One of the most difficult aspects of traveling alone is deciding to go—to book your trip and pack your belongings. The reality of solo travel differs significantly from what most people believe, and it may differ significantly from what you envision.

Many women and men, will find solo travel to be empowering, fulfilling, and unforgettable. I admire you for taking a solo vacation for whatever reason, and I encourage you to make the most of it!

Have Self-Belief

It’s your first time on your own, and it’s both terrifying and exciting. When you’re out exploring, adopt a secure and open stance.

To the proper individuals, you’ll appear personable, but not an easy target for the wrong ones. Do you lack self-assurance? Fake it till you make it, as the old phrase goes.

Blend In

Solo travel is one of the best methods for women and men to learn about themselves and the world. Taking a solo journey is an excellent approach to expand your horizons.

On the other hand, if you stand out too much as a foreigner, you can get some strange looks or perhaps become a victim of a tourist scam. You’ll be able to see so much more of your host nation if you blend in as a native.

Dress as the natives do. Talk at a reasonable volume. Learn to listen and observe, and the world will open up in front of you.

Smile

Smiling goes a long way, especially if you don’t speak the same language as the natives. Remember that not all locals are out to take advantage of tourists, and a cordial meeting or a decent conversation might start with a smile.

Prepare a back up plan

The most important suggestion is to maintain the address of your hotel with you at all times in case you get lost, require instructions, or need a cab to get you back.

When traveling between destinations, keep your passport in a secure location. When going on a day trip, keep some additional cash in your suitcase. Your shoe or bra are excellent concealment options!

Double-check everything

Before leaving your hotel or tourist office, double-check maps and transportation timetables to ensure you’re on the right track. You’ll be lot more focused on your surroundings than on a piece of paper if you know where you’re headed in general, and you’ll enjoy more of the beauty!

Notify someone

Leave your itinerary or a brief overview of your destinations, as well as a photocopy of your passport, with someone back home. It’s also a good idea to let someone at the hotel know where you’re going for the day, even if it’s just someone behind the front desk, just in case.

If you’re a US citizen, you can also join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which provides assistance to travelers in the event of an emergency.

Make an Advance Reservation

Because this is your first trip, take it easy on yourself and schedule your hotel and airport transportation ahead of time. Inquire about whether the hotel will send a driver to pick you up from the airport or if there is a suggested shuttle service.

Keep the hotel’s phone number and address on hand in case you need to contact them when you arrive or inform the driver of your destination.

Only take what you need

Lay out everything you think you’ll need before you leave, then take half of it – believe me! Keep your valuable gadgets firmly hidden and in pockets or bags that are not easily accessible to pickpockets when traveling or out for the day.

Make sure your valuables are never in the same bag, and keep your cash and cards, as well as your passport, in different places on your body.

Explore

Stay away from your hotel, the internet, and Skype. Get outside! You’ve come to see the world, so browse the streets, explore alleyways, visit a market, hike through a park, ride the trolleys and trains, and get lost.

Traveling alone might be frightening and lonely at times, but putting oneself out there is the greatest way to get past the initial loneliness. It never hurts to strike up a conversation, whether it’s in the hostel common room, on a walking tour, or at a local restaurant.

Relax

Being alone in an unknown environment can be daunting, so do yourself a favor and relax. You’ve arrived. You’ve made the first step toward a new journey. Take it in one step at a time, gently and boldly.