So, your big trip is just around the corner. You’ve been spending months, maybe even years doing some travel planning for this big day, for this big change in your life. Maybe you’re about to go off and study abroad, volunteer in a remote village, or just planning an epic solo adventure, it’s a huge, life-changing moment. But now, as the date gets closer, those excited butterflies might be turning into full-blown panic.
Yes, you read that right! Getting cold feet before a solo trip happens more often than you’d think. It’s super common, actually, and the thought of being on your own in a new place can feel intimidating. But don’t worry; there are ways to push through those nerves and make sure you get on that plane (or train) and feel ready to take on the world.
Feeling Nervous? Totally Normal
All right, so first off, let’s clear this up—nerves are normal. Yes, absolutely 100% totally normal. So, no matter how excited you were when you booked the trip, the closer it gets, the scarier it can feel. So, stepping out of your comfort zone and heading off alone is a big deal, and your brain is probably in overdrive right now.
The key thing to remember? Everyone goes through it. The fear of the unknown is part of the process, but it’s also a sign that you’re doing something really meaningful. Those butterflies will settle down once you arrive and start adjusting, so acknowledge the fear—but don’t let it stop you.
Remind Yourself Why You’re Doing This
When the doubts creep in, take a step back and remind yourself why you wanted to go in the first place. Maybe you’ve been dreaming of learning a new language, getting involved in a community project, or just experiencing the freedom of travelling solo.
Whatever the reason, it’s something important to you. You’ll really need to take a few moments to write down all the reasons why this trip matters and read them when you start to feel overwhelmed. It’s a great way to shift your focus back to the exciting possibilities waiting for you on the other side.
Break the Stress into Bite-Sized Pieces
Are you feeling anxious? That’s probably because everything seems like it’s piling up at once. Just think about it: there’s the packing, getting documents sorted, and booking last-minute accommodations—it’s a lot. Chances are, there’s probably even more than that going on too in your life.
So, what is the best way to handle it? Well, you’re going to have to break it all down into small, easy tasks. Sure, it’s far easier said than done, but if you’re able to (and realistically, it’s not always possible), then just try and tackle one thing at a time, and before you know it, everything will be in place. But needless to say, the stress can still get to you.
And if the stress is really getting to you, find ways to chill out. For example, you should really try some deep breathing and meditation or even consider using CBD vape before the trip (but keep in mind that you can’t take this with you, most likely). But overall, lots of people find it helps ease anxiety when things get a bit too much. The more relaxed you are, the easier it’ll be to handle those last-minute nerves.
Just Talk to Someone Who’s Done It
Sometimes, the best way to calm your nerves is to talk to someone who’s been there. You should find a friend, relative, or even an online community of solo travellers who’ve faced the same fears. For the most part, hearing their stories of how they dealt with their own cold feet (and came back with amazing experiences) can be incredibly reassuring. You might even pick up a few handy tips to make your trip smoother.