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Solo Travel Solo Travel
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Solo Travel

soniareznick011933
soniareznick011933 over 5 years ago

I have been on many trips as a solo traveler without a roommate and have had mixed experiences.  On a recent trip as the only one without a partner I was frequently asked to change my place at the table so couples could sit together, and I would get moved down to the far end of the table.   With other groups though, if I offered to move I was reassured it wasn't necessary as they didn't need to sit together all the time.  Groups have different temperaments.  Another time several of the hotels had tables set up for exactly four people and I was pretty much excluded from this set up. Or the  dinner on your own would occur after a free afternoon or siesta time so I was alone because couples, (including) roommates made their plans when I wasn't around so I had no way to ask or be asked to join anyone.  One time we were so many single women that a consensus  was never reached and we just had pizza in the hotel.

I want to emphasize that uncomfortable situations have been the exception, but I always know  that they may arise, and I certainly won't let such occurrences spoil my trip. But also, before choosing a trip, I check how many dinners are not included, and this is part of my decision. Occasionally I  travel with all women, not with Road Scholar, and there the group leader usually suggests a place, and most people including the leader go together. But in my experience Road Scholar leaders generally are not around when plans are being made and are not involved in the process.  

Other than meals, almost everything is done as a group, and the group is usually together just before the free times, so plans can be made with  others.  So I may set out with others, but often prefer to go at my own pace and follow my own interests. Still I never hesitate to travel with Road Scholar as the problems I mentioned are definitely the exception.

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  • larrylobo42010500
    larrylobo42010500 over 5 years ago +1
    Since my only experience traveling solo was with RS in Jan/Feb, on a trip to San Miguel de Allende. I was the only
    solo in the group, but everyone was so friendly, and I was always included at meals…
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  • TravelHound
    TravelHound over 4 years ago
    I do tons of research before going on any trip. I keep my list by day in my RS hang tag and backpack at all times of what is available in the area of interest to me not included on the trip. It is not a "to do" list, it is an "if you have free time list". It includes restaurants, artists, points of interest and off the beaten path ideas. I have often surprised locals with some of the places I have found in their own backyards.

    A good safety tip is to get the phone number of group leader(s) and add to your phone and list if you plan on separating from the group. My list has all hotel addresses and phone numbers just in case.
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  • larrylobo42010500
    larrylobo42010500 over 4 years ago in reply to TravelHound
    reply to CT_PBW
    Excellent suggestions! Every RS destination has 'free time', so doing some reading beforehand, and making a list
    (or lists) of things you'd like to see/do AND to carry a group-leader's phone # (just in case) are, well, liberating.
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  • leslye_lounsberry011038
    leslye_lounsberry011038 over 4 years ago in reply to larrylobo42010500
    Might I add making a small currency conversion chart before you go and tuck it in the RS pouch as well. I do $1, 5, 10, 15, 25 and 50. I can then quickly refer to it when in a shop without digging out a phone or calculator.
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  • leslye_lounsberry011038
    leslye_lounsberry011038 over 4 years ago in reply to larrylobo42010500
    Might I add making a small currency conversion chart before you go and tuck it in the RS pouch as well. I do $1, 5, 10, 15, 25 and 50. I can then quickly refer to it when in a shop without digging out a phone or calculator.
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  • larrylobo42010500
    larrylobo42010500 over 4 years ago in reply to leslye_lounsberry011038
    to leslye_lounsberry: Yes, a small currency conversion chart (why didn't I think of that?). Yet another excellent idea!
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