SINGLES MEMORIES

Solo travel affords the best opportunity to meet people. With no one I know to talk to, I actively seek conversations with new people. I interview them for information about their culture. I like to find out about their lifestyle, their habits and what they do for fun. Often, invitations are extended. Here are a few tips to immerse yourself in another culture: Meet and learn the names of your hotel staff. This is your "family" during your stay.

Take local transportation (ask your hotel staff about after-dark safety) Shop grocery stores (a great source for inexpensive souvenirs such as coffee beans in Costa Rica, tea and jam in England, mustard and salad dressings in France) Browse pharmacies (look for scented soaps and lotions) Outdoor markets selling produce, flowers, antiques or bric-a-brac are colorful and fun to shop, as are flea markets.

Talk to the vendors and be sure to buy something. Attend at least one cultural event, whether it is a soccer game, bullfight, concert, opera or dance performance. Eat and drink as the locals do. Get recommendations from locals for their favorite ethnic dishes. Try their coffee, wine, beer, and specialty soft drinks such as guanabana juice in Costa Rica or sweetened soy milk in Malaysia. Get off the beaten tourist path, if only for an afternoon.

Take a bus or train out of the city and visit the countryside or small village. Learn a few phrases of the language, especially "Please" and "Thank you". Carry photos of your life at home family, pets, home, hobbies, friends and town. People you meet will be just as curious about you as you are about them. The more we converse with the locals, the more insight we gain into their culture. As our world grows smaller, we must try to put a human face on it. When you travel this way, you are much more than a tourist. You are an ambassador.

Travel Tips by Sharon Wingler

Hi, everyone! I am delighted to hop on board here at Singles Travel International. I look forward to sharing travel tips and information with you in the coming months. I began traveling alone in 1985, after my divorce, and immediately realized the benefits. I meet people more easily, learn more about the places I visit and have total freedom to do as I please.

Solo travel is now my preferred choice. Solo travel puts a human face on the world. You have more one-on-one interaction with people. You meet lots of locals, even other travelers, who extend invitations and courtesies. Theres a natural tendency for people to take the solo traveler under their wing. Guides and helpers are always there when you need them. Solo travel is a fast-growing trend, as there are more than 87 million adult singles in North America. Some 40% of adult Americans are single, divorced or widowed. Single people of all ages are more independent than ever and reluctant to compromise their vacation plans or, worse yet, sit home for lack of a travel companion.

I wrote my book, Travel Alone & Love It; A Flight Attendants Guide to Solo Travel, to help other people who'd like to see the world on their own safely, economically and with the travel savvy of a pro. Though I'm not the bravest, most adventurous soul, my solo journeys have taken me to many corners of the world including Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Greece, Yugoslavia, Argentina, Italy, France, Canada and all over the USA.

I urge people to become travelers, not just tourists. See the sights, but learn everything you can about the people and their culture. As much as possible, get off the beaten tourist path and meet the locals one-on-one. You will come home with insight and a revised view of the world and your place in it.