Peter Greenberg Solo Travelers Live Chat Transcript 5-4-2010

Comment From Diane:

I travel in my RV alone and carry a gun with me (I have conceiled license) but don't know what to do when wanting to go into Canada because they don't allow firearms. I usually have it locked up in my safeexcept at night when I am sleeping. Any suggestions???

Peter Greenberg:

well, the answer is simple re canada....you can't take it in. but presuming you're entering and exiting the same border crossing, find a nearby hotel near the canadian border before you leave the u.s., and ask them to store it for you during your trip to canada, then retreive it on the way back. tip the bellman nicely, and you're good to go

Comment From Guest:

I have always wanted to take a cruise but cruises clearly are not made for solo travellers. I have seen some singles cruises advertised online but these typically seem to be a much more mature crowd. Are there non-swinger cruises for younger solo travellers?

Peter Greenberg:

i mentioned ncl's new ship the epic, and this seems really designed for you....the old idea of a cruise was that there were two kinds of passengers -- newly wed and nearly dead...but of course all that has changed as the median age of passengers has dropped significantly...so check out the epic. they also have cabins designed and built for single travelers, a real plus

POLL: Would you consider buying medical evacuation insurance?

Yes

 ( 80% )

No

 ( 20% )

Comment From Betty N:

I had a recent vacation in Spain and had a hard time meeting people because I was by myself and didn't speak the language. Is a tour group my only option?

Peter Greenberg:

the answer is a qualified yes....pick a tour group that also allows you a lot of free time, so that when you meet new people on the trip you can spend some quality time with them exploring on your own. a fully structured tour itinerary is not for me...

Comment From LINDA AMIOT:

Single, would like to go to Paris in spring, stay in center of the city so I can use rails and buses to get around. One hotel for about 10 days and see this gorgeous city. Am single and cannot travel in speedy groups. Any suggestions would be appreciated. My age is 70. Thank you

Peter Greenberg:

good for you. i totally support this idea. paris is easy to get around...great railroads, and then of course there's the metro. you can also take great rail day trips to the loire valley or out to the champagne region. and you don't have to rush...you might want to invest in a eurailpass, one week or two week passes are available and they work very well.

Comment From Nancy:

Back to my Scotland question: is there one island or town or area that you would love to stay in for a month?

Peter Greenberg:

of course you want to base in edinburgh and do day trips, but my favorite is to base in glasgow and go to loch fyne or arisaig. one important recommendation. before going watch one of my favorite movies -- local hero.. you'll thank me!

Comment From Austin from Falls Church:

Do Americans still have travel restrictions to Cuba? If so, are there any ways around them?

Peter Greenberg:

officially there is still a travel ban for most americans traveling to cuba, but that hasn't stopped many of my fellow citizens from going there through canada, mexico, jamaica, the cayman islands or the bahamas. but that might change soon, there's a bill in congress -- with huge bipartisan support -- to lift that travel ban....look for a big piece in the upcoming AARP magazine that i've written on preparing for the new cuba...that ban may be ending very soon after nearly a half a century!

POLL: Which region of the world would you like to explore next?

Africa

 ( 20% )

Antarctica

 ( 20% )

Asia

 ( 0% )

Australia/Pacific

 ( 0% )

Europe

 ( 40% )

Latin America

 ( 20% )