I travel for work at least twice a month, and if traveling by myself as taught me anything:
Take all the photos you want, you might never have another chance to visit.
People always look at me strange, I've learned that quickly, it doesn't matter what country or city I'm in. So I just set up my tripod or ask a stranger to take my photo, reality is I'll most likely never see that person again, so no need to feel embarrassed.