A solo backpacker who has been to 40 countries has 3 tips for your first time traveling alone

Claire Sturzaker is a full-time solo traveler who has spent the last 20 years taking her backpack around the world and documenting her experiences on her blog, Tales of a Backpacker.

After adventuring through 40 countries, Sturzaker has three essential tips for first-time solo travelers.

Sturzaker said when it comes to staying in hostels, women may feel more comfortable in a female-only dorm or a private room.

"There are tons of hostels now that have private rooms, so you get a nice mix of being sociable, but then you're also able to go to your own space and hopefully get a good night's sleep," she told Insider.

One of Sturzaker 's top tips for first-time solo travelers is to talk to other people. It's a great way to get tips and meet other travelers who have dealt with similar issues and can relate to you, she said.

Sturzaker said she recognizes that this can be challenging, but a random conversation with one or two people is a great place to start, even if it's just about the weather.

"I know it's hard. I do struggle, especially in big groups of people," she told Insider. "I try to approach one or two, so it's not overwhelming."

Sturzaker added that it's important to make yourself open to conversations as well by staying off your screens.

"I know how tempting it is to sit there on your phone safety net, but just put it away and just connect with people in real life," she said.

"Nothing is permanent, whether that's good or bad," Sturzaker said. "If you're in a good time, then live in the moment and really appreciate that. But then if things aren't going so well, then know that it's just a temporary thing and it's not the end of the world, and look at maybe what you could do to fix it."

So when you're in a new place all by yourself, Sturzaker said to remember that while not everything will go to plan, you'll never know what could happen until you try it out.

"Don't overthink it," she said.