Wednesday 12-04-2023 - 11:00

Everyone has that one ‘itch’ in life to do something, whether that be to impulsively spend £1000 online, booking a concert without planning, or hiking to the top of Mount Snowdon- mine is booking flights. Just like many others, I have a passion to see the world, and despite family and friends’ concern for my safety being a solo-female traveller, I plan ahead and seize the chance to see incredible things. I have experienced countless aspiring travellers ask me questions, ask for advice, ask me “how do you do it?”. The plain and simple answer to this question is: “I just do it.” Being a sufferer of anxiety for over 6 years, I am empathetic to concerns, and understand the dream to travel may feel impossible due to a gnawing sense of panic. However, with these tips and tricks, I guarantee the first time you finally push yourself to jump onto a plane will be far from your last.

The flight:

Fear of flying is extremely common; despite the fact you are 19 times safer on a plane than in a car! The cabin crew, pilot, co-pilot and everyday jetsetters would not partake if their lives were at risk. Of course, myself being one of those who could not shake off the minute probability of being involved in a crash, I sought other ways to remain calm. Making sure your phone, laptop, iPad, or any device is fully charged and loaded with downloads from Netflix, Disney+ and games will help to make the flight FLY by. For example, if flying to Paris from Manchester, in just 3 episodes of Friends, you will be there! Plenty of snacks and maybe the odd G&T can’t hurt either.

Making friends:

No matter how much money you may be lucky enough to have, ALWAYS stay in a hostel, especially if you are taking the brilliantly brave leap travelling solo! Ironically, travelling solo, as I have come to learn, is the most social way of travelling, so long as you swallow your pride and share a bunk bed and room with strangers. After an hour with those ‘strangers,’ I guarantee they will not be strangers anymore. Many hostels, particularly party hostels, host mini events for guests like game nights and pub crawls which are more than worth getting involved in. Remember, most, if not everyone in the hostel is in the same boat as yourself and simply want to make friends and memories for life. Even just sitting in the common area and saying “hello” can strike a travel-bond! 9 times out of 10, whoever you meet will be friendly and even invite you to a day trip or for lunch- make use of the common area! For the best rates and rooms, use the Hostelworld app. 

Be prepared for things to go wrong:

Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world- not everything is always going to go your way. When I was studying abroad in America, I booked a flight to Las Vegas - it was cancelled with no refund. Spending £600 on a last minute flight was not ideal, however through saving up adequate funds, I was prepared. Do not rush to book things if you know you cannot afford it. Work all summer, work all year, work for a month- just know your budget, and NEVER fly Spirit Air! Ensuring your phone is always charged and carrying a power bank is essential. The last thing you want is your phone dying at night time while at the top of Hollywood Hills in LA and spending 2 hours attempting to find your way back down. While most people around will be happy to help, never be too trusting and always stay alert. Having a fully charged phone and an emergency alarm to hand will help to put your mind at ease. Using your phone to research areas to avoid is also worth doing, preferably ahead of your trip. For a first-time traveller, sticking to the main tourist areas may make you feel safer. 

Overall, everything in life has its risks, including driving a car, but does this stop you getting your license or even getting into a taxi? So long as you do your research of the destination prior, pack your necessities (phone, charger, passport, visas), follow travel/safety advice, you should relax your mind and give yourself a break. Start small if the fears are too excessive such as a close European country like France or the Netherlands, or even take a trusted buddy. However, I guarantee, if you have that ‘itch’ to travel, once you do it once, you will not be able to stop.