Blogs

Travel Agents Blog

June 02, 2010

Posted by: Kerryn Cook

Australia

Tips for Solo Travelers

There’s nothing quite like arriving in a new destination and figuring out your way through the airport, out into a cab and onto your hotel – what experiences await? The adrenalin does get you going and I think that it’s the perfect opportunity to get to know yourself, to find out how you like to travel and to get out of your comfort zone a little to be able to open up and meet new people, new experiences and just discover the people, the culture and the place in your own time, and at your own pace.

Here’s some tips to help you get the best bang for your buck and to perhaps be hooked up with like-minded travelers in similar situations:

Never stand on a street corner with a map (unless you are in Australia or New Zealand and the locals will bowl themselves over to help you out and see you on your way), it shows that you are a tourist and you could be charged extra for a cab ride, or targeted for local scam artists.
Be aware of your belongings, just like you would where you live. Australia and New Zealand thrive on tourists and I’ve never heard of any situations of tourists being in danger due to muggings.
Safety is a priority, but as I mentioned we love North Americans and so you’ll find that the locals are so friendly and welcoming, you’ll be invited to bbq’s and offered advice and assistance on your trip, we love our country and are proud to show it off to visitors.
Leave a copy of your itinerary with friends and family – it’s always good for them to know where you are.
If you are staying in Australia or New Zealand for an extended period of time, you can register at the local embassy.
Take a photocopy of your passport, driver’s license and credit/debit cards and leave them with a trusted friend or family member, and put a copy on your computer if traveling with one. If you lose your wallet or ID, at least you will have copies of it to allow you to get on flights or rent cars until they are replaced.
Get a local Cell phone. You can buy a phone from AU/NZ $60 or less and then buy a pre-paid month to month amount of credit, it’s great to have the security of a phone, but it also
Be organized, book your sightseeing experiences and hotels/before you leave America, that way your time is left free to enjoy the sites and meet new people and you will get the best deal and the most reputable hotels and tours. Leave it to the experts to talk to you about their knowledge on best locations for hotels and best experiences for sightseeing tours.
Pack lightly, when you are by yourself, there’s nothing worse than lugging two big suitcases, a small handbag or travel bag, perhaps even a laptop and a souvenir bag full of purchases – it’s too much and you’ll be stressed out from carting it around and jumping on and off buses, flights and transfers. Pack light, then there’s no stress about excess luggage charges and you still will have room to buy a few things too.
Going out for dinner and not used to dining alone, eat at the bar. You’ll find that the bartender will keep you company and most often you’ll have interesting conversation with the people surrounding you. I like to write my to-do list or check off my itinerary for the next day while I eat, it’s fun to look up what you are doing and start preparing for the next day.
Do some fun and unique things, like read the local paper to find local sporting events or wine tastings, art gallery openings or local markets. You’re guaranteed to meet people when you go to an event or function.
Give back to the community! Take a few days out of your vacation to volunteer for a local organization, perhaps save turtles in Cape York, help rescue injured koalas or kiwi or perhaps even find a similar company to the work you do and ask if you can come and have coffee with them – the key to remember is Aussie’s and Kiwi’s are so open –and they’ll welcome your invitation.

SOLO TRAVELERS – SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:

Don’t want to pay the single traveler supplement, then here’s a few ways we can help you overcome it:

These three companies all offer to find a like-minded traveler of the same sex to share your room and expenses with you. If they don’t find someone, you will end up with a single room at the twin share price, so it’s a great option and Down Under Answers is the expert at helping you decide which trip suits you.
http://www.duatravel.com/aatkings - Escorted and Independent vacations to Australia and New Zealand
http://www.duatravel.com/aptouring/ - Escorted and independent vacations to Australia and New Zealand, as well as a fully escorted option from North America
http://www.duatravel.com/activeoznz/ - For the young, the young at heart and the adventurous, these programs range from discovery tours, safari style camping tours, small group accommodated tours and special activities throughout Australia and New Zealand, all at a price that your budget will like.

Down Under Answers

Blogs

Travel Agents Blog

June 02, 2010

Tips for Solo Travelers

comments

add a comment