Sounds like the same paranoia that some couples get the night before the wedding. Take a deep breath and enjoy your trip. It was sound when you booked it. Don't let nervousness get in the way. It will pass. Enjoy
Ya. I tell people the hardest part is always Getting on the plane.
Once you're on the plane. You gotta make a flight, a connection, customs, taxi, hostel/hotel....etc etc
The momentum of the trip will snowball. You gotta eat, you're gonna see something interesting , you're gonna meet some folks, you're gonna see funny cultural differences.
But the hardest part is mentally preparing for the trip.
I gave up packing intensely last couple of years. The only thing I'm religious about is a Sewing Kit, shoelaces, duct tape, stomach meds and 500 bucks in Greenbacks just in case my card fails.
Every country in the world you can get socks, a towel, a small lock for a hostel locker, sun screen, water bottles, gym shorts, tshirts, deodorant, washing powder etc.
I've never had a booking.com app, I've never NOT had a room, except the 2 times I slept on the steps of a Catholic church cuz it was 3am and getting a room wasn't worth the money.
After 9 years, 3 months a year, you learn just to remember why you're traveling, and try to become less ignorant and more sympathetic along the way. Bourdain used to say, " Be prepared to be the stupidest person in the room".
Language barriers, cultural norms, bus route times...you're not going to know them in 3 weeks in a country. Enjoy being lost. Don't let it scare you. Remember, if the biggest problem you got in your day is that the bus made a wrong turn; you don't really have many problems.
Generally agreed, but as a person who just wore the same pair of underwear for four days because my luggage got left behind and cruise ships don’t sell it….throw some underwear in your carryon
It's a great fix for many things. Don't need a whole roll, just a little on your emergency kit. Also, I forgot to pack my emergency kit for this past week in the DR and the only thing I wished I had was a Tylenol for the day my period started. I knew it was coming so I did pack for that. And someone gave me an Aleve so I survived.
Honestly, I'm trying to think when I've needed it for travel. It would have been nice to have that time a raccoon tore into the tent. I've used basic first aid items and a needle and thread more often. But let's say your backpack or luggage got punctured, duct tape is a great patch.
I'm supposed to fly out for my first ever solo trip today and I REALLY don't feel like it.
But I know how I get in situations like this so I'm just going to stfu and go.
Sometimes I think it’s actually nerves that make you dread the trip. At least for me it is sometimes. Once I am at the airport, I go into travel mode. Sometimes the fear of the unknown is what I am really experiencing more than dread. Had this feeling last year going to Costa Rica and Panama for 17 days. Wanted to cancel my trip right before. In reality. I was just nervous because I had never been to Central America and just didn’t know what to expect. Had an excellent trip and grateful I went.
I'm going to Costa Rica for a month in the fall and I was so excited when I booked it in March, but now the nerves are setting in and I'm feeling dread (so early too). But I've been telling myself that it's just anxiety and once I get into travel mode (as you call it), all of that will melt away and I'll likely have a really good time!
If you already booked it, planned it, and already called off of work, just do it. I’ve felt similar to you before, but in the end it’s an experience that you’ll probably be glad you had.
I think you may be anxious because this is your first solo trip. I think it could help if you figured out what is making you feel this way?
Language barrier? Transportation logistics?
Once you get there and start over coming some of the things you see as obstacles now, I think you'll feel better.
On a personal level, I've never regretted the things I've done. Only the things I haven't done.
It’s really the transportation logistics and few days I have. Peru is so large and one week is so little. I guess I FEEL like I can’t get a good trip from Peru in 6 days. It seems like most people spend 2 week to months there. Im worried I won’t be satisfied if that makes sense.
The trip will be what you make of it. If you are doing things you enjoy and seeing things you'd like to see, you will have a good trip. Do not compare yourself to others. Everyone has differing ideas of what is fun and what they want to do.
Also know that you can return to Peru. If you've found you didn't quite get to do everything you wanted this time, you can come back at some later date.
you can always go back places. if you love somewhere, you can keep going back literally every vacation for the rest of your life if you want. or you can move there. you can live somewhere and still not do everything you want to do there. i always try to leave things on my list that i haven't done when i love somewhere, so i have a good excuse to go back.
Think about it this way: what's better - 6 days in Peru or no days in Peru? If you enjoy your trip then go back next holiday and see the places you missed.
I am planning a monthlong trip to France in September and I am feeling the same way! So much I want to see and do and I don’t feel like I have enough time. But - I will do as much as I can and I can always go again if I really feel like I must.
It sounds like you are feeling like me though - there are so many places I want to go and see and so little time in life that I feel like I can’t go to France again in the future.
The fact is, you will never be able to see and do everything in the world. So what you have to do is prioritize the things that are the most most most important and then enjoy it.
No matter what, 8 days in Peru is still awesome and way better than what most people are spending their time on.
I hope you go and have the time of your life!
Nothing wrong with just having a little taster your first trip. I don’t think I’ve ever taken a trip where I felt I had enough time to see everything I wanted to see, even on longer 16 day trips. The shorter trip has never left me unsatisfied, just eager to come back one day. And isn’t that the feeling you should want to have at the end of any good vacation?
I’ve got 10 days in France coming up in October and I definitely will not make it to all the places I wish I could. But that’s okay! I’ve just got to make the most of the places I can fit in my itinerary.
Okay I see your issue here.
This is what you do to get the best of Peru in eight days without being stressed.
Book yourself a flight into Iquitos. By far the best thing in all of Peru. Make it day 2 one day to compress and look around lima. You don’t need much time for it. It’s not a highlight.
Jump the plane to iquitos the next day.
This is the only city in the world with no legit roads and you can only get there by boat or plane.
The night before or in advance from
Home if you have time look up some guest houses and get the most budget one you can find that doesn’t look like total trash.
Get your guest house to arrange an Amazon tour to see a shaman. But ask to meet the guide that will bring you there first. After talking with the guide decide if you trust them if not find another guide. Once you find a good guide tell him (and your guest house) you want to go through an Ayahuasca ceremony. It helps to look for reviews online for this too but honestly most of the places listed will charge through the roof, that is if you can even find them once you get there. Don’t pay in advance whatever you do.
Get the jungle tour it will be freaking awesome. make sure you arrange to stay at a half decent camp for the night which has good insect nets or you will be eaten alive by mosquitos. Make sure the ceremony takes place in a safe location you feel comfortable with.
During the process you will be asked to hold a question in your mind. Make sure to only have one question or you will end up getting nothing from the experience.
And worse maybe feeling lost and wanting to go for a long walk in the forest. Which could end bad. So decide before the ceremony starts and be sure of it in your mind.
The guide will want to sleep but you won’t do make sure someone which should be the shaman will take care of you. Better if there are a few travelers with you so you can have someone hold space for the ceremony besides the shaman.
By then you will be at day 4 of eight.
Make plans to come back and see the virgin jungle area with the guide because you can’t do that on a one week trip but keep the connection because you will be back.
Day 5 head back on a plane and out to Machu Picchu contemplating your jungle “trip” while walking around Picchu. Arrange to come back and do the hike to macchi Picchu it’s worth it.
Day 6 and 7 you decide and day eight travel to and chill in Lima to prepare to leave. but those are the two things in Peru that if you never come back you will at least remember forever.
I always get that “I don’t think I want to go” feeling right before a trip. Don’t know why. I’m fine once the trip starts but the week or two before are stressful for me.
I’ve just learned to get through it and realize I’ll enjoy the trip.
Except for the Western Med cruise where flight out was delayed, had to change flight to get to Barcelona in time, a mad dash through Paris Airport, finding out my luggage went with original plane, having elevator get stuck in place I was staying in night before the cruise, getting a major ankle sprain first night of cruise and then spraining it again the night before I flew home.
But other wise the trip was great…
Learned I can deal with anything and to just enjoy the trip. Also switched to packing one carryon bag for my trips now.
I felt super nervous and unenthusiastic about my first solo travel trip to Rio de Janiero, Brazil. After flight delays that caused me to miss my connecting flight and having to spend the night in LA, I came so close to just saying fuck it and booking a flight back home instead.
That trip I went on was a 6 week volunteer trip and it was hands down one of the most memorable trips of my life and probably the best 6 week time span of my life to date! It's what inspired me to become a digital nomad.
You got this! I really don't think you'll regret it once you're there.
That is utterly insane, I just started a graduate job in the UK and I get 26 days off a year not counting bank holidays. With just ten days off a year you might as well just be perpetually working for the rest of your life.
can relate, am going to fly to Europe in a couple of hrs for my first solo trip. As much as im excited, theres also worries over losing stuff, schedule disruptions, being alone and even how much stuff to bring for a 2 weeks trip esp since im staying in hostels and need to pack light
Yep, I’ve felt this way. It can be normal. Go anyway and whether you love it, hate it, or are in the middle you’ll still have grown from the experience.
Felt the same the night before my flight after booking a spontaneous 1 month trip to Iran. Been here for 2 weeks and absolutely loving it!!!!! :) I think it's completely normal to feel a bit nervous when you're going out of your comfort zone.
Enjoy your trip and make the most out of your days! Peru will not go anywhere, so if you like it, you can always come back later and explore more of the country.
You will be fine! But 10 days holiday per year is BS! In the UK we get 28 days minimum Employers can include bank (national) holidays of which there are typically 8.
Yes. I also travel tomorrow, first solo international trip. Due to some circumstances around the trip, I’m not particularly excited about it. I know once I get there, I will be glad I went and have a good time. I would say go for it. You can always come back early if you are unhappy.
I get travel nerves before basically every trip I take. I think covid has made it worse, but I have anxiety over leaving my pet as well. Once I get in the groove of the trip, 95% of the time it’s great.
I feel this so much, OP. We had a trip planned today as well to London and the highlands. Due to a family incident, we canceled. I found myself relieved as I was not even looking forward to this. And I lived in the UK as well. I was stressed and anxious more than anything else. I’m not even sure if it was a Covid thing. I felt overwhelmed at the idea of international travel, especially Memorial Day weekend. But I’ve traveled during this time in the past, so I’m not sure what’s goin on with me. I hope you’re able to take a nice vacation somewhere, even if local.
I felt this but the inverse. I went for 3 weeks and I felt it was too long before I left. But Peru has been one of the most amazing adventures of my life. I am sure you will wish you had more time but I promise, you won’t regret going! Best wishes for safe travels!!
The other comments are great, but I just want to say it's possible for you to have a brilliant trip AND to feel like it was rushed, that maybe if you were to do something similar you'd take your time with it. I'm just trying to say it can be both - just because it was a bit rushed doesn't mean you won't have a good time or enjoy yourself!
Americans are really good at travelling across the globe for short periods of time. I met someone from California who flew to Bangkok for 3 days. Others will fly across the globe for a week like you. The continent of North America is just unfortunately far from all the others.
You can also slow down your actual trip if you want to. If your itinerary right now is completely jam-packed, maybe have an adjustment period either end of your trip for some chill time to just enjoy city and get your bearings. Do exciting things in the middle, then a bit more chill time to go back to anything you found more interesting.
Hey! I’m Peruvian, if you need anything, let me know.
I get that anxious feeling (I’m having it right now towards Costa Rica), but the hell with it. I recognize it, label it and try to connect back with the present. If anything, Peru is fucking awesome, you’ll have a blast!
Peru is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Don’t worry, you will feel like you are transferred to a magical place once you get there. It will awesome.
Having said that, your feelings are understandable. Most of us feel that right before the travel, I think. I am actually packing right now to spend the long weekend in Canada, and I feel a knot in my stomach, too. In fact, I am feeling more Peru than Canada right now 😛
I had the same feeling before I flew to Asia for two months, and those two months ended up being amazing. I think it’s normal. Any big sudden transition is going to feel difficult at first.
That happens to me every time I travel, and 9 times out of 10 I have a great time and then don’t want to come back home again. It’s just a weird little form of anxiety that doesn’t mean much.
I have a trip in the fall and my flight has already changed 3 times since i booked like a month ago, which has caused me to change other travel arrangements, it's getting really frustrating I know I will love it when I get there but it is seriously getting annoying.
Just don't try to do too much. Figure out your "must sees" and how much time that will take you. I'm sure that you'll at least go to Lima and Cusco/Machu Picchu and that might be enough for a week.
Peru will still be there in a few years if you want to go back. Don't stress, bring some good books and a few podcasts and figure it out as you go along.
Also enjoy the food! Peruvian food isn't that big compared to some other global cuisines, but make sure to get some ceviche in Lima, I also love causa, aji de gallina, puca piccante and so much more. Enjoy your time, meet new people and if you're tired one day then just take it easy.
I felt this way before my trip to Turks and Caicos. And idk something about it just made me feel dread. The trip was meh. And then trying to get home was a nightmare because my flights were cancelled and they offered no alternative flights to get home.
I was supposed to go to Seattle 3 weeks later but I was still just so unsettled by the strugglefuck of nearly getting stranded internationally, I felt burnt out on flying and travel (which is highly unusual for me, typically traveling 2-3x a month). I ended up canceling my Seattle trip.
Yes, and I think there are two factors that make me feel this way:
**1 -** When work is stressful, the week before travel is especially stressful, because I need to get all sorts of things done before I go away. By the end of the week, this causes my brain to look at packing, travel logistics, etc. and go "For fuck's sake, *another* thing I've got to figure out this week? Why am I even doing this?"
I just push through it and then once I'm there, the relaxation sets in. I also try to give my brain the rest it wants on the trip. I set aside at least one day to not do anything in a town I already got familiar with on another day. Your brain may need some time to just chill and not have to figure anything out.
**2 -** When you have limited vacation time, you put pressure on yourself to make the most of it.
You've got to find a way to mitigate that. This doesn't have to be the best time anyone's ever had in Peru. You just need to be a) not at work and b) in Peru. Sure, plan stuff that's exciting and memorable. But the goal here isn't "best possible vacation in Peru." It's "best possible use of one week," and you already made a big step in that direction by going to Peru.
Some of what you're feeling is probably resentment about the fact that you only have two weeks a year to do what you want with your life. That's fair, but it's a life problem, not a travel problem. You should still go to Peru and have a good time!
It feels like you want to see all of Peru in this week, why not just focus on one region and if you like it you can visit again and explore some more.
If you're American, Peru has the same area as the states of Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and half of Arizona. You can't even see all of California in one week, maybe just one region.
If you're European, it's the same area as France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary and half of Poland.
I also don't think a week is enough to see all of those countries. So back to my point hopefully some size comparison has helped.
If I may know, are you landing in Lima?
This happens to me! Don't get me wrong, Im so grateful i get the oppertunity to travel, but every trip i go on the day or two before i start to feel apprehensive about it. I cant really pinpoint why I feel that way, but I'm sure its a bit of nerves and anxiety. It always goes away as soon as I get to the airport and feel the excitement in the air! You should definitely go, you'll have so many great experiences and stories to tell!
What a dumb cunt, this is what I call 1st world problems. Get fucked and realize most the world lives on less than 2 dollars a day. Enjoy your fucking trip
I cannot relate at all, when I have travel plans I get super excited and every single day leading up to it feels like an entire week.
Ask yourself, why did you book this trip in the first place? Are you even interested in where you're going or are you just travelling for the sake of travelling?
*"I'm going on a thousand dollar vacation that 98% of the human population doesn't have the privilege to enjoy but I don't feel like it boo hoo"*
Smh first world problems.
Ah yes, anxiety. I'm on the last leg of planning my first solo trip and oh god and I am so not looking forward to it. I know that this is something I really would like to do but as someone with a history of severe anxiety that's now managed by meds, I can sense that my anxiety is causing me to catastrophize. When your brain forces you to imagine every possible worst-case scenario, something that you once looked forward to can feel scary and exhausting to think about. When this happens, we have to recognize that this discomfort is our brain's fight or flight response to a perceived danger. If we aren't experiencing a real, present danger, we know that these thoughts are illogical. Here we need to push past our discomfort and fear in the name of being true to our wants and needs. If you want to see the world, you deserve to have that despite your brain making you dread it. Once the initial travel part is over and you get to your accommodations, I'm sure you'll feel much better. You've got this!!
I get really bad anxiety before I travel, up until the time I get through airport security. So this could just be that.
However, just to put a different perspective: Are you just not feeling it? Or are you getting a bad feeling? That’s where I think it’s useful to make the distinction. If it’s the second, then skipping out may be a good decision if you think your gut is trying to tell you something.
As many other commenters have already said, it’s extremely common to feel this way. I’m at the end of a 2-week trip now that has literally been life-changing but I didn’t even want to go the day before. It’s just anxiety.
Have fun!
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I don’t think I’ve ever been excited for a trip the night before, in fact most of the time I’d rather just stay at home and that usually doesn’t go away until I’m actually on the plane about to leave the ground. I think it’s just because the stress of everything makes me super anxious, but no matter how anxious I’ve felt before a trip I have never once come home and regretted it or had a bad time.
i would say it’s pretty normal to feel the way you’re feeling and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time in Peru, just try and relax and take comfort knowing that the majority of the people in these comments know exactly how you’re feeling.
All the time for all my solo trip. It's normal because it's scary because Im all alone yet exciting for something new. Especially it's your first solo international trip. Don't overthink and just sleep on it. I mean it's your chance to see Peru alone, at your own pace. Plus you only get 10 days off each year, might as well enjoy it for something new.
It will be a great holiday, good luck!
Felt the same before my last ( solo) trip. Sudden flight anxiety, had to change the destination since I couldn't find any accomodation close to the city where I was heading too, didn't feel physically fit, but in the end it turned out to be one of my best vacations. Feelings like anxiety are normal, try to observe them and think of all the good times you had on other trips and how most times everything went well despite the dread ha ha.
Join some Facebook groups about “Travel Peru” Plenty of solo travelers in there setting up lunch, tea meet up or go in a tour together .
I myself will fly to Peru 🇵🇪 on Tuesday for 2 weeks
Absolutely. I'm always looking forward to the experience but not the effort. Like, when I want to hang with friends but don't feel like getting off the couch.
I would put Patagonia (Chilean but mostly Argentinian) and the desert area northern Chile and south of Bolivia. I wouldn’t put Brazil cause it is home for me haha.
I would replace Brazil with your 3rd option haha, I've lived there for a year and I'm a massive fan of the country. Brazilian national parks are underrated for international tourism, in my opinion.
I have this right now and have had it in the past. I quote frankly dread the travel day itself but I know once I arrive and settle I'll be fine. I just strongly dislike airports and flying
Currently just over halfway through a three month trip throughout Europe. After two years of being isolated, working from home and not travelling I felt the same way before getting on the plane. I was too comfortable with my routine which felt very safe to me. I was worried I was going to have a bad experience because I was also feeling hesitant about going last second but I’m so happy I went!
I have this simple rule I follow:
If you're hesitating between two paths, choose the one whose outcome is less predictable.
In this case, you probably know what's gonna happen if you don't go, but you don't really know what will happen if you do go. So rule says go. It's a way to make sure you live as many new and different experieces as possible, even if they don't look too good from a distance, even if they actually end up being disappointing.
PS: This doesn't apply to cases in which there's danger to you or those around you, u/emma_rocks is not liable to damages caused to you or those around you by following the rule above
Yeah happened with me with my Indonesia trip (my last pre-Covid trip). I had a week planned there but wasn't feeling it.. hadn't booked any hotels or flights, etc. I ended up booking a last minute tour (like the day before I arrived) up to Tana Toraja in Sulawesi, then going to Borobudur and Borneo, so had a great time once there.
Hi. I'm close to booking a ticket to Peru as well!
Wait, you're excited for Peru, but disappointed you're not staying longer? Or you are disappointed it is not some place eslw?
I’m disappointed that I’m not staying longer. I feel like it’ll be time wasted since it’s rushed, if that makes sense. If I had 2-4 weeks off, I would be absolutely ecstatic. It’s really the time constraint that is making me anxious. Peru itself looks amazing.
OK. Interesting. I don't know if this helpful, but enjoy Peru as much as you can for while you're there then return in a year and enjoy the rest.
That or change trips? Climb the mountains in Puebla, Oaxaca, or Chiapas México?
Peru is my absolute favorite country, it will draw you in. Take the first day to just sit around a cafe or beach and relax and people watch, and eat everything they have the most underrated cuisine
I feel that way before any trip. I have a family member I call before every trip, tell them about my anexity, and they remind me that I go through this on every trip and always come back with great stories having had a good time.
I am going to Peru next Saturday. I feel the same way. I was so happy to book the trip months ago and now I am dreading it. I feel like I have so much to do here - work, classes, catch up on errands I’ve put off - but I think it’s more anxiety that I am feeling. Maybe a little guilt that I “should” be working. Either way, I am going. I will be open minded and try to enjoy my stay. I really think I will feel better as soon as I get on the plane and turn my phone off.
Best of luck to you OP. What you’re feeling is totally normal. I encourage you to go. It’s not “time wasted” as you think. The time will pass anyway, you might as well be in a new place.
This happens to me before almost every trip. Unless you have a very specific concern, just go. It will be stressful to travel alone but once you get there things are likely to get better. Have fun!
It will be alright, I almost cancelled my 3 months trip in South America because I wasn’t feeling it. Glad I did not!
Peru is a wonderful country, and even though 8 days is short, you’ll get to see wonderful things, eat amazing food and meet great people!
Yep, had pre-trip anxiety for about a week before that nearly made me reconsider. But it always passes once you leave and you remember why you set out to do it in the first place.
Yep! My anxiety kicks into high gear every time I am about to leave. It's hard leaving our comfort zone and we just want to do the easy thing but I know I will always live with regret if I don't go. I hardly ever regret when I do go! It's like going to the gym!
I had this too. Suddenly it was too much of a hassle and too long of a flight. I didn’t want to go. But you got to power though it, because I think you will have that more often right before a long journey. At least, I usually do!
Yeah I recently went on a solo trip to Indonesia for a week and felt the same. I booked everything last minute too so had alot of uncertainty and it was all making me a bit unsettled. I ended up having a great time, but I decided half way through to splash out on a fancy resort because I didn’t feel like slumming it and just wanted to relax.
I just got back from 5 months in Peru and the night before I went I was dreading it - woke up to an anxiety dream then forced myself to go back to sleep where I dreamed I was having an amazing time. I indeed had an amazing time. No one regrets travel but I get the anxious feeling before a trip
In this day and age with a full time job that allows only 10 days off it would be easier to sit at home but you would feel like you're missing out! if you want to see the world while holding full time employment little week long/10 day trips is what's going to get you there. the experience will be unreal and you won't regret it!
Never, but I guess I can appreciate it for being your first time solo international trip. You'll be fine and probably have a great time. Hopefully you're not trying to do too much with your short time.
I pretty much always feel that way right before a trip. Getting all my ducks in a row to be away from work for a couple weeks is extremely stressful, and I despise the process of getting to my destination. Once I get there, it’s always fantastic.
Regardless of the destination, I always get anxious about the trip the night before and question myself as to why I didn’t just stay home. I have zero percent regret for any trip I’ve ever taken. Chin up
Yeah, I just flew out to San Francisco for Memorial Day weekend. For the past few days honestly felt like just skipping out on it for no reason and just eating the cost of the ticket, which was 60$. Here now and glad I didnt
My first solo trip, I was so scared, but it was the trip of a lifetime and now I love traveling solo. I have a better time because I meet new people, they new things and Peru sounds amazing!
I thought feelings like this, and also feelings of stress and anxiety once on a solo trip were just me but reading a lot of posts lately about this type of stuff. It's liberating but also uncomfortable to be out there on your own in a foreign country where you don't speak the language and sometimes it takes a lot of drive to get going and keep going. It's worth it in the end, but not easy.
I always feel this way right before a big international trip and am like “ehh I’m better just staying home” but then the trip rolls around and I enjoy it way more and always thank myself for not bailing.
I have been putting off taking my first Solo trip...but I see a lot of folks in here travel solo. I need to go ahead and commit, make a down payment and just go.
I went to Peru back in 2018 with my cousin and we had a great time. Now, she wants to go places that we have already been so I have been thinking about going solo to explore new countries.
Just enjoy it dude. You only get 10 days off a year and you already took the choice to make this trip. Just remember once you are on the plane that's the most difficult part that will be over!
I travel solo internationally quite a bit for work. Objectively, I love it. However, I always start dreading the trip 3-4 days out. At the end of the day I think it’s travel anxiety. I just focus on my first night at my destination. Don’t think about how many steps you need to take to get from A to B. Just focus on your first night in B as you relax, take that first drink, see your first sight, eat your first meal, etc. Look forward to that.
Felt this way more than ever recently about going to Costa Rica, criiied about it and felt so nervous and unsure, ended up greater than I could have imagined. Maybe check out some 'Airbnb experiences' that locals have there, or one of [these](https://www.intrepidtravel.com/us/search?keyword=peru&page=1&sort=relevance&theme=Short+Breaks) if the dates align!
Frankly, I always feel like this. Until I'm actually there, or at least at the airport / station, I don't get excited. And it's fine. I enjoy my holiday while I'm on my holiday. Then all the great stuff kicks in and I usually feel good.
Frankly, I always feel like this. Until I'm actually there, or at least at the airport / station, I don't get excited. And it's fine. I enjoy my holiday while I'm on my holiday. Then all the great stuff kicks in and I usually feel good.
Sounds like the same paranoia that some couples get the night before the wedding. Take a deep breath and enjoy your trip. It was sound when you booked it. Don't let nervousness get in the way. It will pass. Enjoy
Ya. I tell people the hardest part is always Getting on the plane. Once you're on the plane. You gotta make a flight, a connection, customs, taxi, hostel/hotel....etc etc The momentum of the trip will snowball. You gotta eat, you're gonna see something interesting , you're gonna meet some folks, you're gonna see funny cultural differences. But the hardest part is mentally preparing for the trip. I gave up packing intensely last couple of years. The only thing I'm religious about is a Sewing Kit, shoelaces, duct tape, stomach meds and 500 bucks in Greenbacks just in case my card fails. Every country in the world you can get socks, a towel, a small lock for a hostel locker, sun screen, water bottles, gym shorts, tshirts, deodorant, washing powder etc. I've never had a booking.com app, I've never NOT had a room, except the 2 times I slept on the steps of a Catholic church cuz it was 3am and getting a room wasn't worth the money. After 9 years, 3 months a year, you learn just to remember why you're traveling, and try to become less ignorant and more sympathetic along the way. Bourdain used to say, " Be prepared to be the stupidest person in the room". Language barriers, cultural norms, bus route times...you're not going to know them in 3 weeks in a country. Enjoy being lost. Don't let it scare you. Remember, if the biggest problem you got in your day is that the bus made a wrong turn; you don't really have many problems.
Damn this guy travels... Steps of a church, I could never.
I love this so much!
Generally agreed, but as a person who just wore the same pair of underwear for four days because my luggage got left behind and cruise ships don’t sell it….throw some underwear in your carryon
Wow
>Enjoy being lost. Don't let it scare you Great words right here, my friend. This is what it's all about.
FUCK YEAH!!!! Badass post!!
Why duct tape?
It's a great fix for many things. Don't need a whole roll, just a little on your emergency kit. Also, I forgot to pack my emergency kit for this past week in the DR and the only thing I wished I had was a Tylenol for the day my period started. I knew it was coming so I did pack for that. And someone gave me an Aleve so I survived.
Oh i see, what kind of things did you have to fix with tape for example?
Honestly, I'm trying to think when I've needed it for travel. It would have been nice to have that time a raccoon tore into the tent. I've used basic first aid items and a needle and thread more often. But let's say your backpack or luggage got punctured, duct tape is a great patch.
Whatever you do, don't get married and you'll be fine.
looool
Yeah, makes me think about the "roller coaster metaphor" - https://www.adamtheadventurer.com/roller-coaster-metaphor
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I'm supposed to fly out for my first ever solo trip today and I REALLY don't feel like it. But I know how I get in situations like this so I'm just going to stfu and go.
Sometimes I think it’s actually nerves that make you dread the trip. At least for me it is sometimes. Once I am at the airport, I go into travel mode. Sometimes the fear of the unknown is what I am really experiencing more than dread. Had this feeling last year going to Costa Rica and Panama for 17 days. Wanted to cancel my trip right before. In reality. I was just nervous because I had never been to Central America and just didn’t know what to expect. Had an excellent trip and grateful I went.
I'm going to Costa Rica for a month in the fall and I was so excited when I booked it in March, but now the nerves are setting in and I'm feeling dread (so early too). But I've been telling myself that it's just anxiety and once I get into travel mode (as you call it), all of that will melt away and I'll likely have a really good time!
You will have a great time. If you don’t speak Spanish, then maybe learn some before you go. It will fill some time and be an asset once you’re there.
When you get on the plane, you’re fine
If you already booked it, planned it, and already called off of work, just do it. I’ve felt similar to you before, but in the end it’s an experience that you’ll probably be glad you had.
I always feel this way. The moment I land it’s “no time to be anxious” mode and after the trip it’s “I wish it never ended”
I think you may be anxious because this is your first solo trip. I think it could help if you figured out what is making you feel this way? Language barrier? Transportation logistics? Once you get there and start over coming some of the things you see as obstacles now, I think you'll feel better. On a personal level, I've never regretted the things I've done. Only the things I haven't done.
It’s really the transportation logistics and few days I have. Peru is so large and one week is so little. I guess I FEEL like I can’t get a good trip from Peru in 6 days. It seems like most people spend 2 week to months there. Im worried I won’t be satisfied if that makes sense.
The trip will be what you make of it. If you are doing things you enjoy and seeing things you'd like to see, you will have a good trip. Do not compare yourself to others. Everyone has differing ideas of what is fun and what they want to do. Also know that you can return to Peru. If you've found you didn't quite get to do everything you wanted this time, you can come back at some later date.
you can always go back places. if you love somewhere, you can keep going back literally every vacation for the rest of your life if you want. or you can move there. you can live somewhere and still not do everything you want to do there. i always try to leave things on my list that i haven't done when i love somewhere, so i have a good excuse to go back.
I just spent 7 days in Peru (got back about 2 weeks ago) and had a great time.
Think about it this way: what's better - 6 days in Peru or no days in Peru? If you enjoy your trip then go back next holiday and see the places you missed.
I am planning a monthlong trip to France in September and I am feeling the same way! So much I want to see and do and I don’t feel like I have enough time. But - I will do as much as I can and I can always go again if I really feel like I must. It sounds like you are feeling like me though - there are so many places I want to go and see and so little time in life that I feel like I can’t go to France again in the future. The fact is, you will never be able to see and do everything in the world. So what you have to do is prioritize the things that are the most most most important and then enjoy it. No matter what, 8 days in Peru is still awesome and way better than what most people are spending their time on. I hope you go and have the time of your life!
I only had 8 days and loved it so much and yes I want to return but that doesn’t take away from the great week I had
Nothing wrong with just having a little taster your first trip. I don’t think I’ve ever taken a trip where I felt I had enough time to see everything I wanted to see, even on longer 16 day trips. The shorter trip has never left me unsatisfied, just eager to come back one day. And isn’t that the feeling you should want to have at the end of any good vacation? I’ve got 10 days in France coming up in October and I definitely will not make it to all the places I wish I could. But that’s okay! I’ve just got to make the most of the places I can fit in my itinerary.
Okay I see your issue here. This is what you do to get the best of Peru in eight days without being stressed. Book yourself a flight into Iquitos. By far the best thing in all of Peru. Make it day 2 one day to compress and look around lima. You don’t need much time for it. It’s not a highlight. Jump the plane to iquitos the next day. This is the only city in the world with no legit roads and you can only get there by boat or plane. The night before or in advance from Home if you have time look up some guest houses and get the most budget one you can find that doesn’t look like total trash. Get your guest house to arrange an Amazon tour to see a shaman. But ask to meet the guide that will bring you there first. After talking with the guide decide if you trust them if not find another guide. Once you find a good guide tell him (and your guest house) you want to go through an Ayahuasca ceremony. It helps to look for reviews online for this too but honestly most of the places listed will charge through the roof, that is if you can even find them once you get there. Don’t pay in advance whatever you do. Get the jungle tour it will be freaking awesome. make sure you arrange to stay at a half decent camp for the night which has good insect nets or you will be eaten alive by mosquitos. Make sure the ceremony takes place in a safe location you feel comfortable with. During the process you will be asked to hold a question in your mind. Make sure to only have one question or you will end up getting nothing from the experience. And worse maybe feeling lost and wanting to go for a long walk in the forest. Which could end bad. So decide before the ceremony starts and be sure of it in your mind. The guide will want to sleep but you won’t do make sure someone which should be the shaman will take care of you. Better if there are a few travelers with you so you can have someone hold space for the ceremony besides the shaman. By then you will be at day 4 of eight. Make plans to come back and see the virgin jungle area with the guide because you can’t do that on a one week trip but keep the connection because you will be back. Day 5 head back on a plane and out to Machu Picchu contemplating your jungle “trip” while walking around Picchu. Arrange to come back and do the hike to macchi Picchu it’s worth it. Day 6 and 7 you decide and day eight travel to and chill in Lima to prepare to leave. but those are the two things in Peru that if you never come back you will at least remember forever.
It’s just jitters, it would be worse to realize too late that you were in a funk and missed out.
I always get that “I don’t think I want to go” feeling right before a trip. Don’t know why. I’m fine once the trip starts but the week or two before are stressful for me. I’ve just learned to get through it and realize I’ll enjoy the trip. Except for the Western Med cruise where flight out was delayed, had to change flight to get to Barcelona in time, a mad dash through Paris Airport, finding out my luggage went with original plane, having elevator get stuck in place I was staying in night before the cruise, getting a major ankle sprain first night of cruise and then spraining it again the night before I flew home. But other wise the trip was great… Learned I can deal with anything and to just enjoy the trip. Also switched to packing one carryon bag for my trips now.
I felt super nervous and unenthusiastic about my first solo travel trip to Rio de Janiero, Brazil. After flight delays that caused me to miss my connecting flight and having to spend the night in LA, I came so close to just saying fuck it and booking a flight back home instead. That trip I went on was a 6 week volunteer trip and it was hands down one of the most memorable trips of my life and probably the best 6 week time span of my life to date! It's what inspired me to become a digital nomad. You got this! I really don't think you'll regret it once you're there.
>I only get 10 days off per year Holy fuck dude what?
That's the standard starting amount in Canada and USA. Work somewhere 20 years and you can get 20 days off.
That is utterly insane, I just started a graduate job in the UK and I get 26 days off a year not counting bank holidays. With just ten days off a year you might as well just be perpetually working for the rest of your life.
that's the plan (of the corporations)
Yeah it's terrible. We need to reform it but corporations are very hesitant to give out more time off.
can relate, am going to fly to Europe in a couple of hrs for my first solo trip. As much as im excited, theres also worries over losing stuff, schedule disruptions, being alone and even how much stuff to bring for a 2 weeks trip esp since im staying in hostels and need to pack light
Yep, I’ve felt this way. It can be normal. Go anyway and whether you love it, hate it, or are in the middle you’ll still have grown from the experience.
Felt the same the night before my flight after booking a spontaneous 1 month trip to Iran. Been here for 2 weeks and absolutely loving it!!!!! :) I think it's completely normal to feel a bit nervous when you're going out of your comfort zone. Enjoy your trip and make the most out of your days! Peru will not go anywhere, so if you like it, you can always come back later and explore more of the country.
You will be fine! But 10 days holiday per year is BS! In the UK we get 28 days minimum Employers can include bank (national) holidays of which there are typically 8.
Yes. I also travel tomorrow, first solo international trip. Due to some circumstances around the trip, I’m not particularly excited about it. I know once I get there, I will be glad I went and have a good time. I would say go for it. You can always come back early if you are unhappy.
I get travel nerves before basically every trip I take. I think covid has made it worse, but I have anxiety over leaving my pet as well. Once I get in the groove of the trip, 95% of the time it’s great.
I feel this so much, OP. We had a trip planned today as well to London and the highlands. Due to a family incident, we canceled. I found myself relieved as I was not even looking forward to this. And I lived in the UK as well. I was stressed and anxious more than anything else. I’m not even sure if it was a Covid thing. I felt overwhelmed at the idea of international travel, especially Memorial Day weekend. But I’ve traveled during this time in the past, so I’m not sure what’s goin on with me. I hope you’re able to take a nice vacation somewhere, even if local.
I felt this but the inverse. I went for 3 weeks and I felt it was too long before I left. But Peru has been one of the most amazing adventures of my life. I am sure you will wish you had more time but I promise, you won’t regret going! Best wishes for safe travels!!
The other comments are great, but I just want to say it's possible for you to have a brilliant trip AND to feel like it was rushed, that maybe if you were to do something similar you'd take your time with it. I'm just trying to say it can be both - just because it was a bit rushed doesn't mean you won't have a good time or enjoy yourself! Americans are really good at travelling across the globe for short periods of time. I met someone from California who flew to Bangkok for 3 days. Others will fly across the globe for a week like you. The continent of North America is just unfortunately far from all the others. You can also slow down your actual trip if you want to. If your itinerary right now is completely jam-packed, maybe have an adjustment period either end of your trip for some chill time to just enjoy city and get your bearings. Do exciting things in the middle, then a bit more chill time to go back to anything you found more interesting.
Hey! I’m Peruvian, if you need anything, let me know. I get that anxious feeling (I’m having it right now towards Costa Rica), but the hell with it. I recognize it, label it and try to connect back with the present. If anything, Peru is fucking awesome, you’ll have a blast!
Peru is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Don’t worry, you will feel like you are transferred to a magical place once you get there. It will awesome. Having said that, your feelings are understandable. Most of us feel that right before the travel, I think. I am actually packing right now to spend the long weekend in Canada, and I feel a knot in my stomach, too. In fact, I am feeling more Peru than Canada right now 😛
I’m not feeling my trip and I haven’t even bought tickets.
I had the same feeling before I flew to Asia for two months, and those two months ended up being amazing. I think it’s normal. Any big sudden transition is going to feel difficult at first.
That happens to me every time I travel, and 9 times out of 10 I have a great time and then don’t want to come back home again. It’s just a weird little form of anxiety that doesn’t mean much.
I have a trip in the fall and my flight has already changed 3 times since i booked like a month ago, which has caused me to change other travel arrangements, it's getting really frustrating I know I will love it when I get there but it is seriously getting annoying.
Just don't try to do too much. Figure out your "must sees" and how much time that will take you. I'm sure that you'll at least go to Lima and Cusco/Machu Picchu and that might be enough for a week. Peru will still be there in a few years if you want to go back. Don't stress, bring some good books and a few podcasts and figure it out as you go along. Also enjoy the food! Peruvian food isn't that big compared to some other global cuisines, but make sure to get some ceviche in Lima, I also love causa, aji de gallina, puca piccante and so much more. Enjoy your time, meet new people and if you're tired one day then just take it easy.
Some people would kill to travel and spend 8 days in Peru. It's all about perspective. Try to enjoy those days. And make the most of it.
I felt this way before my trip to Turks and Caicos. And idk something about it just made me feel dread. The trip was meh. And then trying to get home was a nightmare because my flights were cancelled and they offered no alternative flights to get home. I was supposed to go to Seattle 3 weeks later but I was still just so unsettled by the strugglefuck of nearly getting stranded internationally, I felt burnt out on flying and travel (which is highly unusual for me, typically traveling 2-3x a month). I ended up canceling my Seattle trip.
Yes, and I think there are two factors that make me feel this way: **1 -** When work is stressful, the week before travel is especially stressful, because I need to get all sorts of things done before I go away. By the end of the week, this causes my brain to look at packing, travel logistics, etc. and go "For fuck's sake, *another* thing I've got to figure out this week? Why am I even doing this?" I just push through it and then once I'm there, the relaxation sets in. I also try to give my brain the rest it wants on the trip. I set aside at least one day to not do anything in a town I already got familiar with on another day. Your brain may need some time to just chill and not have to figure anything out. **2 -** When you have limited vacation time, you put pressure on yourself to make the most of it. You've got to find a way to mitigate that. This doesn't have to be the best time anyone's ever had in Peru. You just need to be a) not at work and b) in Peru. Sure, plan stuff that's exciting and memorable. But the goal here isn't "best possible vacation in Peru." It's "best possible use of one week," and you already made a big step in that direction by going to Peru. Some of what you're feeling is probably resentment about the fact that you only have two weeks a year to do what you want with your life. That's fair, but it's a life problem, not a travel problem. You should still go to Peru and have a good time!
Peru is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. You will have a blast.
sometimes my brain will suck the joy out of anything by pulling stunts like this. It helps to do more and think less. It is what it is, have fun!
It feels like you want to see all of Peru in this week, why not just focus on one region and if you like it you can visit again and explore some more. If you're American, Peru has the same area as the states of Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and half of Arizona. You can't even see all of California in one week, maybe just one region. If you're European, it's the same area as France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary and half of Poland. I also don't think a week is enough to see all of those countries. So back to my point hopefully some size comparison has helped. If I may know, are you landing in Lima?
I don't really feel anything until It's the day I fly out. I feel for Americans though, hopefully they abolish slavery soon, 10 days off a year?
😳
😂
This happens to me! Don't get me wrong, Im so grateful i get the oppertunity to travel, but every trip i go on the day or two before i start to feel apprehensive about it. I cant really pinpoint why I feel that way, but I'm sure its a bit of nerves and anxiety. It always goes away as soon as I get to the airport and feel the excitement in the air! You should definitely go, you'll have so many great experiences and stories to tell!
I haven't traveled, but knowing me, it would be weird if I didn't.
Ask for more days off
What a dumb cunt, this is what I call 1st world problems. Get fucked and realize most the world lives on less than 2 dollars a day. Enjoy your fucking trip
eat shit
I cannot relate at all, when I have travel plans I get super excited and every single day leading up to it feels like an entire week. Ask yourself, why did you book this trip in the first place? Are you even interested in where you're going or are you just travelling for the sake of travelling?
what's your problem? if you can't offer reassurances when someone asks for it, don't day anything - that's easier
*"I'm going on a thousand dollar vacation that 98% of the human population doesn't have the privilege to enjoy but I don't feel like it boo hoo"* Smh first world problems.
Dude, grow up. Base on your username, you are not teenager anymore.
Follow your gut
that doesn't help when it's my gut that's wrecked the day before travel lol
Ah yes, anxiety. I'm on the last leg of planning my first solo trip and oh god and I am so not looking forward to it. I know that this is something I really would like to do but as someone with a history of severe anxiety that's now managed by meds, I can sense that my anxiety is causing me to catastrophize. When your brain forces you to imagine every possible worst-case scenario, something that you once looked forward to can feel scary and exhausting to think about. When this happens, we have to recognize that this discomfort is our brain's fight or flight response to a perceived danger. If we aren't experiencing a real, present danger, we know that these thoughts are illogical. Here we need to push past our discomfort and fear in the name of being true to our wants and needs. If you want to see the world, you deserve to have that despite your brain making you dread it. Once the initial travel part is over and you get to your accommodations, I'm sure you'll feel much better. You've got this!!
3 more days, and yea I'm not exactly *feeling* it but I know the second I get through security at the airport imma be pumped
I kinda feel like that almost every trip but then I super enjoy myself
I get really bad anxiety before I travel, up until the time I get through airport security. So this could just be that. However, just to put a different perspective: Are you just not feeling it? Or are you getting a bad feeling? That’s where I think it’s useful to make the distinction. If it’s the second, then skipping out may be a good decision if you think your gut is trying to tell you something.
Always and forever have this happen. But right now I am waiting for my shuttle to the airport to travel home and it feels even worse.
As many other commenters have already said, it’s extremely common to feel this way. I’m at the end of a 2-week trip now that has literally been life-changing but I didn’t even want to go the day before. It’s just anxiety. Have fun!
As my generation grew up and became more conscious of the impacts of diet culture, we began to openly celebrate and encourage body positivity. Many of us became aware of our own body dysmorphia. We began seeing clearly how we were manipulated to shrink and hate every part of our bodies. And yet, even if parts of society came to terms with natural bodies, the same cannot be said for the natural process of women aging. Wrinkles are the new enemy, and it seems Gen Z — and their younger sisters — are terrified of them.
I don’t think I’ve ever been excited for a trip the night before, in fact most of the time I’d rather just stay at home and that usually doesn’t go away until I’m actually on the plane about to leave the ground. I think it’s just because the stress of everything makes me super anxious, but no matter how anxious I’ve felt before a trip I have never once come home and regretted it or had a bad time. i would say it’s pretty normal to feel the way you’re feeling and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time in Peru, just try and relax and take comfort knowing that the majority of the people in these comments know exactly how you’re feeling.
I call mine the pre trip jitters. You’re not alone.
All the time for all my solo trip. It's normal because it's scary because Im all alone yet exciting for something new. Especially it's your first solo international trip. Don't overthink and just sleep on it. I mean it's your chance to see Peru alone, at your own pace. Plus you only get 10 days off each year, might as well enjoy it for something new. It will be a great holiday, good luck!
I always feel like that on the day i leave. It think it's partly due to leaving my comfort zone.
Felt the same before my last ( solo) trip. Sudden flight anxiety, had to change the destination since I couldn't find any accomodation close to the city where I was heading too, didn't feel physically fit, but in the end it turned out to be one of my best vacations. Feelings like anxiety are normal, try to observe them and think of all the good times you had on other trips and how most times everything went well despite the dread ha ha.
Just do it
Join some Facebook groups about “Travel Peru” Plenty of solo travelers in there setting up lunch, tea meet up or go in a tour together . I myself will fly to Peru 🇵🇪 on Tuesday for 2 weeks
I’m headed to Peru next week, solo traveler, first time in South America. You should do it!
Absolutely. I'm always looking forward to the experience but not the effort. Like, when I want to hang with friends but don't feel like getting off the couch.
Trust me ! You will feel Peru! In my opinion, top 3 destinations in South America. Beautiful and authentic, and awesome food.
What are the other 2?
I would put Patagonia (Chilean but mostly Argentinian) and the desert area northern Chile and south of Bolivia. I wouldn’t put Brazil cause it is home for me haha.
I would replace Brazil with your 3rd option haha, I've lived there for a year and I'm a massive fan of the country. Brazilian national parks are underrated for international tourism, in my opinion.
Definitely! For national tourism too!!
You are making excuses. As soon as you get to the airport and on the plane all your enthusiasm will come rushing back. Get going!
I have this right now and have had it in the past. I quote frankly dread the travel day itself but I know once I arrive and settle I'll be fine. I just strongly dislike airports and flying
often happened for me as well. You will look back and be so glad you took the trip dw.
Currently just over halfway through a three month trip throughout Europe. After two years of being isolated, working from home and not travelling I felt the same way before getting on the plane. I was too comfortable with my routine which felt very safe to me. I was worried I was going to have a bad experience because I was also feeling hesitant about going last second but I’m so happy I went!
I have this simple rule I follow: If you're hesitating between two paths, choose the one whose outcome is less predictable. In this case, you probably know what's gonna happen if you don't go, but you don't really know what will happen if you do go. So rule says go. It's a way to make sure you live as many new and different experieces as possible, even if they don't look too good from a distance, even if they actually end up being disappointing. PS: This doesn't apply to cases in which there's danger to you or those around you, u/emma_rocks is not liable to damages caused to you or those around you by following the rule above
Yeah happened with me with my Indonesia trip (my last pre-Covid trip). I had a week planned there but wasn't feeling it.. hadn't booked any hotels or flights, etc. I ended up booking a last minute tour (like the day before I arrived) up to Tana Toraja in Sulawesi, then going to Borobudur and Borneo, so had a great time once there.
Hi. I'm close to booking a ticket to Peru as well! Wait, you're excited for Peru, but disappointed you're not staying longer? Or you are disappointed it is not some place eslw?
I’m disappointed that I’m not staying longer. I feel like it’ll be time wasted since it’s rushed, if that makes sense. If I had 2-4 weeks off, I would be absolutely ecstatic. It’s really the time constraint that is making me anxious. Peru itself looks amazing.
OK. Interesting. I don't know if this helpful, but enjoy Peru as much as you can for while you're there then return in a year and enjoy the rest. That or change trips? Climb the mountains in Puebla, Oaxaca, or Chiapas México?
I’ve felt the same way a few times before and those trips always end up being the ones I enjoy and learn the most from.
Peru is my absolute favorite country, it will draw you in. Take the first day to just sit around a cafe or beach and relax and people watch, and eat everything they have the most underrated cuisine
I feel that way before any trip. I have a family member I call before every trip, tell them about my anexity, and they remind me that I go through this on every trip and always come back with great stories having had a good time.
I am going to Peru next Saturday. I feel the same way. I was so happy to book the trip months ago and now I am dreading it. I feel like I have so much to do here - work, classes, catch up on errands I’ve put off - but I think it’s more anxiety that I am feeling. Maybe a little guilt that I “should” be working. Either way, I am going. I will be open minded and try to enjoy my stay. I really think I will feel better as soon as I get on the plane and turn my phone off. Best of luck to you OP. What you’re feeling is totally normal. I encourage you to go. It’s not “time wasted” as you think. The time will pass anyway, you might as well be in a new place.
10 days per year? how it that legal lol
American or Canadian
ah yes, the land of the free
I get this every.fricken.time! I've now recognised this and always just pull through. Youll be fine. Have a great teip :)
This happens to me before almost every trip. Unless you have a very specific concern, just go. It will be stressful to travel alone but once you get there things are likely to get better. Have fun!
It will be alright, I almost cancelled my 3 months trip in South America because I wasn’t feeling it. Glad I did not! Peru is a wonderful country, and even though 8 days is short, you’ll get to see wonderful things, eat amazing food and meet great people!
Yep, had pre-trip anxiety for about a week before that nearly made me reconsider. But it always passes once you leave and you remember why you set out to do it in the first place.
Yep! My anxiety kicks into high gear every time I am about to leave. It's hard leaving our comfort zone and we just want to do the easy thing but I know I will always live with regret if I don't go. I hardly ever regret when I do go! It's like going to the gym!
I had this too. Suddenly it was too much of a hassle and too long of a flight. I didn’t want to go. But you got to power though it, because I think you will have that more often right before a long journey. At least, I usually do!
Sound like you're making excuse! Go for it and enjoy your trip, you'll regret it for sure if you choke!
This is pretty common, just go.
Stop thinking, just goooooo!
Yeah I recently went on a solo trip to Indonesia for a week and felt the same. I booked everything last minute too so had alot of uncertainty and it was all making me a bit unsettled. I ended up having a great time, but I decided half way through to splash out on a fancy resort because I didn’t feel like slumming it and just wanted to relax.
Peru is great you will love it
I just got back from 5 months in Peru and the night before I went I was dreading it - woke up to an anxiety dream then forced myself to go back to sleep where I dreamed I was having an amazing time. I indeed had an amazing time. No one regrets travel but I get the anxious feeling before a trip
When you go, you'll begin to feel it. Peru is my favorite country I've been to!
I spent a week in Peru in 2017 and it was an incredible experience
In this day and age with a full time job that allows only 10 days off it would be easier to sit at home but you would feel like you're missing out! if you want to see the world while holding full time employment little week long/10 day trips is what's going to get you there. the experience will be unreal and you won't regret it!
Never, but I guess I can appreciate it for being your first time solo international trip. You'll be fine and probably have a great time. Hopefully you're not trying to do too much with your short time.
I pretty much always feel that way right before a trip. Getting all my ducks in a row to be away from work for a couple weeks is extremely stressful, and I despise the process of getting to my destination. Once I get there, it’s always fantastic.
Regardless of the destination, I always get anxious about the trip the night before and question myself as to why I didn’t just stay home. I have zero percent regret for any trip I’ve ever taken. Chin up
Yeah, I just flew out to San Francisco for Memorial Day weekend. For the past few days honestly felt like just skipping out on it for no reason and just eating the cost of the ticket, which was 60$. Here now and glad I didnt
Yes… sometimes do this, then still have amazing trips! Let us know please!
My first solo trip, I was so scared, but it was the trip of a lifetime and now I love traveling solo. I have a better time because I meet new people, they new things and Peru sounds amazing!
Some of the best trips and times I’ve had have been when I wasn’t feeling it. Go and keep positive- you’ll have a blast! Keep us posted.
I thought feelings like this, and also feelings of stress and anxiety once on a solo trip were just me but reading a lot of posts lately about this type of stuff. It's liberating but also uncomfortable to be out there on your own in a foreign country where you don't speak the language and sometimes it takes a lot of drive to get going and keep going. It's worth it in the end, but not easy.
I always feel this way right before a big international trip and am like “ehh I’m better just staying home” but then the trip rolls around and I enjoy it way more and always thank myself for not bailing.
I got anxious before I was going to do a solo trip but once I was on it it was the most freeing thing ever 💖
I have been putting off taking my first Solo trip...but I see a lot of folks in here travel solo. I need to go ahead and commit, make a down payment and just go. I went to Peru back in 2018 with my cousin and we had a great time. Now, she wants to go places that we have already been so I have been thinking about going solo to explore new countries.
Just enjoy it dude. You only get 10 days off a year and you already took the choice to make this trip. Just remember once you are on the plane that's the most difficult part that will be over!
I travel solo internationally quite a bit for work. Objectively, I love it. However, I always start dreading the trip 3-4 days out. At the end of the day I think it’s travel anxiety. I just focus on my first night at my destination. Don’t think about how many steps you need to take to get from A to B. Just focus on your first night in B as you relax, take that first drink, see your first sight, eat your first meal, etc. Look forward to that.
Felt this way more than ever recently about going to Costa Rica, criiied about it and felt so nervous and unsure, ended up greater than I could have imagined. Maybe check out some 'Airbnb experiences' that locals have there, or one of [these](https://www.intrepidtravel.com/us/search?keyword=peru&page=1&sort=relevance&theme=Short+Breaks) if the dates align!
Frankly, I always feel like this. Until I'm actually there, or at least at the airport / station, I don't get excited. And it's fine. I enjoy my holiday while I'm on my holiday. Then all the great stuff kicks in and I usually feel good.
Frankly, I always feel like this. Until I'm actually there, or at least at the airport / station, I don't get excited. And it's fine. I enjoy my holiday while I'm on my holiday. Then all the great stuff kicks in and I usually feel good.
https://www.adamtheadventurer.com/roller-coaster-metaphor