Everyone has that one travel item on their bucket list that has been waiting for the right companion. But why wait for a partner? Traveling alone isn’t as frightening as you may think. More people are traveling alone now than ever before!

Traveling by yourself opens up opportunities to make new friendships, experience things you may not have been able to otherwise and affords you the time to recharge and self-reflect in ways you never could when traveling with others. And since solo traveling has been so trendy, the travel industry has been focusing a lot of time and attention on stag travelers, meaning better perks and prices for your escapade. If you’d like to take the plunge, but still have cold feet, take a look at these 10 tips for traveling solo to help you get over your trepidation.

1.) Plan your trip

Planning is an essential step for all vacations, and even more so when you’re traveling by yourself. Find locales that attract single travelers, as opposed to family or couple-oriented destinations. Pick a destination that is safe for single travelers and has a reputation for native friendliness.

2.) Orient yourself

As soon as you get to your destination, get your bearings. Find the nearest landmarks and the easiest routes to and from your hotel and areas of interest. Purchase a map (preferably beforehand) or a guidebook to help you feel comfortable with the area and avoid aimless wandering in an area you don’t know.

3.) Don’t appear like a tourist

Scam artists peg tourists immediately and look to make a quick buck off of them. Try to avoid taking an endless stream of pictures in tourist spots and don’t pore over maps if you’re lost. Walk with confidence and when stopping to ask for directions, do so as casually as possible.

4.) Stay safe

Safety is the most concerning thing for solo travelers, but it needn’t be if you plan properly. Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them often. Make sure to book your hotel ahead of time and try to acquire one that has a 24hour front desk just in case you happen to arrive late. Leave the expensive jewelry at home, just in case. Carry enough money and identification, and keep them in multiple locations so that you don’t get stuck at any point without an ID or cash. When traveling at night, stick to well-lit, public places. And if traveling abroad, sign up for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program through the US Dept. of State. It’s helpful just in case of an emergency.

5.) Sign up for group activities

If you’re looking to meet some new friends, the easiest way to do go about that is to join a group tour. Many cities offer tours specifically catering to single travelers, so you can meet other likeminded individuals and hopefully make some lifelong connections. Go to GAdventures.com to find small group tours specifically for singles.

6.) Trust your gut

Always trust your instinct when traveling alone. If something doesn’t feel right, move along. It’s great to meet locals and while most people tend to be friendly and kind, if someone gives you the wrong vibe, keep your guard up and move on as quickly as you can.

7.) Find solo traveler deals

While a lot of companies charge an extra fee for being a single traveler, many more are beginning to offer perks and lower rates for those that travel alone. The new “studio” cabins on NCL and Royal Caribbean cruises are gaining traction. Or you could try a roommate matching company like Intrepid Travel or Road Scholar to give you the biggest bang for your vacation buck.

8.) Rely on resources

When in doubt, lean on the myriad of resources out there designed for single travelers. For travel planning, check out AllSinglesTravel.com, or solotravelerblog.com for tips from others that have ventured out alone. Women-traveling.com is great for ladies looking for likeminded women. And don’t forget SafeCheckIn.com which will help put your mind at ease knowing someone is looking out for your safety.

9.) Meet the locals

Some of the best friends you can meet on your vacation are the natives. They are almost always helpful and resourceful, and sometimes even more hospitable than you’d imagine. If you’re shy, try Airbnb for a room and strike up a conversation with your host. Or take local buses and chat up the person sitting next to you.

10.) Don’t be afraid to dine by yourself

Most people feel embarrassment by eating alone, but it’s a great opportunity to talk to your waiter and get local recommendations or even get invited to sit at someone else’s table. Outdoor dining options are great if you’re on the shy side and just want to enjoy dinner with a view.