Solo Travel Tips & Teases from “Travelers Night In”

Me (and my shadow) travel solo. Scroll down to see Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. perform the song.

On Thursdays, Zip Set Go organizes an event on Twitter called Travelers Night In or #TNI from 3:30 to 5pm ET. It’s  a fast paced chat about travel on a different topic every week.

Last Thursday it was on solo travel. I co-hosted the discussion and chimed in on occassion – though I must admit to some frustration. Having written thousands of words on this topic it was difficult to respond to the questions presented in just 140 chracters.

But it was fun and interesting to hear how people think about solo travel, those that do travel solo and those who don’t.

Adventurous Kate writes a summary of #TNI each week with a few answers to each of the 10 questions. I’ve taken a different approach. I weeded through the massive number of tweets to share some of my favorites. Here you go, the…

Best Solo Travel Tips from #TNI with credit given to the Tweep who offered it up.

[I have made a couple of comments in square brackets.]

TravelsceneUSA Take lot’s of pictures, the memories (sadly) fade and it’s great to look back. [I sometimes forget this and, without someone to prompt the memory, this is important.]

cowgirljab: Wear European shoes in Europe. Running shoes are a dead give away that you’re a tourist! 

budgettravelsac See a local sporting event w/ new travel friends. Great way to understand local culture!

lax2nrt First time solo travelers should also follow a passion or a hobby. It’s a great way to get your feet wet.

artofbackpackin I keep most of my money in an  online account then transfer once a month to my debit for another month of traveling

RachelGreenaway After you’ve done your research & made steps 2 stay safe, remember 2 let your hair down & just go with it! ENJOY

tshisler If you hesitate you’ll never find the joy in the vulnerability traveling alone presents. [One doesn't usually think of feeling vulnerable as a good thing but it is an an interesting point.]

MissAdventuring Best tips for someone planning to travel solo – Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Then let go.

Gadling I don’t carry anything with me I wouldn’t throw to the ground and run from. Like a little girl.

NYCityMama Followed by long walks in dark alleys lol! RT @monicalwilliams: a9. Refrain from drunkenness. [Read the second half of this comment first. Then the first part will make sense.]

joanna_haugen Burning Man is the most solo-friendly place. Easy to instantly find community or go it alone. [Joanna wrote a great post on Burning Man for the Solo Traveler.]

jslipski When in suspect places, stay near someone that looks more like an obvious, wealthy tourist than you do.

nerdseyeview Also, as a victim of a gunpoint robbery, i say this: when it really goes down, hand over the goods. don’t be an idiot.

NewYorkGuest Also, in certain places only ride in marked cabs called to the hotel by the front desk. Never get in a gypsy cab.

lori1329 Struggle to take those awkward self photos & someone will always offer to take it of you and strike convo. Eat at the bar for dinner.

@dchymko: A8: Anyone can do it. The world is a far less scary place than the media makes it out to be

Best Solo Travel Teases from #TNI, again, credit is give to the Tweep who provided the gem.

artistatlarge I suffer from cultureshock and aloneness more at home than I do when I travel. My own culture shocks the crap out me sometimes.

ACYPL Any language can be faked with wild hand gestures.

TripStyler Did it once in Paris, but when I saw people kissing everywhere, I thought, to hell with this

Travel_Quest Can’t pull off don’t mess with me look. I try and try, but fail. So I speak a madeup language when nervous

candicewalsh I break out my wicked ninja skills.

wanderproject How do you stay safe while traveling solo?  Common sense and broad spectrum antibiotics! || I vote yes!

traveldesigned My other solution to loneliness –no brainer…….SHOPPING

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