by Rhonda Taylor

Created on: January 16, 2010   Last Updated: January 18, 2010

Is Travel Always A "Perfect Getaway?"

Are you one of those people who attract acquaintances on your vacations and travels? Meeting new people and socializing on your travels can be a rewarding experience but you always want to keep your guard up!  

Many people in their travels become acquainted with local people of their travel destination or other couples and singles on vacation. For many people traveling alone this can be an added bonus, as they meet acquaintances with whom they can socialize, whereas they would otherwise be "going it alone". People that travel alone are often looked upon as adventurous and self sufficient, or to some they could appear lonely and isolated.

Having seen the movie "The Perfect  Getaway", it brings to light the fact that people may not always be what they seem, and that people need to continually keep their guard up. To a solo traveler it is a wonderful vacation experience to get to know and socialize with other people of the area or others that are on vacations themselves, whereas they would otherwise be going it alone. But one should always sway on the side of caution as to what situations they put themselves in with these people as they are still basically strangers.

If you choose to socialize with acquaintances you have met on vacation, there are some points to keep in mind in which you may keep yourself from becoming a victim:

1. Arrange meeting spots, preferably with larger groups of people.

2. Do not invite people to your hotel room or place you in which you are staying with whom you have only had a brief encounter.

3. Do not give out too much of your personal information, just as your place of residence, work, etc.

4. Do not entrust an acquaintance with any of your personal belongings.

5. Remember consuming drugs or alcohol sometimes brings a person's guard down, and can result in some bad decisions.

6. Do not appear to be too vulnerable.

7. Always appear confident and focused.

8. If you have a "gut feeling" regarding anything about the person or people, act on it!

While most of the time meeting and socializing with people in your travels can be a fun and rewarding experience, you still need to realize that these people are essentially strangers. There are some people that may not have good intentions, and prey on the solo traveler. People traveling solo tend to be regarded as more approachable and far less intimidating to potential acquaintances than a large group or a couple. Although men or women can be a target for potential crime, women can be especially vulnerable traveling solo so caution should be taken to always be focused on your surroundings and of the person they are meeting.

Many people enjoy the experience of traveling solo and have very memorable experiences of many people they have met in their travels (some even become long term friends), but always keep in mind that although you may be enjoying the company of others on vacation, they are still strangers!   

Learn more about this author, Rhonda Taylor.
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