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On Your Own

© Diane Goldberg under the original topic name

This past week Ms Budget Travel and her Long Suffering Spousal Unit realized they are Getting Old. This realization came when they mournfully observed that they no longer must make certain on Friday that they have bail money should the weekend get a tad out of hand. . . .

Following this grim realization Ms Budget Travel started noticing a few more signs of encroaching mortality lying around her lair. . . There's the suitcase on wheels, the maps, the eminently practical drip-dry travel wardrobe . . . gone are the halcyon days when she'd stuff fragile sexy silks and heavy jeans into a backpack and hitch-hike in whatever direction the first car she spotted seemed to be going . . .

But, she still likes to travel albeit a tad more practically. And she often finds herself going solo as Long Suffering Spousal Unit has far more connection with the Real World than Ms Budget Travel. Years ago Ms Budget Travel believed that traveling on her own meant aimlessly wandering wherever the next car, ferry, or plane happened to head. Sometimes she still thinks that, but most days she has a vague idea of where she thinks she might want to be. . .

And she's noticed more of you are going it alone

International departure lounges no longer resemble the loading dock for Noah's Ark; the world is full of wanderers going it alone. People of all ages travel on their own these days.

But, the tons of catalogues and brochures that fill Ms Budget Travel's mailbox still contain the cursed phrase: pricing based on double occupancy. Even rental car and flight package combinations are less costly when you travel in tandem.

What's a solo traveler to do?

Start off at http://www.cstn.org for lots of lovely information about how to go-it-alone whether you're taking a cruise or heading off on a railway journey. The web page for Connecting Solo Travel network provides information on companies that offer vacation products without forcing you to pay a single supplement and tips on solo traveling.

"Travel alone, not lonely," is CSTN's motto and to help your on your way they have a companion matching service and list bed and breakfasts, hotels, and other resources for the single traveler. If you join as a member, you can access the information and place your own advertisement for a traveling buddy.

CSTN publishes a print newsletter six times a year with comprehensive reviews of trips taken by solo travelers, companies that cater to singles, and advertisements from members looking for a traveling partner. The website is frequently updated with information and advertisements.