| 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...
|
Back
to She Travels Solo
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