For many women, the idea of traveling alone sits somewhere between exhilarating and intimidating. The promise of independence and self-discovery is strong, but so are the “what ifs” that can hold people back. Still, solo travel can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do, as long as you approach it with intention and awareness.

“So many women are intrigued by the idea of solo travel,” Liz Coffey, founder of On Leave Experiences, told HuffPost. “I hate to see when they talk themselves out of it, worried it feels selfish or isn’t the right time. I like to ask ‘What will happen if you don’t?’ and similarly ‘What will happen if you do?’”

A solo trip can help you reset and return to your everyday life more energized. But it’s still important to be mindful of the potential missteps that can turn a fulfilling experience into a logistical nightmare or otherwise bad situation.

Below, seasoned globetrotters share the common mistakes solo female travelers make ― and their advice for avoiding these errors during your next trip.

Not Budgeting For Safety