Traveling Solo? Check Out These Resources
Traveling Alone Doesn't Mean You'll Be Lonely
It's true. Perhaps your spouse doesn't like to travel, or your friends aren't available to go away when you are. Or maybe you just want to do your own thing. No matter what the reason for going it on your own, you'll make friends more easily as a solo traveler because you'll be more open to talking to people.
You have many options. You can join a volunteer organization such as Global Volunteers and teach 
English, as Jan Shannon did in the photo above taken in Ghana (story coming soon!) You can join a tour group as a solo traveler, as I did to Italy (a group of cousins on the tour adopted me - see photo on the right), or you can just travel around on your own. One way to start a conversation? Ask someone to take your photo (see the photo below, taken on a rainy day on Italy's Amalfi Coast).
Whether you want to feel comfortable eating out alone, making friends at your destination, or arranging a trip by yourself, there are ways to make the transition from traveling with companions to journeying on your own easier. Here are my suggestions on where to start:
Connecting: Solo Travel Network: I've been a member of this organization for at least five or six years and I think it's great. Founded in 1990 by veteran traveler Diane Redfern, they publish a bi-monthly newsletter and a Single-Friendly Travel Directory that lists travel companies that offer room shares or single rooms without a single supplement. The newsletter, as a means of communication between members of Connecting: Solo Travel Network, provides a free forum for travel companion advertising, advice, lodging, and hospitality exchanges. Membership costs $30 a year.
The Women's Travel Club: I just found out about this one. It was founded by Phyllis Stoller in 1992 in order to find woman-only trips when her husband became a workaholic! The organization arranges group trips for women, including adventures in far-flung places as well as shorter weekend jaunts. The site also has a comprehensive suggested reading list, with books listed by country or continent, including many books men would enjoy.
TravelChums: If you don't want to travel alone, or don't want to pay a single supplement, or just want a friend in a city you'll be visiting, this site's for you! Just search their database by age, gender, location, or any keywords you specify. To contact people who have posted profiles or to use the site's message boards you have to become a member, but it's free.
Singles Travel International: This is a travel agency that caters to a young, active single crowd with a variety of cruises and tours.
Elderhostel: I'm not old enough to participate but one day I hope to be able to experience their excellent travel and educational programs! Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, education is the core of Elderhostel's programs. They offer 8,000 all-inclusive learning adventures in all 50 states and more than 90 countries abroad, with a lot of in-depth learning experiences you don't find with many tour companies. Lasting from one day to several weeks, the age requirement is that you be at least 55, however a person of any age can travel with Elderhostel providing they travel with at least one person 55 or older. And Elderhostel did begin a new program in 2004 called Road Scholar, with special programs for adults of all ages.
Cruise Mates: This online gathering place for cruisers has a forum with advice, booking tips, and networking opportunities for solo passengers. They also have a calendar listing upcoming singles cruises and a columnist who covers this topic. See my previous post on cruising for additional information that can help anyone who is planning to cruise solo.
SoloDining.com: So you don't like to dine at a table for one? I don't blame you. It can be a challenge. This website can help. Learn more about tipping tactics, how to discover solo-friendly restaurants, the most effective ways to endear yourself to a restaurant and the ABCs of reservation making. This site will give you an array of dining options available to solos and singles, such as food bars, dining counters, cluster seating, facilitated shared table seating, and communal table variations including friendship, joiners, community, chef's, the "love boat," captain's table, and more.
Traveling solo is one of my favorite topics. There is so much information that several books have been dedicated to the subject, and I will definitely write more about it in future posts.
Top photo courtesy of Jan Shannon.
PlusAbroad provides inclusive as well as customized educational travel programs in Europe which combine education and entertainment for active adults.
Posted by: Plusabroad | July 26, 2007 at 07:46 AM