Dear Reverend,
I love traveling, but I’ve never done it on my own and I’m a little chicken to do so. I’m single, and all of my best friends either have kids or too many other responsibilities to go on trips with me. How do I conquer my fear and see the world?
Hanna Solo
(woman, 26)
Dear Hanna Solo,
Traveling alone can feel a little daunting, but you shouldn’t let that stop you. You can go wherever you like, and change plans at the drop of a hat, without consulting anybody. You can wake up at dawn for sightseeing, or sleep ’til noon and have a margarita for brunch, and nobody is going to give you any guff. It’s magical.
However, you probably shouldn’t take a two-month backpacking journey as your first solo adventure. Dip your toe in with a few short jaunts closer to home.
Arrange an excursion around an event so that you have a reason to leave your hotel. Got a favorite band on tour? Take a trip to see it play in a new town. You’re bound to meet some like-minded buddies at the show. If music isn’t your thing, maybe there’s a museum with an exhibit you’d like to check out or a national park you’d like to explore. Heck, it’s even worth a trip to poke around thrift stores in a different city. Just think of something you want to see or do, then go for it.
When you feel comfortable enough to venture farther, do a lot of research about your destination. Talk to people who have been there. Make sure your cellphone is going to work. As I always say: If you’re prepared for everything, you don’t have to worry about anything. The website solotravelerworld.com has tons of advice for independent travelers — plus a list of group trips for singles, if you want to consider that option.
Wherever you go, near or far, always let someone know your itinerary. You may even want to share your location on your phone with a trusted friend or family member so they can track you down if need be.
The world is big, and life is short. So get outta here!
Good luck and God bless,
The Reverend
This article appears in Jul 16-22, 2025.
