Golden Rules of Solo Travel

Solo travel has numerous advantages. "It provides an opportunity to trust your instinct, go with your gut, and get lost in the experience. You rely on yourself rather than others whims and desires." In this article in Condé Nast Traveler, Olivia Morelli provides a collection of helpful tips for traveling alone:

• Get used to the idea of dining alone. - It isn't as uncommon or weird as you might think.

• Opt for a bar or counter seat, if you feel uncomfortable at a table. - You might end up chatting with the staff or a neighbor.

• Consider a hostel. - They are good places to meet other travelers.

• Summon your inner confidence to approach people. - Everyone is in the same boat; try to fake it until you make it.

• Don't consolidate your assets. - Keep various IDs, credit cards, and cash in different places.

• Take the train. - People are more talkative than on planes.

• Plan around cultural events. - Look up holidays, religious festivals, and street parties.

• Research your destination for solo travel. - Find out what other travelers say about safety precautions.

• Have a rough daily plan. - Too much unstructured time leads to boredom and loneliness.

• Look for group activities. - Check out walking tours and live music.

• Walk as much as possible. - You feel like you're part of the environment.

• Be spontaneous. - If you see an interesting place check it out

• Bring good books and a journal - Journaling helps clarify emotions.

• E-mail important information to yourself. - You can login to your inbox from any computer and retrieve itinerary, bank details, and phone numbers.

• Take safety precautions. - Let someone back home know where you are, learn a few key foreign phrases, and bring a padlock.

• Buy travel insurance. - It will protect from unforeseen circumstances and medical problems.

If you'd like to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of solo travel, contact Jeff Dielle at jeffdielle@gmail.com or +1 415-845-1336.