Author: Seshdev Rath
Updated on: 25th Feb, 2025
Thought
When you reach a certain age, you feel like doing a lot of things on your own, “take decisions for yourself “, “buy clothes of your own choice“, “finalise the destinations you want to travel to“, “select the restaurant you want to have food at ” and a lot more.
Doing something on your own makes you feel very excited, happy and confident.
And of course a sense of fear comes with taking decisions of your own as well, what if things don’t go as you think or plan, which is pretty much normal and natural.
Fear
We go through all these emotions with having a sense of fear when it comes to go on a solo trip for the first time. Each and everyone of us, at some point in life have thought of traveling solo.
So it’s natural that we will go through all the emotions before we make the decision.
Common questions that arise include: “What if something goes wrong?” “Will I get bored?” “Will I meet new people?” or “What if my belongings are stolen?” Often these concerns hold us back from making the decision to travel solo. We end up canceling our plans and saying no to ourselves.
The same had happened to me when I was think of travelling solo, planned several times, cancelled them all. All those questions and the sense of fear was holding me back and making me cancel the plans all the time.
This blog is about how I over come the fear and got rid of all the questions and finally travelled solo.
About me
Before diving into this journey, let me introduce myself briefly. You may have gathered some insights from my introduction already.
My name is Seshdev; I enjoy traveling solo and documenting these experiences in unique ways through writing blogs aimed at inspiring others to do the same.
Interestingly enough, I am an introvert who has found solace in solo travel as a means to break free from my introverted shell—a seemingly contradictory pursuit for someone like me!
My experiences will illustrate how this transformation is possible through solo adventures. Read more…
To Reality
Living alone was a new chapter in my life, but it wasn’t as exciting as I thought it would be. Instead, I found myself feeling really down and isolated. Every day was a struggle to find happiness again.
It was during this time that I remembered my lifelong passion for traveling. Traveling seemed like the perfect escape and a chance to rediscover myself.
As I thought about traveling, I decided to reach out to friends and family, hoping someone would join me on this journey. However, life had other plans for them, and no one was available to accompany me. It seemed everyone was caught up in their own worlds, leaving me with a sense of uncertainty about what to do next.
This uncertainty led to a crucial decision and I found myself with a choice: either wait for others to join me or take the leap and travel solo. It was scary, but I felt a strong urge to go for it.
After deciding to travel solo, my mind was filled with questions. I worried about what could go wrong, whether I’d get bored, if I’d meet new people, or if my belongings would be stolen.
This time, I didn’t want these doubts to hold me back and derail my plans. Instead, I chose to face them head-on by finding answers and overcoming my fears about solo travel.
Here’s how I found answers to these questions and overcame my fears to enjoy the incredible experience of solo travel.
What if Something Goes Wrong?
At first, the fear of something going wrong was overwhelming.
But as I delved deeper into planning my trip, I realized that preparation was key.
- Research: I researched my destination thoroughly, learning about local customs, safety tips, and emergency services.
- Plan Ahead: I realized booking accommodations in safe areas and having a basic itinerary will help me save myself from going wrong.
- Stay connected: I also made sure that I will stay connected with family and friends during the trip, keeping them informed of my itinerary and whereabouts.
This sense of preparedness gave me the confidence and answer to the first question.
Will I Get Bored?
The thought of being alone in a new place was daunting, and I was worried about getting bored.
However, as soon as I started my research, I realized that solo travel offers a unique kind of freedom. I can create my own schedule, visit places at my own pace, and indulge in activities that truly interest me.
And I found few ways to stay engaged
- Explore locally:I discovered that exploring local neighborhoods, trying street food, and visiting museums would be great ways to stay engaged.
- Reflect and relax: I would often get time to spend quiet moments journaling or meditating in a park, which would help me recharge and appreciate the beauty of my surroundings.
This way of figuring out what I’ll be doing and getting out of it, answered to the second question
Will I Meet New People?
Meeting new people was one of my biggest concerns, as I mentioned earlier, I am an introvert. I was curious if I’ll get to meet new people, would be able to socialize with them and many more. As I delved deeper into figure out how to meet new people, I realized staying in the right place is the key
- Hostels: I found that hostels are hubs for solo travelers. Many hostels organize social events and group tours.
- Social Apps: Use apps designed for travelers to connect with others in your area.
- Join Local Events: Attending local festivals, concerts, or sporting events to mingle with locals and fellow travelers would make me meet new people.
Finding the right place to stay and explore the kind of events, answered my third question.
What if My Belongings Are Stolen?
The fear of theft was always at the back of my mind, but I learned to take precautions to minimize this risk.
- Light Travel: I decided to travel light, carry only what I need, and keep my valuables secure.
- Use Safety Measures: I figured out I can use hotel safes, lockers, or money belts to secure my belongings. and I made sure to stay aware of my surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- Stay Aware: I just made sure I would be mindful of my surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and make this a habit as well.
I also learned to be prepared for any eventuality. I kept digital copies of important documents and had a plan in place in case something went missing.
This preparation helped me overcome the fear of travelling solo.
Overcoming the Fears and Embracing Solo Travel
Looking back, I realized that overcoming my fears was a process of growth and self-discovery. Solo travel taught me to be resilient, independent, and open-minded. It showed me that even in unfamiliar places, I could find comfort and connection.
If you’re considering solo travel but facing similar fears, here are a few tips to get you started:
- Research Thoroughly: Understand your destination and plan ahead.
- Stay Connected: Keep family and friends informed of your itinerary.
- Be Open-Minded: Be ready to try new things and meet new people.
- Trust Yourself: Remember that you are capable of more than you think.
Solo travel is not just about the places you visit; it’s about the person you become along the way. It’s a journey of empowerment and self-discovery. So, take that first step. You never know where it might lead you.
The Turning Point: Deciding to Travel Solo
As I worked through these fears one by one, something remarkable happened—I began to feel empowered rather than scared.
The research, planning, and mental preparation transformed my doubts into excitement. Each answer I found brought me closer to realizing that solo travel wasn’t just possible; it was something I truly wanted to experience.
That’s when I made the decision: I would pack my bags and embark on the first solo trip of my life—to VARANASI.
VARANASI – A START TO SPIRITUAL JOURNEY