7 Reasons to Solo Travel — Even If You Have Anxiety

Why Anxiety Doesn’t Have to Stop You From Solo Travel

Have you ever watched a solo traveling show or YouTube video and wondered, “Could I ever do that?” I’m here to tell you that you can, and absolutely should. 

My very first solo adventure took place in 2024, when I had a long overseas flights all alone. Pure fear and stress flooded my entire body and mind before I left. This is the girl who used to break down in fear and tears before I had to go to the bank all alone— so how could I possibly survive a flight to Frankfurt, navigate that enormous airport, fly to Salzburg, then manage to track down a bus and get into the city center without any data?

It’s because of this exact experience that I now believe everyone should go on a solo trip, regardless of how much anxiety you deal with— because it’s always possible to overcome those anxieties (even when you really think it is impossible).

And the great thing about solo travel? It’s not about the fearless perspective you may develop, but instead about actually doing it and accomplishing it.

Here are my top 7 reasons why you should solo travel:

#1 You learn to rely on yourself.

The best way to build a sense of independence that nothing else quite matches is when you can navigate trains, figure out directions, and make decisions on your own. I never thought I could do it with my anxiety, but I did— and I’m so proud of myself for it.

I had no choice but to hop onto these flights and navigate my way through airports, buses, and a city I’ve only been to once— 5 years ago. 

And although I was terrified, I quickly learned that I only had myself to rely on. This immediately opened new doors for me. As soon as I landed in Salzburg, I bought a bus ticket on my phone while on the airport’s wifi, hopped onto the bus, and waited to hear my stop’s name. This made me realize just how capable I truly am while on my own. 

This is a sense I had never entirely felt on my own before, while based in rural Ohio. I spent every day terrified of something small: going into any grocery store, driving down country roads, and calling on the phone— these all held me back and caused so many obstacles for me within my daily life.

Thankfully, now, because of traveling solo, I learned how to rely on myself, and just how capable I am of solving problems without the need of panicking and freezing.

#2 You experience everything more deeply.

Without the distraction of others, I felt more connected to my surroundings. I heard music in the streets, noticed how people interacted, and let myself sit with my thoughts. It was like quiet therapy.

I flew into Athens, Greece, with a few friends, but almost everyone split off to do their own things. I had spent plenty of solo days in Salzburg— walking, cafes, shopping, etc. However, Athens was a more true experience of my “first” solo exploration day.

I left the Airbnb and wandered through the warm and charming streets of Athens and soaked in every bit of architectural gems, markets, and restaurants. I found the cutest book cafe, sat outside, and drank some fresh tea, followed by a delicious yogurt bowl. I sat there for a while as I planned out the rest of my day and bought tickets to explore the Acropolis. 

Moments like these are the best when you travel solo. You get to soak in the location you’re at and really appreciate everything for what it is.

#3 You set your own pace.

Personally, I’m not entirely into parties, drinking, club scenes, or anything in that world (at least not often). The group I traveled to Athens with felt the opposite— and that’s perfectly okay.

Because I chose to go out alone and do my own thing, I never forced myself into plans I didn’t want. My priorities stayed first, and I did whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I woke up early and explored while the group slept in after they stayed out much later than I had the night before.

I wandered aimlessly through Athens without a plan. I stopped when I wanted to. I ate wherever looked good. I stayed longer in places that made me feel something. I had complete freedom.

When anxiety hits, retaining full control over your schedule matters. You can:

• Head back early

• Change plans

• Skip crowded areas

• Rest without explaining yourself

That autonomy reduces stress more than people realize.

#4 You grow in confidence.

My first ever true solo trip included a long Flixbus ride over to Italy, and later, a train to Verona. 

This is the trip that truly changed everything.

I honestly struggled a lot here at first. The anxiety impeded through my chest, and my first day there, I stood at the hostel door and repeated in my head, “I can’t do this,” while I texted my fiancé in a panic. I knew I wasn’t rational, he knew I wasn’t rational, but when these are thoughts and emotions you have struggled with your entire life, it’s hard to break that cycle and remind yourself that you’re okay, safe, and actually excited.

I was prepared not leave that room the entire trip until I had to catch my Flixbus back to Salzburg.

That would’ve been the greatest mistake of my life.

I walked to the train station, bought a physical ticket through the machine, and waited for the train to arrive.

It didn’t. 

Thankfully, a girl stood next to me. She held a confused stare until eventually, she spoke to me in Spanish. Once she realized I could not understand her, she switched to English, and we proceeded to help each other figure out where we should go instead to catch our train. 

We spent the rest of that day together in Venice, where we admired the gondolas and architecture.

Then, when I decided I should head back to the hostel, I bought another train ticket and waited for my train to arrive. Once again, confusion struck me. I had no idea what to do, so I began to ask random people around me. An older couple helped me figure out which train I needed, and I made it back to my hostel in no time.

It’s because of these experiences that boosted my confidence. Back at home, I would never consider asking someone for help— I would instead silently suffer and hope that something works out. That couldn’t be the case in Venice, though. I had to make sure I made it back safely; therefore, I had to ask.

Asking strangers for help used to terrify me. But I did it, and it made me realize the world isn’t as scary as I feared. I left Italy knowing I could handle so much more than I believed.

#5 You discover who you are outside of anyone else.

When I’m alone, I’m authentically me. There’s no additional personality that has rubbed off on me and affected my speech, actions, or thoughts. I’m able to roam around these locations, truly as myself. 

What I love about exploring a new place is that I’m not from there. No one knows me, no one expects me to be or act a certain way. There are no preconceived views on who I am. This means that I get a fresh start, and I can be whoever I want to be. 

I adore traveling with friends or my fiancé, but solo travel gave me space to reflect on who I am, without influence or expectation. It was healing, challenging, and freeing— all in the best ways.

#6 You Realize the World Isn’t as Scary as You Thought

During my time in Venice, I took a boat tour around Murano and Burano. At Burano, several of us misunderstood the amount of time we had on the island. We stood around the dock and waited for the boat to appear, but it hadn’t. 

Before the boat eventually made its way over, though, I had an amazing conversation with an older man from Brazil who traveled over with his wife. This couple was much wealthier than I, and we held very different opinions on various topics regarding the United States; however, this became one of my favorite memories from Venice. 

Normally, the idea of a random man approaching me to have a conversation would terrify me— as it should a solo traveling woman. But, as I held this conversation, I realized that it wasn’t scary, and it was really nice. 

It’s so important to stay mindful when you’re traveling (especially if you are a woman), but it’s also important to realize that not everywhere, everyone, or everything is as scary as you may imagined it to be. 

There are truly some incredible people out there and some remarkable cities and countries to explore— and if you’re always terrified of leaving and going to these places, then you’ll never get to experience something truly extraordinary. You may miss out on so much!

Here are some of the safest countries for solo female travelers, in my opinion (based on where I have gone):

Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, & Greece.

Most European countries are completely safe as long as you are mindful of your surroundings.

#7 Authentically yourself: no one can change your mood

As someone who deals with constant migraines, it’s so easy for me to become overstimulated, irritated, or get into a bad mood. It doesn’t mean I hate when I travel, but sometimes, it can be hard to put up an act that everything is fine, I’m happy, and I can keep going. 

When I traveled to Sofia, Bulgaria, a migraine erupted through my head and made me feel completely sick. I traveled with a friend, and we basically always stuck together. So, when I realized my head was only getting worse (and shamefully forgot to bring my medicine), I felt nothing but guilt and sadness when I made us travel back to our hotel early in the evening. 

In contrast, while in Athens, a migraine developed later in the evening, and I was able to track down my friends, grab the keys, and head back to the Airbnb to lie down in bed and recover for a while before heading back out to explore. 

That’s the best thing about traveling solo— I can be in whatever mood I need to be in without feeling guilty or sad for ruining other plans.

Practical Solo Travel Tips for Anxious Travelers

If anxiety holds you back, preparation helps tremendously.

• Book flights through platforms like Skyscanner to compare prices and times.
• Use Hostelworld to find social but safe hostel options. Solo travel doesn’t mean being alone 100% of the time.
• Download offline Google Maps before you leave.
• Share your live location with someone you trust.
• Research neighborhoods before booking accommodations.
• Carry backup payment methods.
• Arrive during daylight when possible.
• Start with countries known for safety and strong public transportation.

Preparation doesn’t eliminate anxiety— but it reduces unnecessary stress.

Check out my other blog to see how you can solo-travel on a budget here!

If You’re Still Wondering…

If you’re still asking yourself, “Could I ever travel alone?”

Yes. You can.

You don’t have to eliminate anxiety before you go. You just have to prepare and trust yourself enough to try.

Solo travel isn’t about proving something to the world.

It’s about proving something to yourself.

And once you do, you won’t see yourself the same way again.