13 Travel Dos & Don’ts — A Guide to Smart Solo Adventuring
Best things to do (and avoid) on an adventure — especially as a female solo traveler.
Let’s be honest — travel can get messy but that’s just part of its charm. What’s important is to stay present and alert, because the unexpected is guaranteed. Things will go awry sometimes — you might get lost, overcharged, misdirected, confused, under the weather or simply overwhelmed — but if you keep a cool head and stay centered, almost anything can be fixed.
Over the past 20 years, I’ve wandered solo through nearly 60 countries across six continents and I’ve picked up a few hard-earned habits along the way (and a few stories. Here are my travel do’s and don’ts to help you pack a little more confidence for your next adventure.
What’s Inside | Roadmap
1 | Plan ahead & do your research
2 | Pack basic health & safety measures
3 | Bring appropriate gear for weather conditions & desired activities
4 | Ask around — & double-check the facts
5 | Don't always trust sources (even if they look reputable)
6 | Stay mindful of your space — protect your body & belongings
7 | Carry a day pack
8 | Don't be a tourist
9 | Share only necessary details with others
10 | Never leave your belongings unattended
11 | Always carry your hotel info
12 | Don't drink or do drugs in excess
13 | Don't stay out too late, especially alone
Top Travel Mistakes to Avoid — & How to Dodge Them with a Smile
Travel is full of surprises, some delightful and some downright avoidable. Here are the most common missteps travelers make, paired with simple, charming ways to steer around them so your trip stays smooth and seamless. Travel smarter, travel kinder to yourself and you’ll collect more stories than stress.
1 | Plan Ahead & Do Your Research
I’m all for winging it when I travel — there’s something delicious about not knowing what tomorrow will bring and leaving room for happy surprises. Still, a little prep goes a long way. You don’t need an itinerary down to the minute but brushing up on a few essentials will keep the spontaneity stress-free: learn a handful of local phrases, check exchange rates and ATM logistics, scout internet and transport options, note the likely weather and get a sense of cultural customs. With those basics in your back pocket, you can roam freely and enjoy the unexpected.
For airport transportation, I usually ask my accommodation what’s the best way to reach the stay and to arrange a pickup in advance, if possible; if taxis are straightforward at my destination, I’ll simply hop into one outside the terminal — same goes for the bus or subway. Before you arrive, check how far your destination is from the airport and what a typical taxi should cost. That way, when you’re stuck bargaining with a driver, you’ll already know what’s fair. Save directions to your stay or the name of the person picking you up at the airport as screenshots on your phone — you never know when you’ll be offline.
Also, double-check how your transportation and accommodation accept payment — you don’t want to be hauling around wads of cash only to find they take cards. If cash is required, I usually grab it at the airport or confirm there’s an ATM nearby. The only place I’ve needed cash in advance was Cuba, where ATMs aren’t linked to U.S. banks, so you’re stuck with what you bring in to the country. When that’s the case, split your money into several secure spots in your luggage — if one stash goes missing, you won’t lose everything.
A quick note on cash and ATMs: I don’t bother exchanging currency before I land and I usually fly without cash tucked in my bag. Holding large amounts feels unnecessarily risky and I prefer to land first and get a real sense of how much I’ll actually spend. My routine is simple — after I arrive, I pull a few hundred in local currency ($100–$300, depending on the country) from an ATM at the airport or one near my accommodation (note, airport machines tend to charge more). Yes, there are fees — my bank often takes around $5 and the local ATM may tack on $3–$5 — but for me, it’s worth it: less cash on hand means less to worry about and I can top up with another withdrawal when I need funds for the next week. Moving between countries frequently also makes it smarter to avoid carrying too much in any single currency.
2 | Pack Basic Health & Safety Measures
Pharmacies aren’t always open — or even easy to find — when you’re far from home and you never know what surprises your body might have in store. I always tuck a small stash into my bag: bandages, pain relievers, tummy meds, motion-sickness tablets, sunscreen, aloe and bug spray. Add anything else that gives you peace of mind. A tiny first-aid kit is a smart idea, especially for rougher, more remote trips.
I learned the hard way: once in Greece I had an ear infection so nasty my ears were bleeding and there was nothing to do until the chemists reopened. I’ve also been ambushed by mosquitoes and fire ants, suffered second-degree sunburns and survived more tummy bugs than I care to count — so trust me, don’t skimp on preparation. In less-developed places, be extra careful with food and water: buy bottled water and be cautious with fruits, salads and smoothies, since they’re often washed or iced with local water. Still, I can’t resist those vibrant street smoothies and tropical fruits — I just go in knowing the aftermath might be part of the adventure.
That said, in many countries it’s super simple to pop in and pick something up over the counter. Don’t hesitate to walk up and explain what’s wrong — shop staff are usually happy to hand over a quick remedy for nausea or an upset stomach. And for goodness’ sake, stock up.
3 | Bring Appropriate Gear for Weather Conditions & Desired Activities
I’m guilty of talking myself out of extras all the time — only to wish I’d packed them halfway through the trip. Bring a spare pair of shoes for blistered feet, a light jacket for unexpectedly cool evenings, a scarf for a cozy train ride or a hat to shield the sun. Pack a few comfort items that make a strange place feel like home: your favorite tea, a beloved book or a pair of slippers.
A little research goes a long way. I’ll usually search “best things to do in Kyoto” (or whatever destination) to figure out if I need hiking boots, a swimsuit or a waterproof jacket. Locals might shrug off footwear choices — yes, some will tell you volcanoes are fine in flip-flops — but your better judgement should win. When in doubt, err on the side of caution. If sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen make your sunny day carefree, tuck them into your daypack and don’t assume you’ll be fine without them.
4 | Ask Around — & Double-Check the Facts
It’s always wise to check information with more than one source. We like to believe we — and others — have the right answers but people can be mistaken, confused or even too embarrassed to admit they don’t know. In some cultures, for example, it’s common to invent directions rather than admit uncertainty. So by all means ask locals for tips — “Where’s the best meal?” “Is it safe to grab a taxi at the airport?” or “What should a ride cost?” — but don’t treat the first answer as gospel. Cross-check when you can, save screenshots and trust the consensus you find rather than a single voice.
Before you hop into a taxi, take a quick minute to check how long the ride should take. It’s a small habit that saves a lot of hassle — if a supposed 10‑minute trip starts feeling like a scenic hour, you’ll know to speak up fast. I’ve had this happen more times than I care to admit: in Vietnam, I even had to fling the door open and threaten to call the police on a driver who kept circling and demanding extra money.
If you’re heading somewhere far, glance at your phone map or nearby street signs to confirm the route. Sometimes it’s just a mix‑up and it’s much easier to fix before you’re two hours off course. Bonus tip: you don’t need an active internet connection to use Google Maps — that little blue dot still shows your movement, which is often enough to tell whether you’re headed the right way.
5 | Don't Always Trust Sources (Even if They Look Reputable)
Be careful who you trust, even when someone seems perfectly respectable. In some places, people may bend the rules to earn a little extra or steer you to a friend’s taxi or a relative’s restaurant, so money stays in the family. I learned this the hard way in Vietnam: a late-night currency exchange at the airport shortchanged me out of hundreds because I was tired and didn’t double-check my math. Lesson learned — take your time with money matters, don’t let yourself be hurried and always verify transactions. If something feels off, walk away.
A local tip also saved me: I went back with my tiny, scribbled receipt and pretended to call the police. It worked — I got my money back — but keep in mind that officials aren’t always impartial; depending on the country, bribery can be an issue. Use common sense, trust your instincts and carry a healthy dose of skepticism.
6 | Stay Mindful of Your Space — Protect Your Body & Belongings With Vigilance
It’s easier than you’d like to think for someone to slip a hand into your bag or, worse, tamper with your drink — both happened to me. Play it safe: lock up your valuables every time, no exceptions. Heading to the airport? Lock your suitcase or splurge a few dollars to have it wrapped in plastic for an extra layer of protection — I once had a gift lifted right out of my bag on the way to Peru and that kind of souvenir is avoidable. Stepping out of your room for the day? Stash your passport and other important items in a safe or locker. If the room doesn’t offer one, a small personal lock on your suitcase or backpack will put off opportunists and make tampering obvious. Boarding a long bus with bags in the overhead? Zip the compartments shut and secure the zippers together with a lock. Forgot your lock? They’re inexpensive and easy to find at any hardware store — worth every penny for peace of mind.
That said, treat your passport like the tiny, priceless treasure it is. If I take it out for the day or for an activity, it comes with me — and stays tucked safely on my person the whole time (never in the trunk, for example). I also snap a photo to keep on my phone and email myself a copy, just in case the unexpected happens.
For peace of mind, I try not to carry more than $100 USD on me at any time — or generally anything I wouldn’t be okay losing. To avoid stressing about cash, I usually stop at an ATM every five days and take out a couple hundred dollars. The small withdrawal fee is worth it to me; I’d rather pay a few dollars than risk losing everything if my wallet goes missing. Still, keep a little cash handy — plenty of cafés, street food vendors and small tours still prefer cash.
Lately, armed with a fancier camera and lens, I’ve taken to carrying an extra bag — perfect for tucking the gear away when curious eyes wander.
7 | Carry a Day Pack
Travel has a knack for throwing surprises your way, so incorporate a trusty daypack into your plans — stocked with the essentials and a little extra. Pack meds (for tummy troubles, headaches or motion sickness), a refillable water bottle, snacks, some cash, spare batteries, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a phone charger. Day trips often run longer than advertised and tours don’t always deliver, so it’s smart to be prepared. Case in point: my Near-Death Experience on Rainbow Mountain in Vinicunca, Peru — an adventure I wouldn’t wish on anyone, especially when you don’t have what you need in an emergency.
8 | Don't Be a Tourist
It may sound a bit old-fashioned but the less you stand out as a visitor, the less you’ll catch someone’s eye for the wrong reasons. Blend in by dressing like locals and leaving flashy jewelry and obvious signs of wealth at home. For things you can’t avoid — like a camera — keep it discreet: tuck it into a bag when you’re not shooting and wear the strap around you so it’s never dangling loose. The same goes for your phone; avoid holding it up on busy streets where a passing rider could snatch it. And resist the temptation to unfurl a giant map in the middle of the sidewalk. If you need directions, duck into a café and ask the barista or step aside to a quieter spot, so you’re not distracted and exposed.
Keeping a reliable internet connection — beyond just dodgy café Wi‑Fi — takes a huge load off while traveling. With it you can look up destinations, book tours, pull up directions, read restaurant reviews and solve a hundred tiny travel puzzles on the fly. From what I’ve seen there are really two easy paths. Some long‑term travelers buy local SIM cards when they land — handy if you’re staying put for a while. I haven’t done that but I know plenty who swear by it. My go‑to is T‑Mobile’s international plan, which gives seamless service in most countries (seriously, it works). You’ll want to set it up before you leave, though — give it a billing cycle to smooth out any wrinkles. If that’s not your thing, most carriers, including T‑Mobile, offer international day passes for about $5 USD — great for emergencies or short trips. Plans change often, so check what your carrier offers before you go.
9 | Share Only Necessary Details With Others
Be careful and a little mysterious, especially when you’re traveling solo. Keep personal details close to your chest: avoid announcing you’re alone, don’t give exact addresses of where you’re staying and skip specifics like meeting spots or how much cash you have. This isn’t meant to alarm you — there are plenty of kind, trustworthy people on the road — but give new acquaintances a little time to earn your confidence.
A handy trick: when you first meet someone, say a friend will be joining you shortly or that they’re just around the corner. If someone genuinely earns your trust, you can later explain that your friend was delayed. Remember that anyone can have bad intentions, regardless of age, race or gender, so a bit of guarded charm goes a long way.
10 | Never Leave Your Belongings Unattended
Keep an eye on your things — always. If it's not tucked away in a locked, secure spot, assume it’s vulnerable. A sneaky risk many travelers overlook: leaving bags in a taxi trunk while the driver stays behind the wheel. Wait until they step out before you do, so there’s no chance they can drive off with your stuff. And keep your money, cards and passport either on your person or in a bag you’re wearing. Even a momentary lapse can turn into a hassle, so treat your valuables like a small, precious companion you never leave alone (or out of sight).
11 | Always Carry Your Hotel Info
Always carry a little lifeline: a business card, a screenshot or a quick note with your accommodation’s address and phone number. If you get turned around, need help, or — heaven forbid — face a blackout or medical emergency, you’ll be able to find your way back to safety without a fuss.
12 | Don't Drink or Do Drugs in Excess
Travel is all about chasing thrills but there’s nothing glamorous about waking up to a terrifying gap in your memory. I learned that the hard way during Carnival in Venice. I remember the first couple of drinks and then... nothing. I woke in the night in my hostel bed, violently sick and covered in who-knows-what — my shoes, the wall, even the bathroom weren’t spared. How I’d gotten back through Venice’s maze was a mystery; I still suspect someone slipped something into my cup. After that, I stopped treating drinking like a dare and started treating it like a choice: I sip more slowly, keep my drink in sight and save the full-on partying for when I’m with people I truly trust. The result? I still have fun but I sleep easier.
13 | Don't Stay Out Too Late, Especially Alone
When the streets grow quieter at night, it’s kinder to stick to company rather than solo wandering — especially in neighborhoods known for trouble. If you can’t avoid it, invite a trusted friend to see you home or carry a small, legal means of protection. Above all, trust your instincts: stay alert and move toward well-lit, populated spots. If someone gives you bad vibes, pause and strike up a friendly conversation with a passerby or slip into a nearby café or bar until you feel safe again.
