r/Advice 19h ago

Traveling alone!!

Okay so, I hate traveling alone and will have to take a greyhound bus back to the state where all my family lives in right now, and at the moment I’m getting bad anxiety just by thinking about traveling alone.

I’m constantly thinking about all the negatives in the situation, can anyone give me good coping advice or anything at all? 🥲

15 Upvotes

33 comments sorted by

13

u/catkelly1970 18h ago

I used to think i needed someone to travel with but found I LIKE traveling alone. You can eat and sleep when you want and it's a perfect time to people watch. I rode amtrak all down the west coast and it was wonderful. Look at the positives, don't trip on the small things and try to see it as an adventure. I'm aware that anxiety can't be wished away, but give yourself a pep talk and you'll be so proud of yourself when you reach your destination.

7

u/moldymooncheese 19h ago

You’ll be fine, you have a phone if anything goes wrong, right? Just take some snacks, a drink, and watch a familiar movie or listen to some of your favorite music during the ride.

2

u/awdolliezpup 18h ago

Thanks and yes

1

u/darcydeni35 18h ago

All good ideas- I personally find music very soothing.

4

u/bumcity_designs 19h ago

What exactly gives you anxiety like what scenarios

Btw ill say that what helps me when im Dealing with something is reminding myself that i wanna conquer the world actually

So hell no this aint gonna stop me whatever that is

4

u/prpldrank 17h ago

I tell my son this: never forget you're that dude

I can tell it makes him feel empowered, like he belongs wherever his feet happen to be

2

u/xeroxchick 17h ago

Love this. Yes, I’m a bad ass! At 62, I embrace my super powers of being invisible, under estimated, and approachable!

1

u/awdolliezpup 17h ago

The scenarios that plays through my mind which causes my anxiety is probably the fact that I won’t have anyone to be there ASAP if I am in danger.

4

u/Over_The_Influencer 19h ago

Think of some positives as well. Download some podcasts and movies. Get a book, write letters to your older family members.

4

u/awdolliezpup 18h ago

Good idea!!

3

u/Buckeyebadass45 18h ago

Last time I rode the Greyhound I went to the back an slept most of the way

3

u/prpldrank 17h ago

I would say that it's very normal to feel anxious about taking a trip alone that you've never taken before.

Sometimes anxiety tells us we need to do more preparation. Not always but sometimes.
You might try putting your anxious energy to use, since that's anxiety's job after all: spurring us to action! Take some time to think about, and then execute, controllable preparatory actions -- prep a small first aid kit, pack an emergency snacks pouch, plan an on-train exercise routine, download some entertainment onto your device(s), charge a backup battery, pack a flashlight/whistle/pocket knife, look at the route and plan some photography or art for cool spots you'll pass through.

3

u/xeroxchick 17h ago

Firstly, re-frame your thinking from anxiety to excitement. I love traveling alone! It’s an adventure!

2

u/Window_Top 17h ago

Travelling on your own is great! Don't worry you will be fine enjoy.

1

u/imf4rds 17h ago

Bring a long things you enjoy doing. And visualize. I like to visualize my entire day so that I can plan out what I need to do to get to the bus, on the bus, and on my way. It helps calm my anxiety. I love traveling alone its more so I am scared I will miss the transportation or forget documents.

1

u/SillyIntroduction559 17h ago

You'll meet interesting people to talk to.

1

u/walkingonlemons 17h ago

I love to travel alone! You can do whatever you want, whenever you want. Get a good book and enjoy the “me” time.

1

u/annietheturtle 16h ago

I’ve travelled internationally and within my country all the time for work. Enjoy the chance if you can, pack noise cancelling headphones, a kindle or book and see it as an adventure to make yourself happy.

1

u/Found_carkeys 16h ago

All of these things are good advice. And check out the vibe of the driver. If you are comfortable, let them know you are a little anxious and if it makes you feel better, sit where they can see you. But you will be fine.

1

u/SwimmingAway2041 Helper [2] 16h ago

There’s nothing to worry about the worst part of the trip will be at the bus terminal it seems like bus stations are always in sketchy areas but I’m positive they’ll have security there. If you’re nervous about the bus ride just be early so you’re one of the first one to board and you can sit by the driver unless it’s assigned seats but usually on buses it isn’t

1

u/Born-Quarter-6195 16h ago

You’ve got this! Bring earphones download some movies and enjoy your “me” time.

1

u/doctormadvibes 16h ago

solo travel is very empowering, eapecially if you’re a woman. get after it. head on a swivel.

1

u/Claimsgirl1 15h ago

Be friendly with the bus driver. Sit close to them while traveling.

1

u/tracyinge 15h ago

You're not alone, you're with fellow travelers and a bus driver. Party time.

1

u/Silent-Car-1954 15h ago

Strategize your poops.

The in-flight bus chemical toilet can either be a VIP lounge for "road activities" or some foulness to the max.

1

u/Editits 15h ago

10yrs ago I was you! I’ve learned to do what most people have recommended on here. Music, ear buds, a great book or Kindle, definitely snacks! I’ll be flying alone in 2wks. I will show that I’m a confident Woman, but not a snobby b.

1

u/Few-Barracuda-1491 7h ago

You can always ride the bus with a random stranger from reddit

0

u/[deleted] 19h ago

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/awdolliezpup 18h ago

I have but these are just my fears, don’t know what to tell you. Whenever you’re afraid of anything does anyone tells you to just “grow up?” Thats sad and just pushing the matter away, that won’t help with anything. If you have no advice or anything nice to speak upon then please don’t comment. Because I want REAL advice. Not whatever you’re trying to do. 💀🙏

1

u/prpldrank 18h ago

Comes on /r/Advice

Doesn't know what advice is.

Tries to give advice anyway.

Fails.

shocked picachu