Traveling Alone?

[SEA81 2]

OK, guys, I need some advice. I've been trying to plan a trip with my cousin for the last few months, but things keep getting in the way (finances, his work schedule, etc). I'm finally to a point where I just want to go, and I'm not sure if he's going to be able to in the next week or two, so I'm really thinking about going myself and staying for a day or two. I'm so scared to travel alone though! I've done it for work before, but I felt like I was supposed to be there and had a purpose if that makes sense.

This time I will be going for pleasure only. Just the thoughts of doing things alone has my anxiety in overdrive. I thought about taking my dogs along (it's a beach trip), but I'm not sure if that will help or just make me more self-concious. Can anyone relate to this or offer any advice? Thanks!

[kjscrafts 1]

You say that with work travel you have felt more comfortable on your own because you have a purpose. Perhaps, giving yourself a purpose can help. It could be as simple as having fun. Personally, I find it helps me to plan out what I activities and things I want to do and see.

[shaun 6]

I have a lot of experience in traveling alone. I traveled through SouthEast Asia for over a year. The original plan was to travel with my friend, but he had a motorbike accident and had to go home. At first, I wasn't looking forward to the prospect of traveling alone, I thought I would be lonely and anxious. After a few weeks I adapted to it and started to enjoy the feeling of freedom and independence. I plan to travel more in the future and I will probably go alone.

You are catastrophising before the event, conjouring up all the bad things that could happen in your mind. Stop doing this, it will not achieve anything. If you want to travel alone, think about it positively, view it as a new experience for fun and your personal development. Regarding self-consciousness, there is only one way to reduce it - focus outside yourself, focus on what is going on around you, not internally on how you feel.

[4leafclover 1]

I haven't travel outside of my country alone because I wanted to enjoy my country first before the others, but most of the times I visit different regions, I do travel alone. I wasn't afraid because I am adventurous and travelling alone excites me. Don't be afraid, this is a very good venue to enjoy doing things on your own. To lessen your anxiety, I suggest you research more about the place where you will be going to. What attractions, food or activities is a must-do in that area. Arrange your itinerary so when you get there, your always on the go and won't even notice your anxiety.

[Driven 0]

Honestly it comes down to whether or not you think you'd enjoy it more by going alone or by waiting to see if someone will go with you. It is, of course, completely fine to go to the beach by yourself. It might end up being very relaxing.

[Quirky Jessi 2]

I have traveled along and had a lot of fun, but I completely understand the being self-conscious.

As recommended above, give yourself a purpose. I definitely think you should go and I'm impressed you even have the current mindset of "screw it, I just want to go, with or without someone" because so many people wouldn't. Go ahead and give yourself an agenda while you're there, though. Where do you want to go? What do you want to see? Be on a mission and even if you don't do those things, it'll help give you the "next step" of what to do whenever you start feeling anxious.

[SEA81 2]

Thanks for all of the tips. I am going on a family trip in June, so I've decide what I'm going to do is drive myself and take an extra day or two to come home a different way and explore some areas I've always wanted to visit. This will let me see what it's like before I take a full-fledged trip by myself! I hate not having anyone to travel with, but I also hate traveling with someone and not feeling like I can let my hair down!

[kinser 3]

I actually think I'd really enjoy traveling alone, and wouldn't hestitate if I had the money and less responsibilities. In fact, if I ever want to travel (which is a goal of mine), I may have to go alone (or at least without my husband since he hates to travel). I think if you just "do it", you will find that it's going to get much easier once you can be reassured that it's not impossible or even difficult. If you find that you're not really enjoying it, you can always cut the trip short and come home.

[Quirky Jessi 2]

Thanks for all of the tips. I am going on a family trip in June, so I've decide what I'm going to do is drive myself and take an extra day or two to come home a different way and explore some areas I've always wanted to visit. This will let me see what it's like before I take a full-fledged trip by myself! I hate not having anyone to travel with, but I also hate traveling with someone and not feeling like I can let my hair down!

I think that's a great idea! You'll get the best of both worlds that way...a family trip with people, but you're own time after to do whatever you want. You may find that you absolutely love it and want to do more solo later, too.

[scotty 1]

SEA81 dont be afraid (wow my font is huge...i dont know how to fix it)!

Let me tell you my story! (it seems to have fixed itself)

I am from a small small down, like less than 3000 people live in my town, I grew up there, had never been outside the country, lived with my parents, etc.

How the situation came into my head, I do not know, call it temporary insanity if you will, but I ended up getting offered a job in Canada. I was 23 years old, and I upped left, and immigrated alone. I have to say, its the best thing I ever did. I have met so many people, and have made some true friendships here.

Go do it! You owe it to yourself, there are great sites to find like minded people who are safe, check out www.couchsurfers.com !

[Tecca_Nina 3]

Travelling alone is always something that gives me anxiety If I am on the train or anything I'll always be worried I am going to miss my stop or something. I end up over-planning.

[melissa 0]

Being nervous when travelling alone or even with people is actually pretty common. I travel alone alot and to this day it still terrifies me. You pretty much have to figure out what is causing that fear. Is it the flight? or is it just the mere fact of being alone and feeling like noone is there to help you if needed? The second is my problem. I just tell myself that although I am alone im still surrounded by good samaritans who would help me if needed People are alot more understanding than most people think.