Will 2008 include travel for business or personal? I'm preparing to take a trip early in the New Year and will be traveling alone. As a woman, there are certain precautions to take and so I checked the book Wanderlust and Lipstick out of the library. The author, Beth Whitman, offers great suggestions for considering, planning and preparing for solo travel. Although geared toward females, the tips offered will work for anyone.

Her website, For Women Traveling Solo offers additional resources, a newsletter, multiple blogs and great tips and suggestions depending on your intended destination.

Example:

I carry my money in three different places on my body.

1. What I anticipate using for that day's needs I have in my wallet, which I have in my waist pouch.

2. A larger amount which I might need if I see something I wish to purchase, is in a small zippered pouch which has a two inch leash and a clip. The leash I loop around my bra strap and fasten with the clip, then tuck the pouch in my bra. My credit card and ATM card are also in here. Handy but concealed.

3. The remainder of my travel funds, airline tickets and, if not needed during the day, my passport, are in my waist safe. The existence of this safe should never need to be revealed to anyone.

She also offers an extensive packing list which include several items I have wished I had but neglected to pack. In her book she recommends keeping an on-line version that can be freshly printed each trip.

Another suggestion from the trip was to email yourself any travel related emails with confirmation numbers. This way if you misplace the documentation you can access it via a Business Center.

All good stuff.

Bon Voyage!

Deborah Chaddock Brown
Writer/Traveler