"Price based on double occupancy" is a phrase that is painfully familiar to anyone who travels alone. No doubt about it, solo journeys can be expensive.

Traveling solo can have distinct advantages, in addition to having the opportunity to do only what you want to do.

Kipling observed that whoever travels fastest travels alone, but speed is not always the only consideration and a good traveling companion offers many benefits.

A thousand years ago, the steamy jungles and volcanic mountains at the base of the Yucatan Peninsula were the heart of the Mayan civilization. FMI - www.colegiomexsur.edu.mx/english.html

Lonely Planet Publications founder Tony Wheeler produced "Chasing Rickshaws" a magnificent photo-filled portrait of the world's most appealing way of getting from here to there. FMI .lonelyplanet.com

Having a trip collection point makes for a more convenient way to pack. Plus, we offer other strategic tips to make your trip more enjoyable.

"Never checked your valuables," and other sage advice for making sure both you and your luggage get where you're going together.

Never take your US constitutional guarantees for granted when traveling in foreign lands. They won't mean much if you get into trouble over there. FMI - www.travel.state.gov

American Youth Hostels operate facilities near 45 ski areas across the country. Here's how to get in on the savings, both in accommodations and on the slopes. FMI - www.hiayh.org

Within easy sight of the vibrant city's soaring skyline, adventurous travelers can find hundreds of miles of glorious hiking trails. We'll visit two: Pokfulam Park and the MacLehose Trail. FMI - www.hkta.org

If you maintain your credit card close to its limit, consider the dangers of hotels and rental car companies who freeze a portion of your credit for up to two weeks to cover estimated charges.

The London Heathrow Express carries passengers from Paddington station to all Heathrow terminals. It runs every 15 minutes and can cost as little as $20 each way. Fore information and e-tickets - www.heathrowexpress.com

If double-decker buses and vaulted underground trains excite you, you'll want to visit this museum of vehicles that have served Londoners since 1820. FMI - www.ltmuseum.co.uk

A ruggedly beautiful country, the Central American nation is slowly being rediscovered. Here are some high points to explore. FMI www.nicaragua.com

Over the next 6 days, students across the country will get a dose of geography with the activity packet CD carrying the theme data and. FMI www.nationalgeographic.com/geography-action/index.html

If your flight plans go awry, find an airline gate agent who follows Merkle's Law. You may find seemingly inflexible airline regulations can magically be bent.

This 450 mile stretch of scenic highway through the Appalachian foothills in central Tennessee boasts poignant history at its every bend. FMI www.nps.gov/natr

The Pacific island of Bora Bora has been described as the most beautiful place on earth. Fishing, skin diving, and relaxing on the beach are the primary activities.

What's the rhyme and reason to who gets to fly and who gets left behind? The simple answer is, there is no simple answer.

Be careful of your body language when visiting and foreign lands. Here are some common faux pas to avoid.