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PROFILE
Sharon B. Wingler is publisher of TravelAloneAndLoveIt.com and author of Travel Alone & Love It: A Flight Attendant’s Guide to Solo Travel. She’s also published the booklet, 108 Resources for Solo Travelers.
Solo travel became her preferred choice when she first soloed to Italy in 1985. She loves the freedom of independence, meets people more easily, and learns more about each culture through one-on-one conversations with locals.
“Solo travel puts a human face on the world,” she relates. “You have more interaction with people. There’s a natural tendency, worldwide, for people to take the solo traveler under their wing. Guides and helpers are always there when you need them.”
TravelAloneAndLoveIt.com posts ten new solo-travel tips each month, and offers resources, recommendations, safety tips and Q&A. A free, monthly newsletter offers additional information and tells what’s new at the site.
Still an active, international flight attendant, Sharon lectures on solo travel, writes a solo travel column and has been a featured guest on radio and television programs. For more information, visit TravelAloneAndLoveIt.com.
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SHARON'S ANSWERS
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL?
I've always yearned to travel and was hired as a flight attendant at the tender age of 19. I began traveling alone after my divorce in '85. In '96 I wrote my book, Travel Alone & Love It, to help other people learn the joy, as well as the how-to, of solo travel. I launched my website, TravelAloneAndLoveIt.com, in 2001.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU FLY?
As a flight attendant, I fly weekly. On my own time, I try to take at least two big trips each year. Last year I went to Cuba, Ecuador and Kenya.
IN A YEAR HOW MANY MILES/POINTS DO YOU EARN?
Just what I rack up on my credit cards. I fly mostly on passes, on my airline and others.
WHAT CLASS OF SERVICE DO YOU MOSTLY FLY IN?
Sometimes I'm lucky enough to get business, but more often it's coach.
FAVORITE AIRLINE?
Delta.
FAVORITE AIRCRAFT?
767-300, no question. It's best for both passengers and flight attendants.
FAVORITE HOTEL?
The Westgate in San Diego. It is unique and elegant.
FAVORITE HOTEL AMENITY?
A coffeemaker in my room.
FAVORITE CITY?
Paris.
FAVORITE AIRPORT?
Tampa.
FAVORITE AIRPORT TO PASS TIME IN?
Atlanta. I love to eat the yams, collard greens, black-eyed peas and cornbread muffins at Paschal's, and to shop the stores.
FAVORITE ISLAND?
Manhattan.
FAVORITE SPA?
I've not yet indulged in one.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Any place clean and friendly that serves wholesome, healthy food.
AISLE OR WINDOW?
Window.
ETICKET OR PAPER?
Almost a moot question, as airlines charge more for paper, before they eliminate it altogether. Once airlines can accept each other's e-tickets the problems will be solved.
TRAVEL AGENT OR ONLINE?
I usually research online, then buy at the ticket counter, since I'm always at the airport anyway.
FAVORITE TRAVEL WEBSITE?
JohnnyJet has it all!
FAVORITE TRAVEL COMPANION?
My journal.
IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A TROPICAL ISLAND, WHAT THREE ITEMS WOULD YOU WANT TO HAVE WITH YOU?
Pen, paper and a bottle.
WHAT DO YOU HATE MOST ABOUT TRAVEL?
Trying to sleep on overseas flights in seats that don't fully recline. I always wish they could just shoot me with a tranquilizer dart and revive me at my destination.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT TRAVEL?
The kindness of strangers.
BEST TRAVEL TIP:
Don't look like a tourist. Lose the fanny pack and sneakers. Dress to command respect, or at least don't look like your ready to wash the car.
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