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What hostels and guesthouses are great for is meeting other folks doing the same thing that you are -- true fellow travelers. But you don't have to commit to them unrelentingly; your choice of lodging is just another tool in your solo traveler bag. When in need of comfort, safety and convenience, choose a reputable hotel; when in need of companionship, think about hostels and other alternative lodging options.
Don't feel obligated to stay in hostels.
On these nights, take it easy on yourself; you might stay near the airport or train station, or splurge on a well-known hotel, or take a cab when you might otherwise save money by taking public transit.
Don't get too ambitious at the beginning or end of a trip.
Having no money in your pocket and no way to get any is a problem for any traveler, but even more so when traveling solo.
Don't run out of cash.
Many folks who travel in big groups yearn for a moment or two by themselves; you don't have that problem, so enjoy it!
Don't avoid your own company.
These might be things that relate to niche interests of yours that not everyone will appreciate (an extended visit to a specialty museum, perhaps), or physically demanding outings on which not everyone may be as goal-oriented as you might be (such as surfing lessons).
Don't fail to figure out what you want to do on your own.
This is a luxury you should not resist, as it is almost non-existent in regular day-to-day life; if you like an idea, go for it.
Don't resist impulse behavior.
Teetotaling is not required, but getting hammered might not be your best option.
Don't get too intoxicated.
A good rule of thumb: If your internal alarms are going off, listen to them.
Don't ignore the potential dangers.
The ability to go with the flow is part of the reason to travel alone, and overscheduling can make that impossible.
Don't overschedule.
If you are going to popular attractions, museums or anywhere else that will require some waiting, get online ahead of time to see if you can make reservations or purchase tickets in advance.
Don't forget to make reservations.
Some simple but carefully chosen times to take the easy way out might be to get rental cars at on-airport counters to avoid hauling your stuff around on multiple shuttles.
Don't make things hard on yourself.
Get up early, get up late, take a nap midday -- whatever. Your time is yours; make sure you make it yours.
Don't let the clock tyrannize you.
To get the most out of your travels and encounters, you are going to have to suppress your shyness once in a while.
One way to get started on this might be to refrain from ending casual conversations that spring up in shops, when asking directions, in a restaurant, in a line.
Don't be shy, and don't cut off casual conversations.
TravBuddy.com and CouchSurfing.com are good places to start on these, and many guidebooks offer information about where the local "American bar" can be found.
Don't be afraid to seek out familiar company
Internet kiosks, smartphones, email and social media make this very easy to do today; leave some breadcrumbs as you go along to let folks know when to start worrying -- and when just to be jealous at the great adventures you are having while they are stuck at home staring at Facebook.
Don't fail to have a Plan B
The world is a book and those who
do not travel read only a page.
Saint Augustine
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