I’ve made dozens of travel mistakes so you don’t have to!

I’m Kristen, and I recently returned from my third international solo trip.

Over the past few years (and many, many travel mistakes!

A woman with long hair, glasses, and a nose piercing smiles for a close-up selfie in front of a shop window with a butterfly design

2.UseGet Your Guideto find and book fun, interesting experiences.

4.UseEventbriteorClass Bentoto find cooking classes, art workshops, etc.

5.Use TikTok as a search engine to find cool places and experiences.

Kristen with long hair and glasses takes a selfie in an elevator with walls decorated to look like bookshelves. She holds a shopping bag and a plaid-patterned bag

6.Get an international phone plan or eSIM and download WhatsApp before you leave.

7.Download local taxi or rideshare and food delivery apps before you get there.

9.Use compression bags to make packing easier and to keep your suitcase organized.

View from the rider's perspective of a horse walking on rocky terrain with hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky

10.Pack multiple plug converters and a fully charged power bank.

Take that power bank EVERYWHERE with you.

12.Bus tours aren’t as bad as they sound!

A bright, spacious shop with various items, including decorations and crafts, displayed on tables and shelves. Large windows illuminate the interior

They’re a great way to see more of the country for an affordable price.

19.Plan, but don’t overplan.

22.Go to free museums and libraries for bathroom access.

An artistic drawing depicts a saint-like figure with a halo around their head, wearing a robe with crosses, holding a religious item in hand

26.Don’t post where you are in real time, especially if your profiles are public.

27.Stay hydrated.

28.Leave the giant backpack at the hotel and carry a smaller bag or totebag instead.

Kristen with glasses and a smile holds a plaid and leather handbag close up for the camera

31.Expect bumps in the road and mentally prepare yourself to adapt.

32.If you want to solo travel but are scared or nervous, start local!

A mobile app interface with categories for groceries, pet supplies, toys, flowers, and more. Featured segment advertises 'Krambúðin,' with various offers and discounts displayed

An outdoor displays a lunchtime offer for a sandwich with a drink for kr. 2190 and a smaller meal for kr. 1490. A city street with buildings is in the background

six travel packing cubes of varying sizes are arranged in a group

Kristen with glasses, wearing a sweater, takes a selfie in an elevator with reflective walls

Kristen with long hair and round glasses smiling in a close-up selfie, wearing leather jacket

A colorful mural on a building exterior with "omnom" written at the top. In the foreground, a cup of food is on a wooden table

A pack of Tuc crackers, a container of sliced cheese labeled "Gouda," and a package of sliced ham are placed on a table

Modern urban building with large windows and retail stores on the ground floor. The sky is clear with a few clouds. Trees are in front of the building

A giant panda resting on a wooden platform, viewed through glass and surrounded by vegetation

Bella Hadid is seen at night wearing an oversized shirt, plaid pants, a belt bag, and sunglasses.

A cozy café interior with eclectic decor, including a wall covered in postcards, a large painting, and various plants. A laptop is open on a table

A closed, light-colored leather passport wallet with a side clasp on a textured background

Sign on a building reads: "English spoken, American understood. Incoming Call: COFFEE." People walking nearby

An ornate interior of a historic building featuring detailed murals, arched windows, and an intricately designed balustrade

Edinburgh Castle on a hilltop with a partly cloudy sky in the background and green grass on the slopes below

neon ESP sign outside food hall

A group of people stand in line at an airport with luggage. They appear to be waiting for a check-in or boarding process

Waterfall cascading into a misty pool with a label indicating "Skógafoss Water Fall," dated June 11 at 8:45 AM

A plastic-cupped smoothie with a straw sits on a wooden table in a modern cafe. A plant is in the background. The temperature reads 46°F

A light-colored travel backpack with a front pocket and multiple zippers, placed on a cushioned surface

A pair of cracked eyeglasses next to text saying, "hope you've enjoyed my pictures of Iceland 'cuz I won't be seeing anymore!!!" and "Modern problems require modern solutions," with a creative temporary fix of corn cob skewers

A bouquet of flowers held on a sidewalk next to a bustling city street with historical buildings in the background

Three people walk on a cobblestone street lined with colorful buildings and bunting

Kristen wearing sunglasses and Minnie Mouse ears smiles, standing in front of a mural of Mickey Mouse at a Disney theme park