Traveling Solo

In this week's Starting Out column on Kiplinger.com, we talk about the benefits of traveling alone, how to do it safely and name 12 excellent solo vacations (http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/starting/archive/2007/st0530.htm).

Have you ever traveled by yourself? Where did you go? Do you have any travel tips to pass along? Share your stories!

Haven't read the article, so forgive me if I repeat anything.

The main thing for me is to travel light. Without someone with you, little things are difficult -- like, you can't have your traveling partner watch your bags while you go to the bathroom! No, you have to bring them all with you, or risk having them stolen. So, pack lightly. You don't want to be that girl, the one dragging enormous bags into a tiny bathroom stall.

When I was in college, I traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia, alone. I opted to stay with a Russian family rather than in a hotel or college dorm. It was nice to have someone "look after me," considering I was there by myself. Plus, it was a great way to immerse myself in the culture.

There are so many places I want to go but everyone in my social circles are either broke or uninterested in going to those places. So I end up going no where.

I'm in Shanghai city in China. Last month I went to Sichuan Province alone. I stayed in Chongqing city, Zigong city, Yibin city, Chengdu city and Deyang city. It's very good experience. When I was on road by myself, I felt comfortable. I can make decide everytime. I can stay everywhere I like. It's so great and the fresh air make me forget the bad things in office. I knew many people and made friends with them. It's my fortune. Travel over the world, is my biggest dream.

I am in Leavenworth in US and interesting spot for travel.

I'd say 90% of the time I am traveling alone. As in the famous quote of Marlene Dietrich, "I want to be alone". Well actually that's not the whole story. I find it is easier to approach and meet people when I travel alone. Strangers are more likely to help you and invite you when you're by yourself. When you travel with a large group, you only talk to people in your group.


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