While it’s true that solo travel isn’t for everyone, I’d have to argue that everyone owes it to themselves to try it out, just once. It can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t think you have the confidence to go it alone for a couple of days–or even just overnight. So, I created a step-by-step program just for you: The 5 Steps to Become a Solo Traveler. While you may not think you can do it, I think that you can. Feel free to follow the steps laid out below, and repeat one as much as you like until you feel ready to move on to the next one. Let me know how it goes!

1.  Go Out to Eat By Yourself

This can be in your home town; it doesn’t have to be abroad the first time. But I don’t mean driving through McDonald’s or grabbing something to go from Starbucks. I mean treat yourself. Go to a sit-down restaurant. Feel how it feels. Lots of people find this to be super awkward, but choose to think of it as a privilege instead. Think of it as self care. Just pick a restaurant, make a reservation if you need one, and enjoy it! Make friends with your server. This is an important first step because it’s so accessible. You have to eat; it may as well be when you want, and exactly what you want!

Related: How to Go Out to Eat by Yourself and Like It!

2. Travel

Step 2 sounds like a big one! But really, just travel anywhere with someone you know. Take a day trip to a nearby city with a friend. Go away for a long weekend with your family. Take two weeks in Europe with a tour group. Just get out there and see a little something different. The experience of travel will make you more comfortable with traveling on your own one day. Once you do it, the next time it’ll seem less daunting.

More resources on my dedicated Travel Planning Page!

3. Meet Someone You Know at Your Destination

No, you don’t need to already know someone in France (but if you do, you should totally go visit them!). You could just be meeting up with someone from home at your destination. I once met up with a girl friend in Turkey and we traveled around with another of her friends for two weeks. It was epic! And honestly, Turkey wasn’t really even on my radar at the time, but I was 100% up for the adventure with her. We arrived a day apart, and honestly, I spent that whole day in my hotel resting up because I did a bad job of choosing my flights! Roll with it!

Doing the actual traveling on your own (just the flights and transportation to your accommodation) will build your confidence, and you know you won’t be “alone” for long. This doesn’t even have to be international travel. Meet up with someone in Nashville, St. Augustine, Savannah, New York, Austin, take your pick!

Read on: What to Know about Your Travel Buddy Before You Go

4. Do Something on Your Own at Your Destination

While you’re on that trip with a friend or family, plan to do something on your own. Maybe there’s a museum you want to visit that no one else is interested in seeing. Maybe you want to try the local food but everyone else wants to pick up something at the grocery store. Maybe you were hoping to start seeing the sights as soon as you landed, but everyone else wants to take a nap. Don’t let them slow you down! Pick something–anything–and do it on your own. You’ll be surprised at how willing you are to go solo with the right motivation. This step will build your confidence, and maybe even make you a little more determined.

Also helpful: The 6 Solo Travel Experiences to Have

5. Take Your First Completely Solo Trip

This is it! You’ve made it to Step 5! You know you can do it, and I know you can do it, so all there is left is to make it happen. Pick the place you want to go most in the world, and make a plan. Book your flights, hotel or other accommodation, and make a list of the things you want to do most. It’s going to be an experience of a lifetime, and you’ll probably want to go solo again and again! Whether you choose a place domestically or internationally for your first solo trip, make it whatever you want it to be!

Keep reading: The Top 7 Ways to Solo Travel with Confidence

Want more? Get it all on my dedicated Solo Travel Page!

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