Boldly Go Solo

This solo travel concept seems alien to many people in the travel biz. That’s unfortunate. I recently sent out a query asking if anyone in the industry particularly catered to the solo traveler.

I was thinking of such things as a break on the room charge, since only one person is paying the bill. Or ways to get solo travelers to interact. Some responders got it. Others were off target, even if their vacation ideas were enticing or suggestions hilarious. 

The funniest was from MizPee, a Web site that shows you the cleanest restrooms in your area when ya gotta go. You have to own portable Internet capability if you want to find a restroom while walking down the street when the urge strikes. Which creates a restroom digital divide – only gadget heads can find the best place to go, while on the go.

But here’s the thing. I’m guessing couples and families want clean restrooms just as much as solo travelers. So, though a helpful concept, how is it a boon for solo travelers?

Someone else emailed about creating your own video travel logs. And possibly sharing the revenues from selling them on this site. Again, interesting concept but as interesting for couples as it would be for solos.

I’m on the lookout for things that particularly benefit solo travelers. Several responders got it. And they have useful things to offer.

Such as: Maine schooners
that carry small groups for several days at a time, allowing people
to get to know one another. Active travel companies, such as Lynott Tours, that waive the single supplement if you accept a roommate match. Don Quijote, a language immersion program. Those are always good for meeting people, (as I’ve written before). B&B’s that feel homey and comfortable, not lonely. 

And finally, one hotel that goes above and beyond many others when it comes to the solo traveler. The James Chicago gets it. In a few ways. At least according to what they tell me. I haven’t been.

For one, it’s introduced sightseeing programs for
guests. That is, private tours that bring together people staying at the hotel.
Seems to me that if you’ve been talking with other guests on your tour for a couple of hours and you wind up back at the same hotel, it
opens the door for someone to extend a dinner invitation for that
night. If you found their company enjoyable.

But, if that doesn’t happen, and you’re the type that
just can’t get yourself to go to a nice dining room on your own, the James
at least makes the in-room experience a little less depressing than most. The
hotel sets up a guest room table in a dining nook in your own room to,
as they put it, "avoid the dreaded on-bed meal." Or as it sometimes
happens, the sit-at-the-desk, face-the-wall meal. The hotel
specifically designed in-room dining nooks.

Now, the James is a luxury, urban hotel and not
inexpensive. But I like its style. It thought about the needs of solo
travelers. Why can’t other hotels get thoughtful and creative?

Photo: Ellen Perlman. Strait of Juan de Fuca, Canada. Which has nothing to do with what’s written here. But pretty, innit?