I recently took my first-ever solo trip abroad here are 6 things I'm glad I knew before traveling alone

I knew that European outlets were different than American ones, but I easily could've forgotten to pack them since I'd never used them before.

Luckily, I was reminded about the outlets and decided to order a two-pack so I could charge my phone and laptop at the same time.

I also packed a power strip just in case there weren't enough outlets in a room and I needed to charge multiple electronics at once (i.e.: Bluetooth headphones, portable chargers). I wound up using it at the last place I stayed.

Safety was a big concern since I'd be visiting multiple locations that I wasn't familiar with navigating on my own.

I made sure that five close family members and friends knew all of my flight info, had the names and numbers of the hotels where I was staying, and knew exactly when and where I planned to go to certain locations during the day. I always made sure to check in with someone once a day so they knew I was all right.

A friend suggested I make copies of my passport to carry on me and send to family and some close friends. I made sure to always make sure my original was locked up somewhere safe in the hotels where I was staying.

Since I'd be by myself, a friend warned me about pickpockets.

I prefer pockets to purses, but thought it'd be smarter to carry around my belongings in a closeable bag instead. I knew I was regularly going to be bringing my wallet, Covid-19 vaccination card, hotel keys, phone, and portable charger everywhere I went, and I didn't want to risk losing anything.

I looked at the highest-rated crossbody bags on Amazon and came across one with three zippered pouches that's lightweight, held everything I needed, and was easy to keep visibly in front of me while out. And at under $25, it seemed like a steal.

The best part about my purchase is that I can keep reusing it, and now regularly bring it along to events and evenings out.

I planned to jog around Paris in the evenings and didn't want to lug a purse around to hold my wallet and hotel key while on the move, but still wanted to make sure my items were secure.

I made sure I always ran with biker shorts or leggings that had compact pockets. My go-to is Healthyoga's workout shorts and capris, which are stretchy, soft, and start at $9.99 a pair.

A friend told me to download an app called CBP MPC (customs and border protection mobile passport control) to make my return to the US easier. She suggested I open the app the moment I land in the US before deplaning.

The app allows you to submit passport information and answer six customs and border protection questions for yourself or for your entire family.

When you complete it, you'll receive a QR code that you'll be able to scan to get through the customs line in an expedited fashion. It's only valid for four hours so you can't do it too far in advance.

While I'm glad I had the app, I wish I also knew where to go with it. I unassumingly followed everyone else into a regular border patrol line, without realizing there's an entirely different, emptier area where you can just scan the code with the pre-answered questions and save yourself about a 30-40 minute wait.

I'd still highly recommend using the app, but I'd also implore you not to make the same mistake I did — if you're not sure where to go after getting off your flight, ask an airport worker for help.