Let me be honest with you: safety is the number one concern I hear from women who are thinking about their first solo trip.

And I get it. The world can feel like a big, uncertain place, especially when you're navigating it alone for the first time.

But here's what I've learned after years of solo travel: most of the fear comes from the unknown. Once you have a plan, the right information, and a few solid habits, solo travel starts to feel a lot less intimidating and a lot more like the adventure it's supposed to be.

These are the tips that have actually made a difference for me.

Do your research before you go

This sounds obvious, but it's worth saying: knowing your destination before you arrive makes everything easier.

I'm not talking about memorizing a guidebook. I mean understanding the basics -- which neighborhoods are considered safe, how locals typically dress, what the local customs are around solo women travelers, and what the transportation options look like.

A few hours of research before your trip can save you a lot of confusion and uncertainty once you're there.

I also recommend checking the U.S. Department of State travel advisories for your destination, not because they'll necessarily change your plans, but because they give you useful context about what to be aware of.

Share your itinerary with someone you trust

Before every trip, I send my itinerary to at least one person at home -- hotel names, addresses, flight details, and a rough sense of my plans each day.

This isn't about being overly cautious. It's just a smart habit. If something unexpected happens, someone knows where you're supposed to be.

I also check in regularly when I'm traveling solo. A quick message to let someone know I've arrived somewhere safely takes about ten seconds and gives both of us peace of mind.

Trust your instincts

This is probably the most important thing on this list.

If something feels off -- a situation, a person, a place -- trust that feeling. You don't owe anyone an explanation for leaving a conversation, crossing the street, or choosing a different route.

Your instincts exist for a reason. Use them.

I've walked away from situations that turned out to be completely fine, and I've never once regretted it. The cost of being wrong is nothing. The cost of ignoring a bad feeling can be much higher.

Stay aware of your surroundings

One of the easiest ways to make yourself a less appealing target for petty theft or scams is simply to look like you know what you're doing.

Walk with purpose. Keep your phone in your pocket when you're not using it. Be aware of who's around you, especially in crowded areas like markets, transit stations, and tourist sites.

This doesn't mean being paranoid. It means being present.

Keep copies of your important documents

Before I leave for any trip, I photograph my passport, travel insurance card, and any other important documents and save them somewhere I can access offline.

I also email copies to myself and to someone at home.

If your bag gets stolen or your passport goes missing, having digital copies makes the process of replacing them significantly easier.

Get travel insurance

I cannot stress this enough: get travel insurance.

I know it feels like an extra expense, especially when you're already spending money on flights and hotels. But travel insurance exists for the moments when things go wrong -- a medical emergency, a cancelled flight, a lost bag, a situation that requires you to come home early.

The cost of a good travel insurance policy is almost always much less than the cost of dealing with an unexpected problem without one.

As a travel advisor, I can help you find the right coverage for your trip. It's one of those details that's easy to overlook and really worth getting right.

Choose your accommodations thoughtfully

Where you stay matters, especially when you're traveling solo.

I look for accommodations that are well-reviewed by other solo travelers, located in safe and accessible neighborhoods, and have responsive staff or 24-hour front desks.

Hostels with good reputations can be great for solo travelers who want to meet people. Boutique hotels and guesthouses often offer a more personal experience. The right choice depends on your travel style and destination.

This is another area where working with a travel advisor can make a real difference. I know which properties are genuinely solo-traveler-friendly and which ones just say they are.

Learn a few words in the local language

You don't need to be fluent. But knowing how to say hello, thank you, excuse me, and I need help in the local language goes a long way.

It shows respect for the culture you're visiting, and it can open doors that might otherwise stay closed. People respond differently when you make even a small effort to meet them in their language.

Connect with other travelers

Solo travel doesn't have to mean being alone the entire time.

Some of my favorite travel memories involve people I met along the way -- other travelers at a hostel, locals who offered to show me around, couples I ended up having dinner with after a chance conversation.

Traveling solo gives you a kind of openness that's harder to maintain when you're with a group. You're more likely to strike up a conversation, accept an invitation, or say yes to something unexpected.

That's one of the things I love most about it.

You don't have to figure it all out yourself

Here's the thing about solo travel: it doesn't mean doing everything alone.

A travel advisor can handle the logistics -- where to stay, how to get around, which activities are worth booking in advance, what to watch out for in a particular destination -- so you can focus on the experience itself.

I've helped a lot of women plan their first solo trips, and one of the most common things I hear afterward is that having a solid plan made them feel so much more confident once they were actually there.

The freedom of solo travel is real. So is the value of having someone in your corner who knows the destination and wants your trip to go well.

If you're thinking about your first solo trip and you're not sure where to start, I'd love to help.

-- Wendy
Curious Paths Travel