5 Ways To Prepare Your Friends & Family For Solo Traveling
I’m Chris Davila, the creator of girltakesmundo.com and no stranger to solo travel and neither are my friends and family after solo traveling for 12 years, visiting over 70+ countries and going on a 1.5 year sabbatical alone.
My first solo trip to Argentina and Uruguay
Embarking on a solo adventure is not only kick-a** but it will transform how to think, see and interact with the world. As you prepare to set off on this extraordinary journey, don't forget the importance of preparing your friends and family for your grand solo adventure. Their support and understanding can make all the difference while on the road. Helping you feel more empowered on your adventure and putting their mind at ease.
Preparing my friends and family took time, multiple trips and showing them I had done my research and not going into a trip blindly but I found the following ways to calm their nerves and have them on your side.
Communicate your plans:
Discuss your plans with friends and family about your solo trip. Share details about your destination, such as flights, transportation you will use, accommodation you will stay, contact details - the works!
I used to craft full on decks outlining my solo trips which allowed those close to me to have all the details they needed about my trip. They knew addresses, phone numbers, dates, everything. Not only did I feel safe knowing I had a master itinerary of my whereabouts but I knew my circle had this information too should anything happen.
A slide from one of my itinerary decks for Munich, Germany
This will assure them that you have thoroughly researched, all while giving them peace of mind and allow them to reach you if needed.
Involve them in the planning:
Consider bringing them into the planning and travel process. Share the research you’ve done on the destination, safety issues and how you are addressing them and ask for their input.
I used to have my family help me narrow down destinations and accommodation stays with me. I even borrowed clothes from my sister's closet for trips, travel items from my parents and made sure my departure was during a time when someone in my family could drop me off in the airport.
By involving them in your trip, they will help them feel more connected to your journey even if they aren’t joining you.
Address concerns:
Some friends and family will be excited for you, some nervous, some supportive and some may just want to keep you in your room and take your passport.
One thing is for sure, they love you but may have concerns about your safety and well-being. Take the time to listen to their worries and address them calmly.
I found myself having some tough conversations in the lead up to my solo sabbatical with my family and friends and I had already been solo traveling for some years at this point. Having all of these honest and open conversations were important in hearing where each of my loved ones' head was regarding my solo sabbatical and being able to address these with them.
By having these conversations, you too will be able to address your friends and family concerns and show them how you have been organizing ways to stay safe including travel insurance, meeting up with friends, etc.
Share your excitement:
Get them excited too! If they can see the joy that travel can bring you, this can excite them that you are doing this solo trip. Mention the attractions you can’t wait to see, the food you are dying to try or the cool places you are staying during your visit.
Those close to you want to see you happy; by sharing your travel plans, not only will they see how you light up but will feel excited for you too.
Celebrating my new VISA in my passport with my family.
Set up regular check-ins:
Assure your loved ones that you'll stay in regular contact throughout your trip.
Easy Ways To Do This
Get an international phone plan while traveling.
Secure a sim card when you arrive at your destination and message them so they have this phone number.
Establish a routine for check-ins, such as daily or weekly updates via text, email, or video calls.
To ensure I was able to reach my friends and family I secured an international plan before my trips so that I didn’t have to waste time securing a sim but also made it easier for my friends and family to stay in touch.
Additionally, during the first 6 months of my sabbatical, I used to share a daily picture of myself to my family group chat. My way of saying hello but also subtly letting them know I was still alive and kicking.
By staying in touch with them, you will help alleviate any concerns they may have and maintain a connection while you're away.
Are friends and family still concerned?
Before starting to truly solo travel, I started slowly by visiting cities where I had friends. Sometimes I stayed with them and had days alone since many worked or other times, I stayed in my own accommodation and only met up a few times during my stay.
Not only did this prepare me for my leap into solo travel but it prepared my friends and loved ones too as they knew that in the city I was visiting, there was an “emergency contact” so to speak should anything happen or simply just to show me around the city in a truly unique and local way.
If there's a city you've been longing to visit but don't have a companion, look no further than Greet.her! With an extensive network of incredible Greeters located worldwide, Greet.her offers the perfect solution to explore your dream destination in the safest possible manner. Rest assured, your friends and family will undoubtedly approve.
In Summary:
With your loved ones blessings and your adventurous spirit, you're ready to conquer the world and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Want to book a Greeter for your next solo trip?
Click here
To connect with us: Info@greether.com or dm us at @greet.her
Follow my solo female adventures: girltakesmundo.com I Instagram @girltakesmundo
About Girl Takes Mundo:
Chris Davila, the creator behind Girl Takes Mundo, believes that anyone can travel. If she can do it, you can too! Through her travel blog she hopes to inspire and teach others, especially solo female travelers how to travel. Girltakesmundo.com helps make your travel planning easy. Chris has done all the leg work for you, all you have to do is pick a destination and pack your bags. Start your trip here!
