I love traveling solo. But I don't like eating dinner alone. So, I put an ad in craigslist.org, tripadvisor.com, traveldaddy.com, or even virtualtourist.com and I always found someone to have dinner with. Try it.

Posted By Steve From TravelingProfessor.com on December 7, 2010, 9:07 PM

I find that the pros outweigh the cons for traveling alone. I love discovering a new European city by myself, meandering off wherever and whenever I feel like it. I don't mind dining alone so much. Depending on where you are, you can usually find a spot at the bar in your restaurant, and dine there if you feel odd sitting at a table alone. I also find it to be a lot cheaper, food wise, as I am more likely to pick up a sandwich to go then spend more money in a sit down, full service restaurant.

Posted By Tina on December 7, 2010, 9:45 PM

I don't go out after dark therefore I always bring food!! I esp love the instant noodles ~just add hot water! I pick up fresh bread and have tuna sandwiches!I bring peanut butter as I can always find fruit for dipping!

Posted By Linda on December 8, 2010, 11:02 AM

I love travelling by myself. I went on a cruise by myself a few months ago. That was great. Good way to travel solo. But, you have to pay more than one persons fair. Also, I like all-inclusive resorts as a solo traveler.

Posted By DonnaRae on December 8, 2010, 3:38 PM

I just went on a 10 day vacation by myself in September. I was worried about traveling alone. I stayed in a B&B so I would have folks to talk to every morning and when I came in at night after a day of adventure. I felt it would be safer than the anonymity of hotels. Best choice ever. I had somewhere to call (and feel like) home, I had people who were interested to hear what I had done during the day. I even met some other folks staying at the B&B at a tourist site and seeing as how we recognized each other, spent the morning hanging out and went to lunch.

While out walking by myself, I became more interested in my surroundings, instead of trying to hold a conversation with my partner. I met other travelers, where we would sit down for a meal and tell each other about our adventures. Since I was by myself and not part of a couple or group, I was more approachable. I was still safety conscious, but I was able to gain more of an experience through the process. I can't wait to go on my next solo adventure!

Posted By Amanda on December 8, 2010, 4:51 PM

I went to Costa Rica for my first solo travel. I was terribly lonely!!! I cried the first night I was there and called home several times (at a cost of $300) during the week. I thought I was an strong independent woman, but I learned a lot about myself on that trip. However, I am willing to try it again. Next time, I will use a travel agency that specializes in solo travel. I am very interested in this article.

Posted By Tracy on December 8, 2010, 5:08 PM

If you go solo but with a tour group, how do you nicely continue to do things by yourself, instead of getting sucked into doing things with the group? I'm afraid I'll end up hanging out with other people and be back to the same old have to modify what I want to do for the group. I'd like some ideas of how to say no without hurting feelings/pushing people away.

Posted By Connie on December 8, 2010, 5:56 PM

I have traveled solo and with tour groups, and I definitely prefer to go by myself or with one friend. My favorite place was Japan. I mentioned that I was a teacher and got invited to visit numerous schools and local eating establishments. This was a great way to meet people. I also travel with a small photo book to show my family and home. It is a great conversation starter! Also, learn some basic words in the language of the country you are going to visit. I had the best time practicing my Mandarin and Japanese - they had a great laugh also!

While safety is always an issue, if you carefully select your destination it doesn't need to be an all-consuming part of your travel. Work with a reputable travel agent because they have wonderful insights into single specific itineraries.

Posted By Laurie on December 8, 2010, 9:32 PM

I have traveled solo for a number of trips to Europe, always the escorted ones. I wanted to travel but couldn't find anyone to go with me due to work schedules, or financial reasons. I love it! There were some times when I felt a bit awkward with too much free time in the city, and you have to ensure you bring your travel clock and not miss the designated meeting times, but you also don't have to worry about compromising what you want to do, and it's a great way to chat with people. I found that most of the time, folks on the tour always made some efforts to keep an eye on me and the other single travelers, or talk with me and invite me to sit with them at the table, but I could still keep to myself if I wanted to. I have no problems eating alone in restaurants, but would stop at the local supermarket or small take out place to get food when we didn't have the group dinner. It's a great way to see how the locals live also, and the people have always been helpful in the stores. I was amazed how many women traveling with their husbands or families would tell me they wished they would have traveled solo when they could have. It's a great way to learn who you are, have some introspection time, see places you want to see and when you want to, and meet new people.

Posted By Tanya on December 9, 2010, 11:50 AM

I've only traveled to Europe solo and Love it. Although I find having dinner alone can feel... well, lonely. That's the only downfall. The suggestion of inviting someone via craigslist is a great idea, however. My best advice is to find a hotel that has a day spa. You can spend most of your time there to really induldge and get to know yourself better through reflection of your trip and ponder future plans for your journey.

Posted By Dan on December 9, 2010, 12:32 PM

How can I minimize costs when traveling solo around Japan? I've avoided that country because I think it might cost more than I'm used to spending. But it's very high on my to-see list.

Posted By Kathleen Nugent on December 9, 2010, 1:41 PM

I have only taken 'day trips' alone. I know I hate eating alone - so I never do a 'sit down' dinner. I would be interested in hearing tips of safely traveling alone as a woman and the best places to start. USA? Europe? I am looking forward to this article, too.

Posted By MM on December 9, 2010, 4:27 PM

When traveling solo, I usually have a good size late lunch often at a museum cafe. I frequently stay at hotels that serve wine, cheese, fruit, etc. between 5:00 and 7:00. This makes a perfect light snack to serve as my dinner

Posted By Nancy on December 9, 2010, 4:51 PM

I have two side jobs that both involve lots of travel. One of them is being a group leader on tours to Washington D.C., Europe, Central America, and the South Pacific.
The other job is to (bike) ride on trails (mostly U.S.) and write trail guides. The first "job" listed above means I travel in large groups of mixed age groups and the second one allows me to travel alone because I ride at a snails pace taking pictures, recording GPS coordinates, and jotting notes.
And my conclusion is that both ways of traveling are lots of fun for different reasons. Of course the group travel allows me to see things through the eyes of others; and often those others are first-timers, so it's like going to a place for the first time all over again.
The solo travel allows me to go where I want, eat what I want, rest when I want, and spend as little or much time and money as I want.
It's all about perspective and outlook. Travel is like life: You get out of it what you put into it.

Posted By trailsnet on December 9, 2010, 5:29 PM

To Kathleen re: Japan - purchase a rail pass before you leave the USA. I bought a two week pass for the "green car" (non-smoking, larger seats, more availability, etc.) and used it to travel throughout the entire country. I figured it saved me at least $800 in train fare. You can also purchase airfare for intra-country flights at $100/each segment as long as they are purchased outside of Japan and you are there on a tourist visa.

Also, I stayed in local ryokans. The lodging in Japan is priced per person and not per room like in the USA. Of course, large international hotels will have more American amenities, but living local and using the supermarkets is a wonderful experience.

Posted By Laurie on December 9, 2010, 11:01 PM

I have been traveling alone, in groups and with 1 to 4 persons for several years.
I live a previous writer, the trips are all different and each one lends something interesting and almost magical.
I love it alone as it allows me to make my own schedule and change it when and if I want.The fear factor is not present as I usually make good safety choices.I try to buy things where I see others buying this way I can't be distinguished as a lone traveler.I was recently in Dubai and wanted to buy some gold jewelry.I visited many, many stores in the gold siouk sometimes looking at the same merchandise.This gave me a good idea of if I was being taken as a sole traveler.I tend to stay in hotels and make my reservations with well known names while still in the US.I must admit however that I sometimes miss having a second person to help with the pictures, therefore I'm not in most of them.

Posted By EVA on December 10, 2010, 11:05 AM

I use to travel regularly solo for business, but have recently planned two solo trips for a little R & R. I think its good to go at things alone from time to time. You can learn a lot about yourself when there is not another personal constantly around to influence you! Go through a travel agent for tips on where to travel if you are traveling alone. It's not as bad as one may think :)

Posted By Rosey on December 10, 2010, 3:30 PM

I often travel solo, both have pro's and cons. More flexiability is one them for solo. B & B's and group tours are a great way to also be more sociable when traveling solo. Cellphone's and e-mail help to stay and contact and not miss family and friends.

Posted By Andre on December 10, 2010, 8:32 PM

I travel alone much of the time. Companions became too much baggage. Rather than diddling around on weekends, I just hop a plane for an exciting longer weekend in Europe. I, too, am looking forward to the article. Is there anyway that the outrageous single supplements can be reduced. It's cutting into my travel.

Posted By bill on December 14, 2010, 9:34 AM

I have traveled alone to Europe many times and am taking a cruise by myself in Feb/2011. I love it! I highly recommend it.

Posted By Catherine on December 15, 2010, 11:05 AM

I'm going to be traveling solo to Mexico this year but since I am not 18 yet (and therefore still a minor) I was wondering what types of documents or papers I'll have to bring allowing me to travel alone? Do I have to have something signed by my legal guardians?
Also, what other types of things might come up because I'm a minor traveling alone?

Posted By Victoria on December 16, 2010, 11:41 AM

You are never alone! Last Sept. I joined a cruise to Greek islands and Turkey and flew to Rome, train to Siena, Vernazza, flew to London, and took train to Paris. It was a 5 country visit for a month and I truly loved and enjoyed it! I met new friends during the cruise, and in every city and towns I visited, I encountered good natured
people, one gave me 2 day museum pass to Paris museum and several train
tickets, a couple joined me for a snack, a French man gave me a mini tour of
Notre Dame and his feelings about America. I followed a popular travel guide
encouraging solo traveller to be extrovert, friendly, and interesting. It was almost
a perfect vacation for me and I cherished those moments visiting ancient sites like
Ephesus, Parthenon, and Rome. I felt that I was surrounded by good people and I was indeed! I would repeat this wonderful experience again!

Posted By Enrico on January 21, 2011, 8:51 AM

I am a young widow (36) who loves to travel. I am nervous to travel abroad alone. I have taken several trips with friends but they cannot always afford to travel when or where I want to go. I would love to find a singles travel group that wasn't all women and wasn't a dating service. Is there such a thing? Where you can meet new friends and not pay a single supplement?

Posted By Emily on March 3, 2011, 2:51 AM

I am a young widow (36) who loves to travel. I am nervous to travel abroad alone. I have taken several trips with friends but they cannot always afford to travel when or where I want to go. I would love to find a singles travel group that wasn't all women and wasn't a dating service. Is there such a thing? Where you can meet new friends and not pay a single supplement?

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