Single Traveler Tips

Single Traveler Tips

1. If you are going to travel alone, do as much advance preparation as possible to make your adventure more comfortable. PLAN PLAN PLAN

a. Research your destination; use materials from your travel agent, from the Web, and from your local library. Study the history of the region, the customs, the language (if it's other than your own native language), the literature and music, and notable sights.

b. Have all your travel arrangements finalized before you leave. Make sure you know how you are going to be getting from one place to another. If you are in a foreign country, it is easier to proceed if you have this advance knowledge.

c. Take only what you will wear, which is probably half of what you've laid out. This is the time to be ruthless. Nothing is more exhausting than lugging around bags full of things you thought you "might" need. Limit yourself to what you can carry by yourself: a roll-around suitcase, a tote or backpack, and a money belt.

2. Making friends when you are traveling alone is much easier than you think. People seem curious about the solo traveler and will not hesitate to begin speaking to you. Eye contact with others around you and a simple smile is often all the invitation someone needs to speak with you. An honest curiosity about those around you is often welcome. Sometimes hotel personnel will be happy to introduce you to other travelers.

If you are by yourself at a resort or on a cruise, participate in as many fun and game activities as possible. Most resorts and cruise lines have activity coordinators whose job it is to make everyone comfortable and happy. Make sure you get to know them.

3. Safety for the solo traveler is an important issue. Be aware of everything that goes on around you. Walk with confidence and with your head up, eyes panning the surrounding area. If you appear to be in command of yourself, you are less likely to be a victim. Check with locals to see if there are areas you should avoid - either in the daytime or at night. If you are traveling to a foreign country, check with the State Department for any warnings about the country you will be visiting. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times; do not leave your luggage unattended and do not have your wallet in a prominent place where it could be snatched. Don't become paranoid about the situation, but do be alert.

4. Eating alone is often a difficult time. How does one make this enjoyable rather than bearable? While it may sound strange, put all your senses on a higher level of sensitivity. Use your eyes to look around the dining area -- observe every detail and keep your mind occupied by making up a story to go along with every other diner. Use your sniffer to absorb the smells. Savor every bite you take - don't rush your meal, and try to commit the flavors to memory. If you are going to take a book with you or if you gulp down your meal in record time, you might as well have remained in your room with a bunch of crackers and a bottle of fizzy water.

5. Keep a journal of your experiences while traveling alone. It takes some discipline to maintain a journal regularly, but writing daily will also fill some time when you are enroute to a new location or are by yourself. It will also serve as a future reference for place names and sights after you return home and are relating your experiences to others.

6. An advantage of solo travel is that you are flexible. YOU decide where to go and what to do rather than having to compromise with a travel companion. If you are a single traveler on a tour, you still have lots of free time and again, your free time is your own and not a source of argument or contention with whomever you're traveling.

7. Other people will be in awe of you for traveling alone. "How brave you are," they will say. Secretly you know that all it takes is some self-assurance and a curiosity about the world around you to make solo travel an enjoyable experience. Go for it!!!