Solo travel can seem overwhelming if you've never travel on your own before. But people who have done it often describe their solo trip as fun, challenging, vivid, and exhilarating. Solo travel gives you the freedom and flexibility to do everything at your own preference, go where you want to go, meet up with locals, experience their culture and indulge yourself totally in the serenity of your surrounding. So if you plan on taking your solo trip, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your solo traveling experience.

1. Research

Research and gather as much information as you can about the places you intend to visit. Plan your destinations, accommodation and transportation up front; use a good travel guide book, resources on the internet, and web forums where you can ask other traveler for tips from their own experiences in your destination. Study the history of the region, the customs and cultures of its local people. You should also be aware of the various travel advisories from various Governments. World Nomads have a useful travel advice page which lists all the at risk countries.

2. Pack Light

Pack as light as possible because you will have to carry everything by yourself. The less you pack the more independent you can be. Take only what you need and limit yourself to what you can easily handle, such as a roller suitcase, backpack and money belt. Also secure your travel documents and keep them in order. Safe guard your money, keep it in a secure and hidden waist-pouch.

3. Safety First

Safety for the solo traveler is an important issue, especially for women. Always keep safety in mind, no matter where you dine or travel. Some countries are safer than others, when it comes to petty crime, but solo travelers should always be careful, since they don’t have the extra eyes and ears of a travel companion. Be diligent when choosing your stays and hotels. Inquire about the hotel safety and check for an easy and reliable transportation. Once you enter your room, check whether all doors and windows have working locks. Don’t open the door without peeking out of the keyhole. Wear your money belt when you sleep if you sleep in hostels.

Keep an eye on your belongings at all times; do not leave your luggage unattended and do not have your wallet in a prominent place where it could be snatched. Baggage locks are a good idea on bus, boat or train, and it is best not to reveal valuable items while traveling.  For personal safety, don't wait for the bus late at night in desolate areas, and use all your common sense about personal safety. Don’t become paranoid about the situation, but do be alert.

4. Inform Others about Your Whereabouts

Send regular email to friends/family letting them know where you are or keeping a blog and letting everyone know where you are. Keep a mobile phone with you, along with the phone numbers of local police-stations, hospitals, railway and bus services and your embassy. Staying in touch with family and friends while on the road is so simple with our current technologies these days.  

5. Be Open and Friendly, But Also Be Cautious

Traveling solo doesn’t necessary mean you’ll have to be lonely. Making friends when you are traveling alone is much easier than you think. You just need to be more open, friendly and willing talk to other travelers and locals.  Traveling alone is be best way to meet people from all over the world as well as interact with the locals to understand their culture with more in-depth. While being pleasant makes for new friends, don't hesitate to offend anyone if you think your safety is being or may be compromised. You might also want to dress decently and appropriately, in order to be sensitive to local customs and culture.

6. Enjoy Your Meals

Eating alone is perhaps the most unpleasant aspect of traveling solo. But solo dining isn’t so bad, it is really just a matter of changing your mindset--and enjoying your meal. Here are some tips to help you out:

• If you are reluctant to go into a restaurant at the usual dinner time, try going in earlier to avoid crowds.
• Try dining in bistros, cafes, small restaurants, quiet bars and more importantly where other people are dining alone.
• Choose a counter seat or a seat at the bar
• Chat with the service people. Waiters, waitresses and bartenders are great sources to find out some interesting places that might be known only to the locals.
• Read a book, it gives you something to do while dining solo. Most people just assumes you are traveling on business and no-one takes any notice when you are dining alone while reading a book.

Dining alone may well be one the most awkward times of solo travel but like anything the more you do it the more you get used to it.

7. Keep A Journal

Write your traveling experience in your journal daily. Updating your journal regularly may takes some discipline, but writing daily will also fill some time when you are en route to a new location or are by yourself. It will also serve as a future reference for place names and sights after you return home and are relating your experiences to others.

Traveling is fun and a growing experience but traveling solo is more exciting as you discover your self and the world. You might make some mistakes, but stay positive and be open-minded, enjoy every new experience, and think about the stories you can tell your friends and family when you return home. Have a wonderful solo trip!