Don't Let Fear of Solo Travel Keep You at Home.

I am over 50, and I have learned some great tips for solo travel whether it is in the USA or abroad. Many of the tips are based on my experience as a woman traveling alone. So gentlemen, not all may apply to you, but I invite you to take the ones that do, and leave the rest.

The Travel Tips are written from my experiences, research, and information that has been shared by other travelers.

There are tips for Solo travelling, including International Travel, Driving in France, Renting a House or Apartment, Car Rental, General Tips, USA Tips, and more.

Although the focus is the solo traveler, any number of people can use this information.

Enjoy!

Solo Travel - General Tips:

General Tips apply to all Solo Travel.

Tip 1 – Use all the General Tips and the following.

Tip 2 – Carry a cell phone.

Tip 3 – Travel light. How much do you really need? Do you have access to laundry facilities? Even on tours you are only allowed 2 bags and they have very specific dimensions (be sure you know the requirements before you go). If you are alone, how much can you handle on your own getting from place to place?

I carry a backpack and a small rolling bag that fits in all overhead compartments. My backpack will zip to my rolling bag and the whole thing can convert to a backpack. I also carry a small shoulder bag for day use, but it is packed away until I'm at my destination. I have to wash a few clothes every few days, because I only carry 3 days worth of anything. I have great travel clothes that also wash and dry quickly by hand. I carry the same thing for 1 week or a month.

Tip 4 – Travel during the daylight hours.

Tip 5 – Check in with someone at home once in a while to let them know you are doing fine.

Tip 6 – Pick a reasonable time to find a hotel, if you don't have reservations, so you can be sure to get a room.

Tip 7 – Evenings are great times to relax, write in your journal, and review your plans or options for the next day. On a road trip, you won't want to spend good daylight hours trying to plan the next move. Remember: You can always throw out the plan.

Tip 8 – Know the weather conditions for your route, be sure you are comfortable driving in snow, heavy rains, etc. Be aware if areas are prone to tornados or flash floods and know what to do.

Tip 9 – Have an emergency plan in case of breakdown, or some other problem, know who to contact, keep several copies in various locations of important phone numbers.

Tip 10 – Dining alone. Sometimes I find this hard. But over time I've gotten more used to it. I still have moments when I'll just grab something quick and eat on the way, but not as often as I used to.

One great thing about dining alone has been the wonderful conversations that have occurred with Owners or waiters.

A lot of times I may be one of the first customers, or I go at a slower time so that I don't have to wait or worry about a reservation. I also usually get great service!

I have only had one bad experience, in France, the waiter kept winking at me, which I thought meant he'd be right back, but after 15 minutes, still no service. I left and went somewhere else. It was meant to be, because I had one of the best times in the restaurant I went to next.

Another plus is being able to choose the restaurant and type of meal you want.

I enjoy good food and enjoy the experience. Sometimes I take a book or journal, other times I just enjoy the view, whatever it may be. I take my time with the meal and most of the time, just enjoy the food!

You could also chose to sit at the bar, instead of at a table alone. Try different options so that you can figure out what you like best.

But, please don’t stop trying to find you own comfort zone. I hope you never skip a fine meal because of fear or embarrassment of dining alone!

Solo in the USA Travel Tips

Solo Travel - International Travel Tips

Solo Travel - Driving in France Tips

Solo Travel - House or Apartment Rental Tips

Solo Travel - Green Tips:

Don't forget to be Green when you can, and use the Green Travel Tips.