golfkat Travel Blog

According to Lonely Planet, these are twenty important things to consider when traveling solo.  I added a few comments.

1.  Safety first-I think this applies, solo or otherwise.
2.  Learn the language-the basics are always useful and helps make a connection.
3.  Talk to locals-of course, this is one of the main reasons to travel!
4.  Look for shared housing options-I am not sure about this, though many friends do this often.
5.  Go your own way-the perfect travel partner gives and gets their own space.
6.  Challenge yourself-always include some of this, but not 100% of the time.
7.  Experience it all-pace yourself, what is the big hurry?
8. Believe in yourself-enough said.
9. Try couchsurfing-not a big fan, but it does work for many travelers.
10. Take your time-especially as I get older!
11. Be your own photographer-of course.
12. Get lost-intentional or not, it leads to good stories.
13. Join a tour-be selective!
14. Ask for advice-ask the people who have been there.
15. Work for room and board-go ahead!
16. Join a cruise-go ahead!
17. Expand your skills-a cooking class, or ??
18. Make wise choices-of course!
19. Trust your gut-of course, but be prepared.
20. Embrace total freedom-always, this is the essence of travel.

I have added a few tips:

1. Always carry some local currency, do not rely totally on your plastic.
2. Always have a Plan B.
3. Make a friend or buddy.
4. Don’t stay out late!
5. Always carry a paper map, do not rely on google maps.

Here is a case for solo travel:
There’s Never Been a More Necessary Time to Go on a Trip Alone (msn.com)

And for the best places in the US for solo travelers:

The survey’s (Vacation Renter) entire top 10 U.S. cities for solo travel were:

1. New York City (not sure I agree)
2. Chicago (definitely great for solo travelers)
3. Los Angeles
4. Washington, D.C.  (ditto, as this city has lots of singles)
5. Las Vegas  (surprising, though maybe I hang with a different group))
6. San Francisco  (maybe)
7. Denver  (I would agree)
8. Austin
9. Seattle  (probably, though best to avoid the hordes of homeless)
10. Phoenix  (particularly in Scottsdale, home of plastic surgery)

Best places in the world for solo travelers, based on my experience:
                  Athens
                  Amsterdam
                  Bangkok
                  Munich
                  Mexico City
                  Vancouver
                  Buenos Aires
                  Sydney
                  Queenstown
                  Costa del Sol

I have found that solo travel opens your possibilities in many ways.  One, I am more open to new adventures.  Two, I always make new friends.  And three and most important, I might discover something new about myself!