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How I Travel Alone
Jul 26, 2016
I want my blog postings to be about two things I know something about: art, and travel.
I like to travel, I enjoy traveling alone, I travel to experience the new and different. Many people have described me as ‘brave’, because I travel by myself. I don’t think of myself as brave, I think of myself as prepared.
So what do I do to prepare for a trip, to hedge my bets on being safe and enjoying my trip? Quite a few things, actually. Some are good for all travellers; some are more important for women. In all cases, I think of a trip a bit like a stage performance—I rehearse, I pretend like I am ‘on stage’, and then I allow for lots of impromptu performances. If I am painting, I practice paintings under the conditions which I think I might find when I arrive at my destination. I certainly try out all equipment and supplies, and experiment with ways to lighten my load. I usually pack a backpack (if I don’t carry in it onto the plane), so I can carry my painting supplies on the streets, or onto public transportation. If I have heavier equipment, I am not shy about using cabs; life is too short to hurt your back, or miss out on an opportunity paint.
I carry the ‘what ifs’, those things that most travel experts tell you to not worry about, that you can get if you need them WHEN and IF you need them. I do not subscribe to that thinking, because it could waste a lot of time, energy and worry. Yes, it makes for heavier luggage. It also makes for peace of mind. For example, this past April I was in The Netherlands, to paint with Roos Schuring for 3 days, and to paint and travel on my own the other 9 days. Somehow I managed to overused a muscle in my leg. I had a painkiller, but I really wanted aspirin (it is an anti-inflammatory, AND promotes healing). Fortunately I was able to just walk HALF A BLOCK to visit a pharmacy and get what I needed. But I realized that if I had been on the other side of town, I might not have been so lucky. I would have needed to ask directions, take a bus, a taxi, or look it up on Google and walk. I just got lucky. What if I was really in pain? Lesson learned. Also learned: look up the name for ‘aspirin’ on my translation app, because the pharmacist gave me acetaminophen (sigh). I said ‘aspirin’, and the Dutch word is ‘aspirine’, but I guess she just assumed I didn’t know what I really wanted. I looked at the package, but had not looked up the word to begin with, because the Dutch speak English a lot. I gave up, and it did help. (It was very cheap, so I did not exchange it). Time is precious.
I use Google to get around, especially walking. I wanted to find a shop I had seen the day before, but had no idea where it was in relation to where I was, because I had been walking around. I put the name into Google, and voilá, it was 2 blocks away! AND it showed me how to walk there, just like a car. Perfect.
At least a month before my trip, I use The Weather Channel to check the daily temperatures of where I am travelling, I can then see the projected weather for at least part of my trip.
I love to get my euros ahead of time, so I don’t have to worry about finding an ATM later. Wells Fargo has several branches that sell euros at a VERY competitive rate. I’m sure others do as well. It gave me SUCH peace of mind to have that with me on my latest trip. I knew I would need to get more, but I had plenty for cabs, food, public transportation, etc, for at least a week. By that time I was able to find ATMs that I could use to get more. I used a money belt to carry the euros, as well as American dollars and extra credit cards. I carried some in my wallet (for convenience), but most was on my body.
How much? To start with, 500 euros, 500 dollars, $1000 on a travel card, and a regular credit card. For this last trip I ended up getting 500 euros more. Why American dollars? Before and after your trip, you need it in the airport, for cabs, travel, and the possibility of needing a hotel room for a last minute emergency. Yes, you can use credit cards. Why bring ANY cash? Well, in the big tourist areas credit cards work well, but off the beaten path, not necessarily. In two businesses near my B and B, my cards did not work. I tried 2 credit, 1 debit. Nada. But, I had cash, so there was no problem. At least my cards had chips. More about that in my next blog.
I put the airline app on my phone. VERY helpful, I was able to download my boarding pass on my phone for my last trip. BUT, if my battery had run down, I would have been in trouble. Next time, I will print the paper copy, if I am able.
I have a link to my website, so I can immediately share my art, if asked (which OFTEN happens). I carry my business cards and leave it with the hotel concierge desk. I also carry their card, in case something happens to me (I have a Venice story).
Before I travel, I pour over local maps online, so I am familiar with the layout of the locations I am visiting. This really helps me feel like I know where I am going. I also google the places I am staying, so I check THOSE maps, and the STREET VIEWS. It helps me visualize where I will be. This is part of the ‘visualizing the stage’.
Finally, FACEBOOK, has been a huge help in helping me feel connected, and in actuality keeping me connected. During my travels I have been able to connect to Facebook when I could not get email. For days. IF there had been trouble, Facebook would have been one way I would have been able to reach out. I'm not sure anyone could have helped me if I needed it, but at least I might have been able to get word to my family.
To that end, I register with the State Department, to let them know where I will be, and so I can get notices about problems. The program is ‘Smart Traveler’.
I keep all these apps on my phone, on my first screen, in one folder, so they are immediately and quickly accessible.
The only thing I carry that I think of as being specifically because I am a woman is a device you can put in the door jamb to keep it from opening. I also carry a small flashlight in my purse, in case of power outages (because you do NOT want to use up your phone battery for that).
It also goes without saying that you carry your essentials ONTO the plane. Meds, electronics, makeup (because I don't want to waste time looking for new stuff). I carry no important jewelry, one pair of earrings, a pretend ring.
In hotels I keep my purse, keys, computer/phone and money right by me, close to where I could grab them if there was a fire alarm. When I set up a room in which I am staying, I pretend like am leaving in a hurry, and keep essentials altogether.
Finally, I carry Starbuck’s Iced Coffee, in my luggage and my purse, so if I run out of coffee, I can make some with tap or bottled water. TRÉS important. If you know me, you understand.
To recap:
iHandy Translator, the paid version. Worth every penny
Google and Google maps
The Weather Channel (or any weather app that will let you enter in the locations you are visiting)
Mila’s Tools to help with all conversions (temperatures and measurements)
EX Currency to help me convert money
Facebook
Smart Traveler from the State Department
Flashlight
Lock to jam the door
My business cards, hotel business cards
Starbuck’s Iced Coffee
What do you do to be prepared and safe when travelling?
Next blog: What to do when you loose your wallet…
Comments
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Linda Hollett-Bazouzi says (Jul 26, 2016):
What a lovely thing to say, Brenda—thanks! Now, if I could just figure out how to get comments DISPLAYED....
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Teressa Pearson says (Jul 26, 2016):
It's that previous Coleman blood. You're outstanding.
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Teressa Pearson says (Jul 26, 2016):
It's the Coleman blood. Outstanding!
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Teressa Pearson says (Jul 26, 2016):
It's the Coleman blood. Outstanding!
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Teressa Pearson says (Jul 26, 2016):
It's the Coleman blood. Outstanding!
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Teressa Pearson says (Jul 26, 2016):
It's the Coleman blood. Outstanding!
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Elaine Bankston says (Jul 27, 2016):
As a flight attendant for over 27 years travel is in my blood! The first trip I took out of the country I went Around the World. I was hooked I went somewhere abroad every spring and fall Often by myself. And now I'm teaching Art on cruises ships. God is Good!
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Linda Hollett-Bazouzi says (Jul 27, 2016):
Thanks for the share, Elaine!
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amy donahue says (Jul 28, 2016):
Super fun reading this. All you need is a battery back up for your iphone. Mark bought us one before a trip to Saint Lucia. I bought my sis one when she left for Canada and she said it was a life saver.
