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Single Traveler Tips

Elizabeth V. suggests.....
SINGLES TRAVEL THOUGHTS
These are the random thoughts on traveling alone by a middle-aged, young-at-heart, woman who has had some wonderful times all by herself.
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 in route 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!!!

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Paul suggests...
When arriving in a new town, check to see if the local newspaper has a list of activities and if that list contains activities for singles. Ask a librarian about such lists.
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S.W. from Canada suggests...
If you become homesick for family and or friends and think you must return home on the next plane, pause, and phone someone from home instead. This may be all you need before you carry on your journey.
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RON A. from WINSTON SALEM, NC suggests...
AFTER EXTENSIVE TRAVEL IN THE MILITARY, I LEARNED TO TAKE A $10 OR $20 DOLLAR BILL AND PUT IN MY SHOE FOR EMERGENCIES - THERE IS NOTHING WORSE THAN A PICKPOCKET CLEANING YOU OUT AND HAVING NOTHING LEFT - OF COURSE, THIS DEPENDS ON WHAT FOREIGN COUNTRIES YOU ARE IN.
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Laurianna from NY suggests...
Make "friends" with the local tour operator or tour guide. Many local hotels have "booths" set up to sign up for tours and day trips. They are used to "tourists" and usually speak your language. They are also local so they will be able to recommend great SAFE places to eat and see that will really help you get to know the people and place where you are. I still email "my" tour guide Jose, and he is helping me plan my next trip to Costa Rica.
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DJ from NJ suggests...
Be willing to try something new, whether it's a local dish at dinner, or an activity you have yet to try-like circus school at club med. You will have a memorable experience hopefully.
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Craig from Oz suggests...
If you are American do not be the obnoxious traveler that your compatriots are. We met a wonderful array of travelers throughout the Middle East but by far the most annoying and rude where the American tourists. Loud exclamations of how this new place is not 'like America' and the 'toilets (or johns) are different' and how the 'locals are ignorant' will NOT endear you to the people in the country or the other tourists that travel there.
If you must be like this please stay at home.
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DeeGee suggests...
I like to check in weekly with a selected person back home to let them know I'm still ok. If they don't hear from me they will have my itinerary and know how to reach me.
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Manuel Tezza suggests...
When driving to your destination, make sure not to drop below half a tank at all times, you don't know where the next gas station or how bad traffic is. Also, bring something to snack and sip on while driving. Good Luck
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Mary M. from Cincinnati suggests...
I've found traveling to small places alone is particularly nice - like an island like St. John, USVI. After the first couple of days and a day-long charter boat trip around the neighboring islands, I was running into people I'd met all over the island. Many insisted I join them to eat and have a nice chat, and the whole experience was great. I did, however, have to answer all those "how can you travel alone" questions. I just explained that I'd been there the year before with a boyfriend (by that time ex-boyfriend), and I had a better time by myself!
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Dallas from NJ suggests...
If you buy souvenirs, it might be best to mail them home instead of lugging them around. Also it might be cheaper than customs. Although, you may be back home for a month before your package gets to you. And the other draw back is it might be damaged.
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Mike Greiner suggests...
If you are a budget traveler like I am, a good way to try new foods an save on cash is to ask for the plate of the day. I like the small Mom & Pop type restaurants. It is also a great way to meet the local people. They are very interested in the single traveler.
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Renee from Michigan suggests...
Hold fast to your decision to travel alone. Do not wait. Your friends will never acquire the necessary money or vacation time, obtain permission from their husbands, or find someone to watch their kids. Go, now, while your health and wallet permits.
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C.D. from Milwaukee says...
If you are thinking of going to Disney World solo, go for it. the people who work there are very friendly, and you get to meet people from all over the world.
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This Single Traveler Tip courtesy of Ty Dillon
The first evening in a new country is very intimidating, with all the noise and lack or orientation. My advise..take a business card of the hotel you are in (in case you get lost and need to take a taxi back) and just step out the front door and start walking. The next day will be like it's your home town...well almost!!!
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Caroleena from Michigan suggests...
I travel alone mostly in Alaska, where there are so many solo travelers; I stay in youth hostels where I find clean/safe accommodations & often find another traveler to share grocery costs & we cook & split dinner/lunch & some times share laundry loads (since I backpack I never have enough "light" to fill up a washer). Youth hostels also provide a place where travelers are friendly & offer to share travel experiences. The cost is really a bargain as well.
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AG.C. from Canada says...
The best way to fit in your new surroundings is dress like the local people.
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Tina from Puerto Rico writes...
Be willing to try the local dishes! I've noticed that many travelers tend to want fast foods when away from home. Unfortunately, on my Island the fast food companies have taken advantage of this and they are all over the place. Ask the hotel administrator, or store keepers for restaurants with local food and.. GO FOR IT!
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Tim from Chicago suggests...
If you travel out of the country, pack an extra set of clothes in your carry on bag in case your checked-in bag gets delayed. Not a big deal in America because you know the stores, money, etc, and it's easy to make do. But, in a foreign language country, it can be added stress to what is already a tough thing to do: travel alone.
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AT FROM TX suggests...
PACK A SMALL BAG OF LOW-SUGAR/LOW-SALT AND VERY FILLING COOKIES OR CRACKERS FOR SNACKS. AND PICK UP A COUPLE OF PIECES OF FRUIT WHENEVER YOU CAN. WHEN YOU'RE WALKING A LOT ON A DAILY BASIS, YOU'RE HUNGRY MORE OFTEN THAN YOU'D EXPECT AND IT'S GREAT TO HAVE A HEALTHY SNACK TO KEEP YOU GOING UNTIL YOU FIND THAT GREAT RESTAURANT INSTEAD OF SETTLING FOR WHAT'S AVAILABLE.
PICK UP A LOCAL NEWSPAPER BEFORE YOU GO INTO A RESTAURANT AND DON'T BE SHY TO ASK THE SERVER FOR INFO ON UPCOMING EVENTS IN TOWN.
MY BEST EXPERIENCE WHILE TRAVELING ALONE WAS GETTING FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER -- AS OPPOSED TO STAYING IN ONE AREA FOR MORE THAN 2 DAYS. THE WORST WAS JOINING TOUR GUIDES. EVEN WHEN I GOT LOST IT WAS MORE FUN FINDING MY WAY BACK -- DISCOVERING UNEXPECTED PLACES -- THAN BEING IN A BUS WITH LIMITED VIEW GOING AT A SNAIL'S PACE. GATHER YOUR OWN INFO ABOUT THE AREA AND LEARN ON YOUR OWN TIME AND IN YOUR OWN PACE.
CAN'T WAIT TO DO IT AGAIN.
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Susan from Washington writes...
When you get to a new town or city, try spending some time orienting yourself to the city before heading out. I've driven around a bit after arriving by car, and it helped me use my time well and to feel rooted and secure in a new place. I even was able to give another traveler directions from memory!
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LM in Ohio writes...
I'm a single female on a budget and love to camp. My 'perfect' vacation is to head west until I'm halfway out of money and then turn around! By taking advantage of State and National parks, I can usually camp for $15 or less per night, pay with an out-of-state check, and therefore carry less cash. I've also found several towns (mostly in the western US) that will let travelers camp in their city parks or fairgrounds for little or nothing per night.
In ten years, I've met some wonderful people and have never had a bad experience, however I still split up my cash and stash it in various places in the car and only take my daily ration and one credit card with me when I'm being a 'tourist'. Another cost-saver is to stay off the major highways. Most interstates parallel the older, secondary route they replaced. You'll see a lot more sights, meet a lot of nice people, and not pay the highway prices for food and fuel. Some of the favorite places I've seen came from tips of waitresses and gas station attendants! Happy traveling!
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Paul Matt from Springfield recommends...
Take time each day to help one person that seems to be in need after all you have no real schedule. ex. In Maui I picked up a cross country biker from Germany that had a flat and took him to get it fixed, one hour of my time. Not only does it make the whole day feel good but you never know when it is you who might need the help.
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Greta from Cajun Country suggests...
Remember the smells, sounds, sights, and everything around you when you're traveling. Something will trigger your memory in years to come. Don't get upset when you get lost or find yourself in a strange place. Remember getting lost is part of the adventure. It will be a great story to tell when you get back home.
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L.C. from Scotland reminds us...
"Smile and the world smiles with you" honestly, this is the best way to meet and chat!!!
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Vonny T. from Reno, Nevada suggests
1) Check out the carry-on regulations of foreign airlines before packing. While most of our domestic airlines permit 2 carry-on bags per passenger and only limit the physical dimensions of each bag, there are many overseas airlines that only permit 1 carry-on per passenger and have not only dimension limits, but weight limits, too. And, they will actually weigh your bag as you check in! I've encountered weight limits as low as 11 lbs. per bag and been forced to check all of my luggage because both my bags were "too heavy." Bad news if you lose the bag or bags containing all your clothing!
2) If you must carry 2 bags, pack 1 light bag with essential toiletries and enough clothing for 1 day & evening--then weigh it before you leave home to ensure it doesn't exceed limits! Pack the rest of your clothes in a bag you are willing to check. That way, if your checked bag gets misplaced, you won't be stuck with just the clothes on your back until the airline locates your luggage and returns it to you.
3) In addition to a standard luggage tag, ALWAYS make a copies of your itinerary and put them in the outside pocket of every piece of luggage--even the carry-ons. That way if any bag is misplaced, airport personnel will be able to locate you wherever you are on your trip--even if the luggage is locked.
4) Leave copies of your itinerary (including hotel fax numbers) AND your passport with at least 2 trusted people back home, just in case! Misplacing a passport in a foreign country can be a major nightmare if you have no backup.
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Ivan from Belgium says
Arriving in a third world country by plane is sometimes a nightmare for a solo traveler. After traveling in 39 countries (most of them solo) - some tips
- on the plane while landing: put your necessary papers in a handy but not so obvious place. - leave the plane slowly, let the others passengers go first - claim your luggage, go to immigration - while queuing look at the signboards and look if the duty-free is good (for the return) - take a breath: before immigration thieves normally do not operate - past immigration: TAKE YOUR TIME - change money (count it, and give it a safe place) - reconfirm your return flight - require about taxi rates before leaving the airport (try to get an official rate) - control the luggage, secure the locks and leave the arrival hall - outside: be firm concerning taxi price and get out as quickly as possible - when arriving in the middle of the night: stay at the airport until sunrise.
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Jose Mandes from Portugal writes
My travel tip would be, at least try to learn and speak a bit of the native language of the country you are visiting. You will be amazed what doors this can open to you. -Hello -thank you -good morning, afternoon, evening -good bye these are the basic. And If you do not know them when you arrive, hey what a great theme to start a conversation. To be aware and respectful of the local culture is essential. For English speaking travelers, don't forget that many people speak English that is an advantage but also remember to be careful with what you say on the streets, I have been in situations where tourists spoke openly and with colorful details about their sex live with in a public transportation.