Did you know that only 36% of Americans have a passport?

This means there are an awful lot of people out there who have never traveled to a foreign country.

And the chances are that most of them won’t have a clue about what to pack even if and when they do.

Traveling solo is an acquired taste. Experiencing the world on your own is exhilarating, but if you’re a solo traveler (as I often have been), you’ve probably had that one moment of awkwardness.

You know. You find a new place, you want to take a picture of it to share with your friends later, but as a solo traveler, you can’t afford to actually get into the photo yourself.

So, you’ve made the decision to go it alone.

You’re going to explore the world as a solo traveler.

As exciting and as life-changing as that choice is (and congratulations for joining the club) there’s still a lot to consider before you embark on your adventure.

Not least is your solo travel packing list.

For many people, the thought of traveling alone to any destination for any length of time fills them with absolute dread.

Is it safe? What if I get lonely? How do I make friends? What if I don’t speak another language? Will I be kidnapped? How do I read a map without the help of a least five of my best friends?

It can certainly be one of the most nerve-wracking and terrifying decisions you could ever make in your traveling life.

I want to start by saying this – solo backpacking isn’t for everyone – it’s mostly for people who are confident and comfortable enough to venture out into the world and experience everything it has to offer without having someone to share that experience with.

It can be tricky to decide on traveling alone or with a companion, or in a group. In fact, if I ask most of you the option what you’d prefer, you are likely to say that it depends.

I can agree with you on that to some extent.

Your first road trip alone often feels like you are taking a pilgrimage to a holy place. The fact that you embark on a journey alone speaks levels of your independence.

Maybe you are making your first solo trip out of necessity or exploration. It does not matter.

What you need to know is how to plan a solo road trip.

Anyone thinking of traveling solo for the first time will be worried about their safety more than anything else.

Those of us who have done it, walk around with pride and we like to tell our stories more often as if we accomplished a major milestone on earth – like we went to the moon and back.

You may have been on family trips with your parents to guide you but now it is time to take a leap.

Is it finally time to take your first flight alone, are you excited?