Setting out on a world tour on your own is terribly exciting, but also an adventure in self-reliance and smart choices. Whether you’re travels lead you to an Istanbul cheap hotel or a remote rainforest village, there are some basic guidelines you should keep in mind to make your journey there and back again safe and fun.

Packing

When traveling alone you don’t want to ever take along more than you can comfortably handle on your own in case you get stranded with no resources but your own two feet. Ideally, you can pack mix-and-match outfits in easy-to-wash fabrics appropriate for the weather conditions you’ll be facing. Make sure each piece of luggage contains a fresh change of clothes and basic toiletries so if you do lose a bag along the way you’re not missing any crucial items. Also don’t use luggage tags that blatantly display your name and address to avoid becoming an unwitting a victim of stalkers or identity thieves.

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Booking Reservations

As a solo traveler, your options can be limited, especially on group tours where the best perks go to the biggest parties. Be wary of companies offering single supplement deals, they often wind up costing lone travelers more than other passengers’ pay. Check out tour companies that specialize in solo travel arrangements or services that pair up roommates for accommodations. If you have a flexible schedule, you can often land great deals on last-minute reservations where a single traveler is more likely to get freshly canceled upscale accommodations.

Storytelling

Although you might be traveling alone, you don’t have to let everyone know and risk being targeted by unwanted advances by unsavory characters. If you feel it necessary, mention that you about to meet up with friends or relatives. You can also clear your personal space by acting a bit “off” and making those around you feel more comfortable someplace else. Traveling solo also affords you the awesome opportunity to re-invent yourself as you’d like to those meeting you for the first time.

Back Ups

Before you leave on your solo journey, plan back up strategies with friends and relatives at home in case you encounter difficulties. Invest in travel insurance and leave them a copy of your itinerary and records of any medical conditions so they have the resources to help you in an emergency. Also leave copies of your identification and credit card information in a sealed envelope with someone you trust so they can be mailed to you in the event of theft.

Dining Alone

Eating out by yourself isn’t so bad, especially if you arm yourself with a good book and a pleasant smile. Take the opportunity to chat with the wait staff, often they are a rich source of local information and will point you to adventures ideal for a single traveler. Also look for establishments that have cozy booths that provide a bit of privacy or outdoor dining areas where you’ll feel comfortable cracking a book or just watching the world go by.

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Set Your Pace

The best thing about traveling alone is that you have more control over where you go, how long you stay and when you leave. Admittedly, if you sign up for a group tour you have to meet their schedule, but your down time is your own so take advantage of the opportunities to do what you want, whether it’s shopping, exploring or just swinging in a hammock with your hat pulled down.

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