• I swear by a few items to help make my solo trips more convenient.
• My portable tripod allows me to capture photos of myself without relying on help from strangers.
• My other must-haves include a back-lotion applicator, first-aid kit, and portable charger.

As a travel writer, I'm often taking off by myself — as often as 15 times a year.

Because I typically travel without a partner, I make sure to pack a few essential items to make my trips easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

Here are seven things I don't leave for a solo trip without.

Having a tripod means I don't have to rely on strangers to take pictures for me.

I like to take pictures of myself traveling, whether to post on social media or send to my boyfriend. I'm not into selfie sticks, and unfortunately, I can't always rely on strangers to take photos for me. So, having a cellphone tripod is a good compromise.

I love my ToneOf universal cellphone tripod because it easily slips into my carry-on luggage and expands when I need to snap a picture. It also includes a rechargeable remote control for the shutter.

My portable speaker doubles as a white-noise machine.

When I'm traveling by myself, I always carry my LectroFan Bluetooth speaker with me. The sound is incredible considering its tiny size, and it has several white-noise settings to drown out noisy neighbors or street sounds.

When I'm feeling lonely, I also like to use it to have a solo dance party in my room.

This back-lotion applicator helps me avoid getting sunburn in the areas I can't reach.

Since I often travel to tropical places, I prefer to pack bottles of sunscreen lotion since the coverage is heavier than spray. However, it's tricky to apply the lotion to my own back and shoulders.

Foam brush applicators are clunky to pack, but luckily, I found a cloth applicator from Steugo that folds up and doesn't take up much room in my suitcase.

I pour some lotion onto the fabric and then use the handles to rub it onto my back as if I'm drying myself with a towel. I rinse or hand-wash it between uses and throw it in the washing machine once I return home.

A first-aid kit is a must-have when traveling alone.

When I get injured or start to come down with something while traveling alone, there's no one to run out to the drugstore to get medicine or first-aid supplies for me.

Sometimes, I'm not even in an area with a nearby drugstore, so I make sure to bring along any items I might need.

My first-aid kit is stocked with bandages, cleaning wipes, gauze, tick removers, nosebleed plugs, sting relief, burn ointment, and a thermometer.

I also pack some over-the-counter medicine for pain, gastrointestinal issues, motion sickness, and congestion.

A portable charger is always good to have on hand.

One of my biggest concerns when traveling alone is my cellphone battery running low.

After all, I need my phone to navigate cities, book Uber rides, make restaurant reservations, and research tourist attractions. That's why I always carry a USB portable charger with me.

Slip-on shoes are a must for airport travel.

When TSA PreCheck isn't available, I often have to remove my shoes and coat and take my laptop and liquids out of my bag when I go through security.

Without a travel partner to double-check I grabbed everything, I like to make sure the process is as quick and easy as possible. That's why I always wear my favorite slip-on sneakers from Kizik.

They're also incredibly comfortable even after a long day of exploring.

Having a portable wash bag allows me to do my laundry.

I never check my luggage, and being a single traveler means I can only bring one carry-on with me. Even though I can fit a lot in my bag, I sometimes need to re-wear and freshen up my clothes.

Because hotel laundry service is often expensive, I bring my own Scrubba portable wash bag with me.

To use it, I fill the packable bag with socks, underwear, and t-shirts and then add water and a laundry sheet. Then, I deflate the bag and rub my clothes along the inner washboard before rinsing, wringing, and hanging my garments to dry.

• I've stayed at all-inclusive resorts around the world and seen first-timers make the same mistakes. 
• Don't go overboard with frozen drinks, and never fill your plate during the first pass at a buffet.
• Check out water-sport rentals and amenities at sister properties — and pack an insulated travel mug.

Vacationing at an all-inclusive resort is very appealing for many travelers — and with good reason.

Being able to budget before you arrive and not having to worry about toting around cash or credit cards can alleviate a lot of travel headaches.

As a travel writer, I've been to dozens of all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, the Maldives, and more. During my stays, I see guests overlook many details that could make their sojourns more enjoyable.

Whether you're planning your first trip to an all-inclusive resort or this is already your preferred style of vacation, here are 10 mistakes to avoid.

Not researching before booking

Not every all-inclusive resort is designed equally. Some have gorgeous pools and underwhelming beaches, or vice-versa.

Some cater to families with dedicated kids' and teens' clubs and activities, but others prohibit guests under 18.

I've stayed at resorts that run the gamut.

The point is that having everything included in and of itself isn't necessarily enough of an appeal. Think about what you're looking for in a vacation, do your research, and look beyond the slick marketing and touched-up, wide-angle photos on the resort's website.

Overlooking the VIP and concierge-level room options

The term "all-inclusive" doesn't mean what it used to.

These days, some resorts offer upgraded rooms and suites in certain areas of the property, with perks that may include butler service and dedicated lounges, restaurants, pools, or beach areas for these VIP guests.

Although spending more for these amenities isn't for everyone, they can bring a sense of luxury and civility to your vacation, especially if you're staying at a crowded resort where guests are forced to set out towels before breakfast to claim lounge chairs.

Not making dinner reservations when you check in

You may have access to a slew of restaurants at your resort, but that doesn't mean you can roll up to the host stand and automatically get a table, especially at peak dinner times. Remember, everyone wants 7:30 p.m.

To avoid disappointment, book tables for the popular spots right after you check in or before you arrive, if that's an option.

Keep in mind that depending on how many nights you're staying, you may be entitled to only a limited number of reservations for the à-la-carte concepts, so choose wisely.

My advice is to prioritize places that serve local cuisine. After all, you can get steak or pasta just about anywhere.

Filling your plate at the buffet before checking out all the options

All-inclusive resorts are often known for over-the-top buffets any time of day, with omelet and freshly-pressed-juice stations at breakfast and salad bars, local specialties, carving stations, and all the desserts at lunch and dinner.

Grabbing a plate and reaching for the serving spoons before giving the area a look-see is a rookie move that can also lead to overeating and wasting food.

Before tackling a buffet, take a walk around, as options can change not only from meal to meal but daily as well. And make it a point to take a spoonful of something you've never tried.

Forgetting to bring an insulated travel mug

I used to roll my eyes at resort guests who'd tote their travel mugs up to the bar to be filled with their beverage of choice.

I thought they were being overly indulgent and exploiting the concept of "all-inclusive" — but now I think they're on to something.

For one thing, insulated tumblers keep drinks colder for much longer and reduce the number of trips to the bar.

Beyond that, they're more environmentally friendly than all those single-use plastic cups. If you're bringing your Stanley and asking the bartender to fill it, though, tip them for going above and beyond.

Not tipping

Speaking of tipping, I'm aware that some all-inclusive resorts invite guests to "leave their wallets at home."

But unless the property you're staying at has a strict policy against it, small tips can go a long way. Tipping the bartender at a crowded swim-up or lobby bar when you first order, for example, can result in quicker service for your second and third rounds.

If you have a fabulous server at dinner, it's a nice gesture to leave them some cash on the table. And don't forget about the housekeeping staff, who keep your room free of sand and endlessly replenish your towels.

Ordering drinks wrong

Not all drinks at all-inclusive resorts are created equally.

I often suggest a stop at the lobby bar, which tends to stock top-shelf liqueur. Upgrade your piña colada by requesting it with dark or aged rum instead of white, which gives it much more flavor.

If you see Aperol or Campari on the back bar, you can be sure to get a decent spritz. Craft your own low-ABV libation by asking for sauvignon blanc or rosé mixed with club soda and a dash of simple syrup, garnished with a lemon wedge.

Definitely try the local beer or wine if it's available.

… and going all in on fruity, frozen drinks

A piña colada is decidedly delicious — I like to have one mid-morning, which I half-jokingly refer to as a "breakfast smoothie."

But if you keep hitting the swim-up bar to order blended concoctions, you're probably going to end up drinking a zillion calories and getting a stomachache or killer hangover to boot.

If you're on a quest to keep the buzz going, maybe switch things up a bit with a spirit mixed with soda water or a wine spritzer. Don't forget to hydrate with actual water to counter the effects of all that heat and sunshine.

Not taking advantage of the amenities at sister properties

Some resorts are part of sprawling complexes with several adjacent properties owned and operated by the same parent company.

If your stay includes reciprocity (such as a "stay at one, play at three" policy), you'll get access to other facilities, including additional pools, fitness centers, beach areas, and restaurants.

Making use of them is a great way to avoid boredom and make it seem as if your vacation includes stays at multiple hotels.

Not borrowing non-motorized equipment for water sports

Although Jet Ski, hoverboard, and parasailing rentals can be pricey, your all-inclusive may allow you to borrow simpler equipment such as stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, floats, and even Hobie-Cats at no extra cost.

Still, I often see them lined up on the beach all day, barely being used. Consider signing the waiver, donning a life jacket, and just trying them.

If you're staying at a place where these water sports are popular, add your name to the wait list first thing in the morning.