How To Overcome The Fear Of Getting Lost While Traveling Solo

What are the biggest fears you have when it comes to solo travel? When I’m chatting with people, one of the most common ones that comes up is safety – which is why I try to share a lot of safety tips on my blog. Another one is just that fear of being lost somewhere by yourself. I want to chat about that today, so here’s my guide of practical, real talk tips on how to overcome the fear of getting lost while traveling solo.

How To Overcome The Fear Of Getting Lost While Traveling Solo

Disclaimer

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1. Accept that getting lost will happen

This is a mindset tip, and I think any time you are talking about fears you can’t avoid mindset tips.

I think the first thing to help you overcome the fear of getting lost while traveling solo is to accept that it will happen.

Take it away from the ‘what if’ and accept that it’s a reality.

You are exploring places you have never been to before, of course, you will get lost from time to time.

Accepting it as reality takes some of the power out of the fear because then you’re more in control. Then you can prepare for it and know you can handle it when it happens instead of waiting for the ‘what if’ moment.

2. What are you really afraid of about getting lost while traveling solo?

The other mindset related tip is to figure out what you are really afraid of?

If you get lost, you can always call for help or get a taxi – it’s not really a complicated situation most of the time.

Perhaps there’s something deeper you’re afraid of that getting lost exposes.

Are you scared of being vulnerable? Is it the loss of control because you’re usually always in control of things? Are you scared of needing to ask someone for help?

Perhaps there’s something from childhood where the last time you felt vulnerable or powerless something bad happened, or you didn’t feel heard or acknowledged by adults. The fear of getting lost may be taking you back to those moments.

There’s usually something deeper and understanding yourself helps with overcoming the fears. I also think The Gift Of Fear by Gavin De Becker is a must-read for every female and solo traveler.

3. Do your safety research prior

Now we are into the non-mindset tips.

The first and most obvious tip is to do your research prior to the trip on what areas you should avoid and what scams to be aware of.

When I went to WrestleMania week on my own, before I went to one of the events, I asked a woman at the hotel front desk what the best way to walk back to the hotel at night was.

It was a huge event and I knew traffic would be slow and taxis would be hard to come by, and she gave me great tips on which areas to avoid.

Bonus tip, asking a woman is usually best because sometimes men aren’t used to thinking in a way that they are concerned for their safety when walking around.

You could also check online for any dodgy areas to be aware of and any crimes or scams as well.

4. Download an offline map

One way you can overcome the fear of getting lost while traveling solo is by preparing yourself with an offline map to help you navigate the destination.

Two popular apps are Google Maps or Maps.me.

I download offline maps in Google Maps to use when I am traveling and here is my guide on how to do that.

Overall, you want to avoid looking lost or vulnerable. Staring at the map definitely works against you in this sense. What I like to do is quickly glance at the map for which way to turn next. Then keep my phone in my pocket with my hand on it, and it vibrates when you need to make the turn.

After the turn, I can take another quick glance for which way to turn at the next one and the cycle continues. This way I’m not staring at the phone looking lost, and I can pay attention to my surroundings.

5. Save the local emergency numbers in your phone

Look, chances are, if you act with common sense in relation to your safety, you’ll probably be fine and have a great trip.

But, just to be prepared in case you are in some sort of emergency and need to call for help, save the local emergency number in your phone.

It seems obvious but I think we forget to do this because we think ‘oh we can always Google it’.

In the worst-case scenario though, you probably don’t have time to spend Googling. There’s no guarantee you’ll have internet coverage either.

I recommend saving the local emergency number in your phone and you’ll probably never need it but it’s better safe than sorry. It can help reassure your brain as well because then you know you are a little prepared.

6. Save the hotel number in your phone

Along the same lines of saving the emergency numbers in your phone, save the phone number for your hotel as well.

This way you have someone to call if it’s not an emergency but you get lost or need some assistance.

It’s also a good idea to take a photo or screenshot of the address as well.

7. Create a mental map

When you start walking, be present and use things you notice to help you get your bearings. I usually create a mental map using memorable things I see instead of street names, e.g. turn left at the queen monument.

It’s best to use things that won’t move – a parked car is a bad idea but a building is more beneficial.

I think another tip for overcoming the fear of getting lost while traveling solo is to be aware of your surroundings.

If you’re staring at your phone or not paying attention to your surroundings, then you’re putting yourself in a more vulnerable position.

8. Ask for advice

If you find yourself in a position where you do get lost, the first and most important step is don’t panic. Perception is everything and you also can’t think clearly when you panic. So take very deep, slow breaths and appear calm, confident and in control.

Even if you’re scared on the inside, you don’t want to look like an easy target.

Then, it might be time to ask for advice. If you’re trying to get back to the hotel, perhaps you could call them.

If you’re trying to get to a landmark or attraction, you can ask someone where you are for advice. But you want to be a little smart about who you ask. Don’t pull out your map or ask a random on the street.

I recommend going to a cafe, buying a drink, and asking someone there. Or buy a drink and sit down with your map or phone to get your bearings.

I know sometimes these posts are intimidating for some people, and it’s definitely not my intention. I find it really empowering to be able to face reality and focus on your actions.

Other posts you might enjoy

• What To Wear In Conservative Countries If You Are A Female Traveler
• 7 Myths About Solo Travel That Need To Be Busted ASAP
• Solo Female Travel Safety Tips That Actually Work

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