Many people prefer traveling alone, but in Thailand this is seen as rather strange and anti-social. Solo journeys offer infinite opportunities to make friends and meet locals. If you are a female of any age, be very careful that you do not give the wrong message to Thai men. Wearing clothes that Thais would deem immodest (short skirts, low-cut T-shirts exposing cleavage, or bra tops) is regarded as a come-on.
Some hotels offer single rates; if, however, you like resorts, tours, or cruises, you're likely to get hit with paying a per-room rate regardless. Single travelers can avoid these supplements, of course, by agreeing to room with other single travelers on the trip. An even better idea is to find a compatible roommate before you go from one of the many roommate locator agencies.
Many reputable tour companies offer singles-only trips. Backroads (tel. 800/462-2848; www.backroads.com) offers more than 160 active-travel trips to 30 destinations worldwide.
For more information, check out Eleanor Berman's latest edition of Traveling Solo: Advice and Ideas for More Than 250 Great Vacations (Globe Pequot), a guide with advice on traveling alone, either solo or as part of a group tour. It has been updated for 2008.
