| When Jodie, 25, separated from her partner, she | | | | Sydney for example has a train service that will take |
| visited her doctor suffering from depression. The | | | | you direct from the International Terminal to the heart |
| thought of a long cold Chicago winter didn't help either. | | | | of the city. But Sydney can be unsafe at night and |
| She had always wanted to visit Australia and her | | | | taxis from the terminal are expensive. If you are being |
| doctor's advice to "go somewhere warm and sunny" | | | | met by friends, arrival times are not so critical. |
| was just the impetus she needed. But as Jodi | | | | 4. Stay at Youth hostels or backpacker |
| discovered there are hazards for women travelling | | | | accommodation. |
| alone. | | | | For single women, hotels can be cold and lonely places. |
| Here are 5 hints for savvy, solo singles. | | | | That is why backpacker hostels are so popular. They |
| Jodi had done her homework and she knew there | | | | are great places to meet people and to share travel |
| were things solo women travellers should do and | | | | ideas and experiences in a safe, comfortable |
| things they should never do. If you are a single traveller, | | | | environment. Gone are the days when backpacker |
| these tips for visitors to Australia described by her as | | | | hostels were dirty, grotty places. Savvy guests these |
| a "singles and backpackers paradise", will help make | | | | days are looking for places that are clean, safe and |
| your trip of a lifetime, happy, safe and memorable. If | | | | comfortable with great facilities (including swimming |
| you are visiting in the Aussie Summer, you might even | | | | pools), group travel opportunities and healthy, budget |
| get a Valentine's Day surprise! | | | | meals. |
| 1. Travel light. | | | | They also look for hostels that are conveniently |
| On a recent trip to Darwin in Australia's Northern | | | | located close to transport. |
| Territory, I met a girl from Austria carrying a backpack | | | | When I travel around Australia, I always select and |
| that would have challenged a weightlifter. She was | | | | stay at hostels that have these facilities and I have a |
| complaining of back pains and looked miserable. She | | | | huge choice. Some of those in capital cities are brilliant. |
| had received no advice about what to take and | | | | A recently opened Youth Hostel in Sydney has |
| included many clothing items because "they might | | | | panoramic views of Sydney Harbour! Many are close |
| come in handy". Remember, Australia is a warm | | | | to beaches and some are on tropical islands just a |
| country and you won't need heavy, bulky clothing. Two | | | | short walk from pristine, near deserted beaches. |
| items you should not take are bulky winter pajamas | | | | How good is that? |
| and towels. Most hotels and hostels are air conditioned | | | | 5. Unwanted attention from men. |
| and towels are cheap and easy to hire. | | | | Australia is a great place to meet other singles and |
| 2. Healthy travel. | | | | there are many opportunities including hostels, |
| If you are visiting Australia from the Northern | | | | backpacker accommodation, football matches, |
| Hemisphere, chances are your flight could be up to 24 | | | | beaches and pubs. If you are visiting in February, you |
| hours or even longer. Regardless of destination, airline | | | | might even enjoy a happy Valentine's Day. But what if |
| or aircraft, the smart travel advice is the same: Plenty | | | | you are not ready for a relationship? |
| of water, no alcohol, walk around the cabin a lot and | | | | Lonely Planet, an Australian based travel publication, |
| no sleeping tablets. | | | | offers these suggestions: If you get unwanted |
| 3. Arrival times. | | | | attention from men, don't say you'll meet them later |
| Try to organise you airline schedule so that you arrive | | | | and try to get rid of them. They will turn up. Say "no" |
| in Australia between 9am and 3pm. Night time arrivals | | | | firmly and politely. Wear a wedding ring and say you've |
| can be hazardous for single females arriving in a | | | | got four kids, if anyone asks. Yes, you shouldn't have |
| strange city in the darkness, particularly if you are tired. | | | | to, but sometimes it's the easiest way to fend off |
| Most large cities have an efficient transport network | | | | advances. |
| between the terminal and city centre. Your problem | | | | (Note from Graeme: If you're only 23, make it 2 kids, |
| then is finding your accommodation when you arrive in | | | | but the message is the same! |
| the city. | | | | |