Solo travel is something everyone should do at least once in their life. It’s the most liberating thing you can do. You’re out in the open, you don’t depend on anyone, and you can do what your heart tells you to do. Sit on the beach, explore parks, meet new people, look at art, visit a theme park, or relax. It’s all up to you.

But going somewhere all alone is scary. Especially if you’ve never done it before. Even though Florida is the perfect place for solo travelers, these 9 tips will help you navigate there better.

Start With Research

Before you step foot on new ground, you need to know where not to go. Every city has neighborhoods and places you need to stay away from. When booking your accommodation, do some research on whether it’s a good area. The reason why it’s super cheap might be because it’s a dangerous neighborhood.

Next, watch a walking tour or go to Google Maps and use the street view to explore the places you plan to visit. That way, you’ll have a general sense of where you’re going around the top landmarks, and you won’t get lost.

Be Careful in Heavy Traffic

If you plan a road trip, be wary of the traffic. You’ll see many environments and climates, but it’s dangerous. Solo driving is difficult because you can’t always pay attention to everything. Orlando and Miami are densely populated, and accidents happen constantly. Stay away from the rush hour when the roads are jammed, and practice defensive driving.

Get There Early

The earlier you arrive, the more time you’ll have to explore the day. Even though Florida is famous for its nightlife, it’s better to do a quick city scan while there’s daylight. Stroll around and familiarize yourself with the area. Feel free to ask your hotel receptionist or host for more tips, too!

Tell Someone Where You’re Going

Someone should know where you are at all times. Phones make that easy because you have access to the internet 24/7. Text or call your friends or family members at a set time to check in. Stick to the schedule or do it a bit earlier if you plan an activity.

Use a VPN

If you use up your data plan, it might be tempting to connect to free Wi-Fi in the nearest coffee shop. But solo travel doesn’t mean you should only be wary of physical threats. Cybercriminals lurk on public hotspots, ready to steal your data. To avoid that, use a virtual private network and enable the VPN auto-connect feature. That way, you’ll be safe online no matter what.

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Get Away From Conflict

You might run into someone who annoys you during your travel. Remember to be confident when a confrontation happens. If the harassment continues, go into a café, restaurant, or shop to de-escalate the situation. Feel free to explain the case to employees and call the police if necessary.

Be Prepared for the Worst

You might run into a situation that can’t be avoided. In that case, you need to be prepared for the worst. Carry pepper spray or be ready to use your car keys as a weapon. Before your trip, go to a few self-defense classes so you know how to punch and kick. Bite, scream, and run to the closest place to get help.

Don’t Overdress

Leave your flashy bling, jewelry, and designer clothes at home. You need to dress like the locals. In Florida, people dress casually. A classic pair of jeans, a basic shirt, and a jacket are all you need to dress like the locals. You don’t want to stand out too much and bring unwanted attention to yourself.

Pay Attention to Flags on the Beach

You might be an Olympic-level swimmer or a world-class diver. But when the warning flag on the beach rises, get out of the water. The most dangerous part of Florida is the weather and the wildlife. Be wary of the hurricane season, which peaks in August and follows through September.

A few final words

When solo traveling, you’ll have as much of a good time as the attitude you carry. You’ll do just that if you go out to have fun and meet interesting people. In the meantime, be wary and don’t let your guard down.