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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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  • zen021519
    zen021519 over 5 years ago
    Some group leaders are a bit more proactive in suggesting places to eat on your own but most are not. I agree that they can do a bit more to help the shyer people opt to go with a group for on-your-own activities or meals.
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  • expose25012208
    expose25012208 over 5 years ago in reply to zen021519
    My suggestion for meals not included - do your own research of the places to eat either close to the hotel or otherwise interesting (authentic food, etc.) , and be proactive organizing other singles or even couples to go there together for a meal. More often than not, there will be other shy people just waiting for someone else to come up with the idea. Be that person, and others will join. Doesn't work all the time, but what do you have to lose :)
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  • ellenbuckelew010421
    ellenbuckelew010421 over 5 years ago in reply to expose25012208
    If you're a solo - think first about joining a group to a non-included dinner and finding out the restaurant doesn't do separate checks ! What a mess - especially if you don't have enough cash and want to put it on you're credit card!! Impossible!
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  • cassellcan071825
    cassellcan071825 over 4 years ago in reply to ellenbuckelew010421
    I learned something during my earliest overseas group trips: sometimes a traveler would pay for others' meals with a credit card, then collect cash for the cost of the meals. (Ms Jones would pay for the Smiths with her credit card, then the Smiths gave Ms Jones cash, often in the local foreign currency.) So I have done it too. If you have room on your credit card and they have the cash, this is a great way to get the local bills and change without having to pay the premium at a money exchange or ATM. Happy and safe traveling, Candy
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  • junawally010433
    junawally010433 over 4 years ago in reply to expose25012208
    Depending on the the hotel, if I am dining alone I often use Room Service. I bring my own wine so I save big when dining in the room.
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  • junawally010433
    junawally010433 over 4 years ago in reply to expose25012208
    Depending on the the hotel, if I am dining alone I often use Room Service. I bring my own wine so I save big when dining in the room.
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