Traveling Solo: Ideas and advice for making your trip safe and enjoyable

If you've never considered taking a solo trip to Las Vegas before (or perhaps anywhere else, for that matter), maybe you should consider it as an option for a future trip. Think of it as an opportunity to get away from it all, relax, unwind, take stock and refuel before your return to civilization.

Before August 2007, I'd never traveled anywhere by myself on vacation, let alone to my favorite place on earth. I was a little nervous, wondering how I'd fill all the hours with things to keep me busy and not think about being by myself or worrying about the fact that I was ALONE. To be honest, that feeling lasted all of twenty minutes (if that long). Once I landed at McCarran Airport and caught a taxi to my hotel, I was over feeling ALONE. I never felt that way on my trip again - plus I've taken two other solo trips since then with no feeling of ALONENESS whatsoever - and I'm looking forward to taking many, many more trips like this in the future. Solo trips are now my favorite way to travel to Vegas. In my eyes, they just can't be beat.

There are enough ideas here for you to stay occupied whether you're in Vegas for two nights for seven. Read on and consider some of these options for a solo trip adventure.

Do your buffet or restaurant dining in comfort - Sit at the counter or bar if you feel too conspicuous sitting at a table. Chances are you'll be seated more quickly because couples and groups generally don't sit in these areas. Or, if you prefer sitting at a table but don't want to be in the middle of everything, ask for a corner table or booth. This way you're out of the main flow of traffic and you can eat your meal at a leisurely pace and enjoy it. After you're done eating, you can take the time to people-watch or update your trip notes if you're planning on reporting on how well your trip went to others.

Sleep on your own schedule - I am a naturally early riser, but not everyone is. Not only that, but I don't sleep very well in Vegas because I'm just so excited to be there and I figure I can sleep on the plane or when I get home. When I go solo, I know I can get up at 6:00 a.m., head downstairs for an early breakfast (or a graveyard special, since they're generally offered until 7:00 a.m. in most cafe's) or some early morning gambling. In addition, if I feel like going back to the hotel to catch a little afternoon siesta before I head back out to go to a see a show and/or do some late-night gambling, I don't have to worry about anyone working around my plans or setting up a meeting time/place later on.

Go see the Bellagio conservatory and fountains - This is always at the top of my Vegas "to do" list for every trip. These are my two favorite free things to do in Vegas that I must do every time I'm there, without fail. Spending some time walking through the conservatory and taking photos is very enjoyable and relaxing to me, and I can sit and watch the fountains and listen to the music for quite a while before I'm ready to move on.

Head to the pool for some "me" time - Even if you don't like to swim or tan, you can always take a book or read the daily newspaper. It's a relaxing diversion, and you can stake out a spot in the sun or shade and enjoy the day. Just remember that, even though it stays pretty warm in Vegas for most of the year, pool hours are not extremely long in most cases, so be sure you know when your hotel's pool opens and closes each day.

Spend some time in the spa - Maybe you want to get a facial or a massage, or you just want to relax and use the sauna or the steam room. Paying the daily spa fee of $25-$45 on average will allow you to go in multiple times during the day if you'd like to take advantage of the amenities.

Chat up other gamblers around you - If you're comfortable talking to strangers, speak up! You can have some great conversations with people from all over the world - just be sure they are willing to talk, too. Many people enjoy chatting and gambling, and I find that I gamble more slowly when I'm talking to others. There are some very interesting people all around you.

Consider seeing a show - You can buy tickets in advance from any of the online sites that offer them, but don't forget that Tix4Tonite's six Vegas locations make it very convenient to get a ticket to a same-day show for half the price if you haven't previously made any plans. A big plus: it's much easier to find very good single seats for many of the shows, so take advantage of your solo status.

Take in the sights and attractions you've been wanting to see, but haven't - This suggestion alone could take up a couple of days' worth of trip time if you're like me and usually travel with people who don't like to do anything but gamble and eat. Go see a magic or comedy show; consider spending some time in Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage; visit the Liberace Museum or the Bellagio Museum of Art; ride the roller coasters at New York/New York and The Sahara; check out Luxor's Titanic and Bodies exhibits; head for the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris. These are just a few ideas to get you started. There are many, many options all over Vegas, so don't think you're limited with what you can see and do.

Go see a lounge act - They are everywhere, so check your favorite hotel/casino's schedule. Among the great ones: Big Elvis at Bill's Gambling Hall, any of the cover bands performing at Harrah's Carnaval Court (especially WonderBoogie), The Cabaret at Paris, or the Fontana Bar at Bellagio. There's something for every taste, so give them a shot.

Do some window-shopping - With several great malls on and around the Las Vegas Strip area, you're sure to find something great to look at and drool over. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, and The Fashion Show Mall are just three of the bigger possibilities for a window-shopping (or real shopping) excursion. Don't forget to check out the shops at Wynn, Encore, Palazzo, Venetian, etc. I could go on and on...

Have a seat in a keno lounge or sports bar - Take a load off! Not only can you watch the games (keno or sports), but you can people-watch, too. Maybe you'll decide to make a couple of bets or have a drink or two, but it's a great place to sit and just relax when you're tired of walking.

Visit an older (or newer) hotel/casino you haven't been to before - I say this because I missed my chance to see some great ones. I never visited the Stardust before it was imploded a couple of years ago, and I wish I'd gotten to take a look around. Now it's gone, and a half-completed hotel stands in its place with no completion date in sight. You never know when a great old Vegas icon will become no more, so take the time to go and see some "vintage" Vegas before it disappears into the desert.

Take some free lessons - Never played table games before? What about starting now? Most casinos have free lessons in the mornings when crowds aren't so large and gamblers are not crowding the tables. Learn to play craps, roulette, poker, or blackjack, and then try out your new-found skills at a table later in the day. You might find yourself talking to your seat neighbors, too.

Don't be afraid to ask security to walk you to your room or car - Especially when you're alone, you don't need to feel vulnerable or make yourself uncomfortable in any situation. Whether you've won money or not, security at all the hotels and casinos can arrange for a uniformed officer to accompany you to out to your car or up to your room in order keep you safe.

I hope you consider an adventurous solo trip some time in the future, because there are so many things to see and do. You'll never be bored alone in Vegas if you keep your mind and your options open!