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Summer's here and lots of us will be traveling, whether near or far. I wrote these succinct, sensible, alphabetical bits of travel advice especially for solos, but they apply to any traveler.
Please feel free to add your own tips, in the same alpha style, and I'll add them to the text and credit you. We all have some.
Ask directions! (That goes for you men, as well.)
OEsheepdog
Avoid DVT. That's deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot which can be fatal, and you can get it from being cramped for hours in a plane seat. Get up, move around in your seat, and wear knee-high elastic stockings/socks (about $8 in a drugstore and often available at the airport). They're not cute, but I wear them under pants and nobody sees them. (Also, be sure to move around, either in your seat or take walks every hour or so. Wendy O)
Bring a book or DVD you love. And if you have an iPad or Kindle, great. And if you bring a laptop, the lighter the better. Wendy O
Be Polite. There's often a love-hate feeling towards tourists and politeness can tip the balance. Abrawang
Bring photos. Of loved ones, to keep you smiling.
Carry-On, with wheels. It's always better, but when you're on your own, it's imperative. You probably need half of what you pack, and a carry-on with wheels and a backpack can take you around the world. And in today's ever-changing world of airport security checks, be up-to-date on what you can carry on!
Carry some paper towels or tissues. Now and then the toilet paper might be lacking. Abrawang
Choose clothing that cleans easily. You want to be able to wash them out in the sink and to dry overnight in your hotel bathroom. Choose colors that disguise or hide spills. Nothing ruins your image faster than spilling your coffee first thing in the morning and having to wear those clothes all day long until you reach your hotel again. dianaani
Convert. Be sure to have the right converter(s) for any electronics you bring. mypsyche
Don't be afraid to make a fool of yourself. And when you do, don't get upset. Find the humor in it and laugh. Procopius
Don't TALK LOUDER to get foreign language speakers to better understand you. AbrawangDouble-check. Being on your own means you're responsible for just about every decision, so you don't want to make mistakes. For example, when you're leaving a hotel room, look again. When you're reading a map, check your route --twice. Better to be safe.
Engage others. Ask questions. You'll meet more people that way.
Find a home base to eat. When you're on your own, it's nice to choose a restaurant or cafe to return to each night, and even a favorite waitperson to talk to.
Fix things ahead. When you're traveling you don't want to deal with luggage that doesn't zip, clothes missing buttons, and other odds and ends.
Get travel insurance. Especially for trips far away, you don't want to take a chance!
Go off-season. Fewer crowds, better choices in lodging and restaurants, more real, good rates.
Hide your valuables. Wear a pouch around your neck, under your clothes. Better yet, don't take anything you don't want to lose.
Inns and small hotels--think small. When you're on your own, small lodgings are great ways to make friends.
Join a group. Whether for a half-day tour or your entire trip, you can join others for companionship.
Keep a journal. Writing, sketches, photos, whatever. Collect them together, easy to reach, in chronological order and you'll have priceless memories and mementos to pass along.
Leave info with family and friends. So that they can contact you and know where you are. Leave pills in their original container, with the label on. FusunA
Learn the Language! Even if only "please" and "thank you," "How tasty!" "Yes" and "No." People appreciate your effort. Abrawang
Learn the local currency. It will save fumbling around in shops and markets and makes you less prone to being taken advantage of.Abrawang
Memories are great --take photos, record sounds. Especially when you're on your own, these mean alot.
Note details. When you're traveling alone, nobody else will point them out.
Offer to take photos. You often see people taking photos of each other who'd rather have photos taken of both/all of them together. Your chance to do a good deed, and to have a nice moment and maybe even make a travel acquaintance. (And if they offer to take a photo of you? Well, I 'd hand over my camera only if they have one that's as good or better! :>) )
Prepack basics. Keep a kit of toiletries and other necessities that you usually need when you go. Silly to have to pack them each time.
Prepare. When you're going it alone, it's especially important to have as much info about where you'll be going as possible. This saves time, stress -- and leads to more possibilities.
Prevent Problems. Photocopy your passport, itinerary, and emergency contact numbers. Put those copies in a separate place, in case of loss of the originals. dianaani (Or, scan and send it to yourself on yahoo and then if it's lost the photocopy is never more than a computer away. Linda Chancler.)
Question. That's the easiest way to start a conversation.
Read the local newspapers. Many cities have English language ones or there's the International Herald Tribune. You'll feel more a part of the place. Abrawang
Read up on wherever you're visiting. Tourist guidebooks and local histories both serve useful purposes.
Reserve tables through a concierge. You'll get better ones.
Save your old and tattered underware instead of tossing it. Bring it with you and discard as it gets
used. rosycheeks
Sense the Sun. Sun can be stronger than you are used to. Pack hat, shirt, and slacks made of SPF30+ fabric (see http://www.sunprecautions.com). You'll be stylin' and it's so much easier (and cooler) than applying creams. dianaani
Smile. It helps in all ways.
Stave off seasickness! (See Inverted's long comment below in the comments section!)
Stay alert. Vacationers are often targets for theft and assault. Don't leave your common sense at home. Donna Carbone
Stay near your interests. If you're going to a concert, or shopping, or spending time at museums, choose a lodging where you'll be close by. This is especially convenient at night.
Study the local map(s). In big cities it helps you get oriented. Abrawang
Take the stairs. Travel means indulging, and there's not always time for walks, swims or gyms. So take the stairs instead of elevators, and you compensate for those extra calories. I prefer non-enclosed, pleasant stairs, and small hotels are more likely to have these.
Use a cell. It's important to stay in touch. And learn the emergency number equivalent of 911.
Use safety deposit boxes. If there's no in-room safe. Be sure to ask.
Vitamins and veggies -- down 'em daily. Two ways to stay healthy on the road. But aim for peeled or cooked veggies, or wash them carefully, if raw.
Write down PIN numbers somewhere safe, and bring. If you remember PINs only as words, remember that foreign banks may not match up to North American bank machines. FusunA
Wash your hands. You're touching who knows what, so wash up. I carry anti-bacterial gel or wipes, just in case. No need to get sick going solo, and hand-washing is a proven health-maintainer.
Water, water, water --carry it. Preferably bottled.Wear sunglasses while you eat alone. It glams you up, and you can look around without people realizing it. A winner.
X-rays, meds -- prep. Arrive prepared and healthy, with all needed tests, vaccinations, and extra meds. It's no fun to be sick on the road, so head it off.
Yoghurt --eat in some form. I usually spoon some up for breakfast while I'm traveling. Sometimes I enjoy yoghurt as a smoothie or a snack. Something about the bacteria breakdown, but I think it helps keep my stomach calm.
Zoos zing -- enjoy. So do other animal situations, such as safaris or snorkeling. You can commune with the animals for as long as you want, one on one. One of my favorite solo things.
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Comments
Great tips Lea. I really like the sunglasses one! People watching without anyone knowing.
rated
Elastic socks come in black and men and women can both wear them.They're not bad, Trilogy.
Have fun, Shiral. Sounds delish.
Have fun,
plastic hotel keys confuse me
i love vanilla yogurt
i need a vacation
I wish I had this list a few years ago. I was such a hopeless rube the first few times I traveled abroad...probably still am. I just think of myself as more sophisticated now ;)
C - Choose Clothing that can be washed out in the sink and will dry overnight in your hotel bathroom. Choose colors that disguise or hide spills. Nothing ruins your image faster than spilling your coffee first thing in the morning and having to wear those clothes all day long until you reach your hotel again.
L - Learn the Language! Even if only Please and Thank you, How tasty! Yes and No. People appreciate your effort.
Prevent Problems - Photocopy your passport, itinerary, and emergency contact numbers. Put those copies in a separate place, in case of loss of the originals.
S - Sun can be stronger than you are used to. Pack hat, shirt, and slacks made of SPF30+ fabric (see http://www.sunprecautions.com). You'll be stylin' and it's so much easier (and cooler) than applying creams.
with the destruction to my lymphatic system, I have to manage leg swelling on a daily basis. I just fround Reflexa Travel Socks which offer graduated pressure which is what you really want. Plus the socks are made with celliant, reported to increase circulation. I bought them from a doctor at Doc's Socks LLC. Very comfortable! I was also taught by a doctor to simply point and flex my feet to work the calf muscles which are the pumps of the lymphatic system. This simple movement, easy to do i an airplane seat, helps reduce swelling. I spend at least 70% of any flight standing up and stretching - it helps make others feel comfortable to do so too!
At the first opportunity, get out all the local currency - paper and coins, and learn it. It will save fumbling around in shops and markets and makes you less prone to being taken advantage of.
Study the local map(s). In big cities it helps you get oriented.
Carry some paper towels or kleenexes. Now and then the toilet paper might be lacking.
Read up on wherever you're visiting. Tourist guidebooks and local histories both serve useful purposes.
Always be polite. There's often a love-hate feeling towards tourists and politeness can tip the balance.
Don't TALK LOUDER to get foreign language speakers to better understand you.
Try to read the local newspapers. Many cities have English language ones or there's the International Herald Tribune. You'll feel more a part of the place.
And Kathy, thanks for clearing that up about yoghurt. It does not help with motion sickness.
And dianaani and Abrawang, special thanks. I added your entries to the post.
W -- Walk. The best way to learn a new city or any area in general is to walk in, around, and through it. You'll see more, find a nook to explore that you'd miss otherwise, and simply feel more a part of wherever you are.
--those walks-- around airplanes--- seem to annoy everyone even though it's common knowledge that we should do so. I do so anyway but not nearly as much as I'd like.
---Okay women, Clothes! I never pack just a few though I wear two outfits, maybe three on any trip of any length. What is that awful mimdset that makes me pack two full bags? Anyone else have this disorder? The one that whispers 'you never know whom you'lll meet or that you'll extend yr stay? Crazy bec. should either happen you can always shop for what's missing.
---This is an add on. Bring one book you know you'll love and a DVD also to get through unanticapted long waits. I once read "For Love " by Sue Miller from JFK to landing in England.
___but of course most of you have kindles and the like and small laptops are best, without small printers. You can print once at home.
----Last: I wear a small bag around my neck for carrying passport tickets or ticket Locator numbers, credit cards, amd passport. This object keeps me calmer when going from door to security to the airplane which can be a confusing sequence. Thanks Lea, wish I could do each and every instead of most. Timely post as I fly home tonight Paris to JFK.
Before boarding: do not drink coffee or any beverage overly sweet, highly caffeinated, or aggresive in nature. Do not gorge or eat a huge meal. Eat like a baby, meaning; mild foods only.
After boarding and under way: Eat only just enough to satisfy the craving, no more. Eat in small amounts. Take frequent naps and you will enjoy the awake time more. For most people it will take approximately three days at sea to become more or less truely accustomed to the motion and be able to vary their diet (for this reason a 10 day charter minimum, is much more worthwhile than anything less).
Simple, tried and true seasickness remedies: 1. A small wedge of lime (the green one!) licked or just sniffed gently. 2. Just a grain or two of salt touched to the tip* of the tongue. This last is interesting because you will find that there are different spots (for different people) on the tongue, that are sensitive to the results. Ear plugs (even just a bit of tissue in the ears) can be very valuable, as the hearing becomes very acute during seasickness and the increased volume of noise apparent to the sufferer, further exacerbates the malady. Clean the ears once in awhile because with the increase in motion comes a noticeable increase in the production of earwax.
Seasickness must be treated as serious business by the captain and crew, as the person affected (especially if inexperienced or a complete novitiate at sea) can exhibit (and is often experiencing) symptoms analogous to someone extremely inebriated or narcotized (while at the same time attempting to hide their condition out of embarrassment) and may, variously, exhibit behaviours ranging from zombieism (like sleep walking) to extreme panic (wanting to jump overboard and swim for the nearest shore).
Lastly: don't be ashamed to let it all go...! But when you do, please, do it to leward (not to windward!) and make sure you hold onto something tight as you do it!
Saludos ~ hope this is helpful.
Inverted, thank you especially! It's so long that I will just leave it in comments.
R
*I learned that if one is taking prescription medication, to leave the pills in their original container with the label on.
*If you remember your PIN for debit cards as words, write their numerical equivalents somewhere safe to avoid translating the word to numbers, since European numerical set up doesn't match the North American bank machines.
♥R
Lezlie
And good info about DVT. My husband has protein S deficiency, which he discovered after a week-long hospital stay for pneumonia. He was unknowingly a prime candidate for DVT and it could have happened at any time! Our daughter has it as well, and has to avoid any birth control with estrogen and also has to be aware of her increased risk for blood clots. I wonder how many people out there are similarly unaware until...
Mike, thank you! I am removing the tip.
are you suggesting yogurt instead of the daily does of malox to coat the stomach in an effort to ward off food borne illness? That is why I developed the habit of having it for breakfast along with cereal rather than anything fresh or cooked.
you are very right that it was not a deterant to that ferry ride's motion sickness. I should have known how the gale wind values related to MPH before I got on!
As we were landing in Ullapool we were told that the trains and carrageways were all closed due to high winds.
R