Travellers heading overseas on their own have been advised to prepare by doing as much research as possible in advance.

According to Kristina Pentland of responsibletravel.com, solo travellers can better equip themselves for journeying abroad by themselves by brushing up on the local customs, basic foreign phrases and culture of the destination in question.

She also suggested that holidaymakers book a relatively low number of places to stay at to begin with, so that they can spend more time familiarising themselves with the local area.

"Always leave messages with other travellers or the place you are staying so people know where you are," Ms Pentland commented.

"Think local in everything that you do and your experiences will be richer."

According to Wanderlust magazine, greater numbers of women are venturing overseas on their own - more than two-thirds of its female readers did so last year.

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