Don't forget travel insurance!

Traveling alone is a perfect opportunity to meet new people, experience different cultures and learn more about yourself, but getting the most out of your solo adventure can be challenging. For one, finding your way around a foreign city can be confusing, especially without a travel companion at your side. To ensure your upcoming trip is both exciting and safe, keep these useful solo traveler tips in mind:

Leave your itinerary with friends and family

Heading out on a personal vacation may offer you a temporary escape, but letting your loved ones know where you are going is always a good idea. Accidents happen, so it's important to give your friends and family a clear picture of your travel arrangements in case of emergencies. Before you leave, create a detailed roadmap of the hotels, venues and events you plan to attend with a few "just in case" contact numbers.

Carry a list of emergency contacts

Another easy way to stay safe on a solo adventure is to carry a list of emergency contacts at all times, as this can help medical professionals and good Samaritans get in touch with your loved ones if you fall sick or suffer an injury. Your emergency contact list should also include phone numbers for the local U.S. Embassy, your primary doctor and your insurance carrier just to be safe.

Bring along an external power bank

Keeping your cellphone fully charged can be difficult on the go, which is why you should always carry an external battery pack when traveling alone. This can prevent you from having to hunt down an outlet at local shops and restaurants when you need to make an urgent (or not-so-urgent) call home. More importantly, a fully charged smartphone can act as your navigator, translator and personal safety device in a foreign city.

Learn some of the local language

If you're planning on traveling overseas, learning a few key phrases in the local language can be a real lifesaver. Knowing how to ask for directions, medical care or public accommodations can keep you from wandering too far from the beaten path; it may also help you meet new people and strike up conversations with food vendors, tour guides and hotel staff about the local fare.

Book a guided group tour

One of the best ways to meet fellow travelers on your solo escapades is to sign up for guided tours that are open to the public. This can allow you to interact with other tourists, many of whom likely hail from different countries and cultural backgrounds. Making new friends in a foreign land can be an exhilarating experience, as today's strangers can be tomorrow's life-long companions.

Book a Travel Guard travel insurance plan

Who can you call when you’re traveling solo and need assistance? Travel Guard’s 24/7 assistance services are there for you so you don’t have to figure it out alone. Just remember to pack a travel insurance plan through Travel Guard. Travel Guard’s travel insurance plans can also provide coverage for medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation, lost or delayed baggage, and more. To find out more call 800.851.0048, visit www.travelguard.com, or ask your travel advisor.

Nestled on the eastern coast of Queensland, Australia, this vibrant city is a gateway to the legendary Great Barrier Reef, making it a perfect travel destination for nature lovers. Cairns is also a short drive from the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest, which is considered the oldest rainforest in the world. Vacationers can lounge on the banks of popular swimming lagoons, take a hike through the Atherton Tablelands or learn about the indigenous people at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. No matter what type of outdoor activities you're interested in, Cairns has the breathtaking scenery and diverse ecosystems you've been looking for in a world-class vacation spot.

“My wife and I were enjoying a vacation to Barbados when she became ill. After a couple of trips to the clinic in Barbados we decided to cut our trip short. Travel Guard took care of everything they said they would in a very timely manner. I have used Travel Guard many times and I would highly recommend them to everyone!”

-  Gary Y