Solo Travel: Everything You Need to Know About Traveling Alone

• Stick to open and public places, especially at night.
• Trust yourself. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it.
• Appear confident. Walk confidently and with direction. If you are lost, walk into a shop or restaurant and ask for directions. Don't let on that you are alone.
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with a family member at home, and keep regular contact via phone, text, etc.
• Trust everyone and no one. While you might want to meet new people, it makes you more vulnerable. Be open-minded, but keep your guard up enough to ensure your safety.

• You can avoid the single supplement by booking with a tour operator that doesn't charge single supplements.
• Many tour operators offer roommate matching.
• You can sometimes save money by booking at the last minute. Tour operators eager to sell out their last few places may be willing to reduce their usual single supplement.
• You may also want to consider staying in a hostel which charges per bed.

Many solo travellers find dining alone most unpleasant.

• Chat with the service people.
• Choose the right eatery. Sitting alone with a book in a cafe isn't as unusual as a table for one at a restaurant.
• Bring reading material.
• Eat in if you can't endure another public meal alone.
• Eat well.

The constant sensory input and vigilance of travelling alone can wear you down. Don't be afraid to back off a bit.

When travelling abroad, seek out an expat bar where you can hang out and speak your native tongue. A night in your hotel room can often give you enough of a reprieve to send you out ready the next morning.