7 Things to Know When Traveling Alone in Your 20s

This goes for all travelers, but it's especially true when you're exploring alone. Make a copy of your passport and carry that with you — leave the real one locked up in the hotel safe.

If you are over 25, your days of staying in hostels are probably far behind you. And that's OK. They are great when you're in your early 20s, when you are wild and free (and possibly broke), but when you go back at 28, you realize you want your own space. Spring for a cheap hotel room so you can have a bed all to yourself.

Nothing bad is going to happen if you land in the evening, but it's just less hectic to get around in the daylight. Say, for example, you don't like your hotel room. During the day it's easier to make a change as it's more likely that the hotel staff you need to assist you will be available.

While there will be moments when you should sit at a bistro table with a good book, you should also force yourself to meet people — you're young and free. One of the easiest ways to do that is by eating at a communal table or at the bar. You'll have an easier time starting up a conversation with the bartender, and they may have great suggestions for you on how to spend your time. Yes, this means put your phone away.

A big part of the fun in traveling is meeting people along the way. But you definitely want to be careful about who you open up to. If you've met a new friend and are planning to get together, be sure to pick a public place to meet up so they don't know where you are staying. It's OK to keep some things confidential — it is for your safety.

Even if you're traveling for a short period time, consider taking a language class (or even a cooking class). Oftentimes you can prearrange to attend an informal language meet-up with other out-of-towners. Not only will you get an opportunity to practice the language, but you'll meet other people in the same situation.

Rolling solo means you don't have to share your itinerary with anyone, so take advantage of that by leaving some intentional blank spaces in your schedule. It is good to know where you will be staying when you land and have some time in that location to feel comfortable and get acquainted with your surroundings, but you may realize there is a part of town you really want to get to know better. Leave some empty days so that you can be your 20-something spontaneous self.

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