A Nurse's Travel First-Aid Kit

Okay, you have done everything you can to not get sick abroad, you’ve even taken all the natural supplements and preventative measures you can, but let’s face it - you’re jetlagged, walking more than ever, experimenting with new foods, and overall being exposed to a new environment and all that comes with it. 

Things can and occasionally do go wrong on any trip, so it’s best to be prepared in the event it does. Although all trips are different and may require special precautions (climate, destination, activities, length of trip, personal health needs), a well-prepared first-aid kit is crucial to have abroad, especially if you are backpacking or are an active traveler. 

As a nurse I travel with an All-Purpose First Aid Kit , which covers a lot you will see below, plus items directed towards healthcare professionals like a sewing kit and CPR face mask. However, I prefer to customize and pick a few more items. Please remember these are general tips only. While they are written by a qualified nurse, this should not be considered as a replacement consultation with your travel health nurse or physician. Do not introduce any new medications or supplements without speaking to a qualified healthcare professional, especially if you are pregnant or have pre-existing conditions. discuss any changes, new practices, and individual health concerns based on your personal history with a qualified medical professional before your trip. 

LOVE this Awesome Humans tee from Figs!

what to pack

Small Tweezers/Nail Clippers for splinters, ingrown nails, or general practical use. Small scissors are also very helpful but these usually won’t make it in a carry-on. 

Bandages or Band-aids for minor cuts and injuries. Make sure there are a variety of sizes to keep yourself covered. Most pre-made first-aid kits will come with enough of these to cover a life-time of scrapes, so I remove and rearrange some of these to fit everything else. 

Gauze to clean, apply pressure, stop bleeding, or dress any wounds. Opt for individually wrapped sterile squares to keep things simple and sterile. 

Anti-Septic Wipes to make sure small scrapes or wounds do not get infected. 

Surgical tape is an essential part of the kit that can be used for emergency situations when you need to secure gauze. For some reason I always find random uses for this too like patching up a mosquito net.

ACE Bandage for just in case emergencies like keeping dressings in place or a makeshift sling until you can get professional medical attention. You will only need one or two of these, again usually just for more serious scenarios. 

Anti-Septic Cream like Neosporin for potential cuts/scrapes again to prevent infection. 

Blister Bandages Those shoes you packed you thought were comfortable have now dug into multiple please in your feet? These can be real game changers especially when walking miles and miles traveling.

Digital Thermometer this can be the deciding factor in whether or not to seek further medical attention. In the medical world we consider a fever as an oral temperature of 100 F (37.8 C) or higher. (Mayo Clinic)

Medication for Pre-existing Conditions should be stocked in the first-aid kit. Again, be sure to meet with your primary care doctor before the trip to get all prescriptions and discuss further travel precautions and vaccinations. 

Benadryl or another antihistamine with Diphenhydramine. You never know with new foods or environment if you will have an allergic reaction. 

Pain Reliever like Tylenol, Advil, ibuprofen or whatever pain reliever works best for you.

Pepto-Bismol- for heartburn, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea. 

(Immodium/loperamide) for emergency moments of diarrhea. In most cases related to food bacteria, you unfortunately need to let it run it’s course to flush the bacteria out. However this is handy in times you need to get on a flight or bus. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids! 

Dramamine for unexpected motion sickness on plane, boat, train. 

Throat Lozenges for soothing the throat. I love Thayers and keep this handy pack next to me at all times on the plane when you are drone to drying out!

Bug Spray mosquitos can transmit a number of diseases including yellow fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, malaria, and chikungunya- on top of annoying itchy bites. Talk to your doctor about what precautions you may need depending where you are going. 

Anti-histamine cream to decrease itching and swelling from bites. Go for benadryl gel, cortisone cream, or you can usually find a natural one at a health food store.

Sunscreen to avoid sunburn, heatstroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration. 

Other Pro Tips

+Leave a list of any allergies, medical history, current medications, and prescriptions on you in case you need it or get questioned.

+Make a copy and screenshot your travelers insurance. Most have 24/7 services you can call to discuss symptoms with a healthcare professional to advise you on further action. 

+Keep generic medication in it’s original packaging in case customs officials need to check it. 

+I always keep an extra set of some items on me at all times like advil, sunscreen, blister band-aids, and benedryl- in the event you need anything while you’re about and about for the day. 

Once your kit is packed, put it at the bottom of you bag and forget it’s there! You probably won’t have to touch most items in your first-aid kit (I hope you never have to touch any), but it’s best to be safe and prepared for yourself and your travel buddies. For more, check out the full recommended list of supplies from the CDC.

What do you pack in your first-aid kit?  I am always looking for other tips to make travel smooter, especially in the health/safety department! Please comment below or share with me on social media. Here’s to happy, healthy and safe travels - Bon Voyage! 

Sources 

Center for Disease Control 

Diemert, David (2006). Prevention and Self-Treatment of Traveler's Diarrhea. Clinical Microbiolgy Review. 19(3): 583–594. doi: 10.1128/CMR.00052-05.

Mayo Clinic

How To Not Get Sick Abroad

Whether you are traveling for a few days

or few months…

dealing with illness abroad can put a real damper on plans. Although I have stayed clear of any serious illness abroad, (somehow, knock on wood…), I have witnessed travelers deal with everything from broken bones to kidney infections, and even dengue fever. There’s also the glamorous traveler’s diarrhea, the most common travel-related illness which affects up to 69% of travelers (Vilkman, 2016). Take my word here, I have seen clinics and hospitals throughout Thailand, Vietnam and India. I promise you aren’t missing out by avoiding these.

I am definitely not here to scare you, chances are you will be totally fine but let’s face it- things can and occasionally do go wrong on any trip. It’s best to be prepared in case it does so take it from a nurse:above all we want to prevent illness from happening, but be prepared in case it does. 

Please remember these are general tips only. While they are written by a qualified nurse, they are no replacement for a consultation with your travel health nurse or physician. Do not introduce any new medications or supplements without speaking to a qualified healthcare professional, especially if you are pregnant or have pre-existing conditions.

Although all trips are different and may require special precautions (climate, destination, personal health needs), you need to cover your health bases for any trip. To decrease your chances of dealing with any illness and have more peace of mind abroad, here is what you should be considering.

Before Your Leave

Two Months Before you Go

• Schedule a visit with your primary care doctor for a travel focused appointment. CVS and Target Clinics can also provide a specialized travel visit and give most vaccinations if you do not have primary care. Cover vaccine bases, stock up on any home meds, and discuss standby meds such as antibiotics if you are prone to infections like UTIs/GI issues, or acyclovir for cold sores.

• Prepare for this appointment but checking the CDC and WHO to make sure you are up-to-date on immunizations and any other precautions (i.e. malaria or mosquito-born virus precautions). Some vaccinations need to be timed apart and some take a few weeks to build up immunity, so get on the ball here! 

• Check with your insurance company about what will be covered abroad and how billing works. No matter what, I highly suggest getting additional traveler's insurance.

• Start planning some extra cash into your budget specifically for unexpected illness/injury, just in case.

One Week Before You Go

• Start prioritizing your health and get your body ready for a long flight. Start getting adequate sleep and drink plenty of fluids. Don’t save packing and planning details until the last minute, you don’t want to be a stress ball before the trip!

• Stock up on your first-aid kit and any supplements you may want to bring. 

• Start taking any supplements you didn’t take before NOW to make sure your body reacts okay. Again, do not introduce any new medications or supplements without speaking to a qualified healthcare professional.

Night Before the Flight

Vacation starting? Time to celebrate! Before you open that bottle of wine, think ahead before hitting the bars. A hangover on a long flight is not only going to be a miserable way to start your trip, but it will further disrupt your sleep and lower your immune system.

On the Flight

• Sanitize your space. Statistics on how often your tray table is wiped down are terrifying. Pack some anti-bacterial wipes are wipe down the tray and armrests.

• I also like to bring along a nice hand sanitizer. I love this Dr. Bronners Natural Hand Sanitizer spray because it is gentle and has a soothing lavender scent that is relaxing for the plane.

• HYDRATE. HYDRATE. HYDRATE. Low cabin humidity and high altitudes not only dry you out, cause fatigue, and increase jetlag, but can lower your resistance to germs. 

• Schedule sleep to get on your destination’s time zone, rink plenty of water, and check out other ways to prevent jet lag.

• What’s cuter, compression socks or feet so swollen you can’t fit them in your sandals? Rock those sexy compression socks- they improve circulation and decrease swelling during a long flight. Of course get mine from Figs! 

You Made it! Things to Consider Now:

Wash Your Hands. Whenever you can. I don’t need to elaborate here, just do it. 

Be Smart About What You Eat

• E. coli, Shigella, Salmonella, Giardia…mmm no thanks. Undercooked meat and fish are the culprits here so avoid them if you can, unless from a reputable source.

• If water is of questionable quality where you are going, avoid fresh fruits and vegetables. I have seen a few people get really sick this way. It’s not the foods themselves, but the unsanitary water they were washed with. Instead go for cooked vegetables and fruit in peels like bananas, oranges, and avocados. 

• I’m not going to say I haven’t had some questionable street food in my day and have been totally fine. You can find some of the most authentic and tasty options in the streets, just proceed with caution. Look for general hygiene practices among the cooks and where the raw food is stored. Go with your gut - you are the only true judge of your stomach’s tolerance.

Be Smart About What You Drink 

• Try to drink only bottled water, canned, or sparkling options. Even if the locals drink the tap, as a foreigner you may not have the right gut bacteria to protect you. BYOWB (bring your own water bottle) or consider a bottle with a built-in filter to prevent water bottle waste. 

• Fill that bottle or grab an extra one or two in the airport before venturing out- just in case your destination doesn’t have bottled water readily available.

• Be conscious not just of drinking water, but also the water you shower and brush your teeth with. Try not to ingest too much water and brush teeth with sanitary, bottled water if your destination’s water is unsanitary.

• Take caution of drinks that have ice cubes in them- remember these can be unsanitary as well.

• Hot coffee and tea should be fine because boiling kills off the bacteria you are worried about, but make sure that tea is hot and not lukewarm.

Consider your Caffeine: 

Do you rely on your venti Starbucks once or twice a day? Your religious caffeine may not be as readily available abroad. To avoid a caffeine withdrawal headache, grab some to-go packs you can add to hot water. These may also be helpful to fight that jetlag.

Stay Active 

No, you don’t need to go find a gym where you are going, but opt for walking, biking, hiking and trekking when possible! Staying active strengthens your immune system to help fight any potential infections, especially when your normal routine is changed, it’s even more vital. 

Prepare for Quality Sleep 

• Sleep conditions may not always be as expected, so be prepared. Bring layers of clothes you may need depending on temperature. Look ahead to make sure your accommodations have A/C, fans, or heat. 

• Bring a sleep mask and ear plugs. You may not know what prepare for- in a big city you may need to sleep through ambulances and partying all night. In rural areas you may have constant noise of animals outside.

Scare Away Bugs

Oh mosquitos. Besides the annoying and itchy bites, these guys can transmit a number of diseases including yellow fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, malaria, and chikungunya. Use preventative measures like wearing long layers, using mosquito spray, sleeping under a mosquito net, and taking malaria pills if necessary and advised by your doctor in your area of travel. 

Beat the Sun

Besides sunburn, not handling the sun can lead to heatstroke, heat exhaustion or dehydration. Put on the SPF, cover up, and stay hydrated.

Remember that these are general health tips only. While they are written by a qualified nurse, they are no replacement for a consultation with your travel health nurse or physician. Be sure to discuss individual health concerns based on your personal history with a qualified medical professional before your trip. 

For more information visit the World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control travel page. 

What are your tips and tricks. to prevent illness abroad? I would love to hear! Leave a comment below or find me on social media.

XO,

Jac

Sources:

Center for Disease Control 

Krzysztof Korzeniewski (2017). Travel Health Prevention. International Maritime Health, 68(4), 238-244. doi: 10.5603/IMH.2017.0042

Vilkman,  Katri (2016) Travelers’ health problems and behavior: prospective study with post-travel follow-up, BMC Infectious DiseasesBMC, (16)328.doi.org/10.1186/s12879-016-1682-0

World Health Organization

How to Pack Like a Minimalist

I Promise it Can Be Done,

HERE’S HOW:

Ever come home from a trip to unpack nearly half of your belongings you didn’t touch? All of those cute dresses wrinkled and extra shoes crammed at the bottom of your luggage?

We have all been there. On my first trip abroad to Italy, I remember packing tons of different outfits with shoes, jewelry, and bags to match. I even had three different bathing suits for the three separate days I would be at the beach, and hiking boots just in case I decided to hike the Cinque Terre trail! I quickly realized I didn’t need HALF the things I packed, and that on my next trip I would not be caught lugging anything through airports, onto trains, or up cobblestone paths that I did not need. 

That next year on a backpacking trip through Nicaragua, packing minimally was not just necessary, but something I totally embraced. Everything in my backpacked served a purpose and I felt free from the material items that were taking up space in my bag, and space in my life. That trip changed the way I looked at all material things, and led me to embrace a more minimal life at home and especially traveling abroad. 

The backpack I used for years! This bag got me through two weeks in Nicaragua, three weeks in Thailand, and Vietnam.

Whether your are going for a few days or few months, packing minimally has some major benefits besides having to deal with the hassle of checking bags and lugging them around. You already have a million things crossing your mind abroad… when the train departs, where to go to dinner, how to get to that museum. By keeping your bag simple, you eliminate one less thing to worry about. Overall, less stuff means less stress.

Your travels are about enjoying your experiences and seeing new places, so stop rummaging through your bag. Go see that place and go do that thing!  

only a carry on- this bag has got me through a month in Europe, a month in India, and a month in Asia. YES a month’s worth in a carry on.

To save your arms and keep your travel simple, here are my favorite packing tips: 

THINK LIKE A MINIMALIST

First off, as mentioned, you need to change your mindset. The more you let go of your attachment to material possessions, the more space you will create to make memories and experience new things. No one will notice (or care) if you re-wear an outfit, so be realistic about what you need. Each item you pack should have a purpose and you should LOVE that item! If you are looking for more motivation on going minimal, watch this documentary from The Minimalists, or check out their blog or podcast.

Yes, these are the only pieces of clothing i used for a whole month in asia!

ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE 

Use small bags and containers to keep everything organized and fit. Each compartment within the luggage should be like opening a drawer- one for clothes, one for toiletries, electronics, first-aid, etc. 

GET STRATEGIC

Now think of your bag like puzzle. Try to avoid any “dead” space by rolling clothes (this also reduces their chance of getting wrinkled), folding socks and underwear in shoes/purses, and using compression cubes.  There are plenty of hacks on youtube for packing a suitcase, including my favorite way to pack a hat. You may need to play around and rearrange to find the perfect fit. 

it’s like a puzzle! find small spaces to fit items perfectly

compression bags for clothing

you may need to rearrange a few times to find the perfect fit!

CHECK THE WEATHER BEFORE YOU GO

Is it going to be rainy season when you go to Thailand? Winter in New Zealand? Look ahead for the general weather conditions and pack accordingly. Do not prepare for the crazy weather situation that could happen. That’s right you heard me, do not prepare for unexpected weather, as in don’t pack snow boots or a heavy jacket for that 1% chance it snows in southern Italy in August. If it does happen, you can buy weather related emergency gear when you get there- along with everyone else.

STICK TO A COLOR PALETTE 

By staying in a color theme, you can mix & match, layer, and get creative with top/bottom combinations. When I travel, I like to keep things solid in color, neutral, and of earthy tones so I can easily coordinate different outfit options. For example, pack a maxi skirt that matches all tops your bring, and pick tops that can match to multiple bottoms.  Before packing each item, ask yourself if you have a more versatile version.

here i stuck with a black and tan color scheme!

PICK THE RIGHT FABRICS

The last thing you want to do on your trip is waste time ironing or steaming clothes, so they will most likely take residence at the bottom of your bag the whole trip. Pick lightweight garments that don’t wrinkle like cotton and linen, which are also easy to wash and hang dry. This leads me to my next point…

DO LAUNDRY

No matter the length of the trip, try to pack for seven days and wash clothes along the way as needed. Hotels can usually wash clothes for a small fee, find a local laundromat, or wash items yourself in the sink using a wash bag, detergent and hang them dry. 

LIMIT SHOES

This will save you the most room so choose shoes that are comfortable, versatile, and lightweight. I like one pair of sneakers for the plane and for long walking days, one pair of walking sandals, and another pair I can dress up like black sandals, slides, flats, or bootie. Depending on the trip, I rarely pack heels or wedges, save your feet and the room in your bag!

shoes are lightweight, versatile, and able to dress up/down if needed!

CHOOSE ACCESSORIES WISELY

You will most likely end up wearing the same pair of earrings and using the same purse 95% of the time, so do not bring different accessories for every outfit. You also don’t want to worry about losing an expensive or sentimental piece of jewelry or hand bag! Go for one watch (so you are not always checking your phone for time), one pair of sunglasses, one hat, and one or two fun items like funky earrings or a neck scarf to dress outfits up. I always include one scarf that serves as a great makeshift pillow on the plane or shawl for visiting churches or temples. Stick with two purses- one larger tote or backpack for personal items, and one smaller crossbody bag for out and about. 

SIMPLIFY YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE

First, decided if you can temporarily cut any non-essential beauty practices. Do you need to bring all eight steps of your skincare routine? Can you maybe embrace your natural hair and leave bulky hair dryers and irons at home? If that is out of the questions, check ahead if your hotels/airbnb/hostel provides a hair dryer, or see if a friend has a travel sized one. I am currently obsessed with this cordless and tiny travel straightener that I also use to curl to get the job done! Keep makeup minimal by only bringing one of each product- one foundation, one bronzer, one blush, one mascara, etc. Of course, everything- toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and face wash should be travel sized. I like to refill my own products in clear containers, just remember to keep it under 3.4oz!

travel sizes for the win!

USE PRODUCTS THAT DOUBLE DIP

I love getting creative and finding products that double up for other uses- like my scarf that works as a neck pillow, shawl, or blanket. My other go-to’s include coconut oil that can be used as a moisturizer, eye make up remover, and shaving cream. Dr Bronners soap can be used as a facial and body cleanser, shampoo, laundry detergent, and more! I am currently obsessed with Honest Beauty’s magic balm to tame my brows, and also as a highlighter and moisturizing lip balm. A small microfibre towel can be a face towel, back up towel, and used to dry hair or clothing.

Other Pro Tips: 

• Before packing each item ask yourself: is this comfortable? Does it have a purpose? Do I have a more versatile option? Do I LOVE this item? If not, keep it at home. 

• Layer and wear bulky or hard to pack items like sweaters, jackets, or your hat on the plane. 

• Consider packing a compact bag or foldable tote in your suitcase to use for things you buy on your travels (if you plan on it). You can check your suitcase on the way home, and use the duffle as your carry on. 

• Download audio books (I love audible) onto your phone instead of bringing bulky books. 

• Downsize your wallet before you leave. Bring only ID’s and cards that you NEED, and leave old crinkled receipts and your Crate & Barrel gift card at home. 

• At the least, remember leaving extra stuff at home gives you space to purchase that hand-knit scarf or piece of art that steals your eye on your trip! 

Do you have any other tips on packing minimally? I am always looking for other tips and hacks to make travel easier! Please comment below or share with me on social media. Bon Voyage! 

Why Travel Solo

Why I Travel Alone

and why YOU can too.

Do you find yourself lost in your thoughts of wandering streets in a foreign city? Constantly checking prices on flights to basically anywhere? Waiting for the right time when you’ve “saved” enough money, or when your schedule aligns with your friends or family so you can FINALLY start your globe-trotting dreams? Believe me, I can relate.

I was that kid in college with a world map posted on my dorm room wall, pins in all the countries I would one day explore. I had never stepped foot out of North America, but was consumed with wanderlust, constantly daydreaming about traveling new places and experiencing new cultures. A year after graduating college, I finally had the time and saved enough cash to take my first international trip to Italy with my sister. As we walked through the streets of Milan, we turned a corner and found ourselves in front of the Milan Cathedral “Duomo di Milano”, and I was left speechless. It was an out of body experience I had never really felt before, and in that moment I had truly grasped what catching the “travel bug” meant.

The travel bug bit me hard, real hard. From then on, all I wanted to know was how the heck I could keep doing this and where I was going to go next?

Later that year, my boyfriend at the time and I went backpacking through Nicaragua and planned another domestic hiking trip. Cue the tears, we broke up a few weeks before (wah wah). As the trip approached I sat there pouting- instead of being surrounded with nature trekking in the mountains, I’m sitting in my apartment, alone. F*CK THIS. I grabbed my laptop, found a hostel with good reviews in Chattanooga, Tennessee and booked an overnight Megabus trip for $7 that night. I was done waiting around for someone to have adventures with, I realized I was all I needed.

Looking back, maybe I took that first solo trip to escape and not deal with the emotions of a breakup. Maybe I was trying to prove something to him, myself, or everyone else I was “capable”. Whatever the reason was, that first solo trip changed my life (sounds silly, but listen in). I picked everything- where I stayed, what I did, when I ate, when I slept- completely free of anyone else’s biases.

I also found out all of my previous assumptions about traveling alone could not have been more wrong. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, alone, or bored, I felt completely free, empowered, and ready to take on the world. Over the next five years I continued traveling solo through Montana, Glacier National Park, Oregon, Spain, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, South Korea, China, and India - and haven’t looked back since.

There are not many things as transformative and liberating as embarking on your own solo adventure. Here’s why:

FREEDOM

Want to see the sunrise over the ocean? Get up. Want to sleep in until noon? Sleep. Want to hike that mountain? Get moving. Want to sit at the bottom and read a book? Take a seat. Want to leave a city and move on? Go. Love where you are and want to stay another day? Stay. (“Okay, we get it”). You are free of what you want to do, when you want to do it. There are few better opportunities to learn exactly what YOU decide.

PERSONAL GROWTH

Catching trains, buses, carrying all of your belongings, currency, and a language barrier can all be very intimidating. Problem solving and figuring out the bumps on the way (they will happen, I promise) is totally empowering and will give you growth unlike any before. To limit these bumps and be fully prepared, here’s your Guide to Solo Travel.

PERSPECTIVE

New customs, food, culture, traditions. You will come back not just with amazing stories, but a better understanding of yourself and the world around you. On my most recent trip to India, witnessing the incredible happiness and community despite impoverished conditions, humbled and challenged me more than I have ever experienced. You are constantly changing your outlook abroad, hopefully bringing this shift with you in everyday life back home.

CONFIDENCE

Let’s face it, overall solo travel makes you pretty badass. After I came home from my first backpacking trip through Asia I thought, “If I can motorbike through Myanmar and figure it out, I can pretty much do anything”. That high you get from traveling solo carries to other parts of your life too. Maybe now you have the self-assurance to pursue dreams you thought before were out of reach or the courage to cut out what is no longer serving you.

TRAVELING ALONE ISN’T REALLY TRAVELING ALONE

Newsflash: you are much more approachable when you are alone. By staying open and talking to others, staying in hostels, or signing up for group tours, I promise you will meet plenty of solo travelers just like yourself. I have met some of the most amazing humans and lifelong friends from traveling, and now have a comfy place to stay with friends all over the world.

Maybe this article was just the nudge you needed to finally book that trip. I look forward to sharing more on mindful, affordable, and healthy travel here on this blog!

Have you traveled solo? I would love to hear about your experience and any advice you have. What are your favorite solo travel tips and tricks? Please comment below or share with me on social media.

XO,

Jac

Female Solo Travel Guide

Your Complete Guide

To Solo Travel

Maybe after reading Why I Travel Solo, you’re thinking, “I think I can do this...maybe...but HOW”? With five years and over twenty countries traveled around the world, I have collected all of my best tips and tricks to answer your questions:

WHERE DO I START ?

• Well...where do you want to go? If your heart is calling you to a foreign land, by all means GO! But, if you are feeling a little nervous, start small- within your country or one that speaks the same language. For example if you live in the USA/Canada, start domestic or with Ireland, England, or Australia.
  

• If you still don’t have a great starting point, head to Skyscanner where you can choose your travel dates and see the cheapest flight by searching destination “Everywhere”. This is also a great resource if you are traveling on a tight budget.
  

• Although I have never done one, I have heard great things about Solo Group Travel Tours where although you are technically heading out on your own, you travel with a group the whole time. Or, you can plan to do a hybrid of these options.

• Consider the weather when and where you are going. Be aware of natural disasters, rainy season, or scorching hot temps before you book!
  

• Once you pick dates and location, look up if your destination country requires a visa. Most just require online paperwork, a small fee, and a few weeks of processing if you do need one. Make sure you do this with enough time and don’t fall for scam visa sites- go through the country’s government site (look for .gov)

• Overall, half of being a good traveler is just being a good and thorough googler ahead of time.

WHERE DO I STAY?

• Hostels, hostels, hostels. Did I say hostels? Hostels are the BEST way to meet interesting and adventurous solo travelers like yourself. They offer the best knowledge of the area and most can set you up with tours and transportation. Depending on your budget, you can choose a dorm (I prefer female dorms) or room all to yourself.
  

• READ REVIEWS to get what you want. Some hostels are geared more to the young, partying backpackers while some appeal more to families.
  

• No matter if you decide on a hostel, hotel, airbnb, or guesthouse, try to find accomodation that’s close to the attractions you want to see and easily accessible from the train station, airport, or wherever you are arriving.
  

• See if your hostel or hotel can arrange transport for you, or ask what is the best method to arrive.

WHAT DO I DO?

• This totally depends on what you LIKE TO DO, but it may take some trial and error to figure out your travel style. For example I am a city girl at heart, but I prefer to only spend a few days at the most in big cities like Bangkok or Rome. Instead, I prefer to spend more time in towns outside the big cities.
  

• To start, use books like Lonely Planet or google itinerary options. For example, “10 days in Germany itinerary”. Look at the map and see what common routes people take, and how long they recommend in each stop.
  

• Now this is the fun part, do your research and look at options, tours, and experiences. Sure TripAdvisor and Yelp are helpful, but I look to other travel bloggers such as Nomadic Matt or Be My Travel Muse for recommendations.
  

• Always leave a little wiggle room in planning just in case you find somewhere you love and don’t want to leave, hear a new recommendation along the way, or you want to join other travelers in an unexpected adventure.

WHAT DO I WEAR?

• Pack minimally. YOU and only YOU are carrying your bags, so be mindful and only bring what you really need. If you need some motivation, find out How to Pack Like a Minimalist.
  

• Now that you packed minimally, remove three articles of clothing. You’ll want room to bring home a hand-crafted scarf, blanket, or piece of art so leave room!
  

• Dress like a local and try to not stand out. Stick with neutrals, stay modest, and blend in. Save your flashy jewelry, stilettos, and booty shorts for home.
  

• Use a cross-body bag that has a good zipper, keep it in the front of you at all times.
  

• Only bring shoes you are comfortable walking miles in.

ARE YOU SURE THIS IS SAFE?

There are always situations where you can be unsafe, at home or abroad. To ensure you don’t get in any uncomfortable or unsafe situations:

• Keep your itinerary on a google doc or Google Trip and share it with someone you trust- your mom, friend, partner, whoever. Let them know where you are and check-in.
  

• Arrive during the day. I mean WHEN THE SUN IS OUT. It’s much safer anywhere you go to walk or use transportation and arrive while businesses are still open. I learned this lesson the hard way arriving in Vietnam at 3am with zero transport and ended up sleeping on the airport floor until daytime. Don’t do that.
  

• Use your street smarts. Don’t walk down sleepy streets, especially at night. Walk with confidence and a purpose.
  

• Most hostels have lockers so bring your OWN lock to keep valuables safe when you leave/when sleeping. Also, don’t forget the combo. Write it on a post-it or on your arm. Just don’t forget it.
  

• Keep your money, cards and passport safe. Yes, I am also a proud supporter of money belts that go under your clothes. Beware of pickpocketers and learn more on how to protect your documents.
  

• Screenshot your hostel/hotel address, passport, ID, visa, credit/debit card and e-mail them to yourself just in case. In the chance you get everything including your passport stolen, you may need a trip to your embassy. This might take a few hours and lots of paperwork, but good thing you have copies of everything in your e-mail!
  

• Same rules at home apply if hitting bars and clubs- don’t leave your drink out. Overall keep drinking to a minimum...stumbling home alone late at night is not a good idea no matter where you are!

• Be aware of common tourist scams.

• Most of all, if something feels off trust your gut. Walk away, leave, say no, or ask someone for help.

• Most likely your trip will run smoothly, but it’s always best to prepare. If you need more on safety, head to Traveling Safe Tips for Solo Travel.

WON’T I GET LONELY? OR BORED?

I promise, traveling alone is never really traveling alone!

• Don’t make me repeat myself...stay in a hostel and I guarantee you will make friends to accompany you on your adventures.

• Book a walking tour (most big cities have free ones) when you first arrive. This will help you meet people, but also make you more aware of your surroundings and learn from your guide about local places to eat/drink and the culture.

• Yes, even if you meet wonderful people you will most likely have some solo downtime. Bring a journal to reflect, a new book, and download your favorite podcasts to pass time on long plane/train/bus rides.

OK...I FEEL BETTER. WHAT ELSE BEFORE I GO?

• Call your phone service and see if they charge for roaming. If they do, find out what options are available if you want full data. If not, make sure your hotel/hostel has free and good WiFi and download the app WiFi Map which uses crowdsourcing to make a map of all nearby WiFi sources.

• Check the CDC's Travel Page for up-to date information on which vaccines or precautions your may need to take. If you need a vaccine, medication, or have any questions, schedule an appointment with your primary care or walk-in clinic. Some cities even have travel specific clinics.

• Call your health insurance to see what they cover for you abroad. Regardless, I would still get travel insurance. World Nomads is the most popular, easy to use, and reasonably priced. They offer different plans covering emergency accident and sickness, robbery, last minute cancellation, and have on-call 24 hours assistance.

• Download the Maps.me app for free offline directions when you are out of WiFi range.

• I always like to learn the language basics, but also use Google Translate which can translate signs/menus using your camera, and/or iTranslatevoice app to help with the language barrier. WayGo for signs in Chineses, Japanese, and Korean.

• Do a google search to find out if you will need a power adapter and/or converter. If so, buy one on amazon and consider a universal adapter so you are covered for your future travels.

• Call your bank so they can put a travel notice on where and when you will be going. Download the XE Currency app which doesn’t need internet to calculate foreign currencies on the go.

• Look up common culture customs & etiquette of where you are going.

ALRIGHT I’M BOOKED! NOW WHAT?

Congrats on your solo adventure! I promise this is all easier than you think. Don’t let anyone question your decision, people who have never done it will probably think you are nuts. You are going to get some butterflies before you go, and there will be moments you may feel scared and uncomfortable. Be patient and embrace it.

Have you traveled solo? I would love to hear about your experience and any advice you have. What are your favorite solo travel tips and tricks? Please comment below or share with me on social media. Bon Voyage!