Tips for the Solo Traveler When it comes to traveling, sometimes taking a journey alone can be great. Traveling solo allows for a time of introspection (内省), relaxation and self-discovery, when you can take the time to soak in the finer things the world has to offer. The independence gained by going alone allows for the opportunity to experience your choice destination exactly the way you want. Planning Your Trip (1) Where to stay So you've finally decided to take advantage of some well-earned vacation time and visit Prague, the city of your dreams. Because you'll be all by yourself, the planning of your trip is automatically different. One of the first questions worth addressing is how you're going to spend your time in the beautiful Czech Republic capital. Are you going on a shoestring (用钱极少的) budget, or would you rather go all-out and book a room in a fancy hotel? Because traveling alone means your money is funding the trip, a wise choice would be to stay in youth hostels. Cast away the misconception that these places are unaccommodating and dirty, and accept the fact that hostels provide safe, clean, comfortable, and most importantly, cheap housing that millions of students and thrifty travelers take advantage of every year. It is relatively easy to book a room at a hostel via the Internet, and plenty of information is available about each one. On the other hand, if you can't wait to take advantage of room service and a nice bath tub, opt for a hotel. (2) Have a plan Along with securing your accommodations, prepare an itinerary (行程表) for each day before you leave. This plan should include everything from visiting 'all the famous landmarks to some relaxation time, which is essential since you'll likely be walking for miles in your comfortable shoes(invest in a good pair, it will pay off). As great as organization is, however, you may. at times, not be able to follow your plan to leave room for some spontaneity (自发性) on your trip. Herein lies the beauty of traveling alone: You are your own master, and while preparation is key, there is always room for a change. Important Info Prior to Takeoff One of the hardest parts of traveling in general is coming up with a list of what you'll need to bring with you (or leave behind). Thinking of these all-important items becomes all the more difficult (and necessary) when you have no one else to rely on. (1) Carry a dictionary If you're heading for a foreign country, don't leave home without a bilingual (的) dictionary. Although a strong grasp of Czech will prove quite difficult, it is still important to learn phrases like 'thank you', 'hello', 'please' and 'I don't know she charged money for her time', in case you're in a disadvantageous situation. (2) Make copies of documents Make a copy of all essential travel documents such as your passport and health insurance to leave behind with someone you trust, in the event of an emergency. (3) Bring a credit card Along with cash, bring a credit card as an emergency method of payment and make sure to take note of your credit card company's customer service line in case of loss or theft. That way, you can cancel your card immediately and have a new one delivered to you while on your trip (if possible). (4) Pack pleasure items A book to enjoy on a train ride or on the beach, a journal to record your experiences, and maps to educate yourself on the layout of the land (you can get these from a tourism bureau), can make a world of a difference. With these things in mind and a positive mindset, you are now officially ready to set out on your own. Enjoy the Trip (1) Finally There You've taken the big step, said goodbye to family and friends, endured a