YOU know friends who do it and you think: "It doesn't sound so bad. I could traipse around a foreign land by myself, with my camera, guidebook and my shadow ... I guess. Someday. Um, maybe not."

No, you're not alone in this affliction. Yes, there are ways of getting over the loneliness of travel. And yes, you can become one gung-ho solo explorer who'll be at ease wherever you are.

Beth Whitman, author of Wanderlust And Lipstick: The Essential Guide For Women Travelling Solo recommends being comfortable by yourself for an extended period before making the trip - from watching a movie and having a meal alone to starting light conversations with strangers.

"Give yourself permission to be more independent. These simple things can be the first step in grand adventures," she said.

Frequent solo travellers like finance analyst Edwin Tang agreed.

"The idea may sound scary to some at first, but it really isn't so daunting once you try it. I started out visiting a friend who lived overseas and exploring Perth by myself while he was working," he said.

"Later, I made a trip to Japan by myself because I knew it's a safe country and the transport system is very efficient. Now I've no problems going to countries such as Cambodia and Spain by myself."

 

Safety first

While safety is always a concern, especially for solo female travellers, that shouldn't hamper you from embarking on a solo sojourn because there are precautions you can take, such as hailing a registered cab from the airport and if possible to try arriving in the daytime. And remember to stay vigilant but don't be paranoid; hang around busy areas where there is a lot of foot traffic and let your family know your itinerary so they know roughly where you are and when to expect you home.

"I always stay by lit areas," said communications manager Marlene Ee who enjoys overseas jaunts on her own.

"I keep an eye out for my belongings and my drinks at bar. While using an ATM, make it a quick one as you never know who might be watching you."

 

Alone and loving it

Weaning off your dependent personality disorder is also easier once you experience the joys of travelling alone. Freedom and flexibility are two huge advantages.

"You can enjoy the freedom to do as you please," explained Whitman. "No coordinating agendas, no arguing over where to eat and when, or attending a play that doesn't suit your taste. No negotiating or compromising with anyone else."

If that's not reason enough, some also cite the self-discovery process as a big part of why they prefer to travel alone. Owner of Standing Sushi Bar Howard Lo remembers his first solo trip to Prague.

"The excitement and realisation of how gorgeous the place was intensified because I was alone. Like this moment of discovery was totally and only mine. And as a novice solo traveller, I was particularly pleased with all kinds of small victories - navigating the street correctly, figuring out what something (in a different language) on the menu said, buying subway tickets."

 

Food for thought

When travelling alone, meal times are opportunities to mix and mingle with locals. Eating at a restaurant's bar counter is always a good bet as that's where singles tend to sit too. Don't be shy about practising lines from your phrase book on the wait staff or getting them to explain the menu.

Bars can be great places to check out if you're up for them but do be cognisant of the kind of bars you want to be in. Stick to those in busy areas with some friendly buzz. Just as you'd want to avoid sleazy ones which are off the beaten track, overly trendy cocktail bars aren't going to be a very sociable spots when you're without your posse.

Talk to the bartender for his opinion about the itinerary you have in mind or have an opening liner that could lead to more conversations with fellow bar patrons such as: "Where can I find the best (insert name of local delicacy)?" Lastly, watch your drink and how much you drink.

 

The social network

One also tends to be more engaged with fellow travellers and the locals when journeying alone.

"You're more open-minded and interested because you're not occupied, and you're also more predisposed to talking to others," said researcher Belinda Chng who made a number of friends on her trips overseas.

"There was once I had a good conversation going with the bus driver on my way from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh. We talked about his culture and local politics, and we arranged to meet in Phnom Penh where he showed me around his city. Another time, I encountered an Australian while going to Siem Reap and we ended up talking for six hours. We kept in touch and I stayed with him and his partner who really took great care of me when I was in Sydney for a holiday," added Chng.

Some travel websites also link you up with locals such as Leap Local (www.leaplocal.org) and Localyte (www.localyte.com) where you can find a friendly guide for the country you're visiting. A fee is involved but it can always be a small start towards meeting others.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful. The usual rules apply: Always stay in public places, be back by a sensible time, and most importantly, trust your instincts. Do you feel safe and comfortable? If you don't in the slightest, it's time to exit the situation.

And ultimately, say solo travellers, travelling alone can be fun and therapeutic. "It's only a big deal if you make it out to be," said Lo.

"Millions of people travel by themselves. It's just like travelling with someone except you don't have to talk all the time and you are in total control."