Solo Travel 101 - Part 6: Mental Prep (Alone but Not Lonely)

_{This is part six of our 6 part “Solo Travel Planning 101: A Step-by-Step Guide”.} 

_{In this series, you’ll learn how to pick the perfect destination, apps that will help you travel easier and safer, how to pack smart, prep mentally and emotionally, and create a flexible itinerary that leaves room for adventure. Whether you're a planner or a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-backpack kind of person, you’ll walk away with everything you need to feel ready—and excited—for your first solo trip.}

_{If you missed it - Part one “ Choose the Right Destination” is the best place to start.}

Preparing Mentally & Emotionally for Solo Travel

You’ve got your itinerary, your capsule wardrobe, your travel-sized toiletries alphabetized by function—amazing. But before you jet off into your solo travel era, let’s chat about the inner stuff. Because even the most confident, independent traveller (yes, even the ones who post carefree airport selfies) has a moment of what-am-I-doing panic. It’s normal. It’s human. And guess what? You’ve got this.

1. Common Fears and How to Reframe Them

Fear #1: “What if I get lonely?”
Totally fair. Solo travel means lots of alone time—but that doesn’t mean loneliness unless you decide it does. Alone time can be deeply peaceful, even empowering. Plus, you’ll likely meet other travellers, chatty locals, or at the very least, have long, meaningful conversations with your croissant.

Reframe it: You’re not lonely—you’re free to do whatever you want, whenever you want, with no one to consult but your vibe of the day.

Fear #2: “What if I get lost?”
You will. Probably within the first few days. And guess what? You’ll survive! Getting lost is practically a rite of passage. It’s how you find hidden cafes, cute backstreets, and occasionally a cat that follows you home.

Reframe it: Lost = exploring with flair. Worst-case scenario? You fire up Google Maps or ask someone for directions (bonus: human interaction!).

Fear #3: “What if something goes wrong?”
It might. A delayed train, a wrong turn, a rainy day. That’s travel. It builds resilience, quick thinking, and your ability to laugh at the absurdity of a dripping backpack and zero cell signal.

Reframe it: “Something going wrong” is how you get the best stories. You get to tell that story that starts with “So I was in Bangkok at this dodgy street market…..” for the rest of your life.

2. Staying Connected to Loved Ones

Just because you're travelling solo doesn't mean you're emotionally off-grid. Staying connected can keep homesickness at bay—and reassure your mom that you haven't been abducted by a charming street musician in Lisbon.

• Schedule check-ins. A quick daily message, video call every few days, or even a group chat with trip updates can help everyone feel more at ease—including you.
  
  
• Use apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or even a good ol’ Instagram story. Bonus: brag about your adventures in real-time.
  
  
• Write postcards. Old school? Yes. Charming and thoughtful? Also yes. Your grandma will be thrilled.
  
  
• Airplane mode boundaries. It’s okay to unplug for a bit too. Just let people know when you’ll be “off the grid” so they don’t assume you’ve been adopted by a pack of goats in the Alps.
  
  

3. Trusting Your Intuition

This one’s big. Your intuition—aka that little voice in your gut, not your mother’s—is your best travel buddy.

• If something feels off, leave. No explanation needed. Whether it’s a sketchy bar, an overly eager local, or a hostel that smells like regret—listen to that inner alarm bell and bounce.
  
  
• If a person feels wrong, you’re not being rude. You’re being smart. You owe strangers zero emotional labor.
  
  
• If you feel called to change plans? Go for it. That’s the magic of solo travel. Want to ditch your museum day to follow a dog down a charming side street? Live your best storybook life.
  
  

Learning to trust yourself, your choices, and your gut is one of the most powerful takeaways from solo travel. You’re not just navigating cities—you’re navigating you. And spoiler: you’re better at it than you think.

Take the Leap—You’ve got this!

Look, planning a solo trip might feel like standing at the edge of a metaphorical cliff—equal parts thrilling and terrifying. But here’s the truth: the hardest part is deciding to go. After that? It’s you, your passport, and a world full of possibilities (plus snacks, ideally).

Whether you’re dreaming of sipping espresso in Rome, hiking volcanoes in Guatemala, or just finally reading that book uninterrupted on a beach in Thailand—go for it. You don’t need to wait for someone else's schedule, budget, or motivation. The best travel companion is already here: you. (Cheesy, but true.)

Want a Handy Checklist or More Tips?

If your brain’s already juggling packing lists, hostel names, and 87 open browser tabs, don’t worry—I’ve got you.

📋 Download my free Travel Light Solo Packing List to make sure you’ve got everything from power adapters to peace of mind. When you get the list you can subscribe for bite-sized tips, destination inspiration, and the occasional reminder that yes, you can do this solo travel thing (and totally rock it).

Zero spam, just good vibes and useful stuff. Pinky promise.

Your Turn! Tell Me: Where Are You Headed First?

I’d love to hear from you—seriously. Drop a comment or send me a message and let me know:

Where are you thinking of going on your first ( or next) solo adventure?
Are we talking a weekend getaway close to home? A month-long Euro trip? A dramatic "Eat, Pray, Love" sabbatical in Bali? Spill the tea—I want all the details. And let me know what destinations you want more tips and ideas for!

Wherever you end up, just remember: solo travel isn’t about being alone. It’s about discovering the world and yourself, one fearless step (or gelato) at a time. Happy travels! 🌍💫