Aren’t You Scared? How I Handle Solo Travel Criticisms and Skeptics

Traveling solo as a woman over 50 comes with an unexpected perk: an all-access pass to everyone else’s anxieties.

Friends, family, coworkers—even strangers—suddenly morph into FBI agents, survival specialists, and part-time psychics. They forecast grim prophecies or hyperbolize cautionary tales. Some worries may be well-meaning, even valid. But those laced with false concern and thinly veiled resentment? I can spot that energy instantly.

In case anyone back home’s wondering: Yes, I know where the tourist police are. No, I haven’t needed them.

I’ll Take Support Over Side-Eye Any Day

I’ve heard it all. The gasps, the “but isn’t that dangerous?” interrogations, the guilt-laced warnings disguised as wisdom. And the bad-vibe “what if” questions from folks hoping to plant self-doubt.

Why This Post?

Because for every person trying to talk me out of traveling, there’s another woman wondering if she’s too old, too scared, or too inexperienced to go solo. This one’s for her. And for me. And for every woman who refuses to live small just to make other people comfortable.

The Classic Fear-Based Questions

“Aren’t you scared to travel alone?”

Nope. I’m scared of running out of leave-in conditioner or discovering the nearest fresh mango stand is too far to walk before coffee. But navigating a new country? That’s just another Tuesday.

“Isn’t it dangerous for a woman to travel solo?”

Commuting by bike—the pedaling kind—to Downtown Seattle felt dangerous. I’ve been pulled over by cops before. And once, a next-door neighbor shot through our house. So, compared to all that? No.

“What if something bad happens?”

What if something amazing happens? Like standing in a slow-moving line and striking up a conversation with a stranger who, by the time we reached our destination, became a friend—then a dinner date—then someone who invited me to visit. Why is this never the default question?

Started as strangers, bonded over the misery of a long line, ended with a dinner invite. Proof that travel magic hits when you least expect it.

“Don’t you get lonely?”

First of all, I enjoy my own company—seriously. Second, I make more friends while traveling solo than I ever did staying put. My bet? Half of y’all asking this are in relationships but still texting “U up?” at 2 AM.

“What if you get lost?”

Then I’ll wander until I’m found. Or, like any other modern human with a phone, I’ll open Google Maps, call a Grab, or—brace yourself—ask a local.

“What about the language barrier?”

Pointing, miming, and Google Translate exist. Worst case scenario, I accidentally order goat intestines instead of goat cheese. What a fun blog post that would make.

“What if they revoke your passport?”

For real? Remind me which immigration officer confirmed this shocking revelation.

Fun fact: The U.S. does not revoke passports just because you’re out living your best life.

The Passive-Aggressive Guilt Trips

“I just worry about you.”

Oh, do you? Because I don’t recall you worrying this much when I was working 72-hour weeks, stress-eating trail mix, and binge-watching Columbo because of persistent insomnia. Now you’re concerned? 

“Must be nice to just drop everything and travel.”

Almost as nice as pretending I didn’t work my ass off to make it happen.

“I could never do that.”

That’s okay. No one asked you to.

“I’m jealous!”

Jealousy is a joy-killer. For you, not me.

“What if something happens and you need help?”

Then I’ll handle it like I’ve handled every other challenge in life—with intelligence, resourcefulness, and a well-timed power nap.

The Overprotective Family Questions

“Who’s going to protect you?”

Me, myself, and my fully charged phone. Also, have you seen my “Don’t Mess With Me” face? It has a 99% success rate.

“What if you get kidnapped?”

Unless Liam Neeson is coming to rescue me, I’ll negotiate my own way out. Also, I’m pretty sure kidnappers prefer trust-fund babies over budget-traveling women with a carry-on full of compression socks.

“What if there’s an emergency and no one can reach you?”

If it’s truly urgent, you can call the embassy or find a carrier pigeon, but sending a  WhatsApp message is quicker and more secure.

The Logistical Panic Questions

“What if your phone dies and you have no way to call for help?”

Then I’ll do what people did for thousands of years before smartphones: ask a human being for directions. Bonus points if they point me toward the nearest smoothie stand.

“What if you run out of money?”

I’ll busk, move into a hostel, and call Elon to ask for a very small loan.

“How do you get around if you don’t speak the language?”

With a smile, hand gestures, and Google Translate. If absolutely necessary, I act out charades until someone figures it out.

“What do you do if you get sick?”

Find a doctor. Just like I would at home. So far, I’ve had faster, equivalent (or better) medical care abroad and a much lower bill.

“How do you stay safe in a foreign country?”

I use common sense, trust my intuition, and avoid men with face tattoos selling “special tours” in dark alleys.

The Judgy, Unsolicited-Opinion Questions

“But isn’t it weird to eat alone?”

No, it’s weirder to stay home wishing I had the confidence to eat alone. Plus, I get to pick the restaurant, the menu, and the vibe—zero complaints.

Some folks avoid eating alone. Me? I book the table, order exactly what I want, and let the ocean keep me company.

“Shouldn’t you be traveling with someone? Like… a man?”

Shouldn’t you be minding your own business?

“Aren’t you too old for this?”

I can still run an 8-minute mile and do 35 push-ups in a row. Can you?

“Wouldn’t it be easier if you just stayed home?”

Yes.

The “Midlife Crisis” Assumptions

“Is this just a phase?”

Yes, a rest of my life phase.

“Shouldn’t you be thinking about retirement instead of running around the world?”

I am thinking about retirement. This is me practicing for it.

The Absolutely Absurd Questions (Yes, People Actually Ask These)

“What if you accidentally join a cult?”

Then at least I’ll have a great Netflix documentary deal.

“What if you get eaten by a wild animal?”

I’m more worried about getting trampled by tourists at a mall.

It’s not wild animals I’m dodging. It’s the after-dark stampede of tourists on a shopping mission that’s the real hazard.

“What if you fall in love with a stranger and never come back?”

Then I’ll consider it a win—falling in love and skipping jet lag? Sounds efficient to me!"

“What if your hotel room is haunted?”

Then I’ll politely ask the ghost to keep it down past midnight.

For Every “What If?”—Here’s My Answer

People will always have opinions. They'll project their fears, limitations, and societal conditioning onto you like it's your baggage to check.

None of these are yours to carry.

Graceful Roamer: Ignore the doubters, pack your bag, and be gone already!

It’s Your Turn

Have a solo travel question burning a hole in your brain? Got a doubter you need help shutting down? Don’t keep it to yourself. Drop me a message—I read every word.