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By Linda Talarico
While soaring more than 30,000 feet in the sky over the Pacific packed in with my fellow passengers, my mind was racing with doubts. Had I made the right choice? Would something terrible happen to me? Have I gone completely crazy? I was so relieved when the cabin lights came back on, the anticipation of our arrival helped distract me from my anxious thoughts.
While hugging my cup of coffee for dear life, I was surprised when the man seated by the window started striking up a conversation with me. When I told him it was my first big solo trip and that I had a terrible time trying to sleep, he smiled knowingly and offered some helpful insights into how he learned to sleep more soundly after years of traveling. Upon hearing that this was my first time visiting her home country, the lady in the aisle seat chimed in excitedly with her own tips and pointers. Normally I would not just start chatting with people like that, but this was not a normal situation.
Little did I know, this was my first glimpse into what would become one of my favorite things about traveling solo as a woman. Really it’s twofold; first, there is the simple fact that traveling solo makes you both more approachable and more open to talking with new people than you perhaps ordinarily would be. Second, that people recognize this openness and the vast majority want to help, not harm.
In the spirit helping fellow travelers I would love to share a bit about what I have come to realize are the steps I took to get myself onto that flight despite my fears. Now I realize that not everyone is going be so dramatic as to quit their job and take off on a one-way ticket to the other side of the planet like I did, but these steps apply to adventures of all kinds. To this day I use these steps myself when I am planning a new adventure:
1. Start by dreaming BIG! Believing that the word is a scary place where people mean us harm has a tendency to limit not only our actions, but our thinking as well. It might feel overwhelming at first, but allow yourself to be filled with wonder and excitement. We can think through the practicalities and scale back later, but for now just dream.
2. Do your research. This step is crucial for women who are feeling a bit uncertain about venturing out on their own. Today it is easier than ever to access information, the internet places the world at our fingertips. Online we can read up on places and learn about other women’s experiences all before even stepping a foot outside the door.
3. Find what feels within reach. Traveling is exciting by its nature, so you do not have to go out of your way to find something completely novel. Anything you choose will provide an opportunity for new experiences as long as you are open to them. Look for something that feels accessible and always keep a few back-up options in mind just in case.
4. Start making reservations. Okay, you have done your research and found things that are doable. Now it is time to start actually follow through with making plans. Some people get stuck in the dreaming and researching stages and never take this step, but in my experience putting your money where your mouth is helps increase your chances of following through.
5. Go for it! You may start making those reservations several months out but eventually the big day will finally arrive. The more you have done to prepare the more likely things will go smoothly. When you take those first steps out the door, load up your luggage, and head to the airport, you will find a moment where you say to yourself, “I am really doing this!”
There is nothing like traveling solo. Even after all these years, living in more than a dozen countries across five continents one of my most memorable moments as a traveler is still my first. I remember coming out of the security area and seeing Sydney just beyond the glass. I walked towards the doors, and as they opened the hot, humid air hit me and I realized – I did it!
Linda Talarico is a digital nomad, yoga teacher, wellness coach, intrepid solo traveler and long-time Tripster Pro. Follow her here.
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Source: gogobot.com