Context: 25 year old guy from USA and have been solo traveling since I turned 18. I have seen 30 countries as well as a decent amount of the USA itself. I did all international traveling (besides Mexico) by myself and plan on doing more the of my life.

I worked at the airport for a year and a friend of mine that worked there randomly messaged me asking if we could meet for coffee and talk about tips for solo traveling.

As a man (specifically a gay one) I felt more obligated to let her know risks as a female that she might encounter that I never did. For example, I told her that Japan or Turkey (both countries I visited) would be safer for her than maybe Brazil or Mexico. Of course, there are safe areas and dangerous areas everywhere.

Another friend of mine told me that I post a decent amount of my travels on Instagram and I said to him “it feels like a counterproductive journal that people see”. He then added “well you actually inspire some people to travel like you do”.

I always thought of my travels as very normal because I’ve been doing it for so long - could be a mild imposter syndrome? But what I’m noticing is people view me as confident and secure enough with myself to be alone to some extent.

Which I forget many people aren’t secure even in the slightest bit.