The Travellers Warehouse

Traveling Single

There are a lot of single people living in the United States, and most of them travel alone. According to the most recent U.S. Census 26% percent of us live in a single household. That does not include singles living with parents or other relatives or significant others. It also does not include singles who are roommates. The actual percentage is a lot higher.

The travel industry seems to hold themselves aloof from these facts and works to appease couples, and families. This leaves the single person pretty much on their own. Here are some tips to make a lot easier.

The bane for the single traveler is what is known as the “single supplement” imposed by cruise lines on people traveling alone. Cruise lines typically charge solo travelers 125–200 percent of the per-person, double-occupancy price. Some of these tips on cruise travel as well as travel in general might help you to have a more pleasant trip.

1. Work with a travel agent when booking a cruise. They can find the best deals. Paul Lasley and Elizabeth Harryman write for San Diego Westways, the publication for the American Automobile Association members in San Diego. They say some cruise lines will charge single passengers only 25% more that the double-occupancy rate. Agents are familiar with these companies. You may have to pay the agent a fee, but it would be well worth it.

2. Another way to get around these policies is to travel with friends or consider traveling with a tour group. They can sometimes work out arrangements with a cruise line.

3. I always say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” It is a good adage to take along with you when traveling solo. In Istanbul once they wouldn’t allow me to tour a mosque because the greeter there thought my slacks were too tight. I had to put on a loose skirt furnished by him over the pants before entering. Do some historical research about the place you will be visiting, and then follow the local customs there.

4. Take along a small language dictionary. It never hurts, and it could be a life saver in an emergency.
If you have the time, learning the basics of the language opens up entire new vistas of experiences.

5. If you are going to another country know where the nearest U.S. Embassy is.The following website run by the State Department is loaded with good information for travelers.It is a very good resource for anyone traveling alone (http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips). Also you might take a look at their home page, http://travel.state.gov
and peruse the whole site for other travel information.

6.There are special considerations women traveling alone. It doesn’t hurt to invest in a self-defense course if you have to travel very often. A lot of women these days like to travel alone because there is such a sense of freedom and fun involved. Here are a few things to keep in mind. At the hotel ask for a room near the elevator, and don’t just leave your key on the lobby desk. Make sure the clerk puts it away. Arrive during the day. Most airports have shuttles and good transportation, but this becomes a real issue if a loner is driving or taking the train or bus. It is best to have someone you know meet you upon arrival. Use common sense when making new friends. Meet them in public places for a while. Keep in contact with someone at home. Telephone cards can be purchased almost anywhere, and there is internet access in most hotels.

Sites for further research:

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