Don’t overlook possibilities for fun solo travel

Q: I’ll be traveling solo this year for the first time in decades if I want to travel, and I do! My usual travel companions are unavailable. I’m a female in my late 50s. A recent solo long weekend in Florida didn’t go too well. I was lonely and had some social anxiety. What could I try next that’s likely to go well so I don’t lose my travel mojo? My interests include Montreal, Prince Edward Island and a river cruise in Europe. Do you know of travel groups that would be welcoming and friendly? Do you think any of those destinations lend themselves to fun solo travel?

A: Many prefer to travel solo because they can set their own pace and be selfish — lingering at a museum, park or coffee house, depending on their mood. You can also meet many characters in your wanderings, but you need to reach out to people to make a connection.

If you prefer to travel with a group, consider signing up for a tour that caters to solo travelers. Some tour operators have special trips that cater to the soloist or keep the numbers small, so it feels like you are traveling with a close clan of friends. Check out Intrepid Travel, G Adventures, Overseas Adventure Travel and Abercrombie & Kent.

Big cruises can be tough because people often sail as couples or families. But Tauck River Cruising and Uniworld have specials that attract solo travelers.

Another option: Take several day tours; hopefully you will meet people that you click with. Also consider doing a homestay, taking a language or cooking class or volunteering — all great ways to meet locals and visitors.

Q: I will be planning a bachelorette party this fall. There will be four to six women in their mid30s looking for a cool city to travel to. We all live on the East Coast and prefer to stay on this side of the country. We prefer renting a house over hotels. Interests for the weekend include good drinks and food, walkable town, shopping, nightlife but doesn’t have to be a party town. Any ideas? Thanks!!

A: How about Charleston, S.C.? Make sure to go to the Vendue’s Rooftop Bar. We had a great meal at Fig. Husk is another neat dining spot. And hit King Street for shopping.

Q: We’ll be in the Tampa area for a couple of days in June for an event. Is there anything I should make time to do while we’re there?

A: Take a tour of Ybor City (great Cuban cuisine), visit the Museum of Science & Industry (try the hurricane machine!), tour the Buccaneers football stadium and sign up as crew on a sailboat race at Davis Island Yacht Club. The downtown area is slowly blossoming. Take the streetcar to get around. It’s only $2.50.