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

Comment From MC:

I'm looking for ideas: what are some places that are good deals for fall travel?

Peter Greenberg:

thanks for your question. but could you be any more....general? (lol)

give me more specifics to start with, ok?

Comment From Mike:

What's the best way to meet people when traveling solo? And, are there any good spots in Europe for singles traveling solo?

Peter Greenberg:

travel with george clooney in "up in the air" part 2!

seriously, there are a number of great travel companies that specialize in solo travels -- backroads bike tours, intrepid travel overseas -- and they don't charge a single supplement, which is very good!

Comment From MC:

I have a passport, love warm weather, need someplace pretty cheap....

Peter Greenberg:

then go off season to the caribbean or to ski resorts in colorado and wyoming.....better deals, smaller crowds, better service! and don't let the off season scare you -- it's my favorite season because it's actually a myth. be a contrarian traveler and go!

Comment From L.C.:

One of the most frustrating things I've come across as a solo traveller is seeing a great vacation package advertised, only to get hit with the single supplement charge, which can be hundreds of dollars. Any other alternatives to this situation?

Peter Greenberg:

i totally agree with you. the dreaded solo supplement, or the words "double occupancy" at hotels. but thankfully this is changing. for example, the new ncl ship epic, which comes on line in late june, will feature more than 120 cabins designed and built -- and priced -- just for solo travelers. it's about time!

Comment From Doug from NJ:

What's your most important safety trip for anyone traveling alone?

Peter Greenberg:

when checking into a hotel, never let them announce your room number at the front desk. you lose no points in asking that a uniformed member of the staff to escort you to your room. ask the bellman or the maid their favorite neighborhoods, because safety is important to them as well, and where they would and wouldn't go..basic common sense prevails and you can go just about anywhere!

POLL: When do you plan on taking your next 'solo' trip?

This Spring

 ( 10% )

This Summer

 ( 40% )

Next Year

 ( 30% )

I'd be lucky to get even a day off work

 ( 20% )

Comment From Dora:

How about cruises for single people? I'm not looking for a meat market.

Peter Greenberg:

dora, i just mentioned ncl. but msc cruises also is offering a great discount for solo travelers this fall on their new england and canada trips. and more deals are coming as the cruise industry slowly but surely realizes that solo travelers area robust and potent economic force

Comment From Will from VA:

What are some of the most adventurous foods you've tried from across the world?

Peter Greenberg:

adventurous? well let's start with aboriginal grub in the outback....worms you'd never want to see, but i ate them! not fun. (and no, they did NOT taste just like chicken!

but then there's kava, in the remote outer islands of the lau archipelago in fiji. an amazing peppery drink that i had to drink with the elders in the island village...and it became a regular ritual each night!

Comment From Terry:

Has there been any destination you've visited that was particularly ill-suited for visiting alone?

Peter Greenberg:

check out my book DONT GO THERE, which lists the MUST MISS places of the world, based on crime, pollution, toxicity, deadly highways.....the list is pretty long...now, having said that, i still went...didn't i?

Comment From Nancy:

I'm completely broke but want to somehow make a "pilgrimage" to my ancestors' homeground, Scotland, England, Northern Ireland. I'm a lite hiker and love to walk anywhere, but in cool weather. I'm also a textile designer/weaver and Scotland pulls me especially. When is the best time weatherwise (cool) and where can I get the most hiking and arts for my Euro?

Peter Greenberg:

i'm fond of june and september in scotland, the magic months there. cool, it stays light longer, and the euro is not in scotland. i'm particularly fond of scotland, and with all due respect to shirley maclaine, i actually believe i lived in scotland in a previous life. the place is magical!

Comment From Guest:

I often travel alone but have some health problems (passing out, blood clots). What can I do to ensure that I get proper health care in a foreign land?

Peter Greenberg:

medical insurance outside the u.s. doesn't really cover you for things like this. so i recommend that you carry with you copies of your prescriptions written in both the brand name of the drugs you need, as well as the generic name of your medicine. further, i am a big fan of emergency medical evacuation and repatriation insurance. i carry a card from med jet (it's an annual premium) and it's the one card i'm glad i carry and hope to never use, but it i get sick or injured anywhere overseas, they will -- in consultation with my own doctor -- medically evacuate me and take me to the doctor and hospital of MY choice.

Comment From Sarah:

I've never traveled alone before...any pieces of advice for a first-time solo traveler?

Peter Greenberg:

the worst four letter word that starts with f is....FEAR. so don't be afraid. it's all about seeking -- and finding common ground wherever you go. people with like interests, affinities...strike up conversations with everyone you meet. remember --- it's more important to be interested than interesting, and you'd be surprised at what results from those conversations...lifelong friendships, incredible experiences...and fun. i practice this myself all the time in cleveland...and cairo....