Traveling alone.........

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-26-2006
Traveling alone.........
5
Tue, 09-11-2007 - 10:05am
I'm headed out on a trip next month for California and Texas and will be staying with friends part of the time, but am nervous about travelling alone. I'm pumped for the trip and can't wait for 10 days away and seeing new places.
For those of you who have done it, any tips?
Thanks!
Amie
Amie Choiniere Office Manager~Mom~Domestic Goddess~Student~Wine Lover~Girlfriend~Gardener~Decorator~Vinyl Wall Lettering Queen!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-01-2005
Tue, 09-11-2007 - 11:52am

I just did a 10-day trip to New England - half of the time was solo. Traveling alone can be really fun - I highly recommend it.

My tips:

- Make friends with the desk clerk at your hotel. Ask him/her for advice on where to go/what to see/good places to eat
- If you are driving, stay in areas that are well traveled
- Have a cell phone
- Don't share too much personal information with people. Especially, don't tell them you are traveling alone - say you are meeting friends or family so they think someone will be waiting for you.
- DO talk to people. It can be really fun to meet new people while traveling, so don't be afraid of them, just be cautious.
- If you go out at night, choose places that have big crowds and preferably other tourists.
- If your gut tells you something isn't right, it isn't. Get out of there or latch on to other tourists if something doesn't feel right.
- Be aware of your surroundings.

- HAVE FUN! :)

AJ, enjoying life with C.

Avatar for northwestwanderer
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 09-11-2007 - 12:57pm

I travel alone frequently and really enjoy it--while it's always fun traveling with friends, I enjoy having the freedom to do what I want to do, when I want to do it.

Tallgirl gave you some great tips--the only thing I can think of to add is, don't be afraid to take yourself out to nice restaurants. I just bring a book or magazine, or my journal, and feel comfortable going pretty much anywhere on my own.

Sheri

Avatar for schnappsers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 09-11-2007 - 2:18pm

I'm glad you're more comfortable with it than I am. A few months ago I had a business trip to NY and there was a really nice Greek restaurant in my hotel that I really had to try. I felt so awkward sitting in there eating by myself, so for the rest of the trip I ate in little diners that seemed more comfortable for the solo eater.

I don't mind going off and exploring places alone, but I've never enjoyed eating out alone.

The best trip I had was with a friend who only wanted to stay by the beach and pool while I wanted to go out and explore. We did our own separate things during the day but then had dinner together. To me, that was the ideal situation. So, I half like traveling alone, if that makes any sense.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-01-2005
Tue, 09-11-2007 - 2:38pm

>>the only thing I can think of to add is, don't be afraid to take yourself out to nice restaurants. I just bring a book or magazine, or my journal, and feel comfortable going pretty much anywhere on my own.<<

I totally agree. It's fun to treat yourself.

AJ, enjoying life with C.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Wed, 09-12-2007 - 6:57am

- Make friends with the desk clerk at your hotel. Ask him/her for advice on where to go/what to see/good places to eat
- If you are driving, stay in areas that are well traveled
- Have a cell phone
- Don't share too much personal information with people. Especially, don't tell them you are traveling alone - say you are meeting friends or family so they think someone will be waiting for you.
- DO talk to people. It can be really fun to meet new people while traveling, so don't be afraid of them, just be cautious.
- If you go out at night, choose places that have big crowds and preferably other tourists.
- If your gut tells you something isn't right, it isn't. Get out of there or latch on to other tourists if something doesn't feel right.
- Be aware of your surroundings.


All of the above - and bring lots of good books, an iPod/MP3 player (audible.com has books too if you want to add to the music).




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