Before setting off, I make sure to learn as much as I can about my destination. After all, knowledge is power – and it can prevent unnecessary faux pas like attempting to high-five a monk.

Keeping someone back home informed of my travel plans, including my itinerary and contact details, is essential. Regularly checking in with them not only eases their worries but also gives me someone to brag to about my adventures.

Check out my Travel Resources Page for various tools to help you stay in touch, and you may find my post Best Location-Sharing Apps: Pros and Cons useful.

If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Trusting my gut instincts and removing myself from uncomfortable situations has saved me more than once. My gut also helps me find the best local food – it’s a versatile tool.

I always carry a copy of my passport, some cash, a credit card, and important contact info in a secure but separate spot—because losing everything in one go just feels a bit too efficient, even for me.

Oh, and speaking of smart travel hacks—I’ve partnered with Temu (think: the Chinese version of Amazon, but often 50% cheaper). I swear, about 80% of my travel gadgets come from there. 1000s real reviews, absurd prices, and first-time users get £100 worth of coupons with my link.

👉 Check out my shop page for curated gear that won’t bankrupt your travel budget (or explode in your luggage).

Avoiding the “tourist” look is key. Dressing appropriately and not flashing expensive items helps me blend in and avoid becoming a target for scams or theft. The goal is to look as uninteresting as possible – something I’ve been perfecting for years.

Let Me Share a Secret…

Choosing the right place to stay isn’t just important—it’s mission critical. I read reviews with the laser-focus of a detective chasing a high-profile lead, comb over maps like an old-world cartographer, and double-check the area to ensure it doesn’t give off Hitchcockian vibes.

Yes, I’ve had my fair share of 2 a.m. regrets in dodgy hostels—complete with cold showers, questionable stains, and the soundtrack of someone snoring like a broken lawnmower. So, trust me when I say: sometimes it’s worth spending a little more for peace of mind, a working lock, and a hot shower.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with more travel booking sites than I care to admit. Some helped. Others… well, let’s just say they tested the limits of my British patience. But through all the wins and misadventures, a few platforms have proven themselves time and again—for saving time, money, and most importantly, my sanity.

Here are the ones I now swear by:

✈️ Flights

• Booking.com – Yes, they do flights too, and often at surprisingly good rates.

• Trip.com – Great for international flights, especially across Asia.

• Kiwi.com – For clever route combinations and budget flights you never knew existed.

🛏️ Accommodation

• Booking.com – Reliable, with loads of filters to find exactly what I want.

• Hostelworld – When I want to socialise a bit more… but not too much.

• VRBO – Like Airbnb’s calmer cousin, usually with better prices and less drama.

These are my go-to tools, not just because they work—but because they’ve helped me avoid sleepless nights, airport chaos, and more than a few “what was I thinking?” moments. If you’re looking to streamline your own trip planning, they’re a solid place to start.

Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can go a long way. It shows respect and can help navigate situations more easily. Plus, it’s always amusing to see the locals’ reactions to my terrible pronunciation.

While it’s tempting to indulge, especially in new places, keeping my wits about me is crucial. Being overly intoxicated can make me vulnerable and less aware of my surroundings – and nobody wants to wake up with a mysterious new tattoo.

I always have digital backups of important documents like my passport, travel insurance, and visas. Storing these in a secure cloud service means I can access them if needed – assuming I remember my passwords.

Planning for the unexpected is crucial. Knowing what to do in case of emergencies, whether it’s losing my passport, missing a flight, or needing medical attention, can reduce stress in critical situations. Plus, it gives me something to worry about in advance.

Though an introverted chap, I do make a valiant effort to strike up conversations with locals and fellow travellers. They often offer great insights, and some of the best experiences and advice come from these interactions. Besides, talking to myself gets old after a while.

While it’s good to have a plan, I always allow room for spontaneity. Some of the best travel experiences happen when least expected. Being open to changing plans if something exciting comes up is part of the adventure – even if it means missing a meticulously planned museum visit.

Let’s be honest, the Mona Lisa will still be smirking tomorrow, but that impromptu street festival might just be a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. Embrace the unexpected; your itinerary won’t mind.

Travel insurance is an absolute must. Think of it as a safety net for all the thrilling misadventures you might encounter.

I also carry any necessary medications and have a basic understanding of the local healthcare options – because nothing says “memorable trip” like trying to explain food poisoning symptoms in a language you barely speak.

Staying healthy is crucial for enjoying the journey and avoiding those dodgy street food stands that look like they might offer more than just a culinary experience.

Remember, there’s a fine line between adventurous eating and becoming an impromptu case study for the local clinic.

Check out my Travel Resources Page for Insurance options.

Respecting local customs and traditions is always a priority. This includes dressing appropriately, behaving respectfully in sacred places, and understanding local etiquette. It’s amazing how far a bit of respect can go – especially when it helps you avoid becoming the unwitting star of a local’s “tourist horror stories” blog.

Besides, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of realising your outfit was more scandalous than you thought, or that your friendly gesture was actually an ancient insult. A little respect not only earns you goodwill but also keeps you from being the talk of the town – for all the wrong reasons.

Solo travel is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about myself. I embrace the solitude, enjoy my own company, and take time to reflect on my experiences. After all, who better to keep me entertained than myself?

There’s a certain charm in laughing at my own jokes, having deep conversations with my inner monologue, and realising that, yes, I am indeed my own favourite travel companion. Plus, there’s no one around to judge when I decide to have gelato for breakfast.