While I love traveling with others, solo travels are special and unique. For me, it is very empowering, and I love the thrill of trying something new or being somewhere new on my own. Along the way, I’ve made my share of mistakes that taught me valuable lessons. Here are five of my biggest solo travel mishaps and how you can avoid them to make your travels smoother, safer, and more enjoyable:

Mistake #1: Looking Lost

There have been moments when traveling overseas where I’ve stopped to check my phone for directions or hesitated in busy areas, which made me stand out as a tourist. While looking lost can gain the attention of someone who could help you (people in Japan were extremely helpful), it could also make you a target for scams or unwanted attention.

What You Could Do Instead:
If you’re unsure about directions, step into a café or shop to regroup instead of pausing on the street. Download offline maps and plan your route ahead of time to minimize confusion. If all else fails, just ask someone.

Mistake #2: Overpacking

In my early traveling days, I’d pack a huge check-in bag on a trip where a carry-on would’ve sufficed, which made moving around airports and public transit unnecessarily stressful. There have also been times when I needed to check in a bag, but my luggage exceeded the 50-pound weight limit, which resulted in extra fees. It’s best to avoid spending extra money, wasting time through the baggage and TSA lines (I talk about this in Aiport Etiquette), and toting around heavier luggage, especially for big trips. 

What You Could Do Instead:
You could create and stick to a packing checklist. Opt for versatile, lightweight clothing and try to coordinate with your itinerary. I’m guilty of this, but while it may feel better to have more clothes than less, be mindful of what you pack

Mistake #3: Under/Overplanning

There were trips where I jam-packed my schedule so tightly that I barely had time to breathe (this happened to me in Singapore, and I literally slept through my entire 6-hour return flight)—and others where I left too much unplanned and ended up wasting valuable time figuring out what to do. Overplanning can leave you exhausted and unable to enjoy your planned experiences fully. Alternatively, under-scheduling can lead to aimless wandering, missed opportunities, or feeling unaccomplished. For example, if you don’t plan ahead of time for when you should arrive at the airport, you could be off to a not-so-great start to your vacation. 

What You Could Do Instead:

To avoid underplanning, simply plan ahead BEFORE your trip. Research how much time you’ll need to get to your terminal or how long a drive may take. Have at least a general idea of the activities you want to do during your stay so you’re not left scrambling. And don’t forget to leave room for downtime—naps, in my opinion, are an underrated part of any itinerary.

To avoid overplanning be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day. Instead of packing every moment, prioritize 1–2 main activities and leave some flexibility for spontaneous experiences. Factor in time for meals, relaxation, and excursions. Remember, you want to enjoy your trip without feeling burned out!

Mistake #4: Oversharing Personal Information

I would have simple conversations with strangers and casually mention where I was staying in my early travel days—something I later realized wasn’t a great idea. I have thankfully never been in a situation where I felt that I was being followed, but something like that could have happened and has happened to others. Sharing personal details can compromise your safety, especially when traveling solo.

What You Could Do Instead:
Keep details about your accommodations, itinerary, and travel plans vague. Be polite but cautious when discussing your travels with strangers. If you’re feeling uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to vocalize that.

Mistake #5: Buyer’s Regret

While shopping in Tokyo, I fell in love with a fur jacket at Forever 21 (I literally took a picture in it – see above), but decided against it. I remember trying to find the jacket online after the trip, and I couldn’t find it!  To this day, I regret not buying it, and having a photo memory of it doesn’t make it any better. There have been other things along the way that I’ve regretted not buying, especially when traveling overseas.

What You Could Do Instead:
If you see something you love (make sure it’s within your budget), don’t overthink it! Souvenirs and unique finds are part of what makes traveling so special, so trust your instincts and treat yourself! Remember, you’re on vacation!

Mistakes are a natural part of solo travel, but they don’t have to ruin your trip. Each mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve. By being mindful of these five pitfalls, you can make your solo adventures more enjoyable and stress-free. What travel mistakes have you made, whether solo or with a group? Share your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear them!