If you are smitten by the idea of traveling alone, you must not sit on it for too long. Pack yourself in your backpack and set out to travel. One of the most striking things about traveling on your own is that you’re existing on your terms and principles. It is indeed empowering to find and rediscover yourself the way you want against the backdrop of an unknown land. It is not always going to be a smooth sail for all the solo travelers out there and especially for a female traveler. Listed below are a few tips that are great for any solo traveler, regardless of their gender.

1. Crowdsource Your Research

Websites such as TripAdvisor, Hostels, and Oyster contain public reviews of both the actual lodge and the locality it is in. Only go for the lodging option if it seems safe for you.

2. Go to Places with Good Reviews

Reviews come from public experience and they do not lie. Check the reviewers’ profiles to make sure they are authentic and legit; alternatively, you can also connect with them on social media and get a firsthand experience of the place.

3. Get a Local Friend

The first rule of making new friends is to have your guard up in times of need. Make use of networking to connect to travelers around you so that you can get a better hold of things around you. Ask them about the traditions and ethnicity of the things in the area. Plus, they can always be a great company to kill boredom.

4. Give Someone Back Home Your Itinerary

At least an individual who is not traveling with you ought to have a common idea of where you are going to be and when. If anything goes wrong, you know they have your back.

5. Consider Travel Insurance

Organizations such as World Nomads grant travel insurance to individuals, as well as families and couples to cover up all sorts of unexpected costs or emergencies. For a very nominal fee, they include your medical and dental emergency, cases of lost baggage, trip cancellations, delays, rental car damage, and so much more.

6. Have a Backup Plan

You never know when is an emergency situation going to strike you. There is absolutely no harm in having a plan A, B, C, D, E, and F (and so on) for yourself. When you ever feel something isn’t right, never sacrifice your safety and always consider the next backup plan.

7. Don’t Get Wasted

This is no brain teaser as your safety is always in your hands. These could be decisions you regret later or decisions that are going to lead to danger. In case you find yourself in the company of trusted friends and locals, you can go for it, otherwise, it’s just a strict no.

8. Don’t Forget to Capture Every Moment

Carry your selfie stick around if you are alone and do not have anybody to click your picture. Always remember to go explore the unexplored- the only lifeline that keeps traveling alive!