This gift guide pulls together my favorite items plus extra ideas to help you shop with confidence, whether you're buying a big-ticket item or a fun stocking stuffer.

I’m breaking down how I pack carry-on only, the travel gear I swear by, and my best tips to make sure you don’t feel like you’ve left half your life behind.

This guide will walk you through progressive steps to ease yourself into solo travel, from grabbing coffee alone in your hometown to booking your first international trip. By the time you reach the final step, you'll have already proven to yourself dozens of times that you're capable of handling whatever comes your way.