Customer Reviews

Travel Alone and Love It: A Flight Attendant's Guide to Solo Travel

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I don't consider myself a "seasoned traveler," but I'm probably a bit beyond the "total novice" stage. I've done two guided/accompanied vacation tours in Europe, and one concert tour traveling with a large performing ensemble in Eastern Europe for 19 days. I've also done 5 or 6 international business trips that lasted a few days each. So, while I'm no globe-trotter, I've traveled a bit.

That said, I found a lot of the information in this book to be very basic. I didn't pick up any new insights regarding packing, wardrobe, personal safety, or health. Most of this really is common sense (drinking as much water on the plane as you can handle, packing no more than you can comfortably carry yourself, etc.). Some of the information is a little dated, too -- most airlines now count a woman's handbag as one of the two allowed carry-ons.

I _did_ find a few gems: taking along post cards of my home town and photos of my house, for example, is a lovely idea, which I will use on my next trip. I was gratified to find that Sharon's approach to jet lag is precisely what I've discovered (get yourself on the new time cycle as soon as possible, beginning the day of your departure flight, staying awake during the "wake" hours of the new time zone, and making sure you sleep during the "sleep" hours even if it means taking a mild over-the-counter sleep aid). Packing some extra "give-aways" like small candy bars is a nice touch as well.

I would have liked to have seen a bit more information on getting around once you're at your location, especially by car. The author seems to suggest that public transportation and walking are the only alternatives. This works great if you're visiting a city with public transportation. But part of the joy of travel is getting off the beaten path into the countryside. Sometimes, renting a car makes sense.

I'd recommend this book to someone who is looking forward to a second international vacation (I agree with the author that the first solo trip abroad should probably be a guided/accompanied tour), and wants to try "winging" it. If you've traveled by yourself more than a couple of times, you'll probably find this a little too basic.

This should be your first and only stop when searching for solo traveling information. The price makes it a terrific value! If I had known of it's existence before I started my research, it would have saved me countless trips to the Public library! The information is easy to understand and very insightful reading on how to navigate the World without feeling like an amateur. It coaches you on how to invite people into conversation as a lone traveler and shows you how easily it is to withdraw from unwanted attention without giving offense. Sharon's tips really work. Her tips on what to pack were right on the money and saved me plenty of space in my suitcase for souvenirs. By using her tips I blended in so well that on numerous occasions the locals mistook me for a local as well. Imagine Their surprise when I answered their questions with my American accent! Read the book, make your notes and let it open the World to you. I have recommended this book to many people with an interest in traveling solo and I plan to give to both family and friends as gifts.

I'm a middle aged woman & when I purchased "Travel Alone & Love It" I'd been searching for a women's travel group to join. While reading this book I realized "I can do this". Sharon make's solo travel sound exciting and her tips make sense. I made 2 pages of notes and booked my first solo trip...to London. Thank you Sharon for providing the encouragement I needed to strike out on my own. An excellent read for anyone who's toying with the idea of travel.

"Travel Alone & Love It" is a welcome addition to my travel bookshelf. I refer to it before every trip. From the "idea" of a trip to the arrival at destination, every question is answered. Chapters on Travel Insurance and Jet Lag are especially helpful. As a Solo Senior Traveler I found this book to smooth the path and I am eagerly awaiting the next book by Sharon Wingler.

I have written to, for and about mature adults for thirty years, and have witnessed what happens when someone becomes widowed, divorced or otherwise remains single. In a world designed for couples, 87 million mature adults in North America need to know that it is not only okay, but great, to be single. In this remarkable book, author Sharon Wingler opens the door for singles to the world for discovery of not only other cultures but, perhaps, that exploring on one's own means not having to sit around for a companion's pet museum or activity. I found practical and useful how-to's, why-to's and when-to's which make solo travel not only something to do but, better yet, something to anticipate and enjoy to the fullest.

Wingler's "Travel Alone and Love It" is a nifty, helpful and, perhaps, life and lifestyle saving guide for singles of all ages. I bought it; I read it several times; and I use it as an active reference for my own travel.

"Travel Alone and Love It" is the perfect companion for both novice and experienced travelers. As a solo traveler for both business and pleasure, I have adopted many suggestions Wingler offers. Wingler's advise is practical common sense stuff that enables the reader to organize and prepare for the travel experience leaving nothing to chance. Information on destination choices, jet lag relief, social customs and meeting people are all included. It's the perfect "reference" book to consult--and keep with you--before and during any trip!

I REALLY LOVE THIS GEM OF A TRAVEL BOOK. MS. WINGLER SHARES MANY GOOD TIPS FOR THE SOLO TRAVELER REGARDING SAFETY, PACKING AND MUCH MORE. I ESPECIALLY LIKED THE TIP ABOUT TAKING PHOTOS OF FAMILY, FRIENDS, ETC. TO SHARE WITH NEW PEOPLE YOU MEET ON YOUR JOURNEY. WHAT A GREAT IDEA! THIS IS A "MUST BUY" FOR ANYONE GOING SOLO.

While another person mentioned that the book was "dated" (it is), it's still a useful starting point. And, Sharon is planning for another book soon that will likely update things to the current state of affairs.

Until I discovered this book, I was beginning to think I'd been born on another planet. The travel industry "spins" the truth to capture a single traveler's dollars. Instead of calling a double-occupancy rate just what it is, travel pros avoid the issue altogether - recommending that single travelers "pair up" or find a "travel partner" - as if this is really what singles want to do. Not me. I specifically want to travel ALONE. I've read too many horror stories about people whose vacations were ruined by being "paired" with someone who:

1) Didn't believe in taking daily baths.
2) Snored like a beaver at a sawmill.
3) Loved to party late into the night and was "sure" you'd feel the same.

And these are just the simple horror stories. Some pairing horror stories are far more complicated - and worth avoiding altogether.

This book should point you in the proper directions to travel affordably while, at the same time, remaining "solo" ... in the truest sense of the word.

I have read this book over and over and over again, every time I get a little nervous about taking a trip on my own. How small minded we would be if we did not overcome that human frailty we call fear and explore this world that has so much to teach us. This book leaves no excuses for anyone to start venturing out on their own, starting in their own neighborhood. It's like she's holding your hand, ever step of the way. Buying this book will definitely be a first step to a broader view, not only of the world, but of ourselves.

I found this book to be very helpful - everything from tips on how not to look like a tourist, to packing and later - dealing with jet lag. Wingler is really straightforward and honest - not afraid to admit her mistakes and misfortunes so that others will not follow in her footsteps!