Everything You Want Is on the Other Side of Fear: One Traveler’s Honest Take on Solo Travel Anxiety
When Things Don’t Go as Planned
I’ve been blessed to experience mostly smooth travels throughout my life.
Still, every trip serves as a gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle) reminder that being human means things won’t always go perfectly – and that’s okay.
I’ve come to welcome those imperfections as part of the adventure.
Take, for example, my recent birthday trip to Belize.
I arrived at the airport ready to kick off an epic girls’ trip, only to realize that my TSA PreCheck® wasn’t showing up on my boarding pass.
Turns out, my Global Entry had expired… the previous week… on my birthday. 🤦🏽♀️
Fortunately, the airport was unusually quiet at 5 AM, even during a holiday weekend, and I breezed through the line using my CLEAR membership.
No major setbacks – and I immediately renewed my Global Entry while sitting at the gate.
I got the confirmation email the day after I returned home. Perfect timing, right?
That situation was minor.
But not all hiccups feel that way.
About the Author
Lisa, also known as The TravelDocta, is a practicing psychologist and certified travel coach who has explored over 100 countries, all 50 U.S. states, and every continent on the globe. While her travel résumé is impressive, Lisa doesn’t attribute her journey to luck or privilege – she credits determination.
Travel has become a powerful part of Lisa’s identity. In a life filled with responsibilities and constant forward-thinking, she uses travel as a tool to stay grounded, push herself beyond her comfort zone, and reconnect with the present moment. Every trip leaves her feeling renewed, recharged, and ready to return to her professional life with greater clarity and purpose.
Lisa specializes in helping Black Professional Women who are ready to reclaim their time and energy. Through her coaching, she empowers them to make space for international travel, break free from societal expectations and limiting beliefs, and reconnect with themselves beyond work and family roles. She has mastered the art of maximizing limited time off for meaningful, transformative travel – and she teaches others to do the same.
Lisa offers 1-on-1 virtual coaching sessions, available weekly or bi-weekly, to support her clients through the entire travel planning process. She also provides check-ins during travel and a follow-up session after the trip to help integrate insights and experiences.
Her mission is simple: to help women elevate their travel experience – intentionally, confidently, and unapologetically.
Meet The TravelDocta – Dr. Lisa Pittman, PhD
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A Wake-Up Call from Southeast Asia
Fifteen years ago, while traveling through Southeast Asia, I was moving nonstop for nearly 48 hours with little to no rest.
Exhausted, I landed in my final destination and got into a taxi that, under normal circumstances, I would have immediately avoided.
My tired brain wasn’t firing on all cylinders, but thankfully, my instincts kicked in just in time.
I asked the driver to turn around and bring me back to the airport before we left the premises.
Lesson learned: rest is not optional.
Neither is trusting your gut.
Both situations could have ended very differently.
But they reminded me that even the most experienced travelers can face unexpected moments. It’s how we respond that makes the difference.
Understanding Fear in Travel
I don’t share these stories to spark fear.
In fact, fear is something I think we need to talk about more – especially in the context of travel.
It’s a natural part of life and can show up as discomfort, anxiety, inaction, or even paralysis.
For many people, fear becomes the very reason they avoid travel altogether.
But here’s the truth: travel can actually help you overcome fear.
It builds confidence, challenges your assumptions, and shows you how capable you truly are – even in unfamiliar environments.
The “What Ifs” and “If Onlys”
As a psychologist and a travel coach, I hear this all the time:
- “What if something goes wrong?”
- “If only I had more money/time/support, then I could travel.”
I call this the “What If” game, and it rarely leads anywhere helpful.
It focuses your energy on things you can’t control instead of empowering you to take action.
Instead, shift your focus to what is within your control – your mindset, preparation, adaptability, and support network.
That’s where your power lies.
Facing My Own Travel Fears
Over the years, I’ve faced my share of travel-related fears:
- Wondering if I’d have enough time or money.
- Navigating social situations as an introvert.
- Being mindful of how Americans – and Black American women in particular – are perceived abroad.
Despite these challenges, I’ve never let fear define me.
I do my research.
I prepare.
I focus on what I can control and let go of what I can’t.
That’s the mindset I bring to both my travels and my everyday life.
How to Conquer Fear and Build Travel Confidence
If you’re thinking about traveling but find yourself stuck in the “what ifs,” ask yourself this instead:
“What am I truly afraid of?”
Then consider: How do you manage fear in other areas of your life? Do you push through it, avoid it, embrace it? Use those insights to create a plan that works for you.
Start small:
- Explore a new neighborhood in your city.
- Take a weekend trip to a nearby town.
- Try domestic solo travel before going abroad.
Each small win builds confidence – and with it, your ability to handle bigger adventures.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Finally, surround yourself with people who support and uplift you.
Whether it’s friends, family, or a travel coach, having a strong support system can make all the difference.
Fear doesn’t go away completely.
But with the right tools, mindset, and community, you can learn to live with it – and travel boldly in spite of it.
There’s a quote that’s always stayed with me:
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”
You owe it to yourself to explore that other side.
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