SmarterTravel.com has released a report with a wide variety of
information and advice for travelers looking to head out on their own. As
more and more people travel by themselves, SmarterTravel’s “Solo Travel
Report” provides guidance for those hitting the roads or skies alone, as
well as ways to avoid being charged additional fees, including the “Single
Supplement,” for not meeting the standard double occupancy rate.
  “It’s becoming more common for people to skip out on elaborate trips
with friends to go on their own adventures, both stateside and abroad.
Travel companies are now starting to recognize the value of the single
traveler, but it can still be hard to find a great deal,” said Anne Banas,
executive editor at SmarterTravel.com. “This report not only includes what
companies are providing options for those traveling solo and how to save
money, but also the hottest destinations and, most importantly, ways to
stay safe while alone.”
  Those used to traveling alone will be familiar with the single
supplement and other financial penalties levied by most travel providers.
Typically, travel providers base prices on double occupancy, determining
that a room or cruise cabin occupied by only one person is a money-losing
proposition. Single supplement fees can sometimes double the price of
accommodations. SmarterTravel’s report offers ways people can reduce or
eliminate penalty fees for traveling alone, and includes a list of travel
providers that cater to the singles crowd.
  Although traveling by oneself can be a liberating and highly enjoyable
experience, travelers need to be on heightened alert for safety reasons.
SmarterTravel has 10 safety tips for solo travelers, including:

  —Learn about local culture. A little cultural research,
pre-departure, can go a long way toward staying safe during your vacation.
Are certain styles of dress frowned upon? Are there certain neighborhoods,
bus routes, or subway stations that are notorious for petty crime? Getting
a preview of what to expect can help you once you’ve arrived.

  —Don’t be flashy. In certain parts of the world, iPods, cell phones,
and certain clothing styles are the norm. In other places, they can make
you stand out more than anything else. Many also feel a vacation is an
excuse for getting new clothes or gadgets; however, it may make them more
susceptible to petty crime. Additionally, don’t be flashy with your
behavior. While a vacation is certainly a time to relax, approaching a trip
as an extended party (particularly as a solo traveler) can lead to big
trouble.

  —Keep a phone card and cash on you. Always carry a small amount of
cash so you can hop in a cab or go into a cafe if you don’t feel safe, but
beware of changing money in urban centers. A phone card is a good item to
have, even if you have a cell phone. Should your phone and/or wallet get
stolen, with a phone card you can make a quick call to a cab or your hotel
to arrange for
  transportation, or get in touch with friends and family who may be able
to help.

  —Safeguard your room. When checking in at your hotel, take a few
precautions to ensure safety. Make sure other travelers around you do not
hear your room number. In many cases, the hotel clerk will not say what
room you’re in, and will instead discreetly write the room number on your
key envelope. If your room number is loudly announced and you don’t feel
comfortable, request a change to a different room.

  —Make copies of everything. It’s a simple rule, but a wise one: When
traveling anywhere, it’s smart to make copies of your passport, travel
itinerary and tickets, credit cards, driver’s license, and other pertinent
paperwork. This can save hours of headaches should your bags get lost or
stolen.
 
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