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  • How to Travel Alone. Don't let the lack of a traveling companion stop you from seeing

  • the world. Sometimes it's more fun to explore on your own. You will need: Research a Room reservation for the first night,

  • a Contact at home, Copies of your passport and credit card information, Appropriate clothes, a Tour or class, a Local

  • newspaper, Bar seating and outdoor cafes and Index cards. Optional: Cell phone with international service

  • and phrases of the local language. Step 1. Research your travel destination. Though

  • spontaneity is one of the joys of solo travel, knowing a bit about where you're going is

  • key when you don't have someone along to help figure out things like transportation. Pick

  • a place that's not too remote or couples-oriented. Less developed countries tend to be good places

  • to meet other solo travelers. Step 2. Consider your hotel options. Less lavish accommodations

  • are more likely to attract other single travelers who, like you, don't have someone to split

  • the cost of a room. On the other hand, you may feel safer in a higher-end hotel. Whatever

  • you decide, make sure to reserve a room for your first night in town, when you're apt

  • to be jet-lagged and disoriented.. Step 3. Pack only as much as you can easily carry

  • by yourself -- preferably in one carry-on bag to minimize the risk of lost luggage.

  • Leave expensive jewelry at home. Step 4. Leave your itinerary -- or at least a general idea

  • of where you'll be -- with a few loved ones. Take a copy of your passport with you, and

  • leave them a copy as well as your credit cards numbers. E-mail yourself numbers to call if

  • your cards are lost or stolen. If you're traveling abroad, make sure your cell phone has international

  • service. Step 5. Blend in with your surroundings. If you're in a foreign country, memorize a

  • few key phrases and dress according to local fashion. Consider buying a few items that

  • will help you look like a native. Step 6. Take a walking tour, a cooking class, or some

  • other activity; they're great ways to meet other travelers. Consult a newspaper about

  • local events, or ask your hotel to help you make arrangements. Step 7. Don't be shy about

  • going to restaurants by yourself and chatting with other diners and waitstaff; a great way

  • to do that is by eating at the bar. Having breakfast at your hotel and snacking at outdoor

  • cafes are also conducive to making friends while munching. Though it's tempting to hide

  • behind a book or scribble in a journal, you're more approachable if you forgo those things.

  • Step 8. Stay safe. Write notes and directions on index cards before you leave your hotel;

  • if you must take out a map, do it discreetly. Avoid isolated areas and don't tell strangers

  • you're traveling alone. Above all, trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, get out

  • of the situation. Did you know According to a survey, 29 percent of leisure travelers

  • took a solo trip in 2006.

How to Travel Alone. Don't let the lack of a traveling companion stop you from seeing

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