It can feel overwhelming saying goodbye to your friends and family at the airport as you head off into the unknown with a heavy bulky backpack on your shoulders, a rough idea of your route and a long haul flight to get through. Leaving to go travelling by yourself is the most incredible feeling in the world but with this freedom and excitement sometimes comes waves of trepidation and doubt. I’ve been there.
Arriving into a foreign land miles away from home can be really daunting. The first day is always the hardest, especially when staying in a new strange bed feeling jetlagged and disorientated trying to ignore the fears creeping into your mind that this was a stupid and way-too-hard idea.
But worry not my adventurous friend, feeling a little anxious when you are far from home is totally normal. Here’s how you can fight those demons in your tired mind, as trust me these feelings WILL pass:
Get a good night’s sleep – From the long, sweaty and uncomfortable day of traveling, the joys of picking up your bag in one piece from the airport and then navigating your way to your accommodation is only just the start of the trip but already feels like you’ve been on an emotional roller coaster! Add in the unusual sights, smells and sounds to your tired mind and it’s no wonder you may start to doubt your brave/crazy decision. But try to get a good night’s kip as everything always looks better in the morning.
Allow yourself time to find your feet – Just because you’ve finally made it to the place you’ve been dreaming about seeing for god knows how long it doesn’t mean you have to do everything on your to do list in one day. Slow it down, take it at your own pace and maybe join a free walking tour to get your bearings as you come up with a plan of action.
Fake it till you make it - Walk with your head held high, act confident and brave and no-one will ever know the difference. You’re doing something that many dream about but few actually do. You are awesome.
Just do it – Don’t lock yourself in your room hoping these worries will disappear. Freshen up, put on some uplifting music and take a deep breath before you step outside. You’ve got this.
To think you are doing this travel lark all on your own can be both exhausting and exhilarating but the things you learn about yourself and the way you grow in confidence as your trip progresses is SO worth the panic and self-doubt at the beginning. Trust me.
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