3 Steps Back into Solo Travel

The orange glow of sunrise peeked behind the condos on the beach.

“Shit! I’m going to miss it!” I cursed under my breath and started jogging to catch the awakening. Hot coffee from my thermos splashed out from the sip hole and dripped down my hand.

But I didn’t care.

Reaching the wooden path leading to the beach, I slowed to a walk to catch my breath and witness the morning Sherbet Skies. Vibrant orange filled my eyes and reflected off the calm morning surf. I was so thankful my host’s home was a short walk to the beach. Mornings like this are so good for my soul.

When I booked a round trip ticket to Florida, I was planning on staying with my HerHouse Host Jodi in New Smyrna Beach for a three days and then head to another part of the state for the rest of the journey. After staying with Jodi, I saw how lovely these sleepy beach towns are and decided to say the whole week. It’s quiet, safe, and full of happy relaxed people. Her home is within walking distance to the main street full of coffee shops, shopping, and restaurants. I felt so alive, and I wasn’t ready to leave yet. The magic of solo traveling started to reveal itself to me again.

But weeks ago, when I booked the flights out here, a wave of emotions hit me like a kick in the gut.

I've done this before... why does it feel so scary?

I scribbled viciously in my journal the evening before my solo trip to Florida.

Feeling tender and nervous, I took some deep breaths and reminded myself that this was my first solo trip in... 5 years.

I didn't realize that getting back into solo traveling would be a journey in itself.

My last true solo traveling season was in 2017 when I was in Australia. Since then, I found security and stability in living with my now husband in Texas. But still, I know how strengthening, clarifying, and inspiring solo travel can be. When I realized HerHouse needed case studies, I knew I had to lead the charge.

After booking, a sudden anxiety and concern overwhelmed me. The familiar fear of going out on my own surfaced and I felt vulnerable.

I felt like my old nomadic self was perhaps more resilient and resourceful- that having stability has made me soft. I felt nervous and tender, a little insecure doing this again in my 30’s.

If you’re in that boat that you want to get back into solo travel after being “stable” for a while, I get it. Your nerves and fears are real. They keep you awake and aware to your next move.

But here’s the thing sis- the first trip is always the hardest. Once you get back into the groove of solo traveling again on a regular basis, following trips will get easier and more exciting! So, here are my recs for getting back into solo travel:

1. Go domestic for your first trip.

I mean, you can totally go for it if you want to head overseas. It’s your journey! But if you’re feeling nervous, perhaps start in your country where you know the language, culture, driving, etc. Even being able to drive to the location will be even better because you will have the liberty of your own transportation while you’re there. (If not, rent a car and you will be good to go.)

2. Find a HerHouse Host to stay with for a weekend when you first start out.

This will give you a reason to go to a certain location and you will have an immediate friend in your new town or city. When you arrive, having a HerHouse host will bring you peace of mind. This is what made my first solo trip overseas so much easier. Often I plan whole trips around where hosts are located so that I can jump from host to host if possible.

Lots of my personal hosts have introduced me to their friends, so I had immediate community when I arrived. This is truly amazing to experience.

Check out more HerHouse hosting experiences here.

3. Feel the fear and take your next step anyway.

Know going into it that you will be nervous (maybe VERY nervous) before you solo travel again.

It’s normal to feel this way- even if you’ve solo traveled extensively in the past.

Take it one step at a time- baby steps if needed and you will get to your destination. It will probably go so fast that all a sudden you’re back at home planning your next trip!

While in Florida my adventurous wild side resurfaced. I’m feeling confident, refreshed and alive. There’s special magic in solo traveling and I hope that you give yourself the opportunity for the adventure your heart longs for. We’re all here supporting and rooting for you!

Love, Tess

PS. If you enjoyed this blog, you would love my solo travel memoir Sherbet Skies. Get your copy here.