Beth Whitman: I'm not sure what your concern is around safety (terrorism? theft?) but Mexico is very safe. Sure, there's a little machismo to deal with (catcalls, whistles, etc.) but if you can ignore it, you'll have a great time.

As with any destination, be smart and stay alert. Connect with other travelers when you want to and make friends with the locals when you can. Get to know the proprietor of your hotel and frequent the same café or restaurant in order to meet the employees. Ask for tour and restaurant recommendations from these folks--they'll be happy to share and you'll fast become friends.

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Miami, Fla.: Beth, I noticed in a story you just did for Perceptive Travel that you had a travel partner with you in India. Was this someone you met up with along the way or someone who was with you on that trip? How easy is it to find people to travel with when you get tired of being by yourself (and paying for a single room)?

Thanks,
Joseph

Beth Whitman: Hi, Joseph. On that particular trip, it was my partner, Jon, whom I traveled with. We stayed in many backpacker-type hotels and met many women and men traveling on their own. Though it's not as easy when you're traveling with someone, I intentionally make connections with solo travelers. I enjoy the additional companionship, I love to get their perspective on their travel experiences and, I hope, it helps them feel safer and a part of a group.

No matter where you go in the world, it's generally very easy to meet other travelers if you are open to it (some people WANT to be alone). Youth hostels, backpacker hotels and even bed and breakfasts are excellent places to stay in order to meet up with others. Eating at cafes with tables set close together or where you share tables are also excellent places to connect with others.

By the way, I'll be heading back to India in January--solo. I plan to spend time there doing research for my next book, Wanderlust and Lipstick: The Essential Guide for Women Traveling to India.

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New York, N.Y.: I would like to extend or begin a trip to Cape Town next March with a self-drive or small group trip to the Garden route and a malaria-free Safari. Is this possible or practical to do on my own and is it safe? I have driven and traveled by myself in several other countries but never in Africa. Nor have I ever driven on the left side of the road.

Beth Whitman: I've heard mixed reactions to driving in South Africa. The roads are well maintained and driving on the left side of the road isn't as difficult as it might seem. However, driving at night is not safe. I've had several friends nearly run off the road in an attempt to rob them or steal their car.

Particularly when it comes to wildlife, you're really better off booking a tour with well-trained guides. You'll see and experience far more than if you tried to do this on your own.

I'd vote for a mix of organized tour to get an in depth introduction to the place but to leave yourself some flexibility to travel on your own via car.

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Mattapoisett, Mass.: Could you suggest a few websites for booking solo travel?

Thanks,
Janet

Beth Whitman: Hi, Janet. It depends on whether you're talking about a tour or creating your own itinerary.

There are a number of tour companies that cater to women travelers, many of them are solo women in that they aren't traveling with anyone they know. Try:

Adventures in Good Company
Adventurous Wench
Wild Women Expeditions
Eurynome Journeys

When I book my own adventures, I generally go to the major travel booking engines first and work from there. I get pricing for airlines and hotels from Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity and then check the websites for the hotel or airline that has the best deal to see if I can do just a tad better if I go direct. (If you run into a snag with your reservation, customer service will generally be better if you booked directly through a hotel or airline and often the price is the same as if you had booked through a travel booking engine.)

For hotels, I check out sites such as TripAdvisor to see if there are any recommendations (or alerts) for the hotel I'm considering booking.

Forums such as Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree and Fodor's Talk will have up to date info about particular destinations.

If you're really ready for an adventure and interested in meeting the locals, try:

Women Welcoming Women Worldwide
Couchsurfing
GlobalFreeloaders
Servas

These sites/organizations will allow you to connect and stay with locals at no charge. They are all excellent ways of traveling around the globe on a budget and ensuring that you'll meet lots of people along the way.

Overall, the key is to do your research, whether it's on or off line, and become familiar enough with your destination so that you can feel and act confident when you get off the plane. Also, I recommend having your first night's stay booked in advance and, if possible, have a ride waiting for you at the airport so you aren't trying to figure out where to go while also trying to work through jetlag.

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New York, N.Y.: I am trying to plan an affordable trip of the west coast for next year. I would like to fly from New York to Los Angeles to start the trip. From that point, I'd like to spend a day in Mexico, a day in San Francisco, a day in Portland, three days in Washington state to visit family, one day in Vancouver, British Columbia, and then drive back to Los Angeles to fly back to New York. How would you recommend that I purchase this trip or plan the trip?

Beth Whitman: Unless you have a specific reason for starting out in LA, why not fly from NY to Seattle and then book another ticket from LA back to NY? Many online booking engines now allow you to book one way tickets for a reasonable fare. Sites such as JetBlue and Southwest often have online specials that you could take advantage of as well.

You could rent a car in Seattle or check into the availability of a DriveAway (in which you are given the "job" of driving a car from one destination to the next).

Starting your trip in the Northwest would allow you to work your way down the coast after visiting Vancouver and seeing your family. You could then easily meander, stopping in Portland, San Francisco and LA and then head down to Mexico for a day (though I don't know how much of Mexico you'll really be able to see in just one day).

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Holdenville, Okla.: I plan to take a trip via Summer Bay Resorts to Cancun Aug 10-14. I'm traveling alone and 67-years-old. I've been to Cancun a couple of times, but not since Hurricane Katrina. Is there anything I should be concerned with? I plan on taking a tour to the pyramids and or Tulum.

-- Fran

Beth Whitman: Hi, Fran. I have not heard of any additional issues in Cancun since Hurricane Katrina but I haven't been there myself since then, either.

I'd start with Summer Bay Resorts and ask them if anything has changed since the Hurricane. They may not be completely forthcoming, but you can give it a shot.

I'd also visit with travel agents in your area and ask them if they know of any issues. Be upfront with them and let them know that you may not book with them but that you are looking for information on the region. I bet they'll have some great info to share with you.

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Marblehead, Mass.: I want to travel to Turkey, but none of my friends are interested. I don't really like the regimentation of an escorted tour. What options are there?

--Kathy

Beth Whitman: You could simply book your flight and your first night's hotel stay and make a grand adventure of it on your own. One thing to remember when you're traveling solo is that you're only ever alone if you want to be. There are lots of other travelers out there and with just a little effort, you'll be able to meet up with them and have fast friends. Guide books list popular internet cafes, coffee shops and backpacker hostels where you will undoubtedly meet up with others.

If you feel like you need to have someone with you from the beginning, try connecting with other travelers through an online site such as Solo Travel Portal.

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Dallas, Tex.: I will be traveling to London for business and some solo sightseeing from 7/31-8/12. Is there anything that I should be aware of traveling as a solo woman in London? Any recommendations for sites to see?

Thanks,
Charlene

Beth Whitman: Hi, Charlene. Luckily, London is a popular tourist destination and relatively progressive when it comes to women's rights (as opposed to Middle Eastern countries, let's say). As a solo woman traveling to London you should take the usual precautions. Always be aware of your surroundings; keep your bags close to you at all times; if traveling by train, lock your bags to the luggage rack with a cable lock; never let anyone overhear your room number in your hotel lobby. I could go on and on but I'm sure you get the gist.

As a first timer to London, you will want to see as many sites as you can squeeze in. I recommend you give some thought to what your interests are and doing a little research as to what you might enjoy most and plan accordingly. You might love museums and architecture. Or perhaps you are a theatre person. If shopping is your thing, visit Harrods. My point is to focus in on what it is that YOU enjoy doing at home and then follow those interests while you travel!

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Hi Beth, I am planning on doing some solo traveling through Western Europe and into North Africa this coming January, for 6 months or so. My biggest worry is travel insurance. I do not have too much money to spare, but my mother's worries are perhaps not baseless. What do you do about travel insurance? Do the coverage and/or prices depend on the destinations? Where should I look for possible insurance plans? Thank you for your help.

--Sam

Beth Whitman: Hi, Sam. Generally, if you have healthcare coverage already, your insurance will cover out of pocket expenses if you are injured while out of the country. Check with your provider before departing to make sure.

Beyond that, there's travel insurance (in which you may recoup your travel costs if you have to cancel your trip at the last minute) and then there's evacuation insurance.

Personally, I have never purchased travel insurance in which my costs would be reimbursed or my bags and clothes replaced if they were lost.

However, I do purchase evacuation insurance. I've used MedJet Assistance in the past and I find it to be really reasonably priced. If I am injured during a trip, they will get me to a Western hospital that can treat me.

You might consider getting evacuation insurance just for the portion of your trip that might be a bit more dangerous (Northern Africa, for example). This will cut down on your costs so you're not paying for all 6 months but will give you some protection if you do need to get out to a Western hospital quickly.

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New York, N.Y.: I want to take a solo vacation over the last two weeks of August. I am considering Central or South America. I have backpacked in Western Europe and parts of Asia extensively, and am comfortable staying in hostels or other budget accommodations. I am interested in culture, food, and nature, and plan to spend most of my time outdoors. I am fit enough to do some biking and/or hiking. Can you recommend a safe and inexpensive trip? (I will use frequent flier miles or airline employee passes, so airfare cost is not a concern, only the availability of seats to my destination.) Thanks!

Beth Whitman: Costa Rica! This is an outdoor adventure paradise. You won't have the same cultural and culinary experiences that you might find in other parts of Central and South America, but you can't beat watching macaws, monkeys, three-toed sloths, anteaters, toucans and quetzals. You can then head off to the beach for a little R&R after you've hiked your boots off.

I'd highly recommend the Osa Peninsula and the Monte Verde Cloud Forest. I'm jealous!

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Beth Whitman: Thanks for joining me today. I've thoroughly enjoyed answering your questions and helping you sort through many of the questions and issues that pop up with regards to solo travel. For more in-depth information, travel tips, travel stories and the chance to share your tips, questions and answers through my Forum, please visit WanderlustAndLipstick.com. My book, Wanderlust and Lipstick: The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo, is also packed with hundreds of tips that will help you get started planning your next journey.