Taking proper steps ensures enjoyable solo travel

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The mechanics of solo travel aren't much different from traveling with an-other person. The challenge of traveling solo is that you, and only you, are responsible for maximizing the travel ex-perience, for making decisions, and for having a good time.|ret||ret||tab|

Attitude and planning are the main components of a successful trip don't forget that you are supposed to have a good time. |ret||ret||tab|

Here are some tips:|ret||ret||tab|

Be careful with whom you share your travel plans. Speak only to positive thinkers negative thinkers can plant seeds of doubt that may ruin your trip.|ret||ret||tab|

Get an understanding travel agent. You want an agent who'll find you a hotel room in New York the week of the marathon and request your vegetarian meal, but also, an agent who actually travels.|ret||ret||tab|

Research. Buying a ticket isn't enough. Visit the library and learn a little history.|ret||ret||tab|

Study a map of your destination. When you get out of that taxi, will you know where you are? It will save you some anxiety. Visitor bureaus all over the world are prepared to answer questions about their favorite place. They'll send you maps and calendars of events.|ret||ret||tab|

Be nice to people. Accompanied by a sincere smile, the words hello, please, and thank you can work miracles. If you're in a foreign country, learn to say at least those words in the local language, no matter how terrible your ac-cent, you'll get a better response.|ret||ret||tab|

If you are a woman traveling alone, consider the best type of lodging. A travel agent can locate a woman-friendly hotel and book the safest room possible. Smaller hotels are often safest since the staff members are more familiar with guests and are able to more effectively monitor who enters and exits the building. Hotels on higher-traffic streets will be more likely to keep away would-be thieves. Avoid "walk-up" style hotels. When requesting a room, keep in mind that ground floor rooms are more susceptible to break-ins than are higher floors. Ask for a room near the elevators, but away from emergency exits, stairwells and any renovation work. Keep in mind, you should never accept a room if the clerk loudly calls out your name and room number.|ret||ret||tab|

Make sure that your room's door has both a peephole and a deadbolt. When given the option, store valuables in the safe at the front desk rather than in in-room safes. |ret||ret||tab|

When it comes to packing, it's ab-solutely essential to make at least two copies of important travel and identification documents. Leave one back-up copy in your suitcase and the other with a family member or friend at home. Also, include the address and telephone number of the U.S. Embassy and consulate for each country on your itinerary in case you experience any difficulties. Don't keep all of your money in one place, and pack only one credit card if possible.|ret||ret||tab|

Use covered luggage tags and write your office address rather than your home address. Remember to always lock suitcases.|ret||ret||tab|

How you will get from place to place, be it from your hotel to the convention center, or from city to city, also is an important safety consideration. If driving, check for the requirements, or benefits, of getting an international driver's license. Purchase or download maps ahead of time and write out directions. If you opt to rent a car, it's a good idea to bring along a cellular phone on your trip.|ret||ret||tab|

(Linda Strait is president of House of Travel Inc., a full-service travel agency in Springfield.)[[In-content Ad]]