December 2002
Buy trip insurance. A travel insurance policy will cost from 4.5% to 7% of your trip and will help you get money
back if you have to cancel your trip.
M. Monica — Saginaw, Michigan
November 2002
We can't resist sharing these words of wisdom from a solo travel pro!
I opt for just carry-on luggage. Max size — a 22-inch bag (Maximum size for carry-on luggage is 45" total.
A typical 22" bag can then be only 14" wide and 9" deep.), light enough empty to lift with one finger.
Avoid the "suiter" contraptions inside. Shoot for just an "empty box" with few bells and
whistles. Then, instead of a purse, I take a tote with the purse inside, plus toiletries, reading material and
a bottle of water.
Be sure to get luggage with sturdy wheels — the tag usually boasts, "In-line skate wheels," which
are good.
I won't recommend a brand; select one that meets these specs at a good price. Never pay $200 or more
Sharon B. Wingler, author of Travel Alone & Love It: A Flight Attendant's Guide to Solo Travel
For more details on her insightful travel book, click: here
October 2002
Want to cut out some of the hassle of travel? Pack-up and send your suitcase via UPS (United Parcel) ahead of
time. When you arrive at your destination, it will be there awaiting you.
M. Devers — Roanoke, Virginia
September 2002
Jens Jurgen of Travel Companion Exchange
has come up with another great tip!
In recent issue of "TravelCompanions.com," he related the following embarrassing travel experience:
"While boarding a plane, her name was called on the PA system for all to hear — 'There is something
vibrating in one of your bags.'
Even though she explained that it might be an 'adult toy' she had bought in Las Vegas, her bage was opened and
the vibrating item was removed and held up for all to see."
The lesson: "If you travel with such battery-operated devices, it may be wise to remove the batteries and
pack them separately so that any rough handling or inspection of the bags does not turn it on accidentally."
August 2002
During the weekend or off-season when most hotels are less busy, I can usually get a discount.
I call and ask if they have a "senior's rate." (You can choose to ask for any rate, like a "teacher's
rate"; it doesn't seem to make much difference.)
G. Brown — Decateur, Illinois
July 2002
The next time you call to make hotel or travel reservations, plan to make a second call. Ask the "second
agent" you speak with "Can I do any better?"
Sometimes you'll be pleasantly surprised —
Name withheld per request
June 2002
Want to protect your film? Avoid bomb detector scanners by processing film during your trip. Another alternative:
send your exposed film home via Federal Express.
Name withheld per request
May 2002
When you pack, lay everything flat; don't fold. You'll be able to pack 1/3 more than usual.
(When you buy luggage, get something as long as the stuff you have!)
R. Ramsey — Naples, Florida
April 2002
A senior fare may be the lowest or the best air ticket — maybe not! Most senior rates are based on a discount
from regular rates.
Promotional fares, like excursion or advance-purchase, may be far less.
Ask for both quotes, choose the lower and then ask for an added 10 percent senior discount if you're 62 or over.
J. Benson — Worcester, Massachusetts
March 2002
Join everyone of the frequent flier clubs you possibly can. Perks come with membership and you'll never know
when they'll come in handy.
Name withheld per request
February 2002
Watch your luggage constantly. Be on your guard for ruses aimed at distracting you and separating you from your
property.
Here are a couple of the many to keep in mind: (1) a person asks you for directions; while you're trying to
explain, a partner steals away with your briefcase. (2) A stranger alerts you to paint on the back of your jacket.
As you thank him or her and remove your garment, an accomplice "removes" one of your possessions.
M. Janssen — Piscataway, New Jersey
January 2002
Here's a taste of the information that Joe Brancatelli serves up (and why his website is one of SoloTravelPortal.com's
"Absolutely Fabulous Websites"!):
BAG IT ALL — Even the most fastidious traveler has pockets bulging with metal: coins and money clips; keys and
key chains; pens and mechanical pencils; metal-framed glasses; metal tins of mint and even chewing gum with metallic
wrappers. Not to mention the wireless phones, pagers and all the other pocket-sized gadgets we keep close to our
hearts. You can shave precious minutes off your stop at the security checkpoint with a zip-lock sandwich bag. Rather
than throw the detritus of daily life into those plastic containers one item at a time, stuff it all in a zip-lock
bag before you go through security. Then just toss the bag in the container, go through the screening and grab
the bag when it comes through the X-ray machine.
What solo travel tips have YOU discovered?
We want to hear about your discoveries and so do thousands of other people. Pass on your pearls and get yourself
in the running for rewards. (Winners posted monthly!)
You have two ways to win "75 Solo Dining Tips & Strategies" — FREE!!!
You're a winner if :
(1) your tip is chosen "Best of the Month"
OR
(2) we publish one or more of your tips here on the website or in our newsletter (or both).
Of course, we'll credit you with pleasure!
E-mail your best to us at: solotraveltip@SoloTravelPortal.com
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