Solo travel elevates this experience further, inspiring you to explore both inward and outward.
Solo Travel and Mental Health
Raise your hand if youve ever deeply felt the mundanity of life.
Mandi Getz, a travel expert atFit4Travel, which creates tailored wellness retreats, agrees.
Tang Ming Tung / Getty Images
It’s guaranteed to get those butterflies going!
But you might do it, and remember, small steps only lead to bigger ones.
If someone has never traveled alone and feels anxious about it, start small, Sangmeister says.
Have you ever sat at a coffee shop alone without a laptop in front of you?
Expand upon that and go out to lunch and then dinner alone.
Try adventuring in your own neighborhood.Thenbook that trip."
“This is especially helpful if you’re not a well-traveled person or feel nervous about traveling.
Choose the Right Destination
Newbie solo travelers should put a lot of thought behind where theyre going.
These destinations often have robust tourism infrastructures and low crime rates, making them ideal for building confidence.
Stay Smart
The reality is that crime is possible even in your own backyard.
(To that end, some destinations may even be technically safer than where you live!)
Still, Ternavan says to always be aware of your surroundings.
Trust your instincts and avoid secluded areas, especially at night, he advises.
Keep your valuables secure using hotel safes and avoid displaying expensive items in public.
I also recommend sharing your travel itinerary with family or friends and scheduling regular check-ins with them.
Be Open to the Experience
Travel forces you to roll with the punches and be adaptable.
Maybe the restaurant wont have any food you like (time to try something new!)
or perhaps the tour started way later than you wanted.
Whatever the case, venture to remain flexible.
It will all be well worth the experience.
Taking time tobe in the momentis super important, Getz says.
Be mindful and continue to remind yourself to be present where you are.
Do Some Self-Reflection
Solo travel is the perfect opportunityto look inwardand better understand yourself.
Solo travel can help you uncover a path you never dreamed of or discovered.
Gilbert, D., & Abdullah, J. Zimmermann, J., & Neyer, F. J.
Do we become a different person when hitting the road?
Personality development of sojourners.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,105(3), 515530. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0033019
