Scared to Travel Alone? Here's How to Overcome Your Fear & Go
Being scared to travel alone is something almost every solo traveler experiences before their first trip. Before mine, my brain had already planned about 47 different disasters and, spoiler alert, none of them happened. Every solo female traveler you admire once had the same fears. The only difference? We booked the ticket anyway.
In this solo travel guide, I’ll show you why solo travel feels so scary, where those fears come from, and how you can finally take that first solo trip with more confidence.
Your Solo Travel Roadmap
Section | ⏱️ Read Time |
🧠 Why Your Brain Makes Solo Travel Scary | 2 min |
💭 Overcoming Your Biggest Fears | 4 min |
🚶 How to Finally Stop Being Scared | 3 min |
🌍 Best Destinations for Beginners | 2 min |
🎒 Travel Essentials | 1 min |
Why am I scared to travel alone?
Being scared to travel alone is normal. Your brain sees unfamiliar situations as potential threats, even when they’re safe. The best way to overcome solo travel fear is to prepare well, start with a beginner-friendly destination, and take small steps that build confidence.
If you’re scared to travel alone, I hope my story reminds you that every confident solo traveler once stood exactly where you are now.
Solo female travel has never been more popular, with more women choosing to explore the world on their own. But if you’re not yet one of them because you are afraid to travel by yourself, I have good news: You’re normal.
Almost every woman who confidently travels the world solo today, including me, once sat on her couch, imagining every possible disaster.
“What if someone follows me?”
“What if I get lost?”
“What if I panic and want to go home?”
“What if everyone thinks I’m weird for being alone?”
Your brain isn’t trying to ruin your dream… It’s trying to protect you.
The irony? The longer we wait because we’re scared, the bigger our fear becomes. Many women postponed their first solo trip for years, waiting for friends whose schedules never matched. So the dream stayed exactly where it was… a dream.
I realized something that changed everything:
Confidence comes because of solo travel.
Why Your Brain Makes Solo Travel Feel Scarier Than It Is
Being scared to travel alone is biology.
Our brains are hardwired to notice danger much faster than opportunity. Thousands of years ago, being separated from your group was a threat. Today, your brain reacts the same way, even if you’re just booking a flight to Portugal.
Instead of thinking, “This could be amazing,” your brain thinks, “What if something goes wrong?”
Your brain also loves certainty. Solo travel is full of uncertainty: a new airport, new language, new food, new streets. So your brain fills in the blanks with worst-case scenarios. This is called the negativity bias and we naturally remember scary stories longer than boring success stories.
You’ve probably watched countless videos about solo travel scams. But how many have you seen that say, “I had a nice day drinking coffee in Ljubljana”?
Unfortunately, Google and social media often make those fears feel bigger. One scary news story can convince us the entire world is dangerous. Meanwhile, millions of women travel solo safely every single year.
But safety is about preparation, not fear. If you’re worried about staying safe on the road, Solo Female Travel Safety: From Anxious to Confident explains what works without the scare tactics.
What My First Solo Trip Felt Like
I was scared, too.
One of my first solo trips was to Copenhagen, and I almost talked myself out of going. My brain was full of “what if” questions, and I checked the map every few minutes because I was so nervous.
Then I checked into my hostel, met other travelers, and started enjoying my own company. By the end of the trip, I realized something: “I can really do this.”
That first solo trip didn’t make me fearless… but it gave me the confidence to book the next one…and the one after that.
Scared to Travel Alone? Start Here
Your Fear | The Reality | What to Do |
Something bad will happen. | Millions of women travel solo safely every year. | Share your itinerary and live location with someone you trust. |
People will judge me. | Most people are too busy thinking about themselves. | Start by having lunch alone before trying dinner. |
I’ll feel lonely. | Solo travelers often meet more people than groups do. | Join a walking tour or stay in a social hostel on your first night. |
I’ll panic. | Anxiety comes and goes. It doesn’t last forever. | Find a café, take a deep breath, and give yourself time to reset. |
I’m not ready. | Confidence grows through experience, not before it. | Start with a weekend trip instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment. |
The Biggest Reasons Women Are Scared to Travel Alone
Every woman has different fears, but these are the most common ones.
Fear 1: "What if something bad happens?"
This is the biggest fear, and it makes sense. As women, we’ve been told what not to do: don’t walk alone, don’t trust strangers, don’t go out after dark.
But instead of avoiding travel, learn how to travel smart.
Ways to Stay Safer While Traveling:
🛡️ Share your itinerary with someone you trust
- 📍 Share your live location with a close friend
- 🚕 Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
- 🏨 Stay in accommodations with good safety reviews
- 📱 Save local emergency numbers in your phone
Fear 2: "People will judge me."
This fear feels small, but it’s powerful. Eating alone, taking photos alone, joining a tour alone… it can feel awkward at first.
Then, something happens. You realize that nobody cares. People are too busy thinking about themselves. And if someone does notice you’re traveling solo? They’re usually impressed.
Tip: Start by practicing solo dining at lunch instead of dinner. It feels less intimidating, and you can always sit at the bar for a more natural experience.
Fear 3: "What if I get lonely?"
You probably will… maybe for an hour, maybe an afternoon. Loneliness is a part of being human.
Ironically, many solo travelers meet more people than those who stay within their couple or friend group. Solo travel makes you more approachable.
One of my favourite things to do when I travel alone is find a cosy coffee shop, order a cappuccino, and spend an hour reading a book. At first, I worried about sitting alone, but now it’s one of the parts of solo travel I enjoy the most.
Great Ways to Meet People While Traveling:
🤝 Join a free walking tour
☕ Work from a café for an afternoon
- 🏡 Stay in social hostels
- 🍝 Join a local cooking class
- 🚴 Book a day trip with a small group
Fear 4: "What if I panic?"
This one doesn’t get talked about enough. Many women aren’t scared of the destination. They’re scared of themselves.
“What if I have anxiety?” “What if I cry?” “What if I want to fly home?”
You will survive. I’ve had moments where I questioned everything. Then I ordered a coffee, sat outside, and took a deep breath. Twenty minutes later, I felt excited again.
Feelings change. Don’t make permanent decisions based on temporary emotions.
Learn to trust instinct, not anxiety:
Instinct is calm (“Something’s off”). Anxiety is loud (“Everything is wrong”). Learn the difference and act accordingly.
If you’re wondering whether you’re ready to handle these moments, 7 Signs You’re Mentally Ready for Solo Travel will help you recognize the confidence already inside you.
5 Mistakes That Made My Solo Travel Anxiety Worse
Mistake | What I Wish I’d Done Instead |
Reading scary Reddit threads until midnight | Research practical safety tips instead of worst-case stories. |
Overplanning every hour of my trip | Leave room for spontaneous moments and rest. |
Packing way too much | Pack light. You’ll thank yourself at every train station and airport. |
Comparing myself to travel influencers | Remember that social media shows highlights, not reality. |
Waiting until I felt “ready” | Book the trip anyway. Confidence comes after you go. |
How to Stop Being Scared to Travel Alone
The goal is to make your dream bigger than your fear. Here are steps to do exactly that.
1. Start Small
You don’t need to backpack across South America for six months. Start with one weekend, then four days, than a week. Small wins build confidence faster than big steps.
Great Solo Trip Ideas for Beginners
Here are some beginner-friendly destinations I’d recommend for your first solo trip.
Destination | Why It’s Great for First-Time Solo Travelers |
🇵🇹 Portugal | Friendly locals, easy public transport |
🇸🇮 Slovenia | One of Europe’s safest countries, small and easy to navigate |
🇪🇸 Spain | Great public transport, easy to meet other travelers |
🇩🇰 Denmark | Very safe, walkable cities |
🇳🇱 Netherlands | Easy public transport, English widely spoken |
🇲🇹 Malta | Small and easy to explore, English is an official language |
🇮🇸 Iceland | One of the safest countries in the world, easy day trips from Reykjavik |
🇦🇹 Austria | Efficient public transport, walkable cities |
🇨🇦 Canada | Friendly locals, easy-to-navigate cities |
🔗Read Next: Find more safe solo travel destinations for beginners.
2. Prepare Without Overplanning
Preparation creates confidence. Perfection creates procrastination.
Research enough to feel comfortable, but don’t plan for six months. Book: flights, accommodation, airport transport, and your first day’s activities. Let the rest unfold naturally.
Travel essentials For Solo Female Travelers
These are the travel tools I use on almost every trip because they help me feel more prepared and confident.
💧 Self-Cleaning Water Bottle – Perfect for long travel days
📱 eSIM – Get mobile data the moment you land
🛡️ Travel Insurance – Affordable peace of mind
- 🏨 Booking.com – Best for hotels and apartments
- 🎒 Hostelworld – Ideal for meeting other travelers
- 🎟️ GetYourGuide – Book tours, day trips, and activities
- ✈️ Skyscanner – Compare and find cheap flights
3. Practice Doing Things Alone Before Your Trip
Solo travel starts long before the airport. Build your confidence at home:
☕ Go to a café alone
🎬 Watch a movie alone
🍽️ Eat dinner alone
🚶♀️ Explore your own city
Each experience teaches your brain: “I can do this.”
4. Remember Why You Wanted This Trip
Fear is loud and dreams are quiet. Write down why you want to go. Is it for:
🌍 Freedom?
- 💛 Confidence?
- 📸 Adventure?
- 📖 Personal growth?
Read these reasons every time fear starts talking.
Planning your first trip can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. How to Plan a Solo Trip as a Woman (Without Overwhelming Yourself) explains every step.
Ready for Your First Solo Trip?
If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’re already dreaming about your first adventure.
That’s why I created my 60-page Solo Female Travel Guide.
It’s the guide I wish I’d had before my first solo trip with tips, planning templates, confidence exercises, and safety advice to help you travel with more confidence.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Female Traveling
Here are the most common questions about traveling solo.
Is it normal to be scared to travel alone?
Yes. Most first-time solo travelers feel scared. It means you’re stepping outside your comfort zone.
How do I overcome fear of solo travel?
Start small, plan ahead, and book the trip. Confidence comes from taking action, not waiting to feel ready.
Is it safe to travel alone as a woman?
Yes, when you choose safe destinations, stay aware of your surroundings, and follow basic safety precautions. Download my free safety guide with tools, tips and insights to travel alone.
Where can I find cheap flights?
Use Skyscanner to compare prices across airlines. Flexibility with dates can save you even more.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance protects you from unexpected medical expenses, delays, and lost luggage.
What if I feel lonely while traveling alone?
Join a walking tour, stay in social accommodation, or work from a café. You’ll meet people naturally.
Where should I stay on my first solo trip?
Choose accommodation in a safe, central area with good reviews. Booking.com is ideal for hotels and apartments, while Hostelworld is perfect if you’d like to meet other travelers.
How can I meet people?
Book group tours on GetYourGuide or Viator, join free walking tours, or stay in social hostels. Solo travelers naturally connect on these experiences.
What if I panic during my trip?
Take a break, grab a coffee, call someone you trust, and remember that feelings are temporary.
Final Thoughts – Last Stop Before Takeoff!
Here’s what I wish someone had told me years ago:
Being scared to travel alone doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. It means you’re about to do something that will change your life.
The women you admire on Instagram? They’ve been scared too.
The experienced backpacker you meet in a hostel? She once cried before her first flight.
The confident solo traveler in Barcelona? She asked herself the same question you’re asking right now.
“Can I really do this?”
The answer is yes. Not because nothing will ever go wrong, but because you are far more capable than fear wants you to believe.
Six months from now, you could still be wondering, “What if?” Or you could be sitting in a little café somewhere you’ve always dreamed of visiting, smiling because you almost let fear stop you.
Your first solo trip won’t be perfect and it doesn’t have to be. It just has to be the first.
So if you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it. One booking can change your life. Maybe your first solo trip starts today.
Adventure on, I’ll see you on the road!
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Feven is a solo female travel mentor who has visited 67 countries, 7 continents and helps women travel with confidence. She creates resources to help women overcome fear and plan their first solo trip. Follow her adventures on Instagram.