5 TIPS FOR TRAVELING ALONE

Having traveled alone too many times than I would care to admit, I'd like to think that I would be able to give some advice to my fellow novice solo traveler.

1. Make sure you have at least one person back home who you can keep updated as to your whereabouts, even while simultaneously making impromptu decisions on where to stay, where to go next, and who you might decide to temporarily team up with on a part of your travels.

2. I have gone out alone in the evenings. Make sure you keep an eye out on your drink and never leave it unattended. I hear three women have just invented a straw that you can insert into your drink that immediately tests for the presence of rohypnol, ketamine, and GHB! In addition, when you are ready to go back to your hotel for the night, try to take a path that is well-lit, and make sure you are not being followed.

3. If you are traveling international, make sure you have a copy of your passport and/or other identification, kept separately from the original. I once had my wallet stolen right out from under my head - literally. I had the wallet in a purse, which I used as a pillow while asleep in a private train compartment on my way to Naples. These pick-pocketers are pros.

4. Travel light. The last thing you want when traveling alone is to be lugging around multiple pieces of luggage.