UP Magazine Dec 2017
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The Intelligent Solo Traveler<br />
-by Sade Griggs<br />
For some, traveling to the most enchanting, breathtaking places is a dream too far to reach. Others, the<br />
wanderlust individual, take life by its handles and travel far and wide no matter the circumstances. As for<br />
me, I've traveled a plenty of family road trips across America during my childhood. Mainly due to the fact<br />
that my parents and grandparents were much too fearful of getting on any plane or ship but deep inside<br />
I knew there was more to be discovered. Until a few years ago, I took my very first international trip to<br />
Okinawa, Japan. Since then, the need to travel has become an insatiable desire.<br />
Herein lies for what was an issue. I was trapped in quite the dilemma. Not everyone close to me shared<br />
my same desire nor did they have the freedom in their careers and lives or finances to travel. So do I wait<br />
for that friend or family member or do I plan that vacation and go solo? Well, lets just say that now when<br />
I am hungry for that travel thrill, I pack my bags and go!<br />
I know what you may be thinking; A single traveler is sure to pay a more considerable price compared to<br />
traveling in twos, right? Wrong! The single traveler market is exponentially growing. In fact, solo travelers<br />
have been the key trend in <strong>2017</strong>. Responding to the increase demand, cruise lines, tour operators,<br />
hotels, and all inclusive resorts are now accommodating for one-person travelers and even offering<br />
special single deals and incentives. That is incredible news for those curious minds.<br />
Ok, so the big elephant that's sitting here, allow me to get that out of the room. Is traveling solo safe?<br />
One can conclude that traveling in pairs or groups are obviously much safer. However, traveling solo can<br />
be as well if simple, common sense precautions are utilized. They include, but not limited to, avoiding to<br />
appear like a tourist, staying in open, well lit areas, limiting alcohol intake, keeping family and friends<br />
informed of your whereabouts, planning your stays ahead of time, and researching the area of your<br />
destination for the latest news, events and information on locals.<br />
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