This year, we are traveling solo! We are not waiting for our friends and their pockets. We are also learning more about ourselves. And tackling fears. My fear of traveling alone as a black woman was overwhelming. I heard stories about black women missing and sex trafficking constantly. So my fear was valid. But, my love for traveling was stronger. I decided to overcome my fear with this pep talk and had an amazing time on my solo trip.

I did several things to soothe my anxiety and make sure I felt safe while traveling solo. The key is preparing yourself for solo travel. Here's 10 solo travel safety tips:

1. Turn location on and share itinerary with family/friends.

I shared my location with my family during my entire trip. I also made sure they knew my itinerary everyday. I texted my family every morning when I woke up just to say I was alive.

2. Print out passport/id and maps of the nearest US Embassy and Police Station.

One of my friends suggested that I print out my passport and id info- in case I lost my wallet or my phone died. I also researched the areas I would be visiting and staying and looked at the map to identify what was in the areas. Find location to nearest embassy or police station and print the map or address. I wrote all the addresses down in my handy journal.

3. Enroll in STEP (for international travel).

STEP stands for smart enrollment traveler program and is a free service to allow US citizens to enroll with local US embassy. STEP allows you to enter information about trips abroad so that US embassy can assist you in case of emergency.

4. Never tell anyone you are traveling alone.

I never told anyone I was alone even when I booked transportation and hotel. Always say there's another person accompanying you. Or there's someone else at the hotel.

5. Put a chair under the hotel/Airbnb door or door stopper.

The moment I checked in my hotel, I checked all doors. One of my patio doors did not lock. I put a chair under the patio door. I also used this door stopper for the front of the hotel door. I felt secure and slept like a baby once the door stopper was placed on the door.

6. Book excursions with travel guide if possible.

A travel guide is usually a native and will act a photographer, body guard, and guide. My travel guide helped me learn the country and the area. He also protected me from money swindlers. I actually didn't feel as alone while on the excursions because he was there cheering me on.

7. Pack taser and pepper spray in your checked luggage.

This is my mom's advice. She always advise me to pack pepper spray (I love this one from Amazon) or something that I can use as protection if danger happened. I typically pack this on my check luggage. If I'm not checking luggage, I buy pepper spray or a pocket knife while on my trip.

8. Take pictures of license plates/drivers.

Ask for everyone's name. When I first arrived, I took a picture of my driver and his tag number and immediately sent it to my family. I continued to take pictures of my travel guides and their licenses in case of emergency.

9. Only post your location tag on social media at least 24 hours after you have left the location.

I know we get so excited to post but wait to post your location tag at least 24 hours after you left the destination. People can follow your moves based on just your social media and that leads to dangerous encounters.

10. Book the luxury that will give you a peace of mind.

If you need to be an all inclusive or gated resort to feel secure, book it. If you need to rent a car to feel secure, book it. If you need to have a driver, book it. Book the luxuries based on what’s going to make you feel safe and secure a peace of mind.

**Bonus-RESEARCH.

Google is your bestfriend. Social media is your bestfriend. Use both to research the area you should stay in, what places to avoid, and the distances of excursions. Research the companies you will be using for excursions. Read reviews on TripAdvisor.

Overall, solo travel is a scary thought. But once you overall the thought of fear, it can be joyous and exhilarating. These tips will help you navigate solo travel nationally and internationally. What are you waiting for? Book a solo trip for 2022!