I have been travelling solo since I was a teenager and have recently realized that some of the things I had to worry about as a young traveller are now true as a senior traveller. Travelling alone has its perks (do your own thing), no schedules to keep or joint decision making but you can be a target for pick pockets and other unsavory characters. When I was young the various service people called me "dear" or "Miss", in middle age they called me mam, and now in my sixties its back to "dear" again. Quite weird. So below are my tips
1. Arrive and depart in the daytime if possible. Easier to travel alone and you don't stand out. To Europe I take the night flights that arrive in the morning.
2. Use a "Travelon" (amazon.ca) purse/bag as it locks and is really hard for pickpockets to get at you. The strap also has metal so can't be cut.
3. Make sure you have either pre-booked your pick-up when you arrive or know the public transport you will be taking. I use Rome2Rio (rome2rio.com) to figure out what routing and transportation options I have in each new destination. The same applies for your departure.
4. I prefer shuttles to taxis if possible for pickup or departure - I feel safer with others in the van and of course its cheaper for one person.
5. Take public transport if possible in the town/city as there are cameras and lots of staff to help you.
6. Travel light - you must be able to carry your suitcase without looking like you need help. The only help I have needed is on some trains in Europe, staff or kind gentlemen have lifted up my suitcase to the overhead when there wasn't another option. I prefer the lower section and ALWAYS lock your suitcase after you get off the plane - pickpockets like to rifle thru unlocked suitcases on trains/buses.
7. Look for hotels/inns that include breakfast. It saves you money and time in the morning.
8. Eat your big meal in a nice restaurant at lunch. It will be cheaper and there are usually lots of other solo (usually business people) eating alone and a few times they have asked to join me.
9. Be back in your hotel/inn mid evening - I target for 8 or 9 pm and if I am going to be really late (seeing a show etc) I make sure I know my routing or take a cab to my hotel.
10. Don't be afraid - look confident - a little planning on your routes, your travel options to the various destinations in big cities or country side will give you confidence.
11. Avoid big crowds as this is where the pickpockets are and they love Seniors - in Rome its the crowded buses and line ups for tourist sites. If you can travel off-peak times, you will find breathing space.
12. Be open to meeting and talking to other fellow travellers - I always meet fellow tourists and am friendly and polite to all service people and other travellers. If there is an issue I speak up but respectfully and calmly.
13. Most of all enjoy yourself, do your own thing and try new things.
Lastly you don't always need a tour, but for some who need the company, want others to plan your days go ahead but remember its likely more expensive than travelling on your own.
Hope this helps
Marcia
No comments:
Post a Comment