Traveling by yourself for the first time might seem scary. 

You might be thinking, “what if something happens to me and I don’t know how to handle the situation?” or “How will I get around? What if no one speaks my language?” 

These are all valid questions, and though you may think of letting these thoughts stop you, don’t!

Absolutely, positively, 100% don’t!

Here are some tips for jumping in headfirst on how to travel by yourself.

Getting started

First thing first, where to go?

This is a question only you can answer for yourself and that is the initial step into finding your freedom. 

Do you like adventure?

Maybe you love basking in the sun and hearing the ebb and flow of waves?

Do you like to party all night long in a city?

Do you like history, museums, and architecture? 

Find something you love or a combination of all the things you love, and research.

Pinterest is a great resource.

If you are on social media, specifically Facebook, there is a group that’s an all-time favorite of mine called girlsLOVEtravel. 

For real go check it out!

Booking Transportation

After deciding on a destination, it’s time to look at transportation!

This is the next step in learning how to travel by yourself.

How in the world (pun intended) will you get there?

If you plan a road trip, will you drive or rent a car? 

If you fly, can you get an uber, hire a taxi, ride a bus, take a train, or rent a car?

These are all great questions to ask yourself and research!

Expedia is great for booking within the U.S. as you can do a bundle.

There is a specific button on the site where you can make airline, hotel, and car reservations and save some money.

Different variations of these options are also available.

If you are planning on traveling by yourself to another country, my suggestion would be to make reservations directly through the company.

This is important because trying to make a phone call to rebook a canceled flight through a third-party agency (Expedia) while in Madagascar probably won’t go well. 

I know it’s more expensive to book direct but dealing with customer service is much easier and less hassle this way. 

Arriving

So, you have everything is arranged for your flights, car, train, taxi, etc.!

You’ve waited a year, months, and/or days, and it is finally here! 

Now, the real fun begins.

You are your own boss.

Yep, you heard me. 

YOU get to decide what you will do, where you will eat, what music to listen to, how late you stay out, and how long you sit and stare at the beautiful scenery that isn’t anything like what you’re used to seeing. Even though it might be scary, girl, you are doing the dang thing. 

This is the magic you create for yourself.

Adventuring

While you’re out exploring this beautiful earth, there are some essential things to remember.

• Always be hyper-aware of your surroundings. You can have fun and be careful, too!
• Pack cute and comfy shoes. There are some out there that are one and the same.
• Pack a crossbody bag that you can always keep an eye on. Pick-pocketers are real. 
• Take ALL the pictures. I don’t even blame you if you buy a camera just for this trip. Creating and capturing memories for yourself is important! 
• Eat ALL the food. Eat ice cream every day! It’s your vacation, and you can do anything and everything you want. (No judgment here if you go to Italy and get gelato three times a day.) 
• Be confident! At the very least, fake it ‘til you make it.
• No one speaks your language? Download google translate. Better yet, learn some basic phrases. The native people will greatly appreciate you making an effort and not just assuming they speak your language. 
• Treat yourself to some souvenirs. Buy that rug from Turkey and have it sent home. Buy some handmade furniture in Thailand. Get every single magnet and sticker you wish. 
• Allow yourself to take everything in. This includes your feelings and emotions. If it gets overwhelming, you’re allowed to chill out and take a minute for yourself. Take time to see and experience everything.
• Learn. Learn about the culture, the food, the history, and the geology.
• Discover yourself.

You don’t know who you are unless you’ve spent time alone. Learn what you like and what you don’t like. It’s ok not to enjoy everything that everyone else does. 

The hardest part of traveling by yourself is making the decision. It’s ok to be afraid of being alone but try not to let that stop you from living your best life. Your life matters, and it’s so important to do the things you want to do at the end of the day. I can’t tell you how many people have told me not to do something because it’s something THEY fear. Listen to your gut instincts and make the leap. If you are questioning whether you should do something (this refers to anything in life), ask yourself, “would I regret it if I didn’t?” 

Make it a habit to ask yourself this, especially while learning how to travel by yourself.