5 insider secrets every first-time solo traveler should know

5 insider secrets every first-time solo traveler should know5 insider secrets every first-time solo traveler should knowWelcome to paradise, solo travel wannabe. Youre gonna love it. Were so excited youre diving into an adventure on your own. Here are five secrets to solo travel that all first-timers should know.1. Research a lot, plan a littleIf youre like us, you want answers to every question before the questions even come to mind. So read everything you can about your destination. Maybe even look at some maps to orient yourself in the place (or places) youll be. Familiarize yourself with the currency and the most popular tourist spots.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreBut youll want to leave room to discover what you like when theres no one else dictating a schedule. When traveling with your family or friends, their tastes and preferences obviously factor into your travel styl e. But on your own, you might discover you have a completely different pace than youd previously thought. Leave room in your itinerary for change.2. Do exactly what you wantYou are the only person going on this adventure. That means you get to choose exactly what you want to do. Forget about what other people do when they go places, what the must-dos are and what everyone on Instagram seems to deutsche bundespost about most. Do what calls to you. If the Eiffel Tower isnt your thing, skip it.3. Be honest about your needsIf you burn easily, this is not the time to skimp on sunscreen (even though theres no one around to remind you to apply it). Travel brings out a lot of qualities you didnt know you had, but it wont change how quickly your skin turns red.Dont worry, youll get a tan just by being out and about.The same thing goes for your tendency to get hungover- if only that condition paused for vacation- or any allergies. If you have long-term injuries, dont push yourself too far. Thatll only slow you down on your days of exploring.However, dont underestimate your fitness level. Your energy somehow magnifies when youre the only one who picked the hike/swim/trek. Just bring an extra snack bar to keep your calorie levels matching your travel-induced endorphins.4. Bring half the things on your packing listWe promise you do not need four colors of lipstick - cross our hearts. You also dont need three sundresses and two pairs of sandals. One backup charger is plenty and you can always buy more shampoo if you run out (you really dont need to pack that in your suitcase).We know, you want to be prepared. But unless youre heading deep into the outback, you wont be out of civilization to pick up some necessities while traveling. Keep your luggage light and your body will thank you when theres no one else to carry it on and off the airplane.But to play devils advocate, if four shades of lipstick make you happy, theyre easy to shove in a bag. This trip is all about livi ng your dream. You do you.5. Make friends with other travelersTraveling solo is a great way to get some alone time with yourself to recharge and reorganize your thoughts, but it also gives you the opportunity to make new friends along the way. Some parts of travel are just more fun when youre meeting new people so dont be shy and exchange numbers with that friendly stranger that you met on the plane - you have nothing to lose just as long as youre meeting up with them in a public place. Apps likeCouchSurfingmake meeting new friends easier by safely connecting you with locals that offer lodging and tips about what to do and see in the area.This article originally appeared on Swirled.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people