One of the questions I’m sometimes asked is whether I ever feel nervous travelling solo.
The honest answer is:
sometimes, yes.
But over the years, I’ve learned that confidence in travel does not usually arrive all at once. It grows gradually — trip by trip, experience by experience.
Travelling solo later in life has taught me many things, but perhaps the most important is this:
You do not need to be fearless to explore the world.
You simply need curiosity and a willingness to begin.
Taking Things at My Own Pace
One thing I no longer try to do is rush through destinations simply to “see everything.”
I now travel more slowly and allow time to enjoy the experience properly.
Sometimes that means sitting quietly with a coffee overlooking a harbour, wandering through a market without an agenda, or returning to the hotel for a rest before going out again in the evening.
I have learned that slower travel is often more enjoyable travel.
Why I Often Use Local Guides
Using local guides has greatly increased my confidence while travelling.
Not only do guides provide local knowledge and history, but they also make unfamiliar places feel easier to navigate especially when language barriers or transport systems feel intimidating at first.
Many of my most memorable experiences have come through conversations with local guides.
Choosing Location Over Luxury
These days, I prioritise convenience and location over unnecessary luxury.
Being able to walk easily to restaurants, attractions, or transport can make a huge difference to the overall enjoyment of a trip.
A comfortable, well-located hotel often matters far more to me than an overly luxurious one far from everything.
Listening to Instincts
Travelling solo has also taught me to trust my instincts.
If something feels uncomfortable, confusing, or unsafe, I pay attention to that feeling.
At the same time, I’ve learned not to let nervousness stop me from trying new experiences entirely.
Very often, the moments I nearly talked myself out of have become the memories I treasure most.
Final Thoughts
Travelling solo later in life is not about proving anything to anyone.
It is about remaining curious about the world and about ourselves.
And perhaps that is one of the greatest joys of travel:
discovering that adventure, confidence, and wonder do not disappear with age.
If anything, they can deepen.
I’d love to hear your thoughts — you can leave a comment below.