Traveling as a single

[rrjz]

Hi All
I am booked for a trip with Gap Adventures. I am traveling solo and going on the East Africa Overland. There is no option for my own room, I have read that Gap will pair a person up with another solo traveler. I am wondering is this a different person each night or will it be the same person every nite? Is this safe? I would like to think it is but its better to ask than assume anything.
Thanks in advance.

[desiree2]

Hi
I've been on 4 different GAP trips (Asia only) and travelled as a single. Each guide handled pairing up singles a little differently. On one trip I was with one girl (it's always same-sex pairing) the whole trip, apparently she booked the trip after me so that's how the guide paired us up. On another trip, the guide moved us around as there were 5 single females and it meant that we each had some time in our own room. On yet another trip, I was about twice as old as the other two single female travellers, so the guide determined that my age meant that I would be better off on my own (!). On the fourth trip, there was only one other single female so we were paired.

Do you mean is it safe to share a room with a stranger? Or is it safe to travel in general as a single (wandering the streets alone or whatever). I've never felt uneasy with any of my companions (you'll be travelling in a group so I'm not quite sure what security issues you'd have with your fellow travellers). If I'm out and about by myself, I don't take any unnecessary risks (just like at home) and haven't been in any 'situations'.

I was a little nervous on my first trip - more about whether I'd fit in or not, with my biggest fear being in a room with a smoker . I've enjoyed all my trips and all my companions. You probably won't be BFF with everyone on your trip, but you will make friends and even the most intolerable person can be tolerated for a few weeks.

You'll have a great trip!
Desiree

[ballu]

It really does vary trip to trip...on my overland trip there were 3 solo females, so we rotated around. Sometimes I shared the tent with one person, sometimes the other, sometimes I had a tent to myself.

On another trip, there were 5 solo females...2 of them became quick friends and paired up, the remaining 3 of us rotated.

Generally, at the start you will be paired up by your leader. This is usually based on age as they figure there's a better chance of 2 females in their 20s to bond versus 2 females in their 40s...but after that you guys can pretty much arrange whatever you want and let the leader know.

I kind of like rotating roommates.

[rrjz]

Hi - thanks for both replies. I understand now a bit better how it works. I can't wait to just go on the trip then all my questions will be answered. lol
Thanks again for the replies.