Are you thinking about traveling alone? Solo travel is a rewarding, exciting and equally frightening experience. But the key to doing it right is being prepared. Here are 15 things you can do to make sure that your trip runs smoothly!

1. Pick a place you’re comfortable with

This is 110% related to safety. Maybe you’ve always wanted to go to somewhere, but the political climate is over your head or you’re unfamiliar with it.Opt for a city that might be a little lower on your list, but is definitely a lot more safe.

2. Research, research, research

Conduct endless Google searches with ALL of your questions. “Is it safe for black people in X country?” “What is there to do in X country in the month of November?” You get the drill.

3. Make best friends with Pinterest

Pinterest searches almost go hand in hand with Google searches, except they’re better. You’ll be able to easily weed through random travel posts and websites by using Pinterest to plan your itinerary. Just input the city/country name and “to-do” in order to find listicles that will help you plan your trip.

4. Also use Instagram to pick places to go

(And, plan your Instagram flex) Geo-tags on Instagram are the best for travelers. You’ll be able to stumble across all of the unique finds other Instagrammers have found during their travels. That way you can hack the “getting lost” part of travel.

5. Stay in a hostel

But, a GOOD one! HostelWorld.com will give you the 4-1-1 on hostels. Also, hostels are often safer than hotels because they’re small, close communities. If anything were to happen to a guest of a hostel, it would be easier to figure out what happened because there’s a tight-knit community.

6. Write out an itinerary

solo travelers — Photo: Instagram via @soulsociety

Even though you might not stick to it, write out an itinerary so that you have a guide of things you would like to do during your trip. You might even be lucky enough to find a guide already made on Pinterest.

7. Make Google Maps your BEST friend

After you plan your itinerary, mark all of your destinations as “saved” on Google Maps. Also download the map of the city you’ll be in, in case you don’t have wifi or data.

8. Stock up on medicine

What you do NOT want to happen is for you to contract traveler’s disease or even a head cold and have to seek medicine for it abroad (or while you’re sick.)

9. Join a travel group!

Being a part of Nomadness Travel Tribe made it so easy for my solo trip to turn into a family reunion. If you can find a travel group to join, you’ll never feel alone.

10. Don’t be shy

But don’t be foolish either. You’ll learn a lot from the wandering spirits you meet while traveling. You can make lifelong friends, whether on the beach or in the lounging area of your hostel. Open up to new people and new experiences.

11. Bring cash with you

Yes, there is the option of taking out cash when you get there, but you never want to be without when you land in a new city or foreign country. Having cash in hand is key to staying prepared, always.

12. Make a double copy of everything before you leave

For obvious reasons: Theft, clumsiness, safety and security.

13. Go grocery shopping on your first day

Most hostels have kitchens, so save yourself some money by buying foods you like for the days you don’t want to be a foodie.

14. Stay strapped with water

Water is life. Always have a big bottle on you.

15. Give yourself time to rest

City-hopping is all fun and games until you’re sick and three flights and three cities away from your bed. Whether you’re traveling alone or with friends, give yourself some needed down time to recover and keep going.

What tips would you share? Let us know in the comments below!

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