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Published: January 19th 2024
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From Planner at Heart (Elizabeth Ervin), a few things we can learn about ourselves when we travel solo. Sometimes, it means sleeping in, or getting an early start. I also like an early dinner, rather than late. I generally limit major activities to a maximum of two per day. Sometimes I only eat two meals a day instead of three. I enjoy hopping on public transportation and just go as far as I can, or until I find something interesting. My sense of direction-is usually pretty good. Use the sun or a landmark as your guide. Or, in the tradition of Hansel and Gretel, leave a trail of bread crumbs! In Athens, I use the Acropolis as my marker. In Bangkok, I use the Skytrain. In Hong Kong, I use the water, The afternoon nap-one of the best parts of solo travel, especially as I get older. If nothing else, just relax for an hour or two with your feet propped up, and maybe a change of clothes before heading out again. Indulge in local delicacies. Sometimes, it is an unexpected treat, or a specialty drink. Other times, it may be a street cart, or a small convenience store. I found
Turlish Delight while sipping on some Turkish coffee in the Grand Bazaar. Converse with random people. Generally, it is safe to do this, in a nice area. I find bars, cafes, and restaurants to be the safest. I also meet interesting people on planes and trains, but not busses or Metros. I miss the old internet rooms at hotels. After all, that is where I met Barry the V from Cape Town, and Jason and Chun from Penang. Enjoy being alone. The feeling of independence is great, and the opportunity to be spontaneous is unrivaled. Particularly on trains, I find the experience to be both relaxing, and stimulating. Nothing is better than my travels with Mr. Mike, but going solo is the next best way! Alone but never lonely. Rule one of solo travel is a greater propensity to talk to strangers. After all, I got adopted by my Greek brothers in Athens, and made lifelong friends in places like Crete, Santorini, Lisboa, Munich, Siberia, and St. Petersburg. Rediscovery. While I do not think I have experienced this, I have evolved into a more thoughtful and mature traveler. My feeling is the world has changed more than I have. Fun
by myself. It depends on how you define fun. I enjoy conversing with an ever-increasing circle of people at bars and cafes. We buy a few drinks, share jokes and stories, and promise to stay in touch (not always). Lots of walking is a good thing. While I do my share of walking and exploring, I also enjoy using the trains, busses, and trolleys in new towns and cities. My last trip to New Orleans, I boarded the St. Charles St streetcar, headed nowhere in particular. Then I passed by The Fresh Market, and spent an hour or so exploring, having a light lunch. I bought some interesting items, including lunch, the famous Muffuletta olive spread, a toy for the puppies, and a cold pack. Taking photos. One of the real joys of travel for me, since it provides a great memory. I never seem to get myself into a photo. But I take many, and do lots of editing and deleting. Ditching the camera in favor of the cell phone has been quite liberating. Staying safe is top priority. Always ask someone, the front desk, a store clerk, an Uber or bus driver. Never assume!!! When I was told to have crab cakes in New Orleans at Pee Wee's, many locals said it might be sketchy. So, I went directly there and back by Uber, no problem!
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