India, June 14 -- In the 25 years I've been a travel writer, I've visited many incredible destinations. I've also experienced a whole lot of travel mishaps as a solo traveler: lost or stolen valuables, safety situations, and communication snafus. All this has given me a pretty strong idea of what I should and shouldn't be doing or packing, and what mistakes can be avoided with some planning ahead.

Packing the wrong item may seem like a style misstep, but both can lead to bigger issues. It's all about learning from my mistakes and finding the right travel essentials to make sure your next solo trip is memorable and exciting for all the right reasons, and as problem-free and enjoyable as possible.

Best Solo Travel Essentials Comfy walking...