A woman traveling solo can stir up many mixed feelings from her friends or family. Many will say she is courageous, and others might address it with fear. Whether you choose to acknowledge one or the other is up to you, but traveling solo can unlock the potential within your heart and show you sides of yourself that you didn’t know existed.

Here are a few essential tips for traveling solo as a woman to help you take the plunge and explore with peace of mind!

• Be Intentional About Your Destination

You will travel with a relaxed spirit and increased confidence when you understand why you want to go somewhere. The inspiration for your destination came from something you read or saw, so dig into why this specific place matters. Its intent can help you perform thorough research, secure housing, and make the most of your time there.

• Create a Protection Plan

Creating a protection plan can provide much-needed peace of mind during your travels. Things like travel insurance can protect your belongings and cover any accidents. You also should consider making copies of all pertinent documentation, such as photo identification, passports, and travel documents.

Consider leaving the originals at home with a trusted source and carrying your copies. That way, if you damage or misplace them, you don’t lose out.

• Support Local Businesses

A unique way to experience the culture of your destination is to support local businesses. So this means eating, shopping, and staying local. This supports the community you’re visiting, but it gives you an authentic experience of that town, state, or country. Additionally, this can help you connect with residents and learn more about the way of life in that particular place.

• Keep Accommodations Private

A key component to remaining safe while traveling solo is securing the privacy of your accommodations. Telling the world via social media where you are and what you’re doing can invite potential danger into your stay. This layer of privacy can decrease the risk of someone following or stalking you and enable you to safely explore wherever you go.

• Pack Light

Packing light while traveling solo can save you time and money and minimize hassles. Create a preparation guide to help yourself remember the essentials and consider if you can do laundry there or use less to do more. Find the pieces in your wardrobe that serve multiple functions and are great for transitioning from day to night. And take into consideration the climate of your destination to determine if you need any additional weather gear.

These essential tips for traveling solo as a woman can help you remain safe and immerse yourself in the experience. No matter where you go, always remember to put your safety in the driver’s seat, and the rest will work itself out!