How to Overcome Solo Travel Anxiety: A Beginner’s Guide
Understanding Solo Travel Anxiety: It’s Normal!
Whether it’s your first solo trip or your fiftieth, solo travel anxiety can creep in before takeoff. It’s not weakness—it’s totally normal. New environments, unfamiliar cultures, and logistical worries all contribute to that shaky feeling in your chest. But guess what? You’re not alone in this.
The good news is: these nerves can be managed. And often, they melt away as soon as your feet hit the ground.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Booking a Solo Trip
If this cycle sounds familiar, you’re not alone:
Debating whether to book the trip
Finally book it with excitement
A few days before—panic mode sets in
Airport nerves kick in hard
Arrival brings calm… and then pure joy
You fall in love with solo travel
You book your next one!
Even experienced solo travelers go through this emotional loop. The trick is learning to ride the wave—not fight it.
Tackling Solo Travel Anxiety Before You Fly
The best way to reduce anxiety? Preparation.
Do Your Research
Read destination blogs, watch YouTube vlogs, and check social media for first-hand tips. Knowing what to expect reduces the fear of the unknown.
Be Scam-Savvy
Look up common scams and solo traveler safety advice—especially if you’re a woman. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel.
Prep Your Documents
Visas, insurance, and vaccinations—get these sorted early so you’re not stressing last minute.
Get an eSIM
Services like Airalo let you pre-download a SIM card so you’re online the second you land. Total game-changer.
Practical Preparation to Ease Pre-Trip Jitters
Set aside time for planning—don’t cram everything into one evening.
- Build a flexible itinerary
- Book your first few nights
- Download offline maps
- Set up ride apps like Grab or Bolt
- Create a folder with your passport, insurance, and reservations
Once you’ve done all that, let go and distract yourself. Go see friends, work out, watch a feel-good movie. You’ve done your part.
Easing Into Solo Adventures
Not ready for a multi-month backpacking epic? Start small.
- Visit a nearby town alone for a weekend
- Try eating at a restaurant solo
- Stay in a local hostel or guesthouse to get used to the environment
These baby steps help you build confidence for longer journeys.
Choosing the Right First Destination
Some countries are easier for solo travelers thanks to safety, infrastructure, and friendliness. Great starting points include:
Portugal – Welcoming, English-speaking, and scenic
Thailand – Friendly locals, budget-friendly, social hostels
Australia & New Zealand – Easy to navigate, no language barrier
Thailand in particular is ideal for first-timers—cheap transport, countless backpackers, and epic solo travel tips around every corner.
Common Solo Travel Fears and How to Overcome Them
Safety Concerns
- Use a cross-body bag or money belt
- Research safe areas ahead of time
- Avoid walking alone at night—use ride apps instead
- Trust your instincts
And always keep emergency contacts saved and accessible.
The Fear of Loneliness
It’s okay to be alone—but if you want to meet people:
- Stay at social accomodations like Lub d
- Join free walking tours
- Book a cooking class, group hike, or pub crawl
- Volunteer on Workaway or Worldpackers
Spoiler: you’ll likely make a friend within 24 hours of arriving.
The Fear of Loneliness
It’s okay to be alone—but if you want to meet people:
- Stay at social accomodations like Lub d
- Join free walking tours
- Book a cooking class, group hike, or pub crawl
- Volunteer on Workaway or Worldpackers
Spoiler: you’ll likely make a friend within 24 hours of arriving.
How to Feel Safe and Confident While Traveling Solo
- Avoid over-scheduling your itinerary
- Spend a little more on nicer accommodation if it gives you peace of mind
- Keep your plans flexible
- Download a VPN for online security
- Bring clothes that help you blend in with the local culture
Confidence doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from being prepared and adaptable.
Finding Your Community on the Road
Loneliness is real—but so is connection. Choose hostels that encourage interaction. That’s where Lub d comes in.
With game nights, tours, co-working spaces, and vibrant communal areas, you’ll never feel like you’re traveling alone—even when you are.
Flying Solo: Airport to Accommodation Stress Hacks
Airports are overwhelming, especially alone. Make it easier by:
- Having everything printed and in one place
- Downloading movies or music ahead of time
- Bringing a reusable water bottle
- Booking an airport pickup, or preloading Grab
- Wearing something comfy and familiar
- Using earplugs, eye masks, and neck pillows on long flights
How to Manage Anxiety During Your Trip
If anxiety strikes mid-trip, try:
- Breathing exercises or meditation (apps like Calm or Headspace help)
- Journaling your feelings
- Going for a walk or workout
- Taking a short break from sightseeing
- Eating nourishing food
- Treating yourself to a nice meal or spa day
This is your trip. You don’t need to do it “right”—you just need to enjoy it in your way.
Where to Stay When Traveling Solo: Lub d Picks
For solo travelers, community is everything—and Lub d delivers across Southeast Asia.
Lub d Bangkok Chinatown
Social, stylish, and close to the action—perfect for first-time solo travelers navigating a big city.
Lub d Phuket Patong
Tropical vibes with beach access, in-house bar crawls, and chill spaces for meeting fellow travelers.
Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach
Sun, sand, and sea with a side of community events and rooftop views.
Lub d Koh Tao Tanote Bay
Secluded beach life with modern comforts and snorkel-perfect waters just steps away.
Lub d Siem Reap
Explore Angkor Wat with new friends and relax in our epic pool lounge after.
Lub d Manila Makati
Urban adventure meets hostel luxury with a social twist—ideal for easing into big city solo travel.
Conclusion
Backpacking in Thailand during the rainy season? Don’t sweat it—or do, and then let the rain cool you off. With the right gear, the best apps, and a flexible mindset, you can turn a damp day into an unforgettable one.
And no matter where your rainy adventure takes you—from the back alleys of Bangkok to hidden beaches in Phuket—Lub d’s got your back with stylish stays, social vibes, and local insider tips to keep your journey flowing.
So grab your rain jacket, load up on travel apps, and let Thailand’s monsoon magic surprise you. You might just find it’s your favorite season of all.
FAQs
1. Is it normal to feel anxious before a solo trip?
Yes, absolutely. Whether it’s your first time or fiftieth, solo travel anxiety is very common—and manageable.
2. How do I make friends while traveling solo?
Stay at hostels, join group tours, attend meetups, or just strike up a conversation in a café. Most travelers are friendly and open to connecting.
3. What if I feel unsafe?
Move to a more comfortable area, inform someone of your location, or check into a secure hostel like Lub d. Trust your gut—it’s rarely wrong.
4. Is Thailand safe for solo female travelers?
Yes. Thailand is one of the safest and most accessible countries for solo female travelers, with a strong backpacker network and great infrastructure.
5. Can solo travel cure anxiety?
While it won’t erase it, solo travel helps build confidence and resilience. Over time, you’ll learn how to manage your nerves and even thrive on your own.
