Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/500391
10 G O I N G P L A C E S | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 MANDY LAU Alone and Awesome Top tips for solo adventurers by Shirley Buccieri W ould you like to go on a trip with someone you know intimately, do exactly what you want and never once have to share your dessert? "More people are travelling on their own, and not just because their friends and family can't join them," says Cathy Perron, a CAA Travel consultant at the CAA Manitoba St. Anne's service centre. Indeed, CAA Travel booked more than 500 solo trips in 2014, compared to 50 in 2009. Here's how you can make the most of going it alone. Do your homework: You won't have friends to watch your bags or help with navigation, so book your first night's reservation ahead of time and know how you will get there. Research and map your itinerary with the help of a travel consultant before you go, then make sure it's easily acces sible on the road. Leave copies of your itinerary and other documents with a family member or friend at home as a backup and in case of an emer gency. Tell your bank and credit card company where you're going to prevent fraud alerts that could block access to funds. As well, check travel.gc.ca for government travel advisories and to sign up with Registration of Canadians Abroad. Remember, CAA Travel consultants can address advisory concerns and are there to help during emergencies abroad. Put lines in the water: Before leaving, ask friends and collea gues for online introduc tions to people they know at your destination. These connections can pay off h a n d s o m e l y a n d h e l p e a s e loneliness. Or join a small group tour or themed cruise. "You'll wind up meet ing travellers with similar inter ests," says Perron, "but you can break away when you want time on your own." (See sidebar for details on CAA Travel's new club for solo travellers who want to travel in a group.) Go for it: Once you've embarked, set aside your electronic devices and engage with your surroundings. Walk or take public transporta- tion. Delve into themes that pique your interest – from indigenous art to cocktail culture. Keep a journal to explore how these experiences are changing and inspiring you. Meet people on your terms: Have as much or as little contact as you want. Become a regular at a coffeehouse and exchange tips with locals and fellow travellers. Sit at the communal table. Ask someone to take your picture. Go on a walking tour and chat with your guide. "When you're on your own, it's amazing how people will reach out to you," says Perron. "It's a great way to really immerse yourself in a place." Follow your heart: If you want to linger in the café for an hour, do it. e museum is boring? Leave. "Take advantage of the exibility," says Perron. "If you're not having fun, do something di erent. One of the best things about travelling alone is the freedom to change your plans on a whim." GP TRAVEL SMARTS Many European river cruise lines waive the single supplement fee on select departures. Contact CAA Travel about saving money while cruising solo. Solo EsCAApes Love to travel but don't want to go alone? CAA Manitoba has the perfect club for you. The Solo EsCAApes Club is for people who are passionate about travelling but don't have a travel partner. It's an exciting way to see the world, share new experiences and build friendships, all while saving money and staying safe. Created in 2014, this new club is in the process of arranging group adventures to des- tinations chosen by club members, via surveys, while experienced CAA Travel consultants do the legwork to get you there. The club is free to join, and you are under no obligation to hop on board all the club trips. You just pick the ones that interest you and t your schedule and budget. CAA Travel also hosts local Solo EsCAApes Club events in Winnipeg and Brandon throughout the year, allowing you to get to know the group and ensuring your next trip is enjoyable and comfortable. To learn more or join the Solo EsCAApes Club, email groups@caamanitoba.com.