As I sit here wondering what else I need to sort before I set off on this intrepid journey, I recall seeing a blog of a young Australian solo female traveller – World of Wanderlust (#worldofwlust) let’s see what Brooke suggests.

This young woman is dynamic and I have to say I’m more than slightly jealous – Brooke has had an amazing journey over the past few years and her blog is really a great place to start when you’re looking for a quick answer – oh, to have had her life at 20!

One section of her blog is specifically 20 Tips for Female Solo Travellers well, that’s relevant to me, I’m going to be that, so I settle in to read up on all her advice!

1. Social Media is a great tool to keep safe – I totally agree! I’m all across it! I now have 6 Instagram followers – my mother (who’s 74), one daughter – the other doesn’t want to lose her street cred by following me, my sister – well you get the picture! (See what I did there).

2. Copy your passport and important documents – Never fear, my wine location map is safely tucked inside my bra!

3. Its okay to splurge – So cute to think you need permission to do this – of course, I’ll bloody splurge – the whole trip is a splurge!

4. Dress like a local – this one threw me for a minute – local?  Traditional clothing, a little ambiguous although Brooke provides some guidance through photos.

Seriously – are you mad?  Do you realise how many bottles of vino I could get for that $795 handbag!

5. Be prepared for catcalling – Ok, I’ll take one for the team!

6. “Table for one” Is one of the hardest parts about Solo Travel – This is what really sets Brooke and I apart – after spending the past 24 years eating with children – you dream of a “Table for one”. To actually be able to sit and enjoy a meal, without sharing it or the food going cold during the process or tending to someone else’s needs – oh, not to mention actually enjoying the glass of vino, during the meal instead of trying to throw it down your throat as you’re leaving the restaurant at the last minute due to a crisis with a 4yo!

No, “Table for one” is on bucket lists for the over 50s!

7. Walk Everywhere – I do agree, by far the easiest way to stumble upon that unknown little vino bar or cafe for the day’s intake of caffeine or alcohol!

Of course, of course, I’m there to see the sights!

8. Headphones on, World off – Absolutely, I’ll be singing my way through Italy with a bit of opera, Salzburg – will see me feature Maria and I’m sure I can locate a great beer number for Germany! My goal is go viral on YouTube of me singing and dancing  like no-one is watching!

9. You will meet other travellers – Guaranteed, my favourite part of travelling!

10. Be firm when saying “No” – In this section, Brooke gives some clear advice on giving a firm “No” when asked for a dinner date or drinks. Hmm… if it were my daughter –  absolutely! However at 52, I see this slightly differently – nothing wrong with the firm no after dinner and drinks!

11. Keep a Journal – Imperative, our memory is not like it used to be. I’ve already started the journal, so I remember to go on the holiday!

12. Come Prepared Every Day – as opposed to unprepared?

13. Aim to Arrive During the Day – Good sound advice, know where you’re at, give yourself time to scope the landscape and settle in for a wonderful set of ‘sundowners’ watching the world go by!

14. Find the Perfect Travel Purse – Again with the expensive bags – see the difference between us – what purse?  I only ever carry my phone with me (that has one credit card in it) and I’ll put a few dollars in my bra (with the wine map) – this way, if they attempt to pick pocket me, I’ll either a. let them; or b. slam them and charge them with assault for daring to steal my wine map!

15. Pack Light – Yep, no big girl panties here – no shared rooms, therefore no need for PJs! No makeup, no hairdryer and only two pair of shoes (all for four months)!

16. Learn New Skills  – Again a little ambiguous, Brooke of course, refers to cooking classes, painting, language…  Hmm will need to think on this one!

17. Learn how to take your own photos – Who else is going to them, if I’m a solo traveller? Brooke’s tips: tripod, camera, self-timer, run, et voila! What happen to No. 15 – Pack Light? Doesn’t my new flash iPhone take photos?

18. Download These Apps – Refer to No. 16

19. Read books to inspire your journey – Ok, now here we agree, not sure I need the book to inspire my journey although I already have books loaded on the Kindle as well as a couple of extras – it is my goal to read at least, if not more than one book a week on my travels!

20. Its Easier than you Think – I would totally agree, when my blog gets to be the biggest travel blog and companies pay for me to travel and blog about my journeys, I’m sure the ease will come. By the way, if any Vino companies are looking to sponsor – I’m your girl! I’m quite partial to a Veuve or a Chianti!