13 Awkward and Amazing Stages of Traveling Alone For the First Time

Updated on 8/7/2019 at 4:05 PM

Unsplash | Element5 Digital

The thought of traveling alone can be scary, but once you get past your fears, it's actually incredibly fun, freeing, and life-changing. The most valuable lesson solo travel has to teach you is just how capable you are all by yourself. Learning to depend on yourself to solve problems as well as how to keep yourself entertained without the aid of anyone else will change the way you see the world.

The first time I traveled alone, I was terrified. I felt uncomfortable sitting alone at restaurants and was too nervous to make friends in my hostel. But by the end of my trip, I had settled into the new challenge and was thriving. Suddenly, I was holding the keys to the world and I no longer needed anyone else in order to experience all that was out there. The flame of new passions had been lit within me, and I couldn't get enough.

While traveling alone isn't for everyone, if you're thinking about taking the plunge, know that it's a journey well worthwhile. And this is usually how that first trip goes.

The Day of Your Trip Has Finally Arrived, and You're Nervous, Scared, and Excited All at Once

Booking your flight was nerve-racking, but now the day is actually here! You can't turn back now.

But What If Everything Goes Wrong?

You triple-check your boarding passes and hotel information because you're convinced you forgot something. But you can do this! A life-changing adventure lies ahead.

You Arrive at Your Destination and Hop Off the Plane Feeling Like a Boss

You made it through airport lines and the flight all on your own and have touched down in the place you picked. It's officially go time! Let the fun begin.

You Check In at Your Accommodations and Are Ready to Sprawl Out

Maybe you're in a hostel or you've sprung for a hotel. Either way, you can finally settle in and prepare for the days ahead.

You Pick Your First Activities and Feel Awesome and in Control

You have nobody to challenge your itinerary or suggest an activity that you don't want to do. It's all up to you! Shopping? Museums? Hiking? Beach? Sitting on a bench all day and people-watching? The world is your oyster.

You Work Up the Confidence to Talk to Fellow Travelers and End Up Bonding

After a few nervous side glances at another traveler in the lobby of your hotel or while seated near each other at breakfast, you cautiously approach them and end up totally hitting it off! You may even decide to spend the rest of the day or week together. Before you leave, you exchange social media profiles and promises to meet again soon. New travel friends are the best.

You Eat Alone For the First Time . . . and End Up Loving It

Eating alone can be intimidating, but there's nothing like a nice glass of wine, a good book, and delicious food to make you realize what you've been missing all these years. The best mealtime company is yourself!

You Quickly Realize That Sightseeing Alone Is the Best Because You're Not Obligated to Talk to Anyone

There's no pressure to keep up conversation with anyone else around you. It's just you and the experiences you're having with no interruptions. It's bliss.

You Buy Yourself a Little Present Because You're Now a Globe-Trotting Queen and You Deserve It

What's a vacation without a little shopping? A memento (or a dozen) to remember this special trip is a must, and there's nobody to make you feel guilty about spending a little money on yourself. Enjoy taking your sweet time browsing wherever you may be and indulging in some retail therapy.

You Get More Comfortable and Start to Learn So Much About Yourself

Time and time again during the course of the trip, you end up surprising yourself. Who is this person, and why are they so cool, independent, and smart? Turns out they were in there all along, just waiting to come out.

You've Conquered Your Fears, Made New Memories, and Had the Best Time Ever

What once seemed like a scary challenge has turned out to be your new favorite thing. The doubts you had seem silly now that you've had such a good time. There was nothing to be afraid of after all.

Your Trip Is Coming to an End, and You Don't Want to Leave

You've had more fun than you ever thought you would. This trip has changed how you see yourself and what you're capable of. Do you have to go home?!

You Go Back Home a Changed Person

Now that you're home, you regale all your friends and family with tales of your adventures, maybe even inspiring them to book a solo trip. Now it's time to start thinking about the next place you'll conquer . . .