The skin goes through many different stages. There are natural ways to get rid of pimples that are quick and easy. Using an effective acne remedy can make a huge difference. Here are some overnight remedies:

1.  Egg White Delight

Whisk 2-3 egg whites until they are frothy, then let sit. Use fingertips to apply in 3 to 4 layers. Make sure the first layer has dried before applying the second. Let sit for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. Apply moisturizer.

2.  Cinnamon and Honey

Combine 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Rinse your face and pat dry. Apply the mask to your face and wear for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse and pat your face dry.

3.  Milk and Honey

Take 1 tablespoon of plain, room temperature low-fat or full-fat yogurt or milk. Mix in 1 tablespoon of honey and pat on your face. Let layers dry in between, sitting 10-15 minutes. Wash mask off while using a washcloth to scrub in a circular motion. Moisturize.

4.  Tea Tree Oil

Wash face and pat dry. Mix the tea tree oil with 1 part oil to 9 parts water. Apply to problem areas with a cotton swab. Apply moisturizer.

5.  Strawberries and Honey

Image via Stocksnap

Rinse 4 strawberries and mash. Add two teaspoons of honey and blend. Apply to face. Rinse with warm water after 20 minutes and apply your favorite moisturizer.

6.  Aloe

Aloe has great restorative properties. Wash face and pat dry. Use a Q-tip or your fingers and apply aloe directly to problem areas on your skin.

7.  Oatmeal

Image via Stocksnap

Cook oatmeal as directed. While still hot, add two tablespoons of honey. Let cool to room temperature. Leave on skin for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

8.  Sugar Scrub

Mix 1 ½ cups of brown sugar, and 1 ½ cups of white sugar. Add in a spoonful of coarse sea salt and mix. Pack two cups into a measuring cup and pour ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil on top. Let soak. Take mixture and apply to rest of sugar/salt mix. Add 4-5 tablespoons of pure vanilla extract and mix.

9.  Avocado and Honey

Image via Stocksnap

Rinse face and pat dry. Scrape inside of an avocado, mash, and stir in 1 tablespoon of honey. Continue stirring until it turns into a paste. Apply and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Wash with lukewarm water and pat dry. Add moisturizer.

10.  Mint

Rinse face and pat dry. Crush mint leaves. Rub on face and leave for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with cold water.

11.  Potato

Wash face, leave damp. Grate raw potato and rub pulp and juice onto face. Let dry for 15-30 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

12.  Baking Soda

Mix equal parts baking soda to water. Form a thick paste. Massage in slow, circular motion for 2 minutes. Leave for 15-20 minutes, rinse with warm water, pat dry and moisturize.

It’s early in the morning and you’ve got the kids to get ready for school, breakfast to make, emails to check and your morning face to apply. Your morning routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are 5 simple ways to simplify your morning routine.

1.  Prep the night before.

To limit the amount of items (make-up and cleansers) you’re using each morning, prepare your bathroom counter the morning before. Choose 5 items that really work for you and your face. Items like a face wash, toner, moisturizer, oil and lipstick/gloss or chapstick are great to help prep your face for your day or make-up routine.

2.  Wash with oil or shea butter.

Wash with a soap that has a few simple ingredients. Try to limit the number of ingredients because the simpler, the better for your skin. The Honest Company sells organic bar soap like the Juniper Sage scent. The bars are all natural, hypoallergenic and made with shea butter and coconut oil. For an all-oil option, consider the Carli bar oil soap. Its made with moisturizing olive oil – perfect for cleansing your morning face.

3.  Refresh with homemade tea tree toner.

Tea Tree is an essential oil with so many wonderful properties. Recent studies link tea tree oil to more medicinal properties such as decreasing fungal and bacterial infections, reducing redness and acne and soothing irritated skin. A morning toner will cleanse any leftover make up and prepare the skin for moisturizer. Apple cider vinegar, filtered water, tea tree oil and a small spray bottle are all you need to make homemade toner.

1. Fill half of a small spray bottle with apple cider vinegar.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of water. Shake well.
3. Add 5-10 drops of tea tree oil.
4. Spray on your face and wipe with a make-up pad.

4.  Moisturize with jojoba oil.

Not all moisturizers come in a creamy consistency. Oil is the new lotion. Jojoba oil is a natural emollient, meaning it helps moisturize using its sebum-like qualities to produce natural oils.

Jojoba is a great substitute for lotion. Apply 4 to 6 drops of jojoba oil each morning to help clear acne, moisturize and add a glow to your skin. Let the oil sit on your face and soak up all its healing properties. Jojoba oil can also be used as a make-up remover for your end-of-the-night routine!

5.  Finish with a lip scrub.

Show your lips some love too! End your morning routine with a moisturizing lip scrub. It’s simple to make and will give a moisturized feeling all day.

To make:

1. Add a few tablespoons of honey with a tablespoon of sugar into a mason jar.
2. Mix together.
3. Add 5 drops of your favorite essential oil. Orange, lavender and tea tree oil work best.
4. Scrub onto your lips and rinse off.
5. If you prefer to purchase, consider the honey lip scrub from Lush.

Simplify your morning routine. Give your face a break and use products that are gentler on your skin and made from all natural ingredients.

{Editor’s Note: This post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

Pregnancy can be an overwhelming time. You want to give your baby the best start in life, but there’s so much information to sort through. That’s why I came up with this guide to the best prenatal vitamins for a healthy pregnancy.  These all-natural supplements are great for you, too. However, you should always do what I did and talk to your doctor or nutritionist. They can help build the right prenatal supplement plan for you.

Prenatal Multivitamins

A quality prenatal multivitamin will fill in any small nutritional gaps in your day-to-day meals. These micro-deficiencies won’t affect your health much, but they could strike your child at a vulnerable point during the pregnancy. Look for a multivitamin that is specifically formulated for prenatal concerns.

Some women find that multivitamins make them nauseous. This is often caused by the iron in the supplement. If you have this problem, you can try switching brands, starting with a lower dose, or taking the pill at night so you can sleep through the nausea. You can also try an iron-free multivitamin and add red meat or spinach to your diet.

How much should you take? One pill a day, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Folate and Folic Acid

These names are used interchangeably, but they come from different sources. Folate is the natural form of this important supplement, while folic acid is synthetically produced. If you can, try to get natural folate, which seems to have the greatest benefit. For pregnancy supplements first trimester folate use is vital to prevent neural tube defects in your baby.

How much should you take? Most doctors say to aim for up to 1200 mcg of folate each day to maximize the benefits. Make sure you don’t exceed this. Watch how much folate you get from things like your multivitamin, enriched grain products, meal replacement shakes, and other sources.

Vitamin D

Many people are vitamin D deficient, and this can create a number of health complications for both you and your growing baby. Supplementing vitamin D during pregnancy and nursing can help with your child’s hormone levels, as well as build strong bones and teeth. This supplement is good for you, too. Studies show that vitamin D can reduce the risk of expectant mothers developing gestational diabetes or post-partum depression.

How much should you take? The general recommendation is to try to get about 5000 IU each day.

Magnesium

Magnesium is not talked about as much as other supplements. However, it is also important during and after pregnancy. A severe deficiency can lead to dangerous conditions like preeclampsia and harm the baby during vital periods of development. Expectant mothers who take this supplement also tend to recover faster after giving birth.

How much should you take? Try to take in no more than 500 mg from all sources.

Probiotics

Probiotics are especially important during pregnancy. Did you know that you can pass beneficial gut bacteria on to your baby? A quality probiotic will give you and the baby a healthy digestive tract. It can also help your child fight off ear infections and other illnesses in their first few years of life. For you, probiotics can help you avoid constipation during your pregnancy and illnesses like Group B strep.

How much should you take? There’s no standardized amount, but you should look for probiotics from many different sources including dairy products.

{Editor’s Note: Please consult your doctor before adding any of these vitamins or supplements to your diet.}

Healthy eating is easier than you think. Yep, you heard right. When you focus on whole foods that can be found in nature, the concept can be simpler than you think. We’re talking about real food here ladies!

Think back to the way your parents might have eaten when they grew up. In those days, there weren’t many of the processed foods that we see on grocery store shelves today. Most mothers didn’t work and had time to prepare nutritious meals for their families. But fast forward to today and what do we find? We live much busier lives, dual-income families have become the norm, fast food restaurants are everywhere, and the number of processed foods we consume is at an all-time high. And as a result, people are ailing from more chronic health conditions than ever before. The benefits of healthy eating are numerous and you will find that it isn’t as hard as you thought once you get into the habit. Of course it’s impossible to cover everything but here are some ways to get started:

1.  Avoid processed foods.

Instead focus on whole foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, lean meat, Greek yogurt, eggs. Avoid the veggie chips and cheddar goldfish crackers…and the empty calories.

2.  Prepare more meals at home.

Save eating out for a special occasion or a Friday night and prepare a few meals at home during the week. Not only will you save money, your waistline will thank you.

3.  Replace soda with water.

Ditch the Diet Coke and drink water instead. It may be hard at first but doing so even one or two days a week will improve your health in more ways than one. How much water should you drink? If you aren’t thirsty and your urine is light yellow in color then you are likely doing things right. 

4.  Plan your meals.

Make a list of dinners for the week. Get your family involved and come up with choices that will satisfy everyone. Consider choosing dishes that include similar ingredients so you won’t have food that goes to waste. If you do have food left over, have a night for leftovers or take a portion to the office for lunch the next day. And, take into account a day where the scheduled meal just isn’t going to happen, and have something to fall back on that can be prepared quickly. My go-to: breakfast for dinner. Make a pan of scrambled eggs and serve with whole wheat toast and berries or veggies on the side. Violia!

5.  Go grocery shopping for the week.

You have your list of meals, now it’s time to go shopping. Stock up on food staples that you’ll eat up during the week for snacks and meals. You may even have to stop at the store during the week to pick up an item but you’ll have the bulk of your ingredients waiting for you at home.

6.  Use portion control.

Pay attention to serving sizes. It’s easy to overdo it and eat enough for two people especially if the meal is your favorite. Avoid the post-meal food coma. If you still feel hungry after the meal, wait a few minutes, sip on water and give your gut time to register that it’s full. Do this and chances are you will find that you’re not hungry anymore.

7.  Have dinner as a family.

Eat a meal at the kitchen table with your spouse and/or your kids and talk about your day. Make the mealtime device-free and engage your kids in conversation – you will find that you eat more slowly and enjoy the meal more. Most of all, cherish your time together.

Feature image via Stocksnap

Every bride deserves a fairy tale wedding. Yet, your wedding shouldn’t break the bank. If you’re feeling the stress to plan an affordable wedding, know that you can have the wedding of your dreams without going into debt. Follow our 25 money-saving tips to plan your perfect, budget-friendly wedding.

1.  Set a budget.

Image via Pexels

Sit down with your fiancé and decide your budget together. Discuss what aspects of your wedding you’re willing to spend the most on, and where you feel you can save. You may want to spend big on a specific venue, but then choose cheap wedding invitations.

2.  Consider the day of the week.

Image via Stocksnap

Saturdays are the most expensive day of the week to get married. Ask your vendors if they offer reduced rates for non-peak days.

3.  Plan an affordable destination wedding.

Image via Stocksnap

If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding, work with a travel agent/wedding planner. Such insiders are familiar with the venues and vendors that offer the best deals, and may be able to help you negotiate better rates.

4.  Move outdoors.

Image via Stocksnap

Rather than renting a pricey venue, get married outside at a park, beach, or your own backyard. Outdoor weddings can be breezy, beautiful, and free.

5.  Avoid peak wedding season.

Image via Stocksnap

Wedding season is typically April through October. You’ll likely find venues offer more affordable rates outside of peak season.

6.  Save money on wedding flowers.

Image via Stocksnap

Choose flowers that are in season and that can be found locally. Talk to your florist to find out what varieties are most affordable that will fit your color scheme.

7.  Skip the sit-down dinner.

Image via Pixabay

Full course meals can be significant budget items, especially if you’re planning for lots of guests. Consider offering hors d’oeuvres or buffet stations instead.

8.  Save on photography prints.

Image via Stocksnap

Choose a photography package that provides a small number of prints, and share digital copies with family and friends.

9.  Consider saving with cheap wedding invitations.

Consider creating your own invitations. They will mean that much more to you because you designed them yourself.

10.  Address your own envelopes.

A stationer will likely charge you for printing, or hand-addressing, your invitation envelopes. DIY with your bridesmaids instead.

11.  Save on ceremony programs.

Image via Stocksnap

Instead of printing one ceremony program per guest, print one per couple.

12.  Swap flowers for candles.

Image via Pixabay

Save money on wedding flowers by replacing them at your reception with candles.

13.  Offer a limited bar or a signature cocktail.

Image via Pixabay

Limiting the variety and quantity of alcohol options can significantly help you save costs on your reception.

14.  Consolidate your ceremony and reception.

Image via Stocksnap

There are cost efficiencies to be had if you hold your ceremony in the same location as your reception.

15.  Rent or borrow jewelry.

Image via Stocksnap

Borrow a signature piece of jewelry from a family member or friend, or consider a service that allows you to rent jewels for a day. You’ll look divine for a fraction of the cost.

16.  Rent or borrow your dress.

Image via Stocksnap

The gown can be a significant line item, but you’re only going to wear it once. Consider a gown rental service, or borrow from a friend instead.

17.  Consider your guest list.

Image via Stocksnap

Invite only those people who have impacted your lives, especially if you’re planning an affordable destination wedding.

18.  Promote your vendors for reduced rates.

Image via Pixabay

Offer to display your vendors’ business cards, or promote them on social media, for reduced rates.

19.  Skip the bridal party gifts.

Give handwritten and sincere thank you notes instead.

20.  Email your save-the-date cards.

Announce your wedding with an email instead.

21.  Choose a small cake.

Image via Stocksnap

A five-tiered layer cake may be beautiful, but it will cost you. A smaller cake can be just as beautiful and it can save you money.

22.  Choose larger tables for your reception.

Image via Stocksnap

Fewer tables means money saved on tablecloths and centerpieces.

23.  Choose single page invitations.

Another option for cheap wedding invitations is to select a single card instead of separate reply cards, direction cards, and reception cards.

24.  Skip the champagne toast.

Image via Stocksnap

Your guests can toast you just as sincerely with whatever they choose to sip.

25.  Make your own menu cards.

Image via Stocksnap

This is an easy piece to DIY and save the cost of a stationer.

Remember, the most important part of your wedding is the part where you say “I do” to the love of your life. Your friends and family will be thrilled to celebrate your special day with you, no matter how much you spend.

Feature image via Stocksnap

Say goodbye to the gym and say hello to technology with the best fitness apps for women. Burn, tone and stretch with the help of virtual trainers, online communities and fun challenges.

1.  Charity Miles

Image via Charity Miles

Do good for your body and your soul with this award-winning app. For every mile you run, walk or bike, the app donates to a participating charity. Exercise to Stand Up to Cancer, save the animals with ASPCA, help veterans in the Wounded Warrior Project and much more.

2.  Daily Yoga

Image via Daily Yoga

Yoga is supposed to be a peaceful way to stretch your mind and body, but staying balanced in tree pose in front of the class can be nerve-wracking. With Daily Yoga there is no stress; enjoy your own coach for a solo workout in the privacy of your home.

3.  Johnson and Johnson 7 Minute Workout

Image via Johnson and Johnson 7 Minute Workout

If you’re a woman always on the go, it may seem you like you barely have time to breathe, let alone workout. Johnson and Johnson’s Director of Exercise Physiology created this 7-minute solution. With form and motivation tips, this quickie cardio workout at home has exercises for all experience levels.

4.  Fit Radio

Image via Fit Radio

Music is the motivator with Fit Radio. These beats-per-minute playlists provide that steady pace to keep your heart rate up as you bust a move. Choose playlists created for specific workouts – from CrossFit to Zumba – or search for your favorite genre or artist and get moving.

5.  Lose It!

Image via Lose It!

The creators of Lose It! know it sometimes takes a (virtual) village. This app uses a well-rounded approach to monitor your activity level and diet. Join a peer group and compete in challenges to eat more greens or burn more calories.

6.  Couch to 5K

Image via Cool Running/Couch to 5K

Running is all the rage right now, and why not? You can run as a solo workout or with friends. Plus there’s competitions with cute costumes. With a personalized coach, this app gets you off the couch and at the starting line for your first 5K by following a 30-minute, three-day-a-week training for nine weeks.

7.  Strava

Image via Strava

For serious running and cycling competitors, Strava offers detailed performance analytics and a chance to see how you stack up against athletes in your community. The app suggests challenging routes to take and measures speed, pace and distance. It also compares your workouts against each other.

8.  Fitocracy

Image via Fitocracy

Fitocracy is one of the best fitness apps for women who thrive under peer pressure. After a fitness assessment, you’ll get a personalized nutrition and workout plan. Then, you can conquer challenges, socialize your stats and contribute to the competitive online community.

9.  Sworkit

Image via Sworkit

Are you worth it? Then Sworkit with this app that guides you through workouts requiring no equipment, so you can have a solo workout at home for 5 minutes or more. The app pairs strength, Pilates, yoga and other stretching exercises with Spotify playlists.

10.  Seconds Pro

Image via Run Loop/Seconds Pro

If high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and circuit workouts are what pump you up, Seconds Pro acts as your timer and trainer. The app speaks your workouts, gives visual clues to ready you for the next exercise and plays music as it counts down the seconds on each interval.

11.  Daily Butt Workout

Image via Daily Butt Workout

Just 5- to 10-minutes a day with the Daily Butt Workout tones your butt and legs. Simply follow the videos and it’s like you have a personal trainer helping you workout at home for free.

12.  Daily Ab Workout

Image via Daily Ab Workout

Similar to the butt workout, the Daily Ab Workout is one of the highest-rated, no-frills fitness apps for women wanting to improve their core. You’ll feel the burn after powering through these 10 exercises.

{Editor’s Note: This post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

You have an emergency fund, right?

I know it’s easier to gloss over the fact that bad things sometimes happen to good people, but life is unpredictable. You just never know when the engine might fall out of your car or you’ll need to go home to care for an ailing parent. It’s always better to spend a few uncomfortable minutes thinking about possible problems now than to be caught off guard by real ones later.

If you don’t have an emergency fund — or aren’t exactly sure what you need — here’s what you need to know.

What Is An Emergency Fund?

An emergency fund is money you keep in a liquid savings account so you can access it quickly when you need it. It should be a safe, FDIC-insured account that you can make penalty-free withdrawals from. You’ll need between three and six months of expenses in there to tide you over if you ever lose income. Don’t despair if you don’t have that much — every little bit helps, and you’ll get there eventually if you set aside a little bit every month.

Why You Need Emergency Funds

These things might never happen, but they’re great examples of the types of life events your emergency fund is designed to protect you against:

1.  Your Car Breaks Down. 

You can’t live without your car if you plan to keep working, and you need to keep working to pay for a new car. Having a few thousand dollars in your emergency fund will keep you on the road when your car quits.

2.  You Get Really Sick.

If you run out of sick time at work, you’ll need a back-up plan to cover your lost income as you recover.

3.  You Get Laid Off.

Downsizing is real, and it could be coming for you — no matter how good you are at your job. Your emergency fund gives you some breathing room while you look for new work.

4.  Your Identity Is Stolen. 

If someone gets your checking account number and cleans you out, it could take some time to get everything sorted. In the meantime, your emergency fund will be a big help if you’re locked out of your credit cards and other accounts.

5.  You Need to Relocate.

Whether for business or for pleasure, moving is expensive. If you need to get to your new opportunity quickly, your emergency fund can get you there without sending you into debt.

Two Big Ways to Save Money in Your Emergency Fund

Now that you have a clear image of all the disasters an emergency fund can protect you from, it’s time to figure out how you’ll build up your savings. There are two major ways to save:

Boost Your Income

You can fast-track your savings by taking on a side gig and banking all the extra cash. If a part-time job is too much, try earning money at home by doing online surveys or working for an internet task site like Swagbucks. You can also raise some cash by selling stuff you don’t need anymore.

Cut Your Expenses

The other way to increase your savings is to trim some excess out of your spending. Eat out less, turn down your thermostat, and cut your shoe budget in half — just make sure you immediately transfer the money you don’t spend into your emergency fund so you don’t spend it on something else.

With a one-two punch of cutting some discretionary expenses and picking up some odd jobs to boost your income, you can get you emergency fund up to snuff sooner rather than later. It’s also a good idea to automate your savings — even just $25 to $50 extra dollars a month that’s automatically deposited into your savings will really start to add up. Once you’ve got your emergency fund nice and fat, you’ll be able to rest easier knowing you can weather just about any financial storm that life might throw at you.

Feature image via royalty-free stock photo

Staying refreshed and feeling beautiful are two of the things at the top of every woman’s to-do list. While there are a number of products on the market that cater to this, there are top secret beauty tips around the world that can also aid in the process. Using natural beauty tips can be more cost-effective, and will provide a solution for everyone. Here are 10 beauty secrets used in different locales around the globe:

1.  Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is used for natural skin and hair care in India and other parts of the world.

2.  Argan Oil

Argan oil is used in Morocco as a face moisturizer, a bath oil, body lotion,and leave-on conditioner for your hair.

3.  Rice water and Camellia oil

In China, rice water is used as a facial rinse, and Camellia oil is used to aid in the reduction of blemishes and stretch marks on the skin.

4.  Matcha green powder

In Japan, many women mix Matcha green powder and hot water to make a flavorful green tea. When used as a tea, it has a number of healing properties, including burning fat and boosting energy. It can also be used as a face mask and to fight acne.

5.  Potato slices

In Spain, women use potato slices to combat dark circles under and around the eyes. Use them for about fifteen minutes and watch them work.

6.  Manuka honey

In Sweden, Manuka honey is used for a number of skin treatment regimens. It can be used as a face cleanser, dark spot treatment, and face mask. Leave it on for 15 or 20 minutes, and it will immediately start working.

7.  Olive oil and egg whites

In Italy, olive oil is the go-to ingredient for smooth skin, extra shine for the lips, and more. Egg whites are used as a great treatment for glossy hair. Whip the egg whites, leave the mixture on for 10 minutes, and wash.

8.  Lemon juice, milk and honey

In France, lemon juice will help get rid of nail stains. Soaking the fingers for about ten minutes will produce fast results. Milk and honey are also popular for bathing and smooth, silky skin.

9.  Wet sand

In Brazil, the beach does more than provide a tan! Women use wet sand to scrub their feet and arms to exfoliate their skin and nourish it with minerals.

10.  Green tea and mineral water

In Sweden, green tea is a huge part of the skin care routine. Freeze green tea with mineral water to create a toner. Drinking green tea also has very healthy benefits.

11.  Rooibos Tea

In Africa, Rooibos tea, or red tea, is a skincare routine necessity. Red tea is rich in Vitamin C and quercetin. It can aid in increasing collagen production. It is full of flavor on its own as a tea.

These are just a few natural beauty tips that can be done with all the products you may use every single day. Knowing how you can take care of your skin without breaking the budget is a winning formula.

From Atlanta to Zimbabwe, some of my most powerful and enjoyable travel experiences have been the ones I’ve tackled alone. Sure, I love a romantic getaway, a BFF weekend or a family vacay. But, I am my own best travel companion. Traveling alone gives you the freedom to discover the world, and yourself, on your own terms. Before you start buying plane tickets and packing your carry-on, consider these ten tips for solo female travel.

1.  Keep Someone Informed

Traveling solo does not mean doing it all alone. The most important safety tip for solo female travel is having a point person at home. Be sure at least one person has your itinerary, complete with hotel contact information and flight numbers and stay in frequent contact with them. Social media is also a good way to leave a trail of your whereabouts, especially if you deviate from the plan. Use the check-in post option to tag your location, along with an upbeat-sounding note or photo, for a breadcrumb that will also make your friends super jealous of your adventure.

2.  Don’t Overindulge In Alcohol

Downing a pisco sour to celebrate my last night alone in Peru is one of my all-time favorite travel memories, and sipping a glass of Bordeaux in… Bordeaux ranks pretty high on my bucket list.  You’ll never hear me say that alcohol is a no-go while traveling alone. But, for safeties’ sake, it’s important to know your limits and stay well within them. Limiting yourself to one drink per night lets you savor the experience without leaving you at risk.

3.  Look Like A Local

Nothing distinguishes you as a tourist, and an easy target, like a camera around your neck and the wrong wardrobe. Blending in with the locals will not only help you stay safe, it can also help you score better service.  Keep your camera or selfie-stick tucked into your bag, and follow local custom and trends for dressing.

4.  Embrace Spontaneity

I love packing lists, dinner reservations and detailed itineraries. But, the beauty of travel lives in exploration and discovery. Moving, or lingering, at your own pace is the best part of solo travel. Start with a plan, but be willing to let it go in favor of hidden gems and embracing the moment.

5.  Carry the Right Handbag

Bucket bags and oversized totes are cute and seem perfect for tossing daily essentials into. But, they leave you open, literally, to pickpockets. Opt for a cross body bag that zips fully closed. RFID blocking pockets will also prevent tech-savvy scammers from grabbing your digital details. Look for handbags that fold flat for tossing into your luggage and making the most of your carryon capacity.

6.  Start Small

Travel does not need to be far-flung or exotic to be meaningful.  Backpacking across South America might not be the best option for a first-time solo traveler. Start with small steps with a weekend trip to a nearby city. Areas with a well-established travel industry, all-inclusive resorts and branded hotels also make some of the best places to travel alone as a woman. As you build up experience, you’ll be able to jump into more intense solo trips.

7.  Showcase Confidence

Traveling involves problem-solving and figuring things out on the fly. But, looking lost, confused or overwhelmed can make you a target. Adopt a “fake it until you make it” attitude and paste on a mask of confidence until you feel the real thing.

8.  Get Comfortable Eating Alone

It’s natural for sitting alone in a restaurant to feel a little awkward, but sampling the local cuisine is a big part of the experience.  Sitting on outdoor patios helps me feel more comfortable. Sitting at the bar, striking up a conversation with the wait staff or bringing along a book are all good strategies. Best of all, dining alone means there’s no one to judge if you want to sample two desserts!

9.  Trust Your Gut

My last, and potentially most life-saving, piece of safety advice for travelling alone is to listen to the voice in the back of your head. Whether it’s a sketchy-looking cab or the most highly-rated restaurant, if your instinct tells you something isn’t right or you feel unsafe, walk away, right away.

10.  Have Fun 

While you absolutely want to stay safe while traveling alone, the most important part of traveling alone is soaking up the moment and creating memories. Overall, the world is a good place and, as a strong, independent woman, you should never let hear hold you back. Now get our there!  The world is waiting for you!

Traveling solo is a gift. It gives you time to truly savor the world without interruptions. It puts you in the position of power as you are responsible for your adventures. It also adds an element of fear knowing that you are all alone in a new destination. Most of all, solo female travel teaches us that we can do anything that we set our minds to. Of course, it helps to choose travel destinations that are welcoming to women. To get you started here are five tried-and-true solo excursions that are well-suited for women travelers.

1.  Iceland

Trying to narrow down one fabulous city to visit when traveling solo in Iceland is impossible. You’ve got big city lights of Reykjavik, as well as the Northern Lights, puffins and whales just east of Trollaskagi Peninsula. There is plenty of mountain hiking to be done in Askja, and the Westfjords are a secret among locals who love its tiny fishing villages, immense mountains and coastal fjords. As you prepare your solo female tour of Iceland be in good spirits knowing that Iceland is one of the world’s safest countries. More impressively, Iceland is also the country with the greatest gender equality.

2.  London, England

Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London…all visible from the London Eye, are reasons for anyone to visit London. As a woman traveling solo you’ll get to take in all of these sights on your own leisurely time. London is historic, bustling, cultural, and one of a kind, and it provides the perfect backdrop for solo female travel. You can feel safe traveling in those beetle black taxis and red double decker buses anytime day or night in this city. For women who are making their first international jaunt alone, Londoners speak English first, which will make your travel transition easier.

3.  Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam as one of the best destinations for traveling alone as a woman? Yes, that’s right, the Dutchies offer up a safe and progressive place for women travelers. Grab a bicycle and hold on tight as you tour the city from two wheels. The Anne Frank Museum is a must, as well as the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, so join the queues for these.

A solo female traveler’s tip: Try your best to schedule your solo trip in the last two weeks of April. Two reasons. King’s Day is held on April 27 and leads to an all day long, citywide, street party that is family friendly and solo female tested. Keukenhof Gardens over in Lisse, only a bus ride away, showcases its most spectacular blooms the last weeks of April. The world’s most expensive tulips came from these gardens, and they grow as tall as small children.

Related: 10 Important Tips Every Solo Female Traveler Should Know

4.  Ajijic, Mexico

Credit: Wikipedia / Ajijic

Travel to the coastal town of Ajijic, cut off by tropical mountains and dense forests from nearby Guadalajara. Ajijic is a mecca for Canadians and military Americans who come down to retire. As such, boutique hotels, condos and entire estates have been leased or rented for English-speaking visitors. You meander the boardwalk and watch boats float past. Spend some time exploring the mountain trails meandering between Catholic shrines. When you are ready to eat sample some freshly caught seafood at one of the beachside restaurants. Grab a green michelada at one of the local bars and go dancing in the main square in town.

5.  El Chalten, Argentina

Credit: Wikipedia Commons

Love to breathe some mountain air? Where else better to do this than in Patagonia, more specifically in El Chalten the official Capital Nacional del Trekking of Argentina. When hiking solo in one of the most awe inspiring countries in the world, you’ll have more time to think than Cheryl Strayed of “Wild.” While you’re down that way, check out Heilos Sur, which is the Southern Patagonian icecap. The hike only takes about four hours total and is relatively easy. Your payoff! Out of this world views of Monte Fitz Roy and surrounding peaks leave you feeling like you’ve left the earth altogether.