Traveling is such a privilege. However the thought of traveling alone can feel overwhelming. When I first started to deal with my anxiety I never thought of a time I could push past it to take on traveling but I did. Here are the tips that worked for me and I hope some work for you too!
Get a Plan
Things work better when you have a plan! If you have never traveled alone before and feeling apprehensive I would say don’t travel out the country just yet! Find a place that’s within a few states that is on your list. My first solo trip since being diagnosed with anxiety was to Arizona. I traveled by plane and made a plan ahead! There are a few questions you want to be clear on. Where will you stay? Do you know anyone in the area? How will you get there? What transportation will you use once there?
Research it All
Before you begin deciding on rental cars or Ubers, figure what you want to do! Determine how many days you will be away. Obviously the longer you’re aware, the more expensive it will be. Plan to have at least 1-2 down days. You don’t want to feel overwhelmed to have every second planned. When I went to Arizona, I made my travel day there and the day before I left my down days. This was lay around the pool days to unwind and take it in!
Hotel vs. Airbnb
I choose a hotel. I liked knowing there was staff and people around but seclusion in my room when needed. The hotel I had also had a pool and cabana. Both of these requirements were important to me. The hotel I selected also had tight security. I researched how secure getting to the hotel would be. Grand Canyon University has a security gate. You have to show proof of having a reason to be at the hotel! That was perfect for me. The Uber’s I took had to prove someone called for them too!
You may want the security of having private space in its entirety. You can look for an Airbnb that has a pool etc. I just love the hotel life because as a mom I wanted someone to do all of the cooking without having to find restaurants to eat from while there unless I wanted it. It also may be cheaper to do an Airbnb too. I allowed my airfare and hotel to determine my dates of my trip. When they both aligned I booked at the same time to save money!
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
This was not the motivation for me. I selected Grand Canyon because I knew I had one friend who lived there within driving distance if I needed it. It allowed to feel a little safer but have my privacy. You may want to go where a lot of your friends reside but have your space-decide before you select where to go!
Your Own Wave
I also selected Arizona for the time I went because I wanted to experience the heat. I love being hot but my family doesn’t. Solo trips allow to personalize what matters to you! I knew I wanted to hike, get out in nature, explore, and get the tan of my life. In Arizona I was able to do it all! As much as I love my family and friends traveling with both usually means the things I want to do is limited or not included at all. Solo trips means my way every time! I love that. No sharing of food or drinks, no attitudes when I want to get up early in the morning or sleep in! When I want to lay at the pool all day long, I can with no pushback!
Security at All Times: Move Smart
I was able to move smart by realizing I’m a woman traveling so always be on the look out. Here are a few rules:
- Stay off your phone as much as you can when out and about. Be vigilant!
- Even if you’re unsure look sure
- Never tell anyone that you’re alone-make small talk but remember security is your friend
- Take an back up power bank for your phone-I had 3 fully charged on me at all yimes
- Have cash as well as card. I also pushed money to my savings that I could push back and forth if my wallet was stolen
- Make sure your bank knows your travel dates
- One person back home should have all of your travel information: hotel, Airbnb, all of it
- Check in when you leave places never while you’re there if you want but if not don’t even check in on social media.
- Travel with a travel tripod. I have one that extends 6 feet and I don’t care how I look getting my shots this way I don’t have to rely on strangers to take my shots. Also be sure if you’re gonna use a selfie stick that where you are going it’s allowed. They have been prohibited at locations FYI!
- If where you will be has rural places like the mountains in Arizona carry remote wifi
- Drink limited alcohol when you’re at bars. I always took drinks to my room or went to the local wine/alcohol store so I would have my own in my room! Less alcohol while out keeps you alert and aware
What Activities Will You Do
I picked and paid for all activities that I could prior to! I was able to set up tours before I arrived. Research before you go! Some places aren’t what they say! I had no issues with doing research. I saw Sedona and the Grand Canyon with little issues. I made sure I did one activity a day because Arizona heat is amazing but not to be played with. Wherever you are going knowing your activity budget is key! I met some of the most amazing people in my tour group. It was worth of all the money!
Uber vs. Rental Cars
When I researched all of the activities I wanted to do. I also researched Uber prices by setting my phone on the days I would travel. For instance, on Monday I knew I was going to visit the Grand Canyon. On a Monday I plugged my Uber with the address from the hotel to the meet up spot for the tour.
Although things like surges could occur I knew what my baseline price would be. I calculated the cost, and it was cheaper than a rental car. I went with an Uber. Do the same for your time and travel. I was in Arizona for a week. If you’re traveling for a weekend rental cars especially if you get one from the airport may be expensive. To save money, get an Uber from airport to a local rental car location, it may save you money too!
So there’s a lot of decisions to be made but it shouldn’t stop or deter you from traveling alone. Be smart, plan ahead, and have all of the fun! Nothing feels more empowering than doing something alone!! I will continue safely to take as many solo trips as I possibly can! As a mom stepping away and refueling is key. Every time I come back I’m more charged and ready to take on all challenges! Never discount a staycation where you can relax too!
