Seek out connections even before you leave home. Chat with women who have traveled before you. Make note of their tips, advice and contacts. Some of your best adventures will begin that way.

Speak to your friends and neighbors who were born in the country you are travelling to. There is a grandmother here or a sister there who will happily provide some wonderful connections for you. (And, even if they cannot suggest contacts to you they will certainly share their expertise on how to dress appropriately and stay safe. This is a perfect time to ask).

Become a member of an organization that fosters the exchange of homestays. Women Welcome Women, promoting visits between females in over 60 countries, is a perfect example and a practical way of getting to meet the locals.

Join SERVAS an international network of hosts and travelers building peace by providing opportunities for personal contact between people of diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Avoid large, impersonal hotels. Opt for a more friendly bed and breakfast experience where guests enjoy the morning meal together and often linger with coffee and great stories.

Many solo travellers tend to choose hostels because they are looking for travelling partners. Take advantage of that fact. Do not like eating dinner alone? Pack your favorite tuna fish casserole recipe and offer to cook dinner for your new hostelling pals. You will be a very popular woman.

Eating in a cafe? Keep an English book or newspaper on your table. Inevitably someone will recognize either the book title or the newspaper and will strike up a conversation. Likewise, you can be the first to comment if you notice someone reading a book that you have already enjoyed.

Look for restaurants that offer communal seating at large dining room tables. I have tried this at the warm and welcoming Le Pain Quotidien bakery, bar and cafe all rolled into one as well as Wagamama - a chain that serves tasty noodles dishes worldwide. The fun part of these restaurants is you never know who will sit down beside you and what the conversation will yield.

Log on to Twitter. Open an account and put out a call for information. You will be amazed at the wealth of knowledge that comes back to you about women's organizations around the world.

Do you know about HERmail.net? This is a free online directory of women willing to mentor women as you travel to their part of the world. Some great travel friendships have been formed via this website. Over 15,500 women have already signed on from over 35 countries.

Note: We all know that cyberspace is imperfect. Please test any online relationship before you provide personal information in your correspondence. If you and your mentor choose to meet in her city please do so in a busy place like a restaurant, shopping mall or train station. Good luck with this travel connection and have fun with it!

Are you a teacher, lawyer or doctor that belongs to a professional organization at home? Through them you can connect with professional women's groups around the world. If you are in town on the right date, try attending one of their monthly meetings or excursions.

Do you enjoy public speaking? Make yourself available to speak to women's groups when you are abroad. Do not charge for your informal talk. It will establish a lot of goodwill and new friends in the city you are visiting. For example: If you would like to meet and mingle with a whole range of empowered business women in Tokyo, go along as a guest to one of the monthly FEW (For Empowered Women) networking events.

Check out expatriate websites like ExpatWomen.com and make connections with some of the women there via their Expat Women Blog Directory. Ask how you can meet them, help them. You will be amazed at the reception that generally comes your way.

Are you a runner? To get you started here is a list of running groups in the UK and Italy that you could join for fun and exercise when you are away.

If you have a special interest, pursue it at your destination. For example: Are you a bridge player? This site will help you find bridge clubs around the world. Do you enjoy cooking? You can join a Girls Night Out three-hour cooking class in Paris.

Check museum bulletin boards and websites for the Singles Nights many of them advertise. This is always a good opportunity to munch and mingle in good company. Here are some example listings for singles museum events across North America.

Check with your country's consulate in the city you are visiting. Are they hosting any activities or exhibits that you can attend? If you were a Canadian visiting China this year you could have attended a piano recital or an art exhibit in Beijing that was sponsored by the Canadian government.

Do not be afraid to participate in the banner events of the city. For example: I was in Sydney during Gay Pride Festivities. I am neither Australian nor gay but that certainly did not stop me from joining the celebration and marching in Sydney's Gay Pride Parade. It was a real hoot and I met some very charming folks in the process.

Do not have time to volunteer at home? You can 'do good' at your destination and I promise it will 'do good' for you in return. A perfect example is this travel story about a middle-aged guy who volunteers to take care of babies in Thailand. Click here to be inspired.

Take an educational course in the country you are exploring. When I have gone on the road for longer than a month I enroll in at least one week-long class along the way. This insures that, at least, I will have people to interact with for that length of time. Add to it the bonus of learning about my classmates' culture through their eyes. And, if I am really lucky I might be invited home to meet their family.

Ed. note: If you are invited to someone's home and would like to offer a small gift, make sure that your offering is culturally correct.

Do not be afraid to ask questions. If you are at an onsen (hot spring bath) in Japan or hamamm (bath) in Morocco ask the other women in the changing room about proper decorum. Females are generally wonderful communicators. I have started more, great conversations by asking for help than one can possibly imagine.

Visit the local university. Academic bulletin boards are a tremendous source of cultural happenings. Program content is eclectic and the participants generally very welcoming.

Find a female-friendly restaurant you like and keep going back. Once the staff gets to know you, they will look forward to chatting with you, time and time again. Some of my best shopping tips came from a waitress in Munich and for three days in San Francisco my waiter became a dedicated jogging partner.

Check the local newspapers for singles' activities in the city. Here is a website with access to major newspapers in the world. Or simply pick up a 'What's On' community newspaper in the cafes you visit.

Join a walking tour of the city. It is a lively introduction to your new surroundings and you are bound to meet other solo travelers that way. Take the initiative, introduce yourself. Chances are you will end up doing some sightseeing together.

Finally, when language is a difficulty, invite a local student out to dinner. She picks the restaurant. You both enjoy the local cuisine. She gets the chance to practice her English. You pay the bill. And both of you benefit from the exchange.