The power of one

Staying in touch
Internet kiosks can be found from Toledo to Thailand; a free e-mail account is all you need to stay in touch. For your safety and your loved ones' peace of mind, leave them a copy of your itinerary and check in periodically.

There are more options than ever for using your existing cell phone or renting one when you travel abroad. If you won't be traveling outside the U.S., your current cell phone will suffice; if you are, you might have a temporary number. Be sure to give your number to family and friends before you leave in case of emergencies.

When you've just about had it
The constant sensory input and vigilance of traveling alone can wear you down. If you feel your attention or your body flagging, don't be afraid to back off your ambitious itinerary, slow the pace and kick back for a bit.

When traveling abroad, seek out an "American bar" — locals will often know where these are — where you can hang out and speak your native tongue with some fellow ex-pats and travelers. When traveling stateside or in familiar locales, a hot shower and a night in front of the boob tube in a nice hotel room can often give you enough of a reprieve to send you out eagerly the next morning.

Resource list
AllSinglesTravel.com offers tours and cruises for singles, guaranteeing you a roommate as long as you book 60 days in advance. They'll also make an effort to waive the single supplement for you if you'd prefer a room of your own.

Connecting: Solo Travel Network features tales and tips from solo travelers. Membership grants you access to a wide range of tips, a subscription to its electronic newsletter and the opportunity to connect with other solo travelers.

Singles Travel International guarantees to find you a roommate whenever you pay in full by the cut-off date. If they don't, they'll pay the single supplement.

Solo Cruiser offers many cruises with reduced single supplements -- or even no supplement at all.

Travel Alone and Love It, a great site by solo travel expert Sharon Wingler, has tons of helpful travel tips.

Travel Chums is a site that allows you to find and connect with fellow solo travelers who want to travel to the same destinations you do.

Women Traveling Together aims at women whose companions can't or won't travel with them and who prefer not to travel alone. The company offers tours, retreats and other getaways, complete with roommate matching.

The Independent Traveler is an interactive traveler's exchange and comprehensive online travel guide for a community of travelers who enjoy the fun of planning their own trips and the adventure of independent travel. You can access our wealth of travel resources and great bargains here at www.independenttraveler.com, or at www.bargainbox.com.

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