India, July 4 -- If you've finally taken the plunge and booked a ticket for your solo trip, it is going to be an adventure. But before you romanticise your journey, let's get practical. Solo travelling can be thrilling, but it also needs planning. Here are 10 tips to remember so your 'Eat, Pray, Love' moment doesn't turn into 'lost, hungry and crying'. Make note of local customs, safe neighbourhoods and emergency numbers. But keep space for spontaneous detours as you will make some of the best memories that aren't in the itinerary. Passport, IDs, bookings - save them on your phone so that you can access them even during those times where you are in low-network areas. It is also important to carry hard copies in a folder. Wandering at midnight looking for a hotel isn't fun, it's risky. Having a safe place to land makes the whole trip smoother. Then you can go into full spontaneous mode later. You will have to carry your own bags, so skip the 'just in case' shoes and outfits. Choose versatile options and layers. Leave space in your bag for local finds. And don't forget a power bank - lifesaver. Whether it's your mum or your group chat, keep someone in the loop. A quick text to say you reached your destination is a smart move. If a place or person is raising alarm bells in your mind, leave. Your instincts are valid - don't talk yourself out of them. Solo doesn't mean unsafe. Try the weird local snack, take the random detour, but don't feel pressured to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. A 'hello' or 'thank you' in the local tongue can open doors. People warm up when you try to learn the local customs, even if you fumble. You don't need to lie, just don't broadcast you're alone. Use words like 'we' instead of 'I' in casual conversations with strangers. Keep things mysterious - like a spy but with sunscreen. Don't overschedule every second - leave time to sit, observe, breathe. Some of your best solo trip moments are the quiet ones. Travelling solo can be liberating, eye-opening, and sometimes a little scary. The key is to be prepared....