If you are not used to travelling solo overseas I recommend you start local!.  

BEFORE YOU GO ABROAD: 

1) Do your research

2) Get a haircut!

3) Go off-season

4) Arrive in daylight

5) Book initial accommodation - perhaps designed for solo travellers - to cover first few days

6) Pack light

7) Learn some lingo

8) Have back up documents/access to funds

9) Have a budget

10) "Tech prep"

ON ARRIVAL:

1) Talk to staff and locals

2) Book tours soon after you arrive 

3) Seek recommendations

4) Have a plan - but with room to be flexible

5) Stay safe

ONGOING AND ON YOUR RETURN:

1) Keep a journal and take photos

2) Soak up the culture

3) For creatives - seek out with artists!

4) For creatives - make work if you feel like it - otherwise just view this as an opportunity to "top up" your creative tank

5) Keep in touch with friends and family

6) Relax, have fun and be open to making new friends

7) When you get back - prepare to feel unsettled and have itchy feet!

 

This is a summary - click on links for more information.