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Hey guys! Welcome the first post in the Scott’s Treks blog!

In today’s post we’re going to dive into traveling solo internationally for the first time.

With the help of research, advice from friends and little sense of adventure, I was able to overcome the fear and stress of traveling on my own for the first time.

In this post you will learn about how I overcame the fear of traveling on my own, the places I went, meeting new people and how I managed to have a great time.

If you’re tentative about traveling solo internationally for the first time, you will love reading this.

Let’s get right into how I survived traveling solo internationally for the first time!

Scott’s Treks and Solo Travel

While creative writing is not new for me, writing a blog is.

I’ve toyed around with the idea of a blog for over a year and only recently got serious about it.

The idea for what Scott’s Treks will be has changed more times than I can count, and I’m sure it will keep on evolving.

Enough about that, though.

I would like to talk about another first I had a couple of years ago, traveling solo internationally.

Leading up to My First Solo Trip

Most of the time I do solo traveling now, just me and my backpack, however, it wasn’t always that way.

I had traveled solo to visit friends and family in the US, but those trips rarely went to new places.

All the trips I did to new cities or states were always with friends or family.

My first 2 trips I took outside the US were on festival cruises to Jamaica with friends.

My first big solo trip would be on a monthlong trip to Europe in the fall/autumn of 2017.

On this trip I would visit Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, England and Scotland.

I was full of anxiety and a bit overwhelmed with traveling solo out of the country for the first time.

I was super excited to see new places and meet up with friends I had not seen in years. However, I was equally nervous, scared and intimidated to be traveling on my own, especially for so long!

Stressed About Traveling Solo

There were semi-recent terrorist attacks that occurred in London and Paris, which I planned on visiting toward the end of my trip, that had my family concerned and fearing for my safety.

I also read endless articles about mugging, scams and people taking advantage of tourists.

A few friends came forward and told me about their experiences of being robbed and ripped off, too. As your stereotypical loud American, I knew I would stand out and could easily become a target.

I also stressed about what to bring and how much to pack.

Before, I always used a carry-on roller suitcase, and this was my first time ever traveling for more than a weekend using just a Osprey backpack. I’m a notorious over-packer and like to be prepared for any situation.

It was all just becoming too much.

Fortunately, I know some amazing people.

I talked with some veteran traveler friends, as well as friends that lived in various cities I would be visiting. They totally calmed me down and made me more at ease.

One friend told me, “Quit tripping. You’re not going to the jungles of the Amazon. These are big, modern cities. If you need something, you can just buy it at a store. Just make sure you pack a speaker because sometimes that’s all it takes to get a party started.” 

Yeah, he was totally right.

Everyone else reassured me to just pay attention to my surroundings and I would be fine.

My friends were successful in calming my nerves and I left me excited about the adventure that awaited.

Oh, and I still overpacked for this trip.

The Ultimate Backpacking Packing List for Europe in Fall

Essential Backpacking Gear List for Europe

Venturing Into the Unknown

There’s something about venturing into your unknown, being taken out of your comfort zone that is unnerving as well as exhilarating.

I enjoy my comforts and routines and am not a huge fan of change.

However, I really enjoy adventures, exploring new places and the experiences that accompany them.

I equate the experience of going to a new city or country to when Indiana Jones takes that leap of faith in The Last Crusade and lands on a hidden bridge. Maybe it’s not as dramatic, but that’s how my nerd mind processes it.

Stepping onto the street of a new city all alone is a leap of faith. I can honestly say that each of the leaps I’ve made have been rewarding.

Check out my Top 15 Items to Bring on Your Personal Carry-on!

Meeting Awesome New People

What really struck me everywhere was just how warm and kind locals were.

Most of the best experiences of my first solo trip involved meeting awesome new people.

In Copenhagen, I asked a gentleman walking by if he knew of a good lunch spot in the area and he not only told me about a great place to eat, but walked me over to it while sharing interesting historical information about the area.

While in Paris, a man kindly went over the whole menu in English so I could understand after he saw me struggling with the all-French menu.

When I took a walking tour in Amsterdam, the tour guide offered to take myself and few other people out for drinks and then informed us all of great places to eat and activities to do.

In Switzerland, a kind lady at a museum was translating most of everything from German or French into English for me (a couple of my friends helped with that, too).

Countless times at restaurants or bars locals took me out with them for the night so I wouldn’t be alone or without something fun to do.

READ MORE: The Best Travel Gifts for Men (36 Awesome Gift Ideas for Him)

A Positive Impact on My Life

Every new place visited, I met the most interesting, amazing and thoughtful people and it makes me appreciate not just travel and the people, but life itself even more.

This unfiltered introduction to the culture, acceptance and kindness of individuals from every walk of life has made an indelible impact on me as a person.

This is something that I wish to share, to pass on and offer to everyone I meet.

Sure, there are terrible people out there, however, you can’t let that small percentage of people sour you on entire groups and cultures.

However, I found traveling solo was a great way to meet new, interesting people and really immerse myself in each location.

READ MORE: The 21 Best Travel Apps You’re Not Using (But Should)

Let’s Have Some Fun!

Thank you all so much for reading about me traveling solo internationally for the first time and joining me on this adventure.

This is going to be a celebration of people, cultures and awesome cities and countries.

I firmly believe a greater understanding of others leads to a greater understanding of oneself.

To learn more about me and my backstory, visit my ABOUT ME page and please be sure to leave your comments below.

I’m really looking forward to the fun we’re going to have along the way!

Now I’d Like to Hear from You

I hope you enjoyed my post on my first time traveling solo internationally.

Now I would like to hear from you.

What did you think of my first international solo trip?

What were your thoughts on traveling solo internationally?

Is there anything you think I left out?

Let me know by leaving a quick comment below!

Related Posts

• The Best Items to Bring on Your Carry-on
• How to Meet People (While Traveling Solo)
• Tips for Female Solo Travelers – Jemima Skelley Interview
• The Ultimate Backpacking Packing List for Europe in Fall
• Essential Backpacking Gear List for Europe