Travel in Canada

This will be a make-or-break year for small businesses across Canada. Between lockdowns, store-opening restrictions and widespread income loss among the general population, independent business owners are struggling to meet their overheads and pay rent.

Booking an adventure holiday in Canada is probably on your bucket list. Join a guided tour that explores the Rocky Mountains, or find a self-guided bike tour on Vancouver Island. Explore famous mountain towns like Jasper, Banff, Canmore or Whistler on these incredible group tours. Canada is famous for nature, and the best way to explore nature is on your own two feet, or two-pedals, or two skis. You get the idea!

In Banff you can get out onto the slopes on skis or a board, with equipment hire and lift passes made easy. But that’s not all this place has to offer. With a bit of luck you can view nature’s most spectacular light show, the Northern Lights, as they dance in the night’s sky.

Atlantic Canada takes you from Nova Scotia – with its plentiful pubs and windswept shores – through to the Nordic spas of Moncton and the quaint charms of Charlottetown. This trip has unforgettable experiences, including whale watching, lobster feasts, epic cycle trails and even ziplining adventures.

Kicking off in the multicultural city of Toronto, this trip has a little something for everyone, bringing you the best of Ontario & Quebec in a week.  Lose yourself in Toronto and maybe catch a Blue Jays game if they are playing, indulge in Montreal’s foodie scene and the history of Quebec City, ending your trip in the nation’s capital of Ottawa.

Booking an adventure holiday in Canada means you will see something special. Guided and Self-guided tours take you out into nature, exploring stunning mountain peaks, finding time for a dip in a chilly alpine lake and hopefully seeing a lot of wildlife along the way. Find a guided tour through the Canadian Rockies or a self-guided tour on Vancouver Island.

198: How I Ran Out of Countries

Gunnar Garfors, the author of 198: How I Ran Out of Countries, has been to every country in the world. He knows a thing or two about international travel, and has a few tips to share in regards to keeping safe.

In this video from the Business Insider YouTube channel, Garfors shares some simple, but important tips for your globetrotting adventures:

  1. Always keep the essentials on you: Whether you have one of those pouches to hide everything in or a jacket you always wear, keep your passport, phone, and wallet on you at all times.
  2. Don’t be arrogant: Try and be humble wherever you go. If you do something that seems to upset someone, apologize.
  3. Smile a lot: Smiling shows that you’re not a threat to anyone and that you mean well. Besides, everyone would rather help a smiling stranger.

Funny how these tips would probably help you at home too. Perhaps the rest of the world isn’t much different after all. Besides your passport, wallet, and phone, Garfors has a few other suggestions for things you should always carry with you when traveling internationally.

6 Essential Reasons To Book A Trip With A Travel Agent

When booking a vacation, we’re obviously always trying to get the lowest prices possible on airline tickets, hotels and rental cars. But aside from the usual tips (book trips 54 days in advance, choose the right day of the week, etc.), there’s one secret weapon to nearly always ensuring a good deal: using a travel agent.

Inspired by a recent Reddit “Ask Me Anything” thread with luxury travel agent Steve Shulem, we’ve put together a list of the 6 reasons why you should book through an agent for your next big vacation.

1. They’re likely to get you the lowest price possible.

George Hobica, travel expert and founder of Airfarewatchdog, says, “Travel agents have tricks up their sleeves that automated websites have never heard of.” That meansknowing when a price is actually at its lowest point or using unorthodox methods (like ferries or trains) to get you to your destination for less.

2. They’ve got better connections than the Internet.

As Shulem points out in his Reddit AMA, travel agents have resources and connections that the Internet does not. “We have discounted air, we have over 800 hotels where we throw in breakfast and a $100 resort credit, (and) we have cruises where we can get you upgrades and cruise credits and many times a better price,” he wrote.

3. They’ve got the most “pull” with hotels.

Hotels are extra-careful to keep travel agents happy so that they’ll continue to book in the future, writes a travel agent who goes by the name of Tychonaut on Reddit. “A hotel can tell you (a private customer) ‘no’ without a problem. But if they are dealing with an agent they have a bigger incentive to turn that ‘no’ to a ‘yes,'” he writes.

4. They’re especially great at finding group discounts.

If you’re going to Disney World, taking a corporate trip or planning a romantic vacation, it’s best to let travel agents do the work for you. They’ll research the best deals for 2+ people, find coupons for going out to eat and try their best to upgrade your suite or hotel room to make it the best experience possible. Think of the time you’re saving… researching alone would take days.

5. They’ll rebook a flight for you.

Say your flight gets cancelled unexpectedly, or you’re really, really unhappy with your rental car. Never fear, your travel agent is here! As Shulem explains on Reddit, “…the trend is to look to the travel agent to save you time and help you out should a mishap arise.” Travel agents act as a safety net and can sometimes get extra help regarding cancelled tickets that you, acting alone, could not.

6. They can find the best cruises and cruise activities for you.

Need help finding a cruise ASAP, booking the perfect cabin or sorting through pages of off-the-boat excursions? Travel agents can get a cruise certification to help them navigate the cruise-planning waters like a total pro, and they’re usually the first to find out about the best cruise deals or activities.

Airlines should charge passengers for carry-ons, not checked luggage

Airlines should charge passengers for carry-ons, not checked luggage –

When you think about it, maybe airlines have it backwards. They shouldn’t charge for your first checked bag and let you bring a carry-on bag for free. They should charge you for bringing a carry-on bag instead.

I say this even though such a policy would negatively impact me.

As a rule, I only travel with carry-on luggage. There is of course the cost savings of not having to pay for a checked bag, but that’s a secondary concern. Without having a bag to check, I can check-in online to receive an electronic boarding pass and head straight to security once I get to the airport. Depending on how many people are in line at the check-in counters, that saves me anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour.

I also don’t have to worry about losing my luggage, since it never leaves me. I once had an airline misplace my checked bag on the way to my destination and on the way back. I vowed never to check another bag.

Another bonus of travelling with just a carry-on is that once you arrive at your destination, you can avoid the wait at the baggage carousel.

The bottom line is, if I check my bag, I’m looking at a longer travel time, on average. By travelling with just a carry-on bag, I can save time and pay less money.

If I stopped right there, you could see how paying for carry-on versus checked makes sense from a convenience perspective. You could choose to pay to save time.

As it turns out, I have had a heavy business travel schedule over the last few months, right as the two major Canadian carriers announced and implemented a change in baggage fee policies.

Until recently, your first checked bag was almost always free. Now, when you fly some of the lowest-fare classes, a fee applies for your first checked bag. So you would assume that some passengers would avoid checking in a bag and go the carry-on route instead.

Leading up to the implementation of the policy, which was late in October for WestJet and early in November for Air Canada , there was a bit of a pre-emptive crackdown. Fliers were asked to prove their carry-on bags met the size restrictions by placing them into those little testing templates. People in airports are strange at the best of times, but the arguments that ensued as some tried to squeeze and stomp their bags into the testers was something to behold.

After the new rule kicked in, another problem popped up. So many more people are bringing carry-on bags onto the plane that almost every flight I’ve been on has been delayed at the gate as people struggle to find space in the overhead bins. Imagine getting to your seat to find that all the overhead space in the vicinity is taken. Sometimes, bags end up being checked into the hold at no charge because there is no room left on the flight.

Now imagine the policy was reversed: you get your first bag checked for free, but you have to pay to bring a carry-on bag.

Some people would rather pay the extra fee to save time. But probably more will balk at the cost and check their bag. That would mean less bags to shove into the overhead bins – boarding the plane would be a breeze.

Normally, checked bags are much larger than a carry-on so all of this is moot if you’re determined to lug around your entire wardrobe for a trip, as some people do. In that case, it’s easy to see why checking a heavier bag would carry a premium. Extra weight means extra fuel.

But if you spend just 10 minutes studying the art of packing for air travel, travellers without children seldom need more than what they can fit in a carry-on.

The more I think about it, the more this reversal of baggage fees makes sense.

But I have a funny feeling that if airlines ever do start charging for carry-on bags, it will just be in addition to charging for the checked bags.

Best value destinations- from Lonely Planet

Savour every centimetre of that shoestring with these budget-friendly boltholes, perfect for an economic downturn-busting break. This article is an excerpt from Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2013.

Rio, Brazil

If you’ve an unfulfilled plan to visit Rio de Janeiro’s beaches and iconic landmarks then this may be the year to do it. After 2013 the big events come thick and fast – the football World Cup in 2014 (also taking place in cities around Brazil), then the Olympic Games in 2016. One thing’s for sure: big-name events bring fresh development, a boost to infrastructure and, in many cases, higher prices for visitors. Come now to see a city in the process of gearing up to welcome the world, but before the costs of doing so rise. Indeed, if you visit during June you can be among the first to check out the recently upgraded Estádio do Maracanã, the world-famous venue that is slated to host not only the World Cup Final in 2014 but also the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics and Paralympics.

Gothenburg, Sweden

There’s good value in Sweden if you know where to look. That said, if you don’t, even popping out for a pizza and beer can make for a pricey night by the standards of your home town. Unless, that is, you’re from Norway. Either way, the savvy traveller makes tracks for Gothenburg. Away from the glitzy main drag Kungsportsavenyn (referred to as Avenyn by everyone) are characterful neighbourhoods (hello, Haga and, a little outside town, Kvarnbyn), cheap eats and some great attractions, including edgy art space Röda Sten and picnic-friendly city views in Keillers Park. If that wasn’t enough, ferries trundling round the beautiful, car-free southern archipelago are a tram ride from the city centre. In short, this is as much Scandinavia as you can get for your money.

Namibia

Namibia beckons those in search of a good deal. While neighbouring Botswana courts the big-budget traveller, the desert state to the west welcomes all, and offers a spectacular set of attractions to boot. True, you need your own wheels or must join a tour to see some of the wonders on offer like Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast, but Namibia’s big-ticket draws remain affordable for budget and midrange visitors via locally arranged tours or self-drive car hire. Towns and cities, many offering keenly priced hostels and campsites, are linked by inexpensive buses and minivans. Some of the most fun things you can do here – sandboarding around Swakopmund and hiking Fish River Canyon, for instance – are also some of the best-value outdoor pursuits in Southern Africa.

Cambodia

While perhaps not the whoops-of-delight-inducing bargain it was a decade ago, Cambodia is still a great deal. This means that despite the boom in the number of midrange hotels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in particular, a huge amount of budget accommodation remains at much lower prices. The imaginative visitor to the country exploring less-well-visited parts will find it easy to afford that extra Angkor beer or three. A budget of US$15 is tight but achievable, provided you forgo a room with air-con and don’t dwell for too long in the headline destinations.

Bolivia

South America’s best-value option continues to delight travellers. With public transport as cheap as anywhere on the continent, filling street food (another empanada? Don’t mind if I do!), and good-for-the-money excursions, this country is more than a bridge between the east and west coasts, it is an essential journey in itself. True, things are a little more expensive in La Paz and must-visit Uyuni, but away from here set-menu meals will rarely tip over US$5, budget rooms are not much more than double that and, should those chilly Altiplano nights require a higher standard of accommodation, you may find that you still leave for a pricier neighbour with a smile on your face.

Portland, Oregon, USA

Travel writers speak with one voice when asked to nominate their fave US cheapie: Portland, OR. Cheap food! Free things to do! Forty breweries (and counting) with pints of perfectly crafted beer often costing US$4! Yes, budget-conscious but still fashionably minded travellers may have reached the promised land in Portland, Oregon. The city has been thrust into the limelight by the Portlandia TV series, but was hardly unknown before, offering as it does a progressive take on urban life in a part of the Pacific Northwest that’s best appreciated slowly.

Spain

Spain has been getting much friendlier for budget travellers in the past few years, as currency fluctuations and falling costs for many items have combined to make what was once Europe’s best bet for a cheap break a contender once again for many international travellers. Presumably if you’re reading this you’re not really the fly-and-flop type, but the wonders of Spain’s cities, wilder north coast and fabulous national parks are more affordable now than for the past few years. Anywhere in Spain, to make your money go as far as possible live without a pool, go easy on the wine and extra courses when eating out and visit outside peak season, when price hikes remain a fact of life.

Slovenia

It’s tempting to leave this as one sentence: Slovenia is as picture-perfect as Switzerland or other Alpine areas to the north, but much smaller and easier on the wallet. Yes, there’s devil in the detail – the adoption of the Euro and popularity of Ljubljana, Bled and coastal areas in summer can push prices up – but that’s hardly the point. Small distances keep travel costs down, and buses radiating out of Ljubljana are plentiful and inexpensive. Private rooms offer affordable accommodation and anyone arriving from Austria or Italy will notice the difference in hotel prices at all budgets. If you’re keen on trekking, skiing, rafting or simply taking in the scenery of one of Europe’s most attractive countries then Slovenia will not disappoint.

Nepal

With visitor numbers steadily rising, Nepal remains a tremendous option for budget travellers. After all, the number of countries where you can live on the price of a Starbucks latte or two are diminishing rapidly. Sure, to do that you’ll need to stay in budget accommodation somewhere other than Kathmandu and resolutely stick to simple local food, but many consider this a price worth paying for paying a low price. Though costs rise once you enter national parks, if you’re up for trekking on your own and staying in teahouses, Nepal is not only the best-value spot for Himalayan hiking, it must be a contender for offering the most astonishing rewards for the least upfront investment of anywhere in the world. In fact, this remains true even if you factor in a porter and guide and opt for an organised trek.

Georgia

Georgia is, like its Caucasian neighbours, little known to most travellers. Those who do go come back raving about a beautiful, friendly country that offers excellent, inexpensive (though potentially waist-expanding) cuisine, typified by the near-universal khachapuri (cheese pie). In recent years the country has been speeding up its tourism development, resulting in a growing number of good-value hostels and homestays, which are great ways to meet locals as well as keep costs down. Look out for August if you’re hitting Batumi or elsewhere on the Black Sea coast, but otherwise anytime is a good time to visit this up-and-coming destination where even a bus, train or marshrustka minibus ride will give jaw-dropping views worth far more than the meagre fare you’re likely to be charged.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/themes/best-in-travel/best-value-destinations/#ixzz2kv2cN6mn

Travel Insurance

If you’re getting ready to go on a trip, and planning on doing a lot, make sure you protect all your plans with travel insurance. It gives you the coverage you need when dealing with unexpected situations – whether you’re venturing within Canada or to another country.

Where in the world would you be without travel insurance?

In a world where anything can happen, travel insurance is your ticket to safeguarding your trip. There are many good reasons why you need travel insurance.

For instance, what if you had to:

Cope with a travel emergency in a foreign country?

You’re on your dream vacation in a foreign country and chances are you may not speak the language. How would you get help during an emergency? Our multilingual co-ordinators understand your coverage and can help you find the care you need. Simply call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, no matter where you are – no matter which travel insurance product you’ve purchased.

Pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses?

Did you know that if you become sick or injured while travelling, your government health insurance plan only covers a fraction of medical costs? Emergency Medical Insurance can help cover these costs – and we offer up-front payment on claims whenever possible.

Replace lost clothing or jewellery?

Don’t let your vacation be ruined if your luggage, or personal effects such as a passport, become damaged or lost. Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance helps cover some of the replacement costs – so you can get back to enjoying your trip.

Suddenly rush home because of an emergency?

If you have to cancel, delay or return early from your trip, you could incur some serious cancellation and interruption expenses. Cancellation & Interruption Insurance reimburses you when your travel arrangements don’t go according to plan – and we protect you from over 40 specified risks.

Deal with a medical emergency while travelling within Canada?

Did you know that you need travel insurance even if you’re travelling within Canada? Government health insurance plans exclude or limit expenses such as ambulance services, x-rays, prescription drugs and dental treatment. That’s why our Travel Within Canada Package is an excellent choice if you’re travelling only within Canada for the duration of your trip.

Emergency medical treatment can cost thousands. Protect yourself with unlimited coverage for eligible emergency medical expenses1 and 24/7 assistance.

What’s your most memorable vacation nightmare? People, place, or thing?

These are actual complaints received from dissatisfied customers by Thomas Cook Vacations (based on a Thomas Cook/ABTA survey):

1. “I think it should be explained in the brochure that the local convenience store does not sell proper biscuits like custard creams or ginger nuts.”

2. “It’s lazy of the local shopkeepers in Puerto Vallarta to close in the afternoons. I often needed to buy things during ‘siesta’ time — this should be banned.”

3. “On my holiday to Goa in India , I was disgusted to find that almost every restaurant served curry. I don’t like spicy food.”

4. “We booked an excursion to a water park but no-one told us we had to bring our own swimsuits and towels. We assumed it would be included in the price.”

5. “The beach was too sandy. We had to clean everything when we returned to our room.”

6. “We found the sand was not like the sand in the brochure. Your brochure shows the sand as white but it was more yellow.”

7. “They should not allow topless sunbathing on the beach. It was very distracting for my husband who just wanted to relax.”

8. “No one told us there would be fish in the water. The children were scared.”

9. “Although the brochure said that there was a fully equipped kitchen, there was no egg-slicer in the drawers.”

10. “We went on holiday to Spain and had a problem with the taxi drivers as they were all Spanish.”

11. “The roads were uneven and bumpy, so we could not read the local guide book during the bus ride to the resort. Because of this, we were unaware of many things that would have made our holiday more fun.”

12. “It took us nine hours to fly home from Jamaica to England. It took the Americans only three hours to get home. This seems unfair.”

13. “I compared the size of our one-bedroom suite to our friends’ three-bedroom and ours was significantly smaller.”

14. “The brochure stated: ‘No hairdressers at the resort’. We’re trainee hairdressers and we think they knew and made us wait longer for service.”

15. “There were too many Spanish people there. The receptionist spoke Spanish, the food was Spanish. No one told us that there would be so many foreigners.”

16. “We had to line up outside to catch the boat and there was no air-conditioning.”

17. “It is your duty as a tour operator to advise us of noisy or unruly guests before we travel.”

18. “I was bitten by a mosquito. The brochure did not mention mosquitoes.”

19. “My fiance and I requested twin-beds when we booked, but instead we were placed in a room with a king bed. We now hold you responsible and want to be re-reimbursed for the fact that I became pregnant. This would not have happened if you had put us in the room that we booked.”

What’s your most memorable vacation nightmare? People, place, or thing?

Read more at blogdramedy.wordpress.com

 

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Traveling Alone: Tips for Stress-Free Solo Trips

Once a year, I like to go on a trip on my own. It gets me out of my comfort zone and forces me to meet new people.

I found this great article for singles that are looking for a great solo trip.

People who have never traveled alone often describe their first solo trip as an almost religious experience. To take in new surroundings unfiltered by the prejudices, tastes or preferences of a traveling companion can be heady stuff. Traveling alone gives you the chance to indulge yourself fully.

Of course, single travel has its perils too — such as safety concerns, loneliness and the dreaded single supplement. But a little preparation and common sense can save you money and get you through the rough spots.

Why Travel Alone?
Solo travel can be the ultimate in self-indulgence; you can rest when you want and pour it on when you’re feeling ambitious. Another benefit is that your mistakes are your own, and your triumphs all the more exciting. There’s no worrying that your insistence on trekking all the way across town to a museum that was closed ruined your partner’s day; it’s your own day to salvage or chalk up to a learning experience.

Also, you can do exactly what you want to do — all the time. Always wanted to try surfing? Sign up for a class and go for it; there’s no one sitting on the beach bored while you have the time of your life. Have no desire to see Niagara Falls? Just drive right by.

Safety First
Perhaps the foremost concern of the solo or single traveler is safety. Without a companion to watch your back, you are more vulnerable to criminals and scam artists, as well as simple health worries. But the saying “safety in numbers” isn’t necessarily true — a solo traveler can blend in more easily than a group, and not drawing attention to yourself as a tourist is one way to stay secure. Here are a few tips:

  • Know how long it takes and how much it costs to get from the airport to your hotel or to the city center. Solo travelers are more likely to be “taken for a ride,” so ask the taxi driver how much it will cost before you leave. If it’s considerably different from what you know to be true, take a different cab.
  • Find out if hotels at your destination are open late, so you don’t end up sleeping in your car or worse.
  • Be your own best counsel; if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
  • Carry good identification, in more than one place.
  • Keep to open and public places, especially at night.
  • Exude confidence and walk purposefully.
  • Avoid appearing like a tourist. Ditch the Disney T-shirt and don’t walk around with your face in a guidebook. (See 10 Things You Should Never Wear Abroad for more thoughts on this one.)
  • Don’t draw attention to yourself by wearing flashy clothes or jewelry.
  • Lie a little. Not only can you invent your own persona or history, but you can also make your life easier with little white lies. When asking directions, don’t let on that you are alone: “Can you direct me to the museum? I have to meet a friend.”
  • Check your maps and transportation schedules before leaving your hotel/train/rental car/tourist office. A solo traveler poring over maps can be a mark for unsavory types.
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member at home, and stay in touch regularly via phone or e-mail.
  • For U.S. citizens traveling internationally, consider signing up for the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which could help the State Department assist you in case of emergency. If you’re from outside the States, see if your home country has a similar program. Essential Hotel Safety TipsTrust Everyone and No One
    One of the best reasons to travel alone is to meet new people, but this also makes you more vulnerable. It’s okay to hang out, travel and share with new friends, but you might not want to ask them to hold your money. Scam artists can often be the most charming companions you’ll find; you want to be open-minded, but keep your guard up enough to ensure your safety.senior man cruise ship balcony Avoiding the Single Supplement
    Frequent solo travelers are all too familiar with the single supplement, which tour operators, cruise lines and hotels tack onto your bill to make up for the fact that they’re not making money off a second occupant. The supplement can range anywhere from 25 to 100 percent of the trip cost, meaning that you could end up paying twice as much as someone traveling with a partner.

    There are several ways to get around the single supplement. You can avoid it altogether by booking with a tour operator that offers roommate matching, such as G Adventures, Intrepid Travel, Road Scholar (formerly known as Elderhostel) and Holland America Line. By finding you a roommate, they maximize their own profit off each room and save you the single supplement. The catch is, of course, that you’ll have to share a room with a stranger. If you’re concerned, contact the tour operator and see what kind of procedures they use to match roommates. Some pair people off at random, while others will make an effort to put complementary personalities together.

    Solo Travel: Lonely or Lovely?

    If you’re flexible and ready to go at a moment’s notice, you could save money by booking at the last minute. Tour operators who are eager to sell out their last few places may be willing to reduce their usual single supplement. Abercrombie & Kent and Road Scholar are two companies that regularly offer discounted or waived single supplements.

    It’s not for everyone, but you may also want to consider staying in a hostel, which charges per bed rather than per room. Hostelling International properties tend to be reliably clean and secure, and they’re open to travelers of all ages.

    To keep track of the latest single travel deals, sign up for solo travel newsletters and regularly visit sites that cater to singles. See our resource list on page two for ideas.

  • Single Travel: Tips for Going Solo

    Tips for Dining
    street cafe Eating alone isn’t so bad. Many solo travelers (and frequent business travelers) are terrified of eating alone, worried that they appear like some worn-out Willy Loman of the road. There’s even a name for it: solomangarephobia. (Occasionally the fear is justified — see Terror at the Table for One.) Nonetheless, the following tips can help you overcome what for many travelers is the most unpleasant aspect of going it alone.

    • Chat with the service people. Waiters and waitresses are some of the best local color you’ll find.
    • Zagat guides include a section on the “Singles Scene” in many cities; you might not be out to meet a new beau, but this should offer some options nonetheless.
    • Cafe and outdoor dining is often attractive to single travelers; sitting alone with a book in a cafe isn’t as unusual as a table for one at a fancy restaurant.
    • Choose a counter seat or a seat at the bar.
    • Go to a restaurant that has booths, which offer more privacy.
    • Bring reading materials. If you start to feel uneasy sitting alone and staring down at your food, you can crack open a book, whip out your Kindle or read a magazine. One hint: The more high-minded your pursuit appears, the more likely folks are either to ignore you, or to become intrigued and maybe say hello.
    • If you don’t want to endure yet another meal alone, use room service. It’s often no more expensive than local restaurants.
    • Eat well. Just because you’re alone and on the run doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take time for sit-down meals, a leisurely cup of coffee or a decadent dessert.
    • Female travelers can check out a site called Invite for a Bite, which organizes meet-ups for meals with other women. For more info, see Take a Bite Out of Solo Dining.
    • SoloDining.com is a good source of advice for those eating alone.When You’ve Just About Had It
      The constant sensory input and vigilance of traveling alone can wear you down. If you feel your attention or your body flagging, don’t be afraid to back off your ambitious itinerary, slow the pace and kick back for a bit.When traveling abroad, seek out an ex-pat bar — locals will often know where these are — where you can hang out and speak your native tongue with some fellow expatriates and travelers. When traveling in more familiar locales, a hot shower and a night in front of the boob tube in a nice hotel room can often give you enough of a reprieve to send you out eagerly the next morning. Poll: What’s Your Favorite Thing About Traveling Alone?

      Resource List

    • airplane woman hat windowAllSinglesTravel.com offers tours and cruises for singles, guaranteeing you a roommate as long as you book 90 days in advance. The company will also make an effort to waive the single supplement for you if you’d prefer a room of your own.
    • Connecting: Solo Travel Network features tales and tips from solo travelers. Membership grants you access to a wide range of tips, a subscription to its e-mail newsletter and the opportunity to connect with other solo travelers.
    • Singles Travel International guarantees to find you a roommate whenever you pay in full by the cut-off date. If it doesn’t, the company will pay the single supplement on its tours, cruises and weekend trips.
    • Solo Traveler offers tips, resources and feature stories for solo travelers, as well as a free solo travel e-book called Travel Alone and Love it!
    • Women Traveling Together is for women whose companions can’t or won’t travel with them and who prefer not to travel alone. The company offers tours, retreats and other getaways, complete with roommate matching.
    • SafeCheckIn.com is a service that allows solo travelers to register their trips in order to make sure they get back safely. For a monthly membership fee, you can enter specific information about when you should return from a particular trip or outing. If you don’t check in with the site at the designated time, SafeCheckIn.com will attempt to contact you; if you’re out of reach, the site will reach out to your emergency contacts and, if necessary, the local authorities