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Going It Alone | |
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COOL TRAVEL MAIL'S
TRAVEL TIPS
Tips & Adice for the Seasoned and Armchair Traveler Alike!
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http://www.CoolTravelMail.com
September 11, 2007
A lot of Americans, myself included, like to brag about the
rugged individualism of their gutsy immigrant ancestors:
"My grandfather came here all by himself when he was 14.
He didn't have a nickel in his pocket, and didn't know
the language, and was persecuted for his love of accordion
music, etc and etc and etc.."
Those same people, however, get twitchy at the thought of
eating dinner alone in a restaurant.
This week's topics include:
* GOING IT ALONE
* STRANGERS AND STRATEGY
* SOLO SAFETY
P.S. If you're interested you can now post comments on this
and recent issues on our forum at...
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GOING IT ALONE
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More and more people are overcoming their fear of traveling
alone. Nearly 25 percent of the American traveling public -
about 34.8 million individuals - have vacationed by
themselves sometime in the last three years, according to
the Travel Industry Association of America.
Several travel experts have carved out a niche for them-
selves dispensing advice to the solo traveler. Marybeth
Bond writes and lectures on the topic and runs The Gutsy
Traveler Website at http://www.gutsytraveler.com. Flight
attendant Sharon Wingler is another often-quoted expert and
author of "Travel Alone and Love It" as well as the Website
of the same name, http://www.travelaloneandloveit.com.
With their help, and my own experience, I've worked up a
list of solo travel tips:
* Start out small
Lea Lane, in her book "Solo Traveler", recommends nervous
newbies to the world of single traveler begin in the
shallow end of the pool - maybe even the kiddie pool.
People unused to venturing out unaccompanied may want to
start small by spending a day in a nearby town or a
weekend at a domestic resort.
* Book your trip
Buy a Guidebook Geared Toward the Single Traveler. The
accommodations, hang-outs and restaurants listed will be
full of other independent travelers. You'll have plenty of
opportunities to connect with a variety of people for an
afternoon of exploring the bazaar in Kathmandu, dining in
St. Petersburg or touring the French countryside together.
Bond, who spent years traveling alone, met her husband this
way in Nepal.
* Independent hangouts (No, not Sundance)
Some guidebooks (such as the Lonely Planet series) list
meeting place for single travelers. Many cities have well-
known meccas for independent travelers: bookstores, cafes,
youth hostels and other places with bulletin boards and
calendars of local events. These can be a treasure trove
of inexpensive tours, travel companions or rides wanted,
free or almost free lectures, or social gatherings which
you can join.
* Avoid Romantic Destinations
Ask yourself if a destination is perfect for a
honeymooners. If it is, then avoid it.
* Become a know-it-all
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, the
literature and music, and notable sights. Not only will you
appreciate things more, but you'll have a head full of
conversation starters and the kind of info that will make
you an asset to fellow travelers.
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STRANGERS AND STRATEGY
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* Do Talk To Strangers
Some of the most meaningful travel experiences come from
spontaneous invitations to join a person, family or group
for a dinner or activity. Communicate with everyone. Even
if you don't speak their language, a smile goes a long way.
* Eat strategically
Ask to sit at a community table, such as the chef's or
captain's table, with other singles. Or, let the restaurant
host know you're willing to join others.
Sit with your back to the wall, facing the room, so you
can make eye contact with other diners. And, unless it is
absolutely how you want to spend your mealtime, don't
stick your nose in a book. That sends a clear message that
says: "Leave me alone, I want to be by myself."
Choose a lively cafe or bistro with lots of people.
Consider sitting at the counter and watching your food be
prepared. Enjoy watching people and the fine art of eaves-
dropping.
Again, use that smile to reach out and make contact with
the diners around you. Your conversations with them may
be the highlight of your evening.
* Avoid unwanted Attention
Sometimes, single travelers can become targets for
lotharios, con artists, common street criminals and other
undesirables. Advances can be thwarted by silence, no eye
contact and quickly moving away from the source of
irritation.
Always trust your instincts. If you are really being
pestered, go into a store or hotel and explain that you are
a tourist and there is a person annoying you, that you are
afraid and don't know how to handle it. Can they help by
calling the police or telling the obnoxious person to go
away?
Women should dress conservatively so as not to draw
attention to themselves. Take clues from the way local
women are dressed.
* Beware singles charges
Many hotels and cruise lines charge singles the full price
for rooms intended - and priced - for two. Unfortunately,
there's not much you can do about it. Some hotels in Europe
do offer smaller single rooms that cost less, and you may
wish to request one.
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SOLO SAFETY
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* Folks back home
Leave your itinerary and contact info with someone back at
home. Check in weekly with a selected person back home to
let them know you’re still ok. If they don't hear from you
after a certain amount of time - set it up beforehand - it
will signal that something might be wrong and they should
try to contact you.
* Be discreet
Do not reveal too much personal information until you know
someone well. Meet people in public places, request a hotel
room on an upper floor and don‘t give out your hotel room
number.
Do NOT don't display wealth ostentatiously, no matter how
cool you think that new Rolex looks. Also play it cool
about your nationality. Be discerning about whom you tell
you're American, and do not advertise your nationality
with lapel pins or flag imprinted clothes.
* Beware danger zones
Ask your hotel staff to mark your map with the location of
your hotel and any areas you should avoid. Ask if it's safe
to use public transportation after dark.
* Healthy paranoia
When you are out and about, be alert. Be aware of your
surroundings and the people around you.
After dark, try to walk on well lit streets with other
people around. If you find yourself in a questionable area,
duck into a public place to check your map or call for a
taxi.
* Look like you're from there
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.
Well, that's it for this week, group. Thanks again for
reading, and please keep those comments, complaints and
questions coming in.
You can send me an e-mail message at: Email Pierce
Until next week, thanks for reading.
Your Tipmeister,
Pierce
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