Traveling Solo
 

I am a single female in my 40's. I am considering a solo trip to Memphis. I am mostly concerned about the safety aspect. Does anyone have any thoughts, comments or safety concerns to share?

Thanks,
Jo Ann

Take a look at the Post titled "Security Issues: Interior vs exterior corridors...".

The first time I traveled by myself I was a little aprehensive. It didn't take me long to discover the joys of traveling on ones own.

Now, I find traveling solo very satisfying. A big sense of freedom maybe?

If you aren't already, sign up for everyones frequent stay/fly/drive program.

No matter your age or gender, read "A Foxy Old Woman's Guide to Traveling Alone: Around Town and Around the World"
by Jay Ben-Lesser.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...893845-0483907

Solo:

You Go Girl!

On safety...just like at home, be careful and have fun.

If you want more info about women of all ages travelling solo or with a women's club do a internet search using the words women's travel groups or clubs.

The candor and safety perspectives are refreshing and invigorating!

Sounds like a great trip.

Oaktown Traveler

I have travelled by myself 2 times and I can say that I have no regrets.Of course I would like to have someone to share the experience with,but if no one can go and I have the opportunity I take advantage of it.Why miss out on places you want to go just because you cant find someone to go with?I think a big advantage to this is you can see what you want and go at your own pace.I am a male in my early 30's so it's a bit different for me.When I tell people I went to nyc by myself they think I was crazy,just be aware of your surroundings and dont make eye contact with shady looking people.

I'm married (to a great guy, by the way) but I still will often travel without him as our two schedules don't always allow being together. I have never regretted my solo jaunts. My first one was 5 weeks to Australia/Fiji and there have been so many solos since then, I've lost track.

I am always thinking about safety, but without being a basket case about it. I try to be in my hotel/motel room (with inside hallway)at a reasonable evening hour. I'm not a late night owl anyway.

I leave a light on in my room while I'm out, so I don't walk into a dark room. I like to stick to the areas of the city that are busy with people, and won't walk down a street where I see no one else out and about.

I love going at my own pace. I'm a shopper (looker, anyway) and can spend a long time cruising shopping streets in search of special bargain items that I think folks back home would like. I can't do that when my DH is with me!

Carol

For some reason, I think it is easier to travel solo to a large city such as New York, Chicago, Atlanta or LA than it is to go to Charlotte or Richmond.

You've received some good advice here Solo. More power to you. I'm married and also have travelled alone, simply because I like going more places than my husband does. I have done this both on planes and road trips in the car. I plan in advance as much as possible to avoid having to look for a hotel/motel room after dark. For road trips absolutely take your car in beforehand for a total check up so you don't break down somewhere. Let someone know where you'll be and call them to check in at various points during the trip. Don't skimp on cheaper lodgings in questionable areas. Most of all enjoy yourself and not having to compromise with a fellow traveler about what to see that day. If you'll be in downtown Memphis, stay at one of the nicer, busier hotels, close to what you want to see.