Solo travel safety tips every traveler should know

Solo travel has many perks. Even this writer — who loves traveling with friends and family — saw the appeal during my first European solo trip earlier this year.However, traveling alone can also feel daunting because you're responsible for everything, including your own safety.Not to worry; our globetrotting team at TPG has your back with road-tested tips to help you stay safe and make the most of your trip, from how to plan to what to pack in your suitcase.Related: 11 travel mistakes that could ruin your next tripPlan aheadGETTY IMAGESSmart solo travel starts with the planning stage. This means choosing a safe destination and a place to stay where you will feel comfortable.TPG managing editor Lyndsey Matthews always books hotels over vacation rentals when traveling solo: "It's nice knowing someone will be there when I'm coming and going and there's a level of security between me and my door."Matthews does most of her solo travel in cities, as she feels safest when surrounded by people. Senior editor Christine Gallipeau, on the other hand, prefers noncity destinations."I've focused on noncity trips as I adjust back to doing more solo trips in my divorce era, and it's been a really ...