Fear of getting lost
Welcome travellers! I have never been good with directions all my life and have gotten lost too many times, even when using Google Maps. So when I started travelling, I had this fear of getting lost even more, especially in a foreign country. The language is different, the signs on the roads are different, the people are different. It was overwhelming at first, but I came up with some tricks to help ease the anxiety of getting lost.
Get a phone that supports eSIM or get a physical SIM card when you arrive
Since you’ll need to use Google Maps a lot while trying to get to places, you’ll be consuming a lot of internet. I made the mistake of using my home country’s mobile internet packages at the beginning—it was so expensive! My internet package would run out fast, and then I’d have to call my provider to get a new one.
So the first thing you should do is either download an eSIM app on your phone (if it supports eSIM) or buy a physical SIM card when you arrive. Some popular eSIM apps are Airalo and Holafly.
You can check if your phone supports eSIM with this guide: How to Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM.
If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, you can get a physical SIM card with internet packages at the airport or in the city. This way, you’ll make sure you have enough internet to get to places, even if it takes longer than expected.
Make sure you always have enough charge
This one is really important!
Once, when I was in Germany and using Google Maps, I realized my battery had dropped to 20%. I didn’t have my charger or a power bank with me. So, I tried to walk faster to get home. But, of course, my battery died before I could get there. I walked into a restaurant and asked if they had a USB-C charger I could use. They were incredibly kind and let me charge my phone for about 30 minutes before I left.
Since then, I’ve learned my lesson: Always carry a charger or a power bank with you. If you don’t have one, most cafes and restaurants are happy to let you charge your phone if you ask politely.
Do not hesitate to ask people
If you need help, ask people. Even if you don’t speak the language, you can show them your phone with the location you’re trying to get to.
At first, I used to hesitate because I thought I’d be bothering random strangers. But I learned that most people are willing to help, and even if one person doesn’t, someone else will. Don’t take it personally if someone reacts negatively—just move on to the next person.
Carry your home/hotel address in a notebook or on paper
In case you lose your phone or run out of charge, make sure you have a physical record of your address. I always carry a tiny notebook with my accommodation’s address written inside.
This is a crucial step because it gives you peace of mind in case of the worst-case scenario. Knowing you have a backup is so reassuring!
Learn basic sentences in the native language
Learning a few basic sentences like “hello,” “good day,” and “thank you” can make a huge difference when asking locals for directions.
When locals see you’ve made an effort to learn their language, they often become more eager to help. Plus, it’s a great way to show respect for their culture!
Research the neighborhoods beforehand
I usually check the reputation of neighborhoods on Reddit or other travel forums before visiting. As a female traveller, I avoid neighborhoods that are deemed unsafe or sketchy.
Doing this research ahead of time helps me plan my routes better and stay safe.
Last tip for fear of getting lost: Use offline maps
Even if you don’t have internet or data, don’t panic.
Just head to a nearby cafe with Wi-Fi, connect to the internet, and type your destination into Google Maps. Once the route is loaded, it will continue to work offline. However, keep in mind that if you go off-route, Google Maps won’t be able to adjust unless you reconnect to the internet.
If you stick to the suggested route, you’ll get to your destination safely.
Overall, I’ve become so much better at navigating with experience and have way less anxiety about getting lost. I’ve tried and tested these tips in 10 different countries, and they’ve made a world of difference for me.
Thank you for being here, dear travellers! Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
