First time female Traveller... going it Solo ... very, very anxious

Hello there

I have spent the last 3 days glued to these forums and will be purchasing quite a few books ...and also borrowing some from the library for my future travels.

For personal reasons I have never travelled outside of Australia. I have seen most of the east coast of Australia, but my travelling experiences end there

Firstly I would like to say that I ENVY those with the courage to throw a backpack on and take off to the wild blue yonder. I would love nothing more than to be able do this but for medical reasons ( I suffer from anxiety) I need to take baby steps first. I eagerly have read 100's of posts on here and had tears of joy and trepidation, from the wonder of it all. I am female in my late 40's children all grown up...so here I go :)

For my first solo overseas trip I have chosen Fiji. I have booked 3 nights at the Outrigger Resort on the Coral Coast. I want to spend approx 2 weeks in Fiji and do not feel confident enough to stay at a backpacker type lodging...not yet anyway ;)

What I would like to know, is what/where can I go as far as the islands and mainland. I guess I prefer accommodation to be around 3-4 star and I will definitely need my own room (no dorms or sharing). I will not be diving but may like to try some snorkelling but this is not a must. What I really would like, is to meet some of the local people and travel 'off the main tourist track' as long as I could do it safely.

I am hoping there are some people, who will be kind to me and help me plan this trip.

Love and good will

Anxious lady :)

This trip may well be the start to a new chapter in your life. Once you catch the travel bug you never lose it.I cannot help you with Fiji but maybe can pass on some tips. Firstly research into your destinations helps and the Lonely Planet books are a great source of info, particulary in relation to modes of travel, areas to stay in etc etc. Being well prepared and having back ups in case of serious mishaps are essential, particulary for solo travellers. Have photocopies of passport stashed away from your other valuables as well as some cash and a spare credit card. Arrange with someone back home to be able to help out in an unforeseen emergency so that a reverse charge phone call can be made for cash to be sent to you. Hopefully this never happens. Above all use common sense and rely on your instincts. Keep your travel plans flexible and adopt an outgoing approach and talk to fellow travellers and locals. You will be amazed how much enjoyment there is in travelling. I am 58 year old Aussie male and I spend all my spare time and money travelling asia, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia etc and love it. Wouldnt be dead for quids, as they say. good luck with your travels.

If you are prone to anxiety attacks, you may want to actually travel to the more tourist-oriented places,rather than go 'off the main tourist track', as it's usually less of a culture-shock than being on a more remote island, etc.

Choose one of the islands in the Mamanucas or Yasawas, both NW of Nadi, that has a few resorts/mid-level places. Check out www.tripadvisor.com for personal reviews of many of these places. I'd suggest you pick one of the larger places, and avoid resorts etc that cater to couples if you will be on your own.

But I'd stick to the main places for this first trip, you can always go to more remote places if you feel comfortable for another trip.

Just relax and enjoy the whole new experience. You will make some mistakes but it will all be part of the learning experience. Be friendly and courteous but do not lend your guard down more than you would at home. The night before you leave you will be in a fit of anxiety thinking of all the things that could go wrong. Once you actually set out on the trip you will be fine....you will be too busy navigating your way around seeing all the new things and thrilled that you are being able to do it all on your own. Fiji should be a good place to start....lots of new interesting places and culture but most speak English. Travel on the local buses and eat at the local places to strike up conversations with the locals. Go to church with them on Sun. Hope you have a wonderful time. Aloha

Thank you SOOOO much to all of you for replying. I am taking note of all you have written. The tips given by NAPPER are fantastic. Any similar tips, any of you seasoned travellers could give me, will be well received!!!

Thanks to RARO for the Tripadvisor website...a fantastic site, perfectly suited to novice travellers...thank you a 100 times!!!

Taranaki Chick...I love the idea of going to Church with the locals, as I do go to church most weekends here at home...what a wonderful experience for me. Travelling on the local buses is something I will be doing...I am presuming it will be cheap...and it will be a way of not just doing the touristy thing.

I myself am Greek /Egyptian a (real melting pot), so the idea of meeting new people from different cultures is so exciting!!! I am a friendly outgoing girl and I can out talk anybody. My only drawback has been this damn Anxiety, which took hold of me several years ago. Look, I am determined to not let it stop me anymore :)

Anybody else with other ideas, please share with me your experiences. I need you all, I really do :)

There may be others with Anxiety or travel phobias that will be reading this and I am sure it will help them too. People are welcome to PM me as well.

Well done for having the courage to do this - you wont regret it. Travel really does broaden the mind. Your choice of Fiji for the first time travellingis inspired as it really is a very laid back place for travellers. The fijian people are incredibly friendly.

Make sure tha you organise a transfer from Nadi aiport to the Outrigger - its about 1 1/2 hours by road. This will, for your first journey be much easier than a local bus and cheaper than a taxi.

BTW many of the "backpacker" places mentioned on here also have private rooms. eg Ive just booked to stay at Orasman's in the Yasawas. It has dorms but also a few bures (my choice) The cost is more, but not terribly much more and that may be a good way to "ease " you into the backpacker type places.

I would cancel Outrigger and stay at places that have less than 50 or 100 guests total. You want to get personal service and attention and not just be ignored. I would agree with Raro to choose a mid-level resort in the Ma's or Ya's. There you will feel as relaxed as at home. Really. There is actually more division in Fiji between the sexes than in most countries and I would never worry there as a single woman traveller. Like on a bus, another woman will come and sit next to you but not a man (unless it's very crowded). Also, it is not really encouraged to do things independently like sit and read a book. 99% of men and all women will be very protective and helpful to you and think you are SO daring. Many social functions are also segregated so there is just such an easy-going and safe sexual atmosphere. In fact there I can joke and tease as (everyone does), where in other circumstances you might be concerned a man might get the wrong idea. I would not worry about being stranded in the middle of nowhere with strangers...and I have been and even totally alone, and it was no problem. People went out of their way to take good care of me. I don't mean to encourage stupid or careless behavior but I just want to reinforce the above statement that I would never worry as much as I might in other destinations. I have to laugh when I think back to my initial worries! You'd think I was the first explorer! You were very smart to pick such an easy, friendly place for your first adventure. Your confidence will soon be great and you'll be wondering why you waited... and all your friends at home will be so jealous and impressed with you! I love Fiji and all the great friends I've made there and you too will soon be addicted and planning your next trip. Happy travels!