| Evelyn
Hannon
Traveling
solo is my job. As the editor of Journeywoman Online, I get to wander
the world-- sort of an advance guard for other traveling women--reporting
on the "female- friendliness" of hotels, restaurants, taxi drivers,
shops, spas and special tours.
Being
alone, I can go when and where I want to. My experiences are never
diluted. I get the full impact of both the problems as well as the
pleasures-- a perfect situation for anyone who thrives on potent travel
adventures.
Yet,
for me, traveling solo doesn't mean being alone. Meeting new people along
the way has got to be one of the ultimate joys of the journey. So while
I relish my single status, I always work hard at making connections on
route. Over the years, I've devised some interesting tricks of the traveling
trade.
 |
Seek
out connections even before you leave home. Chat with women
who've traveled before you. Make note of their tips, advice
and contacts. Some of your best adventures will begin that way.
|
|
Avoid
large, impersonal hotels. Opt for a more friendly bed and breakfast
experience. Don't like eating alone? Pack a couple of your favorite
casserole recipes and offer to cook dinner for your hosts. |
|
Or
become a member of an organization that fosters the exchange
of homestays. Women Welcome Women, promoting visits between
females in over 60 countries, is a perfect example and a practical
way of getting to meet the locals. Write to: Women Welcome Women,
88 Easton Street, High Wycombe, Bucks HP11 1LT United Kingdom.
Website: http://www.womenwelcomewomen.org.uk |
|
Join
a walking tour of the city. It's a lively introduction to your
new surroundings and you're bound to meet other solo travelers
that way. Take the initiative, introduce yourself. Chances are
you'll end up doing some sightseeing together. |
|
Find
a female-friendly restaurant you like and keep going back. Once
the staff gets to know you, they'll look forward to chatting
with you, time and time again. Some of my best shopping tips
came from a waitress in Munich and for three days in San Francisco
my waiter became a dedicated jogging partner. |
|
Check the newspapers for
singles' activities. A recent Journeywoman discovery -- The
Museum of Fine Arts in Boston hosts a program called 'MFA Fridays.'
This once-a-month gathering features refreshments, live music
and galleries open for viewing. It draws crowds of up to 1,000
people. Tickets are available at the door for $10.00 Website:
http://www.mfa.org |
|
If
you have a special interest, pursue it at your destination.
In Paris, Chef Sue Young offers half- day French cooking classes.
At noon, tables are set, wine is poured and the women that cook
together, dine together. The food is superb and so is the conversation.
Contact: Tel/fax: 45 44 86 51. |
|
Visit
the local university. Academic bulletin boards are a tremendous
source of cultural happenings. Program content is eclectic and
the participants generally very welcoming. |
|
Finally,
when language is a difficulty, invite a student out to dinner.
She picks the restaurant. You both enjoy the local cuisine.
She gets the chance to practice her English. You pay the bill.
And both of you benefit from the exchange. |
| More
solo travel motivation...
If you need further motivation
to try solo travel, here are a few more links you might like to
follow...
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| Keeping
yourself safe and happy...
|
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