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10 tips for travelling alone

by Kerry Hannon

Many people think of holidays as time to spend with family and friends, yet it can be as much fun to travel alone. Here are a few tips to guide you through your travel plans.

• Look for women-friendly hotels. Some hotels now have special rooms designed with the female traveller in mind. Rooms are stocked with hair dryers, irons and the like, so you can avoid calling room service. The rooms may even be in a safer location, not down a long hallway or facing a deserted car park.
• To avoid eating in restaurants alone and save money, find rooms with kitchen facilities. Check with the big chains such as Marriott or Hilton to see whether they offer such amenities.
• Beware of cruises, because they often penalise single travellers with a huge extra supplement. You might, however, be able to get a last-minute deal in which they will agree to waive the extra fee to fill an empty cabin. Check with your travel agent or call the cruise lines directly.
• Several tour groups cater to people travelling on their own, so surf the net and see what you can find. They may even offer special rates for single travellers.
• Several guidebooks are available that cater for the solo female traveller. Try Women Travel: A Rough Guide Special and Travel Alone and Love It.
• Women-only holidays have become popular in the travel industry. Professional women view these holidays as time to connect with female friends and to gain support. Spa and adventure travel are among the most popular choices for women travelling with other women. Try www.womens-tours.com.
• Compare airports to find better deals. Similar flights from nearby airports to the same destination can have dramatically different fares. By driving an extra distance to or from an airport, you may be able to cut your fare by as much as half.
• Take your trip before or after peak times, like half-term and school holidays, and save money. You can easily chop the cost of your airfare and lodging. Plus, attractions and restaurants will be less crowded.
• You will probably get the best deal by calling the hotel or motel directly. Always ask about special offers and deals.
• If you are still uncertain about heading off alone, consider a holiday at home. Stock up the fridge. Tell everyone you will be out of town for a week. Cancel the newspaper. Unplug the phones. Get the post office to hold your mail. Then visit local attractions. Just think of how much you will save.

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