By Tom Gannon
Most of the information in this article can be applied to traveling alone, but is also applicable to many travel situations. It all starts with planning. After you have a rough idea of where you want to visit and your budget, decide if you are going on a “boat ride” or to do some serious sightseeing. I don’t think there is anyone who does not like the food, entertainment and convenience of only packing and unpacking once, but if you are you a serious sightseer, history buff, or photographer, unfortunately, many of the sights are not close to a port where a mega cruise ship can stop. River cruises can dock about anywhere, so they bring you much closer to the action. Particularly, for solo travelers, but true for everyone after the Pandemic is to avoid “deals” that appear too good to pass up.
No legitimate cruise line or tour operator can offer huge discounts. Always use your credit card. The industry norm is a deposit on land or cruise, possibly a deposit on air and the full cost of insurance within four days of booking, the balance due 60 days before departure. It is not a good thing to have companies facing insolvency to have all of your money a year before the trip. This is definitely the time to “stretch” and I mean a boutique cruise line like Regent, Wind Star, Oceania or Crystal. For river cruising the deluxe lines offer little more than those with moderate pricing so consider, Ama Waterways. For land tours, Tauck is the strong choice. On the surface it may appear pricy, but when you consider the extra meals, quality of the hotels and their location and excursions which are all included it can suddenly look more affordable. Another good thing about Tauck, like Collette, is that both are owned by American families. Collette and Globus are great choices in the medium price range and offer a wider variety of tours. The companies mentioned, here, will attract many mores seniors, as well.
Do your homework, not only the companies mentioned above but thoroughly research the latest crime and health data. Always avoid the temptation to stay in the non-tourist areas to save money. Ditto on Airbnb’s. Pickpocketing is a fact of life in much of Europe. Plan accordingly. Avoid backpacks and large purses. Gentlemen should never have their wallet in a back pocket. Trust your instincts. Never book on budget airlines. The chances of being stranded are high.
Don’t use random taxi/van services at your destination, always arrange a car service from the hotel, assuming that transfers are not included with your cruise or tour.
Bring realistically sized luggage. Never exceed a 25/26 “ roller bag and a small bag that fits under the seat. You may need to handle the bag yourself. If you can survive with a 19” roller, even better.
Some specific guidelines for the solo traveler:
Avoid broadcasting that you are alone.
Do keep your family or close friends informed with specifics your flights, the name and addresses of hotels and your expected date and. If you have it, arrival times.
Be spontaneous to a point but do book local tours, and even restaurant reservations in advance. Stick close to your hotel for dinner. Never plan on arriving in a country or city without hotel reservations for, at least, the first two nights. Arrive during the day.
Be willing to meet new people, but if you are uncomfortable asking someone to take your picture, mini-tripods with remote shutters and selfie-sticks may be the answer.
Have good identification and emergency contact information. Keep it in more than one place. Always leave passport information with a relative, friend or your travel agency.
Stick to open public places, especially after dark. Europe is not like it was in the 1970’s.
Exude confidence with positive body language. Avoid consulting your map or guidebook in a crowded area. Step into a café, store or other area to do so.
Never wear earbuds when sightseeing. You will be a target for pickpockets and are not familiar with traffic patterns etc. You need to hear as well as see.
Do leave your valuable jewelry at home.
Avoid clothing with logos that identify you as an American. This is less relevant in major cities.
Never leave without travel insurance. If you are on a tour or cruise, purchase it through that company.
If on your own, select hotels that have free Wi-fi so you can stay in touch.
Don’t tell people you meet where you are staying.
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