No relationship/marital problem. Just want to get away from daily routine and people around.

I invite any opinions/advices/suggesstion on travelling alone? Personally I feel particularly uncomfortable about eating alone - reminds me of one scene from Frasier. If you know what I am talking about?

Catherine, I think it really depends on where you plan to travel to. I've traveled to Europe,Calif, and many times to Las Vegas alone. Honestly I never really felt like I was alone. If you could see some of the pictures that I have of me taken by complete strangers in very scenic locals you would think that I was with a companion. People are usually very nice when they suspect that you are alone. I'm pretty sure you'll come upon someone who would be willing to share their table with you (even families)My common sense suggestions on traveling alone would be to take a good book, don't carry or keep all of your money in one place and get as much information(directions) on different sites from the hotel staff instead of stopping strangers on the street. If I think of more suggestions, I'll let you know. Good Luck, solo traveling is great!

Thank you Paula. FYI. I want to stay one or two weeks in Florida in May/Jun.

Do anyone know that if a single traveller may be discriminated when making hotel reservation?

Do anyone think that it is odd for eating alone?

I often like to travel solo too, but don't always go it alone - I like being with other people, but still want some time "on my own".

No, I don't think hotels discriminate, not one bit. But I do think that some restaurants don't like having to use one table for only one customer. Therefor my biggest suggestion is to dine during "off hours" - not when restaurants are packed full.

As far as what other people think about one "eating alone" - I think most people are so absorbed with their own lives, or busy in the restaurants with conversations with others in their own groups to much even notice you. And even if they did, why should you care?

Go for it and enjoy it.

I felt much like you until I started travelling for business and soon realized that many people travelled alone, ate alone, etc. Now I'm kinda used to it. Hotels are very accustomed to it also. They may even treat you better if they think you are on business and your company has a contract with them. As someone else suggested, a book or magazine at dinner may put you at ease as you're not just staring around the room while waiting for your meal. Another way to not feel uncomfortable is to eat at the bar at a good restaurant. Many people do it and you can usually watch TV or chat with the bartender, or someone else tarvelling alone!

I almost always travel alone.
There are so many people traveling alone who feel as you do and want to strike up a conversation with you...male or female, because they also feel slightly out of place in a restaurant, etc. Say Hello to people to let them know you are at least open to a conversation. Maybe you will want to share a table with the person and you will have a very nice time. Please, don't stick you nose in a book. It says "leave me alone, I don't want to talk to anyone". Over the years I find it amazing how if I just open up a little more I will meet others in the same situation and end up feeling good.

I took my first vacation alone to Myrtle Beach (had free airfare). No one was available to go and I had been laid off for quite a while and needed to get away. Being a woman, I felt a little strange at first, but really had a good time.

I second the ideas of off hours dining or eating at the bar if there is not too much smoke. I also suggest if you are staying for a longer period of time that you get a condo and make some of your meals in (breakfast and some lunches). It saves on money.

I went out every night and met people every time, singles and couples. I never felt strange as I thought I would. Good Luck and enjoy. It's all what you make of it.

I travel alone all the time. I really enjoy it. I meet far more people traveling alone than I ever would traveling with people. I 100% agree with "been there". Don't read a book while having dinner. You'll miss out on too many opportunities to meet people. Also, sit and order food at the bar. At the very least, you are able to have a conversation with the bartender.

Hang your jacket on the chair across the table from you. This gives an impression that your partner took off for the bathroom. This is a safety advice I read somewhere - probably here on Fodor's.

I do a lot of things alone: attend parties, dining, travelling, etc. and I have gotten very

Take a newspaper or magazine into a restaraunt with you. It makes you feel less conspicuous when you are waiting for the food to arrive.

I also met a lot of great people on a cross-country train trip. I highly recommend it. You can meet and greet very easily in the lounge and dining cars. I highly recommend train travel.

oops...I meant I have gotten very good at it. (I really shouldn't talk on the phone while posting a reply on Foders)

When my Mother was widowed, she at first felt uncomfortable traveling alone, but she finally did it. Cruises, mostly. She had a great time, made friends, and found it a cinch. She was surprised how many friends she made while being alone. As for eating I like the suggestion-- bring a magazine or newspaper. Act like an important business person. Enjoy yourself.

I just about always travel solo.. Since I am basically on the interntional tip.. I actually prefer traveling alone in countries where I don't speek the language and the customs are totaly different then mine since the locals already know that I am a traveler and thats that.. I don't have too carry newpapers and what ever nonsense... And still you you meet tons of people..

Hi Catherine!
I enjoy travelling alone it's definately not because I'm a loner I think I'm just independent. I've met loads of people that I probably wouldn't have if I had been travelling with a friend.

My first solo adventure was basically a spontaneous decision. It was about 9 or 10 yrs ago and I was driving from my parent's house in NY to my (then) home in S. Florida. At that point in my life I was 25 years and was a girl who basically never went out w/o her girlfriends or boyfriend. I saw the exit for Charleston, was sick of driving and had always wanted to stop there. I got off I95 and followed the signs. I ended up treating myself to 4-5* hotel and then hit the town. (I won't lie, my hands were sweaty and my heart was beating a mile a minute but I forced myself to go out that night.) I surprised myself and actually had fun! (Ok, it didn't hurt that I got to talk to several cute boys that night!) I had such a good time in Charleston, the following night I decided I wanted to visit Savannah. I ended up getting home 3 days later than I had originally planned.

That spontaneous weekend away made me realize what a great time I can have without dragging my friends along. I won't lie, every moment is not perfect--I still won't go into a really fancy restaurant alone--but I have absolutely no qualms about walking into semi-casual places and pubs by myself. I usually start out at the bar and have a drink. I'll try to talk w/others and more than once have been lucky enough to be invited to join other travellers or (my preference) locals. I've been fortunate to meet so many interesting people this way. Where else but on vacation would I meet a doctor from Nepal (while I was in Vancouver, no less!) or a student from Shanghai? I've made friends through my solo adventures that I still keep in contact with...I've had locals extend themselves and given me very special tours of their cities and towns and have been invited to have dinner in several people's homes. These are without a doubt the most special moments in my travels. I love connecting w/others--and especially with people from different backgrounds than myself.

I do sometimes get lonely, but those moments are brief. I keep a journal while I'm away even though I never feel the need to write about my life at home. I've gotten scared too and always try to trust my gut-- and I don't talk to every stranger. I take cabs or walk in places that are considered safe. I ask at the hotel if there are streets I should avoid.

Have fun on your trip!
Debbie

Hi| Thanks to all of you. You've given me the courages.

Does anyone have any suggestions concerning how to kill the time at night as I do not want to spend all the time in hotels?

Besides do you have any destination suggestions for solo travelling w/o in Florida? FYI I've been Miami, Key West, Tampa areas before. I love Florida very much. This is time I want to go there by myself.

Ooop! Touch the wrong key.

I mean I do not want to rent a car. So I invite any suggestions for spot in Florida that I can travel conveniently w/o a car or the need for frequent travel by taxi?

Thanks in advance for all your advice.

To: x([email protected])

I do quite understand what you're referring?

Just a wild guess, I may not express my thanks more fully: in addition to the courages for travel solo, ALL the posts not only ease my uncomfortableness for eating solo but they also provide me with many precious advices to me.

I will take all the advices.

Catherine- one place in FL that you can get around quite a bit without a car is the International Drive area of Orlando. It will cost your about $25 round trip from the airport, using Mears Transportation, and on International Drive is a shuttle that will cost you about $1/day unlimited, called the "I Drive Trolley". There is an outlet mall at each end of the trolley route, and it also brings you close to Universal Studios. There's a number of restaurants and attractions (?) along the route as well. It's also served by the local transit, http://www.golynx.com I trust you'll have a good time no matter where you decide to go, so enjoy! (there is no x in my REAL eddress)

Catherine,
I would suggest booking an escorted tour. My wife & I went on such a trip to Portugal a few years ago and there were several people who were travelling alone. However, we did everything as a group, including meals, which were included, so no one ate alone.

Some books:

"A Foxy Old Woman's Guide to Traveling Alone:Around Town & Around the World"
by Jay C. Ben-Lesser (I bought this for some of my friends, and think it would be good for ANY age. It's geared for those who've NEVER done much solo, even dining at a local restaurant, and guides the reader along, building self confidence & assertiveness.)

I've not read, but found:

"Gutsy Women: Travel Tips and Wisdom for the Road" by Marybeth Bond

"Traveling Solo" - by Eleanor Berman