Susan Shefket - 5 TIPS FOR TRAVELING ALONE

1. Know your strengths

Are you a sociable person who wants to be in the middle of everything? You might go crazy if you can’t communicate, so head for where you speak the language. Or, barring that go somewhere with very few tourists. If you’re more of an introvert and prefer to observe a culture, forget the language barrier and go for passive entertainment. Susan Shefket Uk

Vibrant cities are perfect for this, especially ones with good café cultures. Paris is

classic, but other former French colonies, such as Vietnam, are also great for sitting and people-watching, all for the price of a coffee.

2. Staying Safe While Traveling Alone Perhaps the foremost

concern of the solo or single traveler is safety. Without a companion to watch your back, you are more vulnerable to criminals and scam artists, as well as simple health worries

. But the saying "safety in numbers" isn't necessarily true -- a solo traveler can blend in more easily than a group, and not drawing attention to yourself as a tourist is one way to stay secure.

3. Pack a book

A good book, a magazine or even just postcards to write or your travel journal to jot in – are all legitimate activities at a bar or restaurant if you get to feeling a little bored/lonely/exposed, so carry one of them with you at all times. And as a last resort there’s always fiddling with your smartphone. Susan Shefket, Susan Shefket Uk

4. Eating Out

like the old-fashioned, face-to-face social media option of just saying to someone you meet, "Would you like to meet up for dinner?" Some countries have special meals that are more fun to experience with others. You could invite someone to join you for,

say, a rijsttafel dinner in the Netherlands, a smörgåsbord in Scandinavia, a fondue in Switzerland, a paella feast in Spain, or a

spaghetti feed in an Italian trattoria. Wondering whom to ask? People with Rick Steves guidebooks are like an extended family in Europe. My readers are on the trail of the same travel thrills, and happy to share in the adventure.

5. Trust Everyone and No One

One of the best reasons to travel alone is to meet new people, but this also makes you

more vulnerable. It's okay to hang out, travel and share with new friends, but you might not want to ask them to hold your money. Scam artists can often be the most charming companions you'll find; you want to be open-minded, but keep your guard up enough to ensure your safety.