After my first trip, it was easy to see how most of my fears weren't based in real-life. So with that said, here are the harsh truths I've learned that actually helped me overcome solo travel anxiety — because let's face it: Sometimes you need reality to slap you in the face to really learn a lesson.

If you've ever scrolled past a woman riding a camel through the desert and thought, "Could I actually travel solo?" or wistfully searched "solo female travel destinations" on Instagram, this is the post for you.