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Women travel neuroses
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Holidays are around the corner. Travel deals are everywhere. But women who want to go it alone have fears and worries about solo travel, especially during emotional times. When they do decide to buy that trip, women are hit with the vacation surcharge: the single supplement.
As a former head of a large tour operator for women, this author wants to encourage women to get out and treat themselves. A few suggestions, a nudge and examples might work.
Eating alone in Le Pied de Cochon in Paris
In 2004 I was asked to talk to a group of 9/11 fire fighter widows, whose survey had determined they wanted to take vacations but were afraid to go alone. One participant said she wanted to discuss the Princess Cruise she had just taken with her 2 teen daughters. "On the first day, the girls made a quick exit to go swimming. I realized that the 7 books I brought would never be enough!". "The next day was Sunday so I went to church services and sat next to two women. We ended up having lunch together. Later that day I saw a family whose father was wearing a NYFD cap; I went over and introduced myself; they were with a group and invited me to join them." Day one ended and I had met new friends, travel friends not busom buddies, but I was no longer alone".
Second story: a woman was spending her birthday alone in a luxury resort. She got up her courage, marched into the restaurant with a big smile. She chatted with the maitre d' and then with the wait staff as if she knew them. Restaurant staff is human! Be nice to them and they will reciprocate, especially in a hotel. The result: a celebratory dinner and special attention. The next day, another guest came up to her with this comment: "I saw you in the restaurant last night, I guess you own the hotel?".
Tips:
--Learn to be friendly, practice in a local restaurant or store. Talk to people as you stand on line for events
--Have a few items that identify you: a cap, a newspaper, a tee shirt
--Get information on out of town groups you can connect to : Rotary? College group? Business group? And email them ahead of time to introduce yourself
--Ask staff if they can suggest comfortable places to dine alone. Have the maitre d' call ahead and tell them that you are coming alone and they should treat you as a VIP.
--Join walking tours in your language; these are easy to find on the internet.
--Check out Let's Go Guidebooks which have a lot of easy eating choices: cafeterias, outdoor cafes and such
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