7 solo travel mistakes to avoid on your first trip

If you have yet to take a solo trip, there are many reasons why you really should. Solo travel helps you build confidence and new skills. It also provides time to reflect, recharge and reconnect with yourself — so you can return home the best version of yourself for the people who rely on you day-to-day.I know it can be daunting to embark on your first big trip alone. But never fear, intrepid soloist. I've rounded up the top solo travel mistakes so that you can avoid them to ensure your trip goes smoothly.Related: Travel mistakes that could ruin your next tripNot doing your researchBLUE TITAN/SHUTTERSTOCKOne of the perks of solo travel is that you get to decide where to stay and what to do, so put some thought into it. This will ensure you have the best trip possible.A good starting point is to check the State Department travel advisory for your destination, which will help you understand any safety concerns and identify neighborhoods you may want to avoid. It's also a good idea to enroll your trip in STEP, so you'll be alerted to things like natural disasters and security threats.Safety isn't the only thing to consider. Are you looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway or a bustling n...