoint at all!) Travel is a discipline, and it takes time to feel secure with it. For those who don't travel, it will always seem like a scary risk. You just keep on doing you!
Inspiring post! Everything will scare us unless until we try and overcome it. Agree with your points research and get the right information as its most of the times hyped up, everyone has their own perspective of taking things. and so true that Not Everyone is Out to Get You kindness exists 😉
I always travel alone but I find people everywhere I go. Indeed, the world is not dangerous, it's only dangerous if you take risks. I always say, follow your guts and you will be just fine. And happy! 🙂
Your blog is so inspiring! Thank you for sharing, I really enjoyed reading it.
I have tried traveling solo and did not enjoy it very much. I admire those that do it though. You have had some amazing press trip opportunities and it is great that you could take advantage and attend and also enjoy yourself at the same time.
I agree that there is nothing to be scared of when traveling alone! I am sorry that you got confronted by a mean Elmo, but NYC is one of the safest cities in the US, so there's nothing to be scared of there at all. I will admit that I'm cautious about talking to men who seem to be flirting but that's not because I'm scared but because I've met too many men who complain about me wasting their time if I am friendly to them without being interested in romance.
Nice post and I travel solo most of the times and could relate so many things with you! It's empowering and addiction!
I believe that wherever we go, even we just go outside our home, there is always a danger. We should be more courageous to face these dangers coz most of these are just in our mind.
I'm so proud of you! Keep on travelling and spread more inspiration! 🙂
I agree with all of this, especially number 4. It's a really hard lesson to get down but it opens so many doors once you do.
"The more I travel by myself, the less afraid I am" - I totally agree with you! I have the same feelings.
My solo trip to India taught me to trust myself, my feelings and my intuition. Whenever I felt like that wasn't a good option for me, I immediately ran away from it. Looking forward to seeing more of your trips!
Good points Jennifer. I am not afraid of traveling alone too, the only thing I miss when traveling solo is that I cannot share my experiences and my feelings with anyone else. But I must admit that social media are supporting a lot nowadays, just sharing them with the world! 🙂
I can relate to this post so much. As solo travelers, we learn more about the world and ourselves than ever before. I really appreciate your honesty in this post. And I like the point "Not everyone is out there to get you"
So motivational and I love your tone of voice that comes through in your writing. Your point on research really stuck - it's something I never do and need to get better at!
These look really good reasons for travelling alone. I agree with all of them . Let me tell you, I recently took my solo trip to Wales and i loved it and from now on would not hesitate taking solo trips again. 🙂