Solo travel has become increasingly popular in recent years, primarily among women. It grants a great deal of freedom and confidence to those traveling alone. However, solo traveling can generate some anxiety. After all, you're just one person in a place you have never been or aren't comfortable with yet.
This is even more so the case for people who have social anxiety. With this type of anxiety disorder, doing anything by yourself can be a challenge, let alone traveling. So, is it possible to solo travel with social anxiety? We're going to discuss this question in this blog post.
What is Social Anxiety?
Many people struggle with some level of social anxiety. Whether it just be nerves from walking into a room with people you don't know or feeling incapable of socializing. But did you know social anxiety is a diagnosable disorder?
Over 15 million adults in the United States alone have been diagnosed with social anxiety. So, even though social anxiety can feel isolating, you are not alone in this type of anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety is defined as an anxiety disorder in which people feel anxious socializing with others outside their comfort zone. According to WebMD, this includes using public restrooms, attending parties, attending school, and even starting conversations.
If you feel anxious to the point where you would rather curl up into a ball in your room during a social interaction, you likely have social anxiety. However, you can't be sure until you get a diagnosis from a licensed counselor.
Although it may be anxiety-provoking at first, partaking in solo travel can be a great way to overcome your social anxiety. Admittedly, it can feel nearly impossible, but it can be done if you have the means and tools to travel alone.
Benefits of Travel with Social Anxiety
Believe it or not, solo travel can be the perfect treatment for social anxiety. Many counselors and therapists believe in Exposure Therapy, which involves the patient diving into a situation that usually causes them anxiety or panic. When it comes to solo travel, this situation may help you overcome your anxiety about socializing.
Solo traveling is the perfect way to get out of your comfort zone. Understanding that seeing anyone from where you're visiting again is slim can help you feel less anxious.
You are in a position to rely only on yourself, and you can leave a situation if you get too nervous. With solo traveling, you can gain the confidence to start conversations with strangers. You'll be forced to go to restaurants on your own and will get more comfortable being by yourself.
Related: Solo Travel For Teens
How to Meet People
Meeting people is a top concern for people who have social anxiety. Although you can travel wholly alone and talk exclusively to your waiter or concierge, it's more fun to make friends while traveling, and this is even more so when you are traveling for several days.
Here are some ways to meet people when solo traveling:
- Sign up for tour groups
- Ask your friends if they know anyone in the area
- Talk with your waiter or waitress and see if there are any local attractions you should visit or attend
- Chat with people next to you on the plane, train, or in a restaurant
- Sign up for an app to meet local friends such as Bumble BFF or Friender
When Not to Travel Solo
It's important to note that solo traveling may not be for everyone. Even for someone who doesn't have social anxiety, going to a new place can be frightening.
So, if you feel you can't travel to a new location alone, solo travel is not for you. However, if you are determined to get free from the chains social anxiety can put on you, consider going to a nearby location.
This may be a local beach or lake. It could be going to the nearby mall. Whatever it is, starting small can help you feel more confident when you conquer your anxiety. Then, once you feel no anxiety when going to local places, you should consider partaking in solo travel.
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If you feel ready to travel alone, just jump into it. When you are prepared and have an itinerary, you'll likely have a great time. Not to mention, you're exposing yourself to new situations that can help your social anxiety.
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This story is brought to you in partnership with BetterHelp.
