Go Solo.

I was twenty years old when I first traveled by myself. Completely, totally, without a doubt, alone. Before then, I had navigated trains and planes solo, but I was always greeted by friends or family at the end of the tracks or on the other side of the Atlantic. I had people I could rely on if things went sour. There was always someone to show me the ropes or stumble along with me. That all changed when I decided to go to Ireland in the middle of January, 2017. 

Traveling alone is something I believe everyone should experience. And that experience is ten fold if you go through it at a young age. 

The thing is, when you travel with others, you share everything. You never get the time to fully discover the moment or yourself. You are constantly making plans and compromises so everyone is happy and on the same page. But when you travel alone, you have to carry every moment with you like a secret, because it is.  No one will quite understand the moment because no one else was there. It’s your own chapter to write. There are no co-authors to tweak it one way or another. 

Solo travel is not easy, but it is worth it. So for all the wanderlust travelers out there, here are my top travel tips to get a passport in your back pocket:

1. Have a social media account and use it.

While getting off the beaten track is important, sometimes things go wrong. Its helpful when family and friends know a general sense of where you are in the world. 

2. Always, Always, Always have paper copies of everything. 

Technology fails. Your phone will die. I’ve dropped mine in a lake in England, off a roof in Italy, and in the gutter many times. If the only copies of your hostel bookings or plane tickets are on your phone, you are out of luck. Always have paper copies of everything so when that phone meets its tragic end, you still have a record of your flight back home. 

3. Save important documents in your email.

In addition to paper copies, I like to backup and save everything to my email as well. This way, just incase I lose the paper copies and my phone (its happened), there is a record that can be accessed anywhere. 

4. Private rooms can be a safe haven.

Especially for my fellow female travelers, sometimes you just want a little privacy. I’m all for the hostel family mentality, but sometimes you will need to escape the twenty person dorm room and go somewhere you can fully relax without worrying. Private rooms are a great splurge (a few more dollars a night) that will help keep you sane. 

5. Dress like a local.

I grew up in Lake Tahoe where you can spot a local from a tourist a mile away. No one wants to help the person who wears ski boots inside a restaurant. Dressing like the locals and embracing the culture will not only keep you safe by not making you a target to pickpockets, but it will also help you make friends. A win win. 

6. Sexism and Catcalling still exist, be ready for it.

Women. There are many great guys out there, but there are also a lot of men (and women) you will meet on the road who will question you. You will be catcalled on the street and occasionally harassed on nights out. Be ready for it and handle it in the best way to stay safe (I chose to ignore the catcalling, but its up to you). The more you are effected by this, the scarier the world becomes. Find a way to be strong even through uncomfortable situations and know how to say a firm “no.”  

7. Bring a book.

“Table for one” is a phrase you will say a lot traveling solo. Having a great book with you is always an option to pass the time. In addition, people reading book are far more approachable at restaurants and bars than people on their phones. Bring a book, trade for one at a hostel, buy one from a local business, or write your own. Books are a great way to feel connected when you are on your own. 

8. Headphones are a must have.

I always travel with at least two sets of headphones. Not only does music help you escape the inevitable moments of loneliness you will experience, but it also signals the world you don’t want to talk. Which is A-Okay if you want some alone time. Headphones in, world out. 

9. Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet.

In the United States we are taught “stranger danger” from a young age. I truly believe that most people in the world are good people. I am thrilled to have friends all over the world that started as strangers. Talk to the strangers next to you on planes, in bars, on the beach. You never know where you’ll find a friend. I still keep in touch with the people I sat next to on a flight two years ago. 

10. TRUST YOUR GUT.

Not everyone has your best interest at heart. Always always always trust your gut. If something seems fishy, walk away. Trust yourself. Its better to walk away then wish you had. 

11. Write, take photos, save mementos.

I wish I had more photos from my travels. I try to save tickets and postcards from everywhere I go. It’s a nice way to look back on the memories when you are home and feeling the wanderlust again. So write, pick up souvenirs, take photos, whatever helps you remember the moments. Looking silly for a second to capture the perfect photo will be worth it in ten years. 

12. Travel during the day. 

Every time I arrive in a new city, I try to arrive during the day. Its usually safer and you get a feel of the city or town you are in. After that day you can usually see how safe a city is and decide if you want to walk around at night. For example, Dublin is incredibly safe and I would go running at 4 in the morning. I wouldn’t do the same in L.A. 

13. Travel bag: One and done.

I have one 40L backpack that I travel in transit with. Having one bag creates peace of mind and makes everything either. Once I get to a city I’ll lock up my backpack and use one small purse for day trips or a drawstring bag for the beach. One and done when it comes to bags. 

14. Never pack more than you can run with.

Worse case safety reasons aside, there are times you will be late for trains, planes, buses, whatever. Being able to run to catch the last bus with all of your stuff on your back is incredibly helpful. You won’t regret packing light. 

15. Watch what you say.

You will not agree with every person or culture you experience. Sometimes it is better to say nothing than the wrong thing. Watch your words. Cultural differences exist. Share your life and your opinions, but understand the culture you are entering and that words carry power. Be able to back yours up. 

16. Confidence is key.

The more confident you are (or appear to be), the easier it is to travel and make friends. Fake it till you make it babe. 

17. Tipsy is good, blackout ends badly.

Drinking is fun. I’m not discouraging drinking while traveling, but be aware of how much alcohol you have. When you travel solo, there is no one to help drag your drunken self back home. I also try to befriend the bartender and wait staff so someone is looking out for me as the night goes on. Going clubbing solo is a personal choice that I tend to avoid until I make friends in that town. It helps to have someone who has your back, especially when alcohol is involved. 

18. There is a difference between lonely and alone.

This was a big one for me on my first solo trip. Lonely is a sad place, but being alone doesn’t make you lonely. Being alone allows you to learn about yourself and enjoy the moment. Know the difference and enjoy being on your own. There will be times when you are down, but no one grows when they are comfortable. Embrace the painful parts of blooming into a wildflower. 

19. It’s your life, do what you want.

You’ve no doubt spent a great deal of money and time planning a solo trip, so make it yours. Don’t do things you don’t want to do. The beauty of solo travel is that you don’t have to compromise. Eat gelato five times a day in Italy. Go to the cheese museum in Amsterdam. It’s your life, don’t live someone else’s travel guide.