How to start traveling solo

Dear Heloise: I have an idea for the person who was wondering about traveling solo. I traveled with friends for over 30 years, but I decided I had other places that I wanted to visit. I started with a trip that had a purpose, like a graduation to see family or friends who would be there. I did add in a few days on my own before the event to get the feel of traveling alone. I recently suggested this to a friend who was flying solo for the first time. She flew 9 hours to a very large city to see family. She did great! I am almost 80, and I have traveled solo for years. I am not afraid to strike up conversations, which is important when traveling solo. I have met wonderful people who have become friends. I have enjoyed places like England, Africa, Iceland, Norway and more alone. I have joined very small tours, but usually I like to add in days on my own before or after a tour.Safety is my top priority. Start small, and gain independence and confidence. Good luck! Grace LeBlanc, via email Dear Heloise: I read the letter from the woman who said that her husband doesn't like leftovers. We live alone as well, and I love to make things that I can freeze! I make a big batch of chili, then freeze the extra portions. I make a regular lasagna and a Mexican lasagna (a recipe with tortillas) in an 9-by-13-inch pan, then cut up the portions to freeze.This way, when I'm stumped for what to make, I can just pull a container out of the freezer. I always label the packages with the item and date. Surely, there must be other main dishes that freeze just as well. Jackie, via email Dear Heloise: In response to "Tearing My Hair Out," in Delaware: I, too, am a wife cooking for two. I find that when I make things like chili or spaghetti sauce, I make the same amount (as I always have). Then I put half in a freezer bag, squeeze out any excess air, and freeze it. It makes for a quick meal a couple weeks later. When I brown ground beef, I do the same. Brown the beef, drain it well, freeze half, then continue on with the remaining half that I need for whatever I'm cooking! This process has been a lifesaver for late afternoons when I have the grandkids. Always make sure that you write the date on the freezer bags and what's inside. Once, I planned for spaghetti but ended up with chili! Marcia B., in Cypress, California Dear Heloise: I save all the free small flashlights that I receive in the mail from charities and other places. I like to leave them in dark cabinets where there isn't enough light. I also leave them in my purse and vehicles. Very handy! I have found small wall-mounted (adhesive) lights that are under $10 for my smaller closets and pantry, which are very helpful as well. At home, for ice-cream cones with holes in the bottom, I save cookie crumbs to drop into the cone to prevent ice cream from dripping out. I also sprinkle these crumbs onto yogurt to add texture and taste. Love your column! Carolyn Purdy,via email Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.