Positive Road Scholar Experiences for Single traveler

I have attended several RS programs as a single. Never had a problem socializing or getting together with others during free time. After several trips when I signed up to put up with a roommate and ending up in single room, I just sign up for single so RS doesn't have to absorb the cost since I can afford it. During my most recent trip to Costa Rica, many of us met at the bar before dinner including the program leaders. The bus driver didn't speak much English but was included in our friendly group social time. I like "spreading" out in my own room and not worry about hanging some laundry out to dry.

In reply to bluebearmom011445:

My first RS trip I asked to be paired with another female. When I arrived I found I had a room to myself. Later found that there was another female traveller who'd asked for a roommate but also had a room to herself. A few days into the trip I found out why: They had planned to room me with the solo male and then thought better of it when they heard my voice on the phone when I called the hotel to say that I'd be arriving a little bit late. Someone apparently figured my name could be a guy's name and didn't check further.

Going on my second trip as a solo traveler in September. My first experience was wonderful. Our group had about 28 travelers and I never felt isolated. Everyone was approachable, helpful, and interesting. Everyone was well mannered and conversation was easy. At the group dinners never any issues finding someone to speak to and enjoy the meal. And for the meals that were not included small groups got together and shared meals. If you are one that prefers not to engage in group meals you could always get your meal to go and eat in your room. But I would recommend spending time with your travel mates as the group I was with was very interesting and I learned from them!

In reply to cts81273021556:

Are you going on the Japan trip Oct 16th?

I've been on several RS trips and am going to Japan in October. If I travel alone, I always get my own room but I've always found the group to be friendly, inclusive and interested in meeting others. I would guess the average single on a trip is 3.

In reply to janeasuval050205:

Last year was my first RS experience as a solo traveler (widow), and I never felt that I was being left out of anything. On the first evening where we all became acquainted, I stood up and gave a quick little hello from my part of the world, only to find two other ladies traveling with RS also for the first time, who literally lived 5 miles away from me! It is really a small world!
Regards,
Kathie

In reply to miatakath010545:

I am traveling solo on my first RS trip to Tennessee (Train) Smokey Mtns. Want to try it out for future trips. Your posts have been very positive. Looking forward to my trip in October. Never been to these parts of our country.

In reply to cts81273021556:

Thanks for your comment. My 1st RS is end of Aug. Ready to meet new people & share the experience!

In reply to bluebearmom011445:

You don't have to share a room to be a solo traveler. I always travel solo and get my own room. If you opt to share a room that is your choice.

Just returned from Glacier National tour hiking. We had probably four singles with their own rooms. We included them at meals and when ever they wanted to engage in activities. Several four again had roommates of their bringing. It was an inclusive group overall. No issues.

My trips with RS and other groups have always been solo. Generally I would describe them as problem free as far as the single status, but you might encounter some of the same things in RS that you encounter in other social situations, one being the wife with a tight somewhat paranoid rein on her husband who doesn't want him near another female much less being friendly to one. This type of stuff is easy to dismiss though. The only awkward experience I had was on a trip where the evening dining experience was "seating by couples," two couples to a table, which was announced by the restaurant hostess while we were waiting in line. So all the couples quickly paired together and were led to tables for four. I couldn't be seated although I was in the front of the line, simply because I wasn't paired off with someone to form a "couple," and pairing off on the spot was awkward with just a few singles, some of whom had already met other single people they wanted to hang with. I ended up being seated dead LAST with the only unpaired off couple. Personally I thought this was a bit tackily handled. Again the best tactic is to just be amused.

I choose to travel as a single and am quite willing to pay the single supplement. I've made the decision to sit with as many different participants as possible during meal times. It's very rewarding to try and get to talk with everyone. If this does not appeal to you, there isn't any problem finding congenial companions. Just go with the determination to have a great time and you surely will!

In reply to bcritchlow041938:

No problems traveling solo or with roommates. Joining different people at meals is a good way to enjoy the cameraderie of your fellow travelers. As noted above, it's best to be amused, should something odd happen. There was a group of 10 people from the same small town on one of my trips and they had a really, really hard time being separated. I thought of them as the Minions. :-)

In reply to Carol S. 1021333:

I do the same thing if I am traveling with a friend. I'll always ask the solos (which I am more often than not!) to join us. I also try to sit with a different set of people at each meal so I get to know everyone at least a little!

You'll have a wonderful time as an RS solo traveler. I've been on two RS trips as a solo traveler and there were always at least six of us traveling solo. By the way, we're usually the most fun!