Solo travel tips from writers and experts

Nearly every day, I find solo travel stories from around the world. Here are just three of the dozens I've collected. More to come.

Activities good for solo travelers:

From Peter Greenberg, a story on how to find friends when traveling solo. Some of these I've mentioned about before - such as staying at upscale hostels or B&B's or going to a dude ranch - but he offers some interesting new ones. 

For example, certain hotels that have wine hours every night, or cocktail parties for single parents on Mondays (Mondays?!). One even has a "yappy hour" if you're traveling with your dog.  

Traveling solo Down Under:

From an Australian writer out of Melbourne, a story on "Why we prefer to travel alone." She shares thoughts and stories from several solo travelers.  

One person interviewed said it "frees your mind to rest and restore," something harder to do when you're traveling with others.

The story points out that solo travel continues to grow and that social media and wifi access not only help travelers plan their trips, but also connect them to home if they feel the need for reassurance at times along the way.

I do remember how fun it was in the early days of Internet cafes, before ubiquitous smartphones, to be able to email friends and family what I was up to and get messages back the next time I found a computer.  

A great checklist to use before leaving home

Since solo travelers don't have help from others on what to pack or to remind them of what they need to take care of before they leave, having a travel checklist such as this one is hugely helpful.

Did you cancel the paper? Contact the dog sitter? Do a web search of your favorite activities or foods at your destination? For example, best bike trails, consignment shops, dance halls?

I've had a packing list for a long time, but not a list like this one. Good stuff.

Photo: Ellen Perlman. Kayaking among the mangroves in Sarasota, Florida

Comments

[James O'Reilly]

Thanks Ellen. All true and a good list too. Of course I feel compelled to add that traveling with you is more fun than traveling alone.

[Living Valencia]

I prefer travelling with people, but It´s truth that travelling alone you get involved with locals easily, you meet new people etc...Interesting post.