After my 20-year marriage ended, I was afraid to travel alone. Now, I've been to 21 countries by myself.

Solo travel wasn't as challenging as I'd imagined.

Lisa VanderVeen

• After my 20-year marriage ended, I began traveling alone and I've since visited 21 countries.
• I've developed strategies for staying safe as a solo traveler and I always keep my phone on me.
• I was worried about feeling awkward dining alone, but talking to strangers and journaling helps.

For decades, solo travel never really crossed my mind.

Really, it didn't have to: I had a built-in...