You are very courageous for planning to make this trip. I bet you will feel great once you're there and realize it maybe isn't so different. I'm very much a recluse, too . I spend most of my time at home surrounded by the people I live with. Leaving the house is hard for me most of the time, but I always do the same as you, stress beforehand, am guarded during and feel GREAT afterward.

Hope all goes well with you.
Take great care.