Well Traveled's Guide To Solo Travel — From Planning To Safety Tips

Also: Some good ol' common sense helps too. So, if you are considering—and have the time and means—here's what you need to know.

When you set out to explore, it's important to know your priorities:

So think about your goals—whether it be culture, quiet, or a challenge—and really try to tailor your location and experiences around them.

"Always do your research on cultural norms and what you should know about the place you are going," says mbg Collective member and energy healer Kelsey J. Patel. "Don't just assume that just because you are tourist people will cater to you. This is especially true if you're on your own since if you need anything, you'll have to interact with someone you likely don't know."

Here's how to bring the cost down if you're on your own:

You don't need to go full Eat, Pray, Love for your solo travel. If you're not there financially yet, or perhaps just not ready for an around-the-world trip, keep it close to home. A staycation or near-cation is nothing new, but hotel apps can help you take it to the next level: Book a last-minute room for yourself with hotel booking sites, like Hotels Tonight, where you can find luxe rooms marked way down from their asking price.

It's small but adds up: As low-waste expert and nutritionist Abby K. Cannon, J.D., R.D., tells us, bring around a reusable water bottle—use one with a filter if you can't be sure of the tap water—so you can stay hydrated without buying one-time-use bottles. Plus: It's environmentally friendly.

As registered dietitian and nutritionist Maya Feller, R.D., says: Stop at the local store and pick up basics, like whole fruits and vegetables, that make cheap and healthy snacks or breakfast.

For some group tours, outings, or retreats, going it alone might cost you: It's called the single supplement fee. So read the fine print before you book anything.

Of course, one huge part of solo travel is putting yourself in new environments, which inherently comes with some risks, but you can always be smart about it. "Challenging yourself looks different for everyone; just know your limits," says Ott.

As author and mbg class instructor Shannon Kaiser, an avid solo traveler, tells us, "It's key to trust yourself. There are times I have ignored people who approached me in a way that didn't feel right. I often tell people I am from Canada (not America), or my boyfriend is on his way to meet me (no boyfriend), or my friend is in the hotel room on her way to meet me later. These little fibs can protect you if you feel uneasy."

If it's a place that you feel someone might approach you, and you rather they didn't, always ask for a table by yourself. But if it's a place that you feel safe in—and that you can trust the staff if needed—consider sitting at the bar, where you can more easily have conversations with locals.

The latter being great advice. Stumbling, wandering people are the easiest to identify as tourists.

Essentially it tracks and curates a city's most popular tracks, so you can trust that your journey will be well-populated and scenic. It also shows you the best coffee shops and spots for a break in case you need a quick refuel—and the best places to snap a photo.

Or download MayDay, which is available in 85 countries and will instantly share your location with select individuals when activated.

"My daughter travels alone frequently, and the No. 1 thing she does is she checks in," says Ott. "Even if she's out camping, in the morning she'll make it to a rest stop to get coffee where she has reception or she can use their phone to let me know she's OK."

No, you don't need to be on high alert every moment of your trip, but it helps to be present. "It's not just a mindfulness thing; it has real practical uses," says Ott.

"When I get to a new city, I check out if they have the bike shares, scooters, or anything like that," says Ott. "It can help you in a pinch. You know, Uber isn't always available!" In that same vein, Patel suggests snagging a business card from your hotel when you leave for the day: "Then, if you're lost or your phone dies, you can give it to a cabdriver to get you back."

Not to mention, retreats are a great option for those looking for something between solo and group travel: "It gives you the freedom and experience of solo travel, but you have the comfort and safety of a group—plus they are so popular right now that there are tons of good options," says Patel.

There's so much empowerment to be found in solo travel. But it does mean you need to be smarter when you do it: from planning to finances to safety, think holistically about the trip you want.