1) Talk to staff and locals

Chat to everyone – especially staff and locals (including the ones manning the nearest tourist office) to pick up info about what's on, what to avoid (unsafe areas, closed roads etc), what not to miss (local festivals, shows, sports events) etc.  Ask focused questions so you can ensure you don't miss the best hike, gallery, museum, beach etc!

2) Book tours soon after you arrive

Get on tours of the area (choose reputable local or international firms with a high number of good recent ratings - I have the apps for Viator and Getyourguide so can easily check what is available) either before or as soon after you arrive as possible – to see where you are and where you might want to go and to meet like-minded travellers. I have enjoyed the company of other solo travellers on trips by asking if I can sit with someone on a bus or inviting them to join me.  See destinations pages for specific recommendations about tours. This is a such a good way of getting your bearings quickly and getting a feel for a new place. Airbnb also seem to offer smaller, more quirky tours - like a class of some sort or a small walking tour in a less touristy area - so these are definitely worth checking out and can be very good value for money. 

3) Seek recommendations

Both in advance and/or or by chatting when you get there, for places to stay, eat, hire cars from etc.  There are 1000s of choices so don’t waste too much energy on looking at them all.

4) Have a plan but with room to be flexible

Have plans if that's you, but have some down days to just walk the area you are in, or to go swimming at the local beach, or to enjoy fellow traveller’s company at that lovely bar you spotted. If you make friends your plans might change so be prepared to be flexible whilst staying safe (see below!). And try and be confident. On one trip I spotted a fellow artist sketching so I just went up and chatted to him.  Half an hour later I had discovered all about Robin's many happy holidays sketching beach scenes - when you are travelling solo these small connections can make your day and you'll soon get the message if people don't want to talk to you.

5) Stay safe

I think the most important factor for staying safe is in doing your research before you set off, and having at least some plans may help with any anxiety you feel about travelling solo.  And don't forget to share your plans with a few friends or family members before you go (I use tripit for this).

In your accommodation if there is no safe, stash your spare cash, credit card and copy documents somewhere inventive but split them up! I mention elsewhere leaving expensive jewellery at home although you might consider wearing a wedding ring whatever your marital status, and being prepared to offer up the odd fib about your "partner" (meeting me shortly .... or similar). 

I think your "guts" are your best tool for staying safe - if things don't feel right - move on.  Don't go out for the first time without the local emergency numbers loaded up in your phone and a note of where your accommodation is (might look different in the dark, and your phone may be out of battery).  Recall common sense strategies - so don't risk having one too many cocktails in a place you don't know (and never ever leave your glass unattended) and avoid walking around streets you are not familiar with at night. Check in with the friendliest waiter or bar tender on arrival when you are drinking or dining alone so someone has your back just in case. And don't wear your headphones when you are walking around alone (any time of day)!  Make sure you are using legitimate taxis (local app?) and/or you know when public transport stops running.

Think about where on your person you are carrying your phone, cash, cards etc and consider investing in new types of bags that will make these harder to spot. Leaving your phone poking out of your back pocket is pretty much an invitation!

If, after all the planning and preparation you feel like hiding in your hotel room on arrival, never mind. Grab some food, get unpacked, then hunker down and get on your phone to book a full day tour for the next day. 

PHOTO INFO - We all love a sunset snap.  As a solo traveller I have had some nice results when capturing shots of sculptures against a sunset as shown on this page from Cyprus and Gran Canaria.