Yes I love to travel alone so it is by choice. I am probably a little selfish but I have had too many trips ruined by companions, even those I thought I knew well. You really get to know people on trips together and not always for the best. So, yes, most of the time I vant to be alone.

hi

would also be interested in how many men solo travelers there are... maybe it's just me, but I know of many more women who go it alone. (or maybe they are just more noticeable as it is slightly unusual?)

are your reasons the same? are you more or less likely to wait for a buddy to go with you?

anecdotally, I know of many more women who volunteer - they seem more likely to 'get out there' and do something unusual with their free time if they are single. just curious.

good topic.

Sue

If the young lady vants to be alone, let her ve alone for Pete's Sake. Ve independent and enjoy ve world !...

reasons "depend" I would imagine, it does for me.
I have to be pretty close to someone and find that I know him/her very well in order to want to travel with that person (or decide that I don't want to!)
I have some wonderful friends with whom I know for sure I would NOT want to travel, ditto past and present romantic friends. I know some marrieds who prefer not to travel with spouses--either spouses don't like to travel, or their schedules don't always permit them both being away at the same time (kids,work, etc).
The great thing about traveling alone is obviously the independence, the being in control, the not having to answer to anyone else. Leaves me free to go find the obscure little historical hole-in-the-wall that only I would want to find.
On the other hand, when I do travel with a good companion, I love the sharing aspect, someone to turn to and say "isn't this great?!" And travel can be pretty romantic, if the
rental car don't break down.

I started out (many years ago) traveling alone, because it was either go alone or not go. I found to my amazement that I loved traveling solo. I have since had several opportunities for for companions -- both male and female -- and have managed to wiggle out. Maybe someday I'll give it a try, but I really don't think so. . .

I travel alone, and right now in my life, I wouldn't have it any other way (I have firmly told my friends that I am going alone, when they suggest maybe they can tag along. )

There are many reasons, some mentioned previously. Here are a few of mine:

1. Planning is a LOT easier. You stay where you want to stay, and don't need to consult anyone on the itinerary. This is especially nice when you are planning a trip "on the fly".

2. If you can get the nerve to go into a bar by yourself (and always sit AT the bar) it's far easier to meet people, both tourists and locals alike. I am 29 years old, and that probably makes it even easier to meet people, as I see a lot of people who are in their 20's-30's traveling alone.

3. Yeah, you pay more overall, but you have a room to yourself...very convenient if you find a studly native to have a romantic evening with. =P

I have been to Australia alone (my first big trip solo) and have done some ski trips alone. In the next year, I will be going to Ireland, then Spain solo. Traveling with other people is definitely fun...but traveling alone is something really special.

hi

would also be interested in how many men solo travelers there are... maybe it's just me, but I know of many more women who go it alone. (or maybe they are just more noticeable as it is slightly unusual?)

are your reasons the same? are you more or less likely to wait for a buddy to go with you?

anecdotally, I know of many more women who volunteer - they seem more likely to 'get out there' and do something unusual with their free time if they are single. just curious.

good topic.

Sue

vy is it, that some people will let you do the traveling, shrug their shoulders when you ask them their preferences, then complain or dislike what you've picked to see/do? Grrrr. I can definitely understand the urge to go solo.

vy is it, that some people will let you do the travel planning, shrug their shoulders when you ask them their preferences, then complain or dislike what you've picked to see/do? Grrrr. I can definitely understand the urge to go solo.

I was married very happily for 20 years and my husband and I travelled together very well (after the initial settling in period). After he died when I was still very young, (well relative to now- I'm 75), I just didn't want to sit but somehow thought a girlfriend would be "second best" after my special travelling buddy.

Alone is better for me because I can do as I wish when I wish. I like to "people watch" in hotel lobbies or cafes and happily will chat to others on trains if they seem so inclined.As an "old broad" I am considered "safe" for young people, both male and female to talk to. I always travel with a very good novel for quiet times.

I have met and stayed in contact with young pals from all over the world by smiling at folks with rings in their noses and orange hair- they are often willing to confide loneliness and missing parents to me in a way I think they would hesitate to do with younger people. They also appreciate my travel tips as I like they am on a budget-I know working mens' cafes and tavla caldas in 13 countries.

I'm not quite ready to hang up my back-pack and sneakers yet and I am happy to see my friends when I return...they think I am a lunatic for roughing it at my age.

But I just smile and go and pick up another email from Kiri, the doctor from Turkey or Lee, the journalist from Japan or Mary the artist from Dublin or Jamie, the meterological physicist from Peru...how else would I have made such wonderful contacts at my age-I have been invited to 5 weddings and have not one but two babies named after me!

Lynn, because of your self-confidence and strong inner spirit you live life to the fullest.

You're truly a remarkable person.

Lynn, wow, or should I say, vow, how exciting to read your post! You give me hope, I have the old mindset that people will ignore me as an eccentric if I travel alone. You have given me a new perspective. I admire you, too.

My first trip abroad was solo and it was last summer. Circumstances for a couple of years did not allow my husband and I to travel together at the same time and I thought that if I didn't go alone, I might never get to go at all.
Travelling solo was quite an experience for me. I met people from all over the world and found that I was more prepared than I thought for travelling alone. I arranged alot of the trip in advance and had some wonderful tour guides in Italy and met some terrific people through them and so I didn't feel alone. Being able to plan my time and see and do exactly what I wanted was quite wonderful. It was also wonderful to see my entire family waiting for me at the airport upon my return. The only thing I didn't absolutely love about travelling solo was eating alone. This was very difficult for me. I was asked to join another woman travelling solo one night for dinner and that was wonderful. She left the following morning and then I decided to "re-arrange" my customary sit-down dinners for dinners of a less formal nature.
Travelling solo was an experience born out of necessity for me, but one which I learned was a true gift.

Lynn, great post. Fantastic to know I've got years of solo travel left to look forward to...and be able to meet many kindred spirits in the process.

I prefer traveling solo for numerous reasons. One specifically is that my job demands a lot of interaction with editors and writers - debating, haggeling, compromising, etc, etc. Add to that the pressure of meeting weekly deadlines and the last thing I want to do on a vacation is have to be in "work mode". I did meet a friend in Rome last year which worked out great but I also spent time in Budapest alone. Vacation for me is about rejuvenation.

If I waited around for my friends to get it together so as to go I would probably be 65 years old - as it is we can hardly schedule getting together for dinner or a movie.

Another friend who had expressed interest in going to Prague with me has suddenly disappeared when time to purchase tickets and make hotel reservations - which has made me vow to never plan anything with this person again. I work to make things as simple and uncomplicated as possible - it seems to be easier traveling solo.

Did both, travel alone and with companion, male and female.
Alone was okay, I got to do what I wanted, no schedule, no consultation about where to go and what to do, truly independent.
With girl friend was also okay. However, make sure is not yours and hers same time of the month, hell can descend on earth without notice or warning and you can kiss you vacation goodbye. With boyfriend was the best! someone to share a romantic dinner, someone to share a passionate night in Paris or Rome, someone to travel the long road. I am a little skeptical about these ladies telling us how much they enjoyed being alone, eating alone, sleeping alone, walking the streets alone....

I learned to enjoy independent travel when I used to travel for work, and would occasionally be out of town over a weekend. I missed the kids, but it was SO nice to not be responsible for anyone's needs and preferences but my own!

Now, I prefer to travel solo unless I can find a companion whose travel style and preferences are similar to my own.

Count me in as another woman who prefers travelling alone. I find it very liberating and I've met very interesting people. I've taken three trips abroad so far, only one of which I took alone and I definitely had the most fun on the solo trip. I'll be doing another solo trip to London in a couple of weeks.

This is an interesting thread. I don't think anyone in my family has ever chosen to travel alone. They would rather forego the trip or complain that they can't travel because of no suitable companion. It must be so freeing to be able to state that you would travel overseas alone and then enjoy it while you are there. My hat's off to you all. I am still working up the nerve myself.

Lorie:

I am passionate about this subject, so I am posting again. While I certainly agree that many women would love to go on vacation with a man they care about and have it be a “romantic” get-away, it is hard to find that someone. Even a man who is great when you’re home often isn’t the best travel companion. And even when he IS a good travel companion, there is always some degree of compromise and of “what do you want to do” that occurs (if you’re a considerate person) so it’s not always 100% liberating and relaxing.

I LOVE to travel alone. No, it is not always fun. Yes, it is sometimes lonely. If it gets lonely enough, sometimes you might cry…but fortunately, no one is around to witness your embarrassment. And if someone IS around, he/she usually has a sympathetic word to say, and maybe a good story to tell that you would have never heard otherwise.

Traveling alone is not for every woman. Eating alone gets easier, but is never 100% easy. I personally enjoy it when things don’t go perfectly on my trips…I write about them to an audience, and it’s a lot more fun to write about a misadventure. If you go with an attitude that there is humor in everything, you’re that much better off. Women/men who are observant and love to people watch are also ahead of the game.

I have noticed certain women who travel alone are really never alone for very long. They can be of any age (as you can see from Lynn’s post) and are not always “conventionally” attractive. These women have a certain “je ne sais quoi” about them… you are curious as to why they are alone, and she’s more than just a passing thought. Some are effervescent, others are more mysterious…but the aura is still the same. These women know when they truly want to be alone, or can easily smile at a stranger and make friends.

I’m not trying to romanticize solo travel. But I can honestly say I enjoy being alone, eating alone, sleeping alone, and walking the streets alone.

I don't think that people traveling solo equates to wanting to be alone. The circumstance where one find oneself alone may come out of choice, out of necessity or perhaps both. One can travel solo and not be alone for one can think the whole world is their companion. On the other hand, one can have a companion and yet feel alone. I personally think it's an individual feeling or circumstance.

I have felt more alone with someone I didn't want to be with than if I were by myself. At least I don't pout or argue with myself. And yes, when your travel partner has no original ideas, but critizes yours, is the worse. My friend's cousin was the bad addition to our trip a few years ago, she was such a pill, I would rather have been alone.
Yes too the best circumstances and partner isn't always available, so you can sit home or go on your own. But remember life is short and there are no guarentees of the future.

I'm another male that has discovered solo travel. I finally got tired of waiting to find that special person to travel with (the ultimate compatability test), and my friends either seemed uninterested in going where I wanted to go or couldn't actually afford to travel. So last year I just decided to enough was enough and planned and booked a trip to Japan for two weeks by myself. I had a great time! In fact it was very liberating to go at my own pace and do all the things I wanted to do. Next week I'm off to France - also solo. I get a little nervous just before I leave wondering what unexpected problems I might run into, but I'm learning that there isn't very much I just can't handle.

I traveled solo the first time because if I didn't, I wasn't going to go. I travel solo now because never do I feel more confident in myself or more "me" than when I am in a foreign country on my own. Like many other posters, I have met wonderful people along the way that I would have never met otherwise,(including men, Lorrie) and I am a more enriched person because of those people.
I can almost always find a companion for dinner or other things if I want to.
Traveling with others is hard and can break a relationship. There are some people I would travel with in a heartbeat but not many. I have to compromise every day in my job and of course with family and friends, I enjoy the total control I have over what I do when I travel alone. And if I want to hang out with someone for a while, I can always meet someone to share a meal or spend time with when I choose to.

This is all fine, but I think you are very strong women, not all women are that strong or capable. I think I must be in a circle of very weak women in comparison, they would not even think of traveling without their spouses.
I thank the men that posted here on this thread too, it is nice to get a man's take on traveling alone.
Time for new friends, I guess.

Luanne, I don't think that because your friends wouldn't think about traveling without their spouses necessarily makes them weak...it's to each her own.

Keep your friends...you'll need some ears back home to listen to all your crazy adventures. <G>

I'd love to meet a man someday that I wouldn't DREAM of traveling without, but I'm a bit cynical about that...or of meeting someone who would never DREAM of traveling without ME.

Luanne -
My first trip solo was fraught with self doubt - my second less so - third a little bit less - and so forth and so forth. I've discovered the joys of solo travel slowly but steadly. You grow into it.

Yes Mina, weak was the wrong word, scaredy cats is better. They won't even go to the market after dark in our own city. How could they walk around Europe alone? Not that I am Xena, myself, I shouldn't talk. Just that my friends seem to not travel anymore after they
are widowed or divorced, they seem to be lost souls, waiting for, what?

Luanne, scaredy cats is a great phrase! Haven't heard it in a long time and it made me laugh.

Some people are perfectly content never to venture outside their comfort zone. Maybe your friends will start small one day...like going to the market after dark!

At some point, something just makes a lot of potential solo travelers say "@#*%&! this! I'm not going to wait anymore to see the world. I'm going!" For me, it was a USA Today article on Australia...I had always wanted to see Australia, I knew I had plenty of unused vacation time, and I had the money. I booked everything (in three days!) without analyzing too much, and figured I'd muster up the balls later.

I still have a copy of that article, and it's quite sentimental!

Well my answer is really extremely simple... I AM single (48, female, American)... I live alone, always have. So when it comes time for travel certainly if a friend(s) or relative is interested and available, well off we go together. If not, then off I go alone.

I think it is easier for single people to travel alone (than those normally part of a couple traveling solo). I LIKE and am used to my own company. For me to eat dinner at a nice restaurant solo is no big deal, and certainly won't be the 1st or last time it happens.

Another perk of traveling alone (male or female) is you have no one to compromise or argue with. I do exactly as I want. Heaven forbid you take the wrong train, get lost, take the vaporetto in the opposite direction, whatever. You fix it yourself. Or you find a cafe and drink some wine. No blame. I am ENDLESSLY amused eavesdropping on couples fighting and blaming each other about the silliest little things when they travel together.

I travel both ways and both have their unique qualities. For me, traveling alone is a far more introspective experience. I take in more of my surroundings and observe more. It is easy enough to meet people, if one so chooses. I can waste time on something that may not turn out to be too exciting, since I'm not wasting anyone else's time with it. There are no compromises to make. Interactions with other people take on a different significance when a person is alone, since one is focused entirely on the interaction vs. dividing it with a companion. If I want to concentrate on something like getting some great photos, going alone is definitely the very best way to go. On the other hand, it is a lot of fun to be able to share experiences, too. Traveling alone may represent a more substantial barrier to most women than it would for many men (I'm in a poor position to evaluate that.) But to me, it speaks volumes about those who enrich their lives that way! (I LOVED Lynn's post!)

I agree with you all. I still remember to this day the places I have skipped or been rushed through because my traveling companions weren't interested.
On one hand it is nice to share things with and have an extra pair of eyes for signs, etc., especially at the train stations. On the other hand it is nice to come and go and stop and eat and sleep and sightsee when I please.

Luanne -

Are you saying that your friends wouldn't even travel with other single friends, but would only travel with a husband, and now that they are widowed or divorced, have simply given up travel?

Reading these inspiring posts raises a big question to me.
The question is, for how long do you travel on your own.
I am half of a couple that travels ridiculously well together because we are both capable of laughing at ourselves over the mistakes we make.
I do travel on my own every year (but not to Europe), because for some reason my wife does not enjoy riding on the back of a motorbike through the rain to pitch a tent in the mud for bedtime. Since I am used to being part of a couple, I find that talking to myself becomes boring after a few days, and I start to miss the companionship.
I am wondering if those who live alone are able to travel alone for longer periods. Also what is the added stress if any of travelling alone in a country where communication with locals is limited to 'phrasebookology'.

As a female scuba diver without scuba diving friends I sometimes travel for diving alone. Its either go it alone or don't go at all. I don't want to drag a non-diving friend with when I will be gone for about 5 hours or more a day on the dive boat. Ya it gets a little boring at night but I enjoy the peace and time to myself.

I love reading about all the people who don't mind travelling alone. I haven't done it, but it looks like I'm going to have to. It's something that's very important to me, and it's hard for me to meet people who feel the same way.

I do believe that in general, more women are comfortable traveling alone than men. Very few men seem to be able to do well on their own. Take, for example, how quickly men tend to remarry after divorce. I think women stay single longer. Maybe men settle for someone much sooner than women, whilst women are more comfortable waiting for the right person. I haven't seen that many men travelling alone.

Rand - I have traveled alone for 3.5 weeks in Australia, and will be in Ireland for two weeks solo. Also am working towards staying in Spain alone for two months. I love not to have to hear my own voice for days.

I don't have a significant other to miss, but if I did, it certainly would be harder to travel for long periods away from him. You are certainly lucky.

As you can see, I started "easy" by going to English speaking countries. Spain will be my first foray into a country where English isn't the "first" language. I'm brushing up on my Spanish (semi fluent, but can't hold a long conversation) now, and hope to learn Catalan as well. At some point, I believe it will be interesting to travel solo somewhere where English is hardly spoken. But I'll work up to the challenge a little at a time.

Greta, I feel your pain...I'm certified and none of my friends are. I keep begging them to just fork over the money and do it!

Women have an advantage over men when traveling alone (except for safely, and those issues). I don't remember the last time I saw a solo male traveler sitting at a bar, and some other guy approaching him and saying "Dude, I see you're alone, let me buy you a beer." Solo men travelers tend to have to make more of an effort, while women usually have to fend off some of the more forward men!

I've travelled all kinds of ways as far as companionship goes, and I have to say....
I LOOOOOVE solo!
I've had great travel companions, and it's been a lot of fun, and I've had (ahem) other kinds of travel companions, and I've had fun anyway, but there's just something special about making your own way and soaking a place in through all of your senses.
The longest I've been so far is two weeks, but I'm eagerly anticipating my three upcoming weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia...all by myself.
(And no, I don't work in a solitary kind of job or live alone; that's one of the reasons, I think, that I really, really enjoy travelling alone.

I discovered the joys of solo traveling after taking my first trip to Europe in 1980 with my mother. It's been solo travel ever since. Thanks, Mom, for breaking me in early!

crazymina.
Your response has me howling with laughter. The scene you describe at the bar has happened to me so often in my life. The dificulty is always trying to convey that 'yes I am here at a bar dressed in leather, but sorry I am not that way inclined'. It has also happened that a woman approaches but I am married and it always brings to mind that old song with the lyrics...'three steps towards the door'. Anyone remember the name or artist?

Neil,
I loved the last line of your post, "I get a little nervous just before I leave wondering what unexpected problems I might run into, but I'm learning that there isn't very much I just can't handle."
That is what you get from solo travel, confidence in what you learn and realize you can handle.
I have traveled alone once to Edinburgh and London (last year)and loved it. My friends were broke at the time, and I realized that I had the money and the vacation time and was dying to go to Europe. So, I said would I rather be miserable here at home, or try something new. So, I worked up the nerve to tell my family, I was 23 and they thought I was crazy, but then they accepted it. They were mainly worried that something might happend and I would be there all alone. But I realized told them, I honestly know that there isn't anyone I trust more than myself, and I can do this.
This year, I just got back from a trip I took with a friend to Madrid. While I loved this trip and having her there to share this experience with, there is still something special about my solo trip. There is something special about seeing a place on your own and at your own pace. Although it may sound selfish, I feel like my trip to Edinburgh and London was "mine." It made me stronger and more secure about myself. It made me know myself better, and feel proud that I could do this on my own. I was also able to meet people from all over the world when I was on my own rather than with my friend, which also made the trip special. The hardest part--yes, the times I had to eat dinner alone. Hate that!!! There should be some kind of International dinner partners available in every city, then the whole problem would be solved.

I like to travel alone because I can do what I want, when I want and for how long I want.

Rand, that's amusing. I should rephrase my statement and say that men who are not "that way inclined" or not assumed as such, are not approached by other men. =P

Maybe you have a very approachable face?

I really enjoyed this thread--just thought I'd add my own 2 cents worth.
I think that tours and cruises are a great introduction to a newbie solo traveller.
Usually I tack on a couple of days on to a tour at the beginning. Loved bumming around London a bit before heading out with the tour group.
Love walking the decks on a medium size cruise ship and being with the sea on sea days. Usually on port days I do a shore excursion and bum around a port on my own later in the day.
Each trip I get a bit more adventurous and 'bold'--isn't that what travelling is all about.
Faith

crazymina.
Ah yes, that is it, my 'face' is approachable.
Anyway I found the song on limewire.
Lynard Skynard. Gimme three steps.

Rand, you had to look it up? Wow, guess I AM old. Not only do I know that song, but I can (and do) sing along (loudly -- at home, which you'd thank me for).

Traveling alone can be better for me -- my husband causes stress (he loves to get to the airport with enough time to run to the gate). No arguments about when or where to eat, what to see, etc. But I do miss him when there's something he'd love (Venice).

I've heard just as many female travel companions arguing as I have couples. But I think women tend to recognize when to schedule some time apart better than men do.

Rand, when you are used to being part of a couple I suppose it would be hard to be on your own. But in my life I haven't been able to get the good relationship and the ability to travel to happen at the same time. So I am on my own again and after reading this thread contemplating traveling alone.
Of course it would be nice to be part of a perfectly compatible couple, but it doesn't always happen and when it does it may not last long.
So I am beginning to think, who is living my life anyway if it isn't me?

Since I haven't gotten to the safe age yet (Hey, I'm only 22!), being a girl, and having parents that worry about her, I tend to travel with a friend.
Luckily, she's my best friend and we've lived together for four years so we know each other's in's and out's. (yes, it's like being married, or so I surmise)
However, I would like to travel alone some time. Perhaps visiting friends who live abroad or meeting up with some others. It is very well and good to be independent but being molested and worse does not fit into my itenerary.
I'd probably go to China on my own because I have friends and family there. And Japan, where they have women only hotels and such. I'll wait on Italy and Spain. The men there are quite nice but very aggresive. Being nice and flirting seem more synonymous over there.

Wondering, yes they are reluctant to travel without a man. It would be the height of daring for them to travel even together. I think there are more women out there like them than sophisticated people, like you all, realize. After their marriages dissolve through death or divorce, they pretty much throw in the towel and resign themselves to stick close to home, waiting for their grown children and grandchildren to visit. And I am referring to relative healthy women, perfectly able to travel, some may have bad knees, etc. But I tell them, and now they avoid me, what are you all waiting for? Death? Miracles? I think they think they owe it to their dead spouses to live the rest of their lives as meek little widows.

I'm a guy who often travels alone.

I had never been outside the US soon after getting my first job, a school friend and I made plans to go to London. A week or so beforehand, I learned that if the trip was going to happen, I would have to go by myself.

Turned out to be one of the best moves I've ever made - got me out of my shell, met lots of new people over the years, and have been able to spend time where I want.

I don't exactly love eating alone, but I've found that many casual restaurants will serve food at the bar, or I bring a book.

The only aspect of single travel that makes me nervous, especially as I've gotten older has been the "What if....?" As in "What if I rent a bike, as I sometimes do, and get into an accident?" Hasn't happened, but there have been some close calls. So now I'm more careful about carrying multiple identification and informing people back home where I'll be.

In all seriousness why don't you all want to eat alone? I eat alone in restaurants in my own hometown all the time. Is it because you are on vacation and think people are looking at you? I guess I am missing something, but I don't see what is wrong with eating alone.

I began my solo travel years ago by extending business trips through the weekend. I never felt uncomfortable dining or doing things alone, because my mindset was that "I am on business".

I have travelled with companions (both male and female) on a number of occasions and have not had as much fun because of the compromises that have to be made (I am an early riser who wants to get up and out to see the sights or do something active - many of my companions wanted to stay out partying all night spending the day in bed or on the beach).

I guess it is selfish on my part but if I am going to pay a few thousand dollars to go someplace, I'd like to follow my own agenda and make my own memories.

Most of my friends don't understand, they feel bad for me and always try to think of someone who might be available to accompany me....

Things may change if I met a soulmate.... I did travel to Disneyworld once with someone who was perfectly happy with us separating for the day to do our own things and then hooking up for dinner. I am hoping my future husband will want the same....

I am thinking if I can find myself a golfer, I can send him out to do 18 holes a few days while I explore then we can also spend a few days together doing something that we both enjoy.

The advantage of traveling alone is that people feel bad for you and lots of times you get special treatment. A few years ago I was at Disney for New Years Eve solo. I attempted to eat dinner at one of the better places and was told that reservations were made a year in advance but that if "we" wanted to wait she could probably fit us in in about 3 hours. When the hostess heard that there was no "we" and that I was solo, I was seated immediately.

Being alone I find that I meet more locals and other travelers, allowing me to meet new friends and have some interesting conversations that never would have occurred had I been a couple.

I think people don't want to eat alone because they think they are being perceived as losers or peculiar loners, that is why they read books, so as to look intellectual instead.

For Luanne, Your posts seem so honest and sensitive but also make me feel very sad. BUT then again, I'm sure your friends would think I was the big loser for never being married or having kids. Maybe there are many conservative women, as you mention, who live as you describe, but there are also many many other kinds. Look at the "Older Travelers" bulletin board on the Lonely Planet site for a real eye-opener. Or read "The Unsavvy Traveler" or "A Woman Alone" short story collecitons. If YOU are interested and IF you want to you CAN change your life experiences... start small... join a book club, subscribe to a travel magazine, etc.).

We're all gonna get old & die, but my personal dream is doing it in Mexico, among friends young and old, not cryin' in my beer (oops i mean tea) sitting at home alone alone alone.

Kindheart, thanks. I am planning on starting out slowly, thanks for the encouragement. Now don't talk about dying, you get out and about too! Anybody can die, we have to get out and live! I am on a roll now, tomorrow I will get to the bookstore and buy my first travel guide, maybe for Paris!!!
And I am no youngster as you can tell maybe.

I agree with most of the posters above.

No compromise required. I set my own schedule and change it at my own whim without having to coordinate with anyone. I normally have a list of things I'd like to do during my vacation and select from the list when I get up in the morning -- and frequently change my mind after I leave the hotel or as I walk down a street.

If I wait for someone to go with, I'll stay home the rest of my life. I mainly did that for the first 45 years (with the exception of a couple of trips with my Mom on "Hell tours" when I was stationed in Germany). Two years ago, my Mom suggested I go to London -- by myself. I only went for 4 days then. Last year I went to Paris for 8 days; this year I spent two weeks between Paris and London. Now I'm trying to figure out what next. (I may even eventually try a place which has long seemed very scary, terribly intimidating, and extremely foreign to me: New York City.) Both London and Paris are so easy to get around and certainly documented well enough that anyone with basic research and organization skills can plan a trip on their own. And a good place to start to build up your confidence.

Regarding eating alone:
No, it's not being perceived as a "loser" that bothers me about eating dinner alone, it's just seeing other people with friends and/or family that leaves me feeling kind of homesick. Usually by the end of the day, I want to share my experiences with someone and that usually happens at dinner. That's really the only time that I felt alone on my solo trip. If I could just get over that, my solo trips would be perfect.

Im a man who travels alone,I am taking my first trip to Euorpe.When you travel alone you are free to do what you want.The thing that scares me the most is the language barrier,other than that I am just going to have fun.

Are you all loners when you are in your hometowns too? Just wondering...not criticism.

Susan, eating alone is boring! Except it did allow me to keep up with my travel journal !

Diana, I'm so glad you had a great time in Paris and London; it was good to meet you, and my feeling about NYC is exactly the same as yours!

There's a lot to be said for independent travel, being able to do what you want, when you want and how much you want. I enjoyed my trip to Paris. That said, I think the goofs and funny things are better shared. (and meals, too) But I would certainly go alone again.

Hello again all you solo and solo "wanna be's"; I could not help chiming in again when I saw the "conversation" turn to this dining alone issue.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've had a great deal of practice at this and I offer up three tactics that I found useful over the years.

#1. The Avoidance Gambit- Don't eat alone. Try to meet someone in the breakfast room of your hotel in the am with the specific intention of meeting up for a meal later "to compare your day"...remember, many singles are even shyer than you are and will welcome the idea and, frankly, many couples are bored with eachother and will also be pleased at the distraction of a new face. Give it a try, the worst that can happen is a "no": few people are truly rude.

2. The Picnic Option- dinner is often a good time to go to the pretty garden or interesting zoo you just walked past earlier...buy something delicious to eat, sit on a bench or, if you are more flexible than I am, a newspaper and enjoy the sunset. Its much harder to feel sorry for your solo state outside in the midst of nature's beauty than sitting next to an amourous couple at the next table.

3. The I'm Far Too Busy to Eat Trick- do your correspondence, postcards, letters over a meal. This has the added advantage of letting your friends back home share your taste in food: "Martha, that splotch just there is the most delicious ragu...I wish you were here to enjoy it with me". (PS. you don't really, your own solo act is much more fun than catering to her picky indecisiveness which is why you are on your own in the first place...)

Grab your courage and have fun!

To answer Susan's question... When I am in my hometown I often go out to eat with my friends. I am not a "loner". I happen to be a single woman, who likes to travel, and sometimes takes a trip solo. I think married people often have trouble understanding the concept that some of us just never got married. It's not a temporary situation, I'm 48, so I don't think it's probably going to change anytime soon!

Am a single guy leaving for France again (not sure if it is 8 or 10 trips to Fr) solo. Always have a great time, but the dinner as a single is not my preference, however several trips with female companions were at times a real test of compatability! Best experience is with someone who can be independent at times and who you are romantically involved with.

I met a nice man from London once when we were dining in Venice at adjacent tables. It got all the way to dessert before either one of us spoke, I was way too shy, then I said something about the food and he was very friendly. We met in the same restaurant every evening to share our days, he was happily married and on a business trip. That was all it was, a companion at dinner and it was fun!

I'm another woman who travels alone. Initially I went alone because I couldn't find a travel mate with the same interests, money and vacation time. Trips with others can be very stressful, with too many compromises. It's nice to just do what I really want to do. I have no problem at all with eating alone; dining alone makes it much easier to find what works, whether it's a snack on the run or 3 course meal in a restaurant.
My first trip alone was to England, Scotland and Wales for 3 weeks. I wasn't comfortable with driving on the left and navigating at the same time, so now I just use public transportation. I usually go for 2 weeks at a time and generally stick to English speaking countries. But, I went to Spain for 6 weeks alone, and when my son joined me he was more bothered by my poor language skills than I was.
As someone else mentioned, I often notice how miserable couples are, openly bickering with each other, and am glad to be alone.

I've traveled solo and with friends, most were wonderful; there was one who is no longer a friend. Traveling solo gives one freedom to do as one chooses, be spontaneous, and meet people in a way that just doesn't happen when traveling with someone else.

As I've been traveling for business a long time, I've grown comfortable with being on my own.

My only objection to traveling only is at dinnertime. My preference while on holiday is that dinner be a "dining" experience rather than just eating. "Dining" would include conversation, and not just with my server. When alone I write in my journal or read a book, but I will still eat at a decent restaurant. My preference would be to have someone to discuss the adventures of that day. Sometimes I meet people along the way and have company for dinner.

to the top for Kira

Luanne, such a small world. Your friends are my sisters! All 4 of us were planning a trip to France and Italy (recent modest inheritance) and, one by one, they all backed out. They say they want to go with their hubbies, but, fact is, they'll never go.

So I'm headed to Paris solo. (Driving around Lake Como/Tuscany didn't seem like a solo trip to me). This isn't new for me, though. In my career I moved to 11 different cities by myself...good training for solo travel. As for eating alone...doesn't have anything to do with what the other diners think. It's that, with no companion, there's nowhere for your eyes to wander except to other tables. That's why a book or journal is more comfortable. The only thing I avoid is high-end, trendy restaurants...not because I would be uncomfortable, but because OTHERS would be.

NOTE: My favorite "wallflower" story: I was travelling alone in London when a girl friend arrived in town and came to see me at my hotel. After we had dinner she insisted I walk her to the Underground station because she was afraid to walk alone at night. When I pointed out that I would have to walk back to the hotel alone, she said "That's different...you're used to it!". Ha! Cracked me up! She definitely fell into the "wall flower" column in my book.

I just went to London and Paris by myself for two weeks, left the husband at home to remodel the kitchen. I didn't think twice about the ramifications of traveling by myself for my very first time to Europe, but everybody else seems to think it is a big deal. I had a great time and no regrets.

I have traveled alone overseas since I was 17. It just started out that way and it has always been the easiest way to travel. I always meet people while travleing, but I don't have to acquiesce to anyone else's idea of a good time. I am now in my early forties and still travel alone by choice. Many times I don;t know what I feel like doing until I start the day and if something is not to my liking I can chnage it without pissing off companions. If for some reason I am traveling with a friend, it's always fun to split up during the day, then meet for dinner and swap stories. Generally, I think if you are not the kind of person who enjoys going to the movies alone at home, you will probably not be comfortable travelling alone.

Hi, I know this thread was abandoned months ago, but I just had to say how much of an inspiration all your posts are! In 2 1/2 months I am leaving my native Boston to live for 4-5 months in Britain, Edinburgh specifically. I, of course, don't know a soul over there, and am terrified out of my head. But living/working abroad has been something I've dreamed of doing for a while, and as I am 19 and in the midst of transferring colleges, I figured my second semester would be the best opportunity. Again, just wanted to say how meaningful it is to hear all your stories.

Good for you Jess, start out young before any fears creep in and start to grab hold of you. I admire you and wish I had done the same thing at your age!

Hi--
I didn't see this thread when it was fresh and new as I was busy hanging out on the Australia board planning my July solo trip.

Let me tell you, travelling alone is fine. As a matter of fact, it's better than fine. I love it. I agree w/many of the posters here about the benefits of going it alone. I enjoy meeting others and being by yourself makes it so much easier than when paired up. One thing,I don't love is having nice dinners alone because to me eating is a social activity...If I don't meet someone to hang out w/at dinner, I catch up w/my travel journal or read. I don't give a hoot what others think and more than once, I've been invited to join some nearby diners. Some of those unexpected happenings turned out to be one of the best parts of my trip.

I'm waaay more friendly and outgoing when I'm away. Part of it is probably because I'm relaxed and not rushing around like I do at home. Another reason is because I don't have the safety of my friends to rely upon. It's a big deal to pick up the phone when you're 15 time zones from home...

So girls (and guys) go for it. Don't sit on you're butt wishing you could go here there and everywhere. Save your money and go for it!

Debbie

Hello,
I do like to travel on my own,but would like to have some new friends to travel around Europe with this Spring/Summer.Please e-mail me and I'll tell you more.I will be working in Germany in December and hope to get awaay once in awile.

Well, you have all given me inspiration. My friend is going to cut down on her time on our trip to Europe so I will be own my own for a while and flying alone, too. I have never done this and I am what you would call middleaged. I was losing my nerve, but if you all can, so can I!

I am blessed with the perfect companion, my husband. I do most of the research for upcoming trips and almost all navigating in foreign lands. He says he's related to "Wrong-way Corrigan." With 15+ years of travel under our belts, hopefully, we would continue to go it solo if/when we ever have to. We both love it too much to ever give it up because of lack of travel companion. The only thing we would really miss would be the "Wow! Look at that!" factor.

How about taking a mini tape recorder that you can speak into, and say "wow, I am looking at the best fountain, the .....". Then when you get home you can play it back and relive the experience complete with neighborhood soundtrack.

Legs, of course you can do it! I began traveling alone about five years ago, and since then all my leisure trips have been solo. I haven't taken that many trips, but I do have wonderful memories of my trips to Vienna (3 months pregnant at the time), Berlin, London, and Arizona. At some point I would like to find the perfect travel companion, but I love travel too much to forego it in the meantime.

I must echo some of the comments above about dining out in the evening--that's when I really feel the lack of company. By nature I'm a very reserved person and I don't tend to feel comfortable striking up conversations with strangers. One thing I have discovered, though, is that the communal breakfast room in a hotel is a great place to meet fellow travelers who might like to dine with me.

One website I particularly like is www.journeywoman.com. Check it out for inspiration and travel tips. Lou, I love the audio-recorder idea.

I just got back from a week in London by myself. It was great! I chose to go by myself, because I knew I'd be free to follow my own agenda. I saw what I wanted, when I wanted, and at my own pace. I had a wonderful time!

This is a fascinating thread. So much of what's being said I can relate to - learning about myself, taking chances, feeling victorious and strong. Re eating alone: find a restaurant with a great menu and go back to it. After your third meal (they really must have a GREAT menu), you'll be treated very nicely. This worked very well once for me in Paris, where waiters aren't known for their friendly smiles. I travel a lot, work and leisure, and have taken most European vacations alone primarily because I'm single, I can go, and no one else can, for time or money reasons, or they just don't want to travel. But work travel has ruined solitary vacations. They used to be wonderful. But it's gotten old. I find I like to be able to talk to people about what we see and do and then later to share the memories. That being said, I've abandoned my best friend on the street in Paris (and her without a word of French) because she got on my very last nerve, and I spent a trip with a gentleman friend mostly inebriated so I wouldn't have to listen to him criticize everything. And oh - that ski trip where a friend rubbed herself all over every man who was standing still. I wanted to wear a sign that said, "I'm NOT with stupid." On this last trip with my mother and sister, the theme of my journal was, "I must have been straight out of my MIND!!!" Strangely we all get along fine at home. So maybe we should find traveling companions through some other method than family or friendship. Maybe there's a psychologist here who could come up with a questionnaire. It goes without saying, I'm convinced that I'm just the greatest traveling companion in the entire big wide world, but my sister and mom referred to me as "the bossy one." So, maybe it's all in your viewpoint. But traveling alone, for me anyway, has gotten pretty lonely lately. Jess, don't listen to any of my wailing - have a fantastic time in Britain. We all envy you the opportunity.

One thing I can suggest to ladies traveling by yourselves, is to eat alone a few times before you leave.

If you panic eating alone in a restuarant a few miles from your own town, you will have to work on why you do, and what you can do to eliminate the feeling.

I thought of this when I was shopping, got hungry and instead of eating in some little fast food place decided to have a big meal in a "real" restaurant. I was treated formally but nicely. I felt a little like a mystery woman, most of the other diners (on a Saturday night) were couples and I did get some strange looks, but I smiled and had a great meal!

I like to travel alone. I took a trip to Austria and Switzerland in 98 with a colleague of mine that I didn't know too well. It was a good trip, but there was one moment where we split up and did our own thing. Looking back on it now, it was a great idea because we were getting on each other's nerves. Ever since then, I have travelled by myself. One of the main reasons was the timing of my trip. Another reason I travel alone is that it does give me flexibility to do what I want. If I want to walk around Paris and think about the other issues going on in my life and totally ignore the glorious sights Paris has to offer, then I can do that without feeling guilty about cheating someone else out of a good time.

To echo the other posts re: eating alone, I have to admit that eating alone when I travel is one of the hardest things for me to do. I am the one that will have a guidebook, book, or journal at the table while waiting for my meal. I have discovered, though, as I do it a bit more, it does get a bit easier, but those are definitely the times when I wish I had another person with me.

This is a great topic!

I really enjoy having a few days alone, especially eating in restaurants. I have gotten very good at paying attention to other diners without being obvious about it... call it an extension of people-watching

I suppose that sounds hopelessly nosy, but it allows me to have different perspectives, wondering how different people live, what their lives are like, etc. I find it a fascinating exercise in cultural diversity!

You know, there doesn't seem to be as many threads this past year or so about women concerned about traveling or even dining alone.

Have alot of us passed that stage?
or
Is it a non issue nowdays?

I find it a non issue when I choose to travel alone, I just go, it is sort of exhilarating to be totally alone in a foreign country with no one at home knowing exactly where you are at any given time.

I remember earlier this year I stood alone with a soft wind blowing, on a cliff on the Amalfi coast and just wanted to scream "YES!".

I've done several trips by myself. I enjoy it a great deal. I am married with two children, who I sometimes take on trips also. Trips with a kid are fun, but of course different, and I usually curtail the classical music concerts and cater to what they want to do. I have tried a couple of short trips with a friend - thankfully no great investment of time or money or I would have been very upset at the outcome!

My husband does not like flying, and really does not like leaving the comforts of home and our dog. And, as he pointed out, because he doesn't travel, that leaves more money for the rest of us to go places!

Eating alone does not bother me. However, I often seem to end up with a schedule like this: hearty breakfast around 8 or 9, light snack during the day, dinner around 4 to 6. I don't eat dinner during standard dining hours. And because I'm usually trying to save money, I often do not eat at a sitdown restaurant anyway.

One method of finding travel friends is through staying at hostels. I know that there is some inconvenience in sharing a room with a group of strangers (although it is often possible to book a single room also). However, you almost cannot help but chat with lots of people. If you make a meal in the kitchen, or sit in the lounge, someone will undoubtably come and talk.

If you are afraid to try a trip to Europe alone, start with a trip to the next state or big city.

I took my first solo trip to Europe at age 48 and have to say I had a marvelous time!!! I have since traveled solo two more times and am currently planning my fourth trip. I'll admit that when the plane was landing on that first trip I had a moment when I thought to myself "girl, you have completely lost your mind!" but once I got off the plane and that inner voice said "you CAN do this" I was fine. I don't always like eating alone, and like Willtravel posted, I also adapt my eating schedule. That's when I take out the guidebooks and plan what's next or just sit and "people watch". The most memorable time I've ever had was sitting at an outside cafe in Cinque Terre with a glass of wine and bowl of olives overlooking the coast and just thanking my lucky stars that I was there. No, I don't think solo travel is for everyone but if you want to see the world and get tired of trying to find someone to go with you AND you enjoy your own company, than by all means do it!!

I love spending as much time in a museum as I want, or stopping to window shop. You can pick and choose exactly what interests you! You are your own travel guide!

What amazes me most are those who think you are crazy for traveling alone, and I'm talking not only family, but friends and co-workers. I can't tell you how many times I've heard "wouldn't it be more fun to go with someone?". Maybe for those people it would be, but for those of us who choose not to sit at home and just dream our lives away, than going solo is the only choice. I wouldn't trade anything for my trips. They bring me countless hours of terrific memories and stories. Returning home and planning the next "adventure" is almost as much fun!

I travel alone on almost all my trips, AND I don't take a camera or videocamera. I can't tell you the number of incredulous looks and puzzled inquiries I've gotten when those facts come out (I don't just come out and say it off the top). "But what do you DO?" they say. Somehow, my answers of "absorbing the atmosphere" and "living for the moment" just don't cut for them.

As to me, I have traveled with friends and it was great! 14 of us bare-boated (self drive) barges through the Cote d'Or last spring.
But this past trip was for me. I did NOT want to hear "i dunno...what do you wanna do"? Its exactly that, I wanted to do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. My interests are varied and some would think "weird"..or if not weird, "dull". Not to me.
Now, if I knew a gent like "our Ira"...well then...maybe a different story!
The gentlemen I know, I don't want to travel with.. just yet. One with whom I would travel, doesn't like to travel...(sheeeesh...)
And, I am a foodie, and to go eat great things sometimes here at home I do that alone too! and I don't take a book to look "intellectual"...
I can so I do

I don't like taking a camera either. I do take several disposable cameras now for the sake of people who want to see some evidence of the trip. But I often forget to take a camera out with me for the day. So much less to keep track of. If I want to look at beautiful pictures of destinations, there are zillions on the web already.

I don't "vant to be alone" nor do I "vant to be together". I've had to take a lot of business trips where choice of companion was not an available option.

As for the comments on waiting for the husband before some wives would take trips, I had to laugh. Most of my male colleagues have to be taken care of when we are abroad. They ask me when and where the meeting is going to be, how to get there, and I'm NOT the secretary. In Asia, sometimes, they have to be escorted to the restroom door, because they can't read the local signs. I have to make the reservations. If something goes wrong, I have to figure out a way to make things right. ("You go and handle this. You speak the language." Why can't Americans learn a foreign language?) Unless, of course, we have a branch office in that city. In which case, I quickly refer them to the local receptionist, who then efficiently takes care of "my" men.

The other extreme are men who have to take control and be dominant no matter what. I then just sit back and let them "take control", good or bad.

Women colleagues are generally worse as companion travellers. Not only do they expect to have their hand held all the way, but they claim as a RIGHT to complain about every little thing that goes wrong! I'll never forget one woman colleague who sat and complained nonstop in the airport because something had happened to our connecting flight. She was absolutely no help at all!

At least with a man, he would have retired immediately to the closest bar!

Dining alone? I've had to attend so many "power breakfasts", "power lunches", "power dinners" that dining alone is a singular moment of triumph and of joy! I can focus on the FOOD instead of quickly ordering "something" and then continuing on with the business discussion at hand. Ask me to name what I ate out of thousands of business meals, and I honestly can't tell you what I had at a single one. I can remember unusual items that others have ordered: rattlesnake, fried scorpions, bear's claw, but not what I ate myself.

Now retired, I enjoy personal trips with friends and family members or trips by myself.

My hats off to all of you who have discovered the wonderful joys of travelling alone. And to those who are hesitating: don't. That perfect travel companion doesn't exist, except in very very rare cases.

Willtravel!

As to cameras! Your post made me LOF. Coz, I don't live for pictures either! I don't see the world in snap-shots. I prefer to see the whole panarama (that and I might miss something if I were fiddling with my camera <GRIN>
So this last trip I DID buy a throw-away...and at least got someone to take my picture on a Paris bridge at sunset with the Eiffel tower lit up behind me!
Just as evidence! hahahahaha!

Sorry for being off topic, but how can one who's seen Bailey's "photos" (somehow, that word doesn't do justice to her creations) not want to take a camera?

Further yet off topic, how does one travel with a camera and not look a tourist?

I keep my digital in my purse instead of slung around my neck, then I just whip it out at photo ops!

On topic: I just recently decided that I love to travel alone, it makes the trip so much more of an adventure and so immediate.

It's interesting that this thread has turned to traveling alone without a camera because when I just recently made the decision to try traveling alone it was largely BECAUSE of photography. That's one of the most enjoyable parts of traveling for me (though, of course, not the only one) and I always feel with my various traveling companions that I couldn't take the time I wanted to take pictures. They always seem to be waiting for me to hurry up and finish shooting (even though they say "take all the time you want"). Apparently there are many reasons to travel solo - and many benefits to it. So keep all the positive comments coming - I'm still a bit anxious about it as I plan my first solo trip.

Hi isabel,
I guess the point is that you are free to do as you wish and to really get to know yourself during solo travel. I'm just a klutz with cameras and figure, what are postcards for anyway? I'm sure you do much better than me on that score!
On my most recent trip, I found myself unexpectedly rather morose and did some self-questioning as to why. I wasn't really "depressed", but I had some ongoing sorrows in life and when I got away physically, I also was away from the routine of work, family, etc. which made it easy suppressing how I really felt about those things. Somehow, alone and in unfamiliar surroundings, my true feelings were free to come bubbling up to the surface. So, I treated this as a gift from the universe, welcomed the melancholy as a valid presence, and had a wonderful trip. Still a little low-energy and low-key, but special. How different it would have been if I'd had someone along who'd insisted that I "cheer up" and "get with the program"!

isabel, just start thinking of your anxious thoughts as being excited thoughts instead.

Think of an entertainer just before she goes on stage and the feeling of excitement and anticipation coupled with anxiety and then feel the energy and go!

That is what I am doing right now for my solo trip!

beachbum, Bailey's pictures were gorgeous, but I'm sure she had to take a great deal of care and attention to create them. It's just not what I want to do on a trip. I enjoy wonderful photography and cinematography done by others.

There are different reasons to take pictures on a trip, one for your own memories and one for creative photography.
The first type takes in the whole scene and the second type takes the gargoyle.

I love traveling solo. I have freedom to do whatever I want, whenever I want. And, I meet more people when I'm alone.

As for dining alone, I tend to eat on the run or eat in my room late at night. When I do dine out, I take a book or journal. Usually I don't read it because I end up in conversation with other diners or the staff. More commonly, I've met someone wherever I am and they take me to dinner.

I wrote a very long trip report on my solo trip to Italy last Sept. It's much too long to post here, but if anyone's interested, you can email me for the link:

stylistique@earthlink.net

I think that I would enjoy travelling alone, seeing the sights alone, sleeping alone, having breakfast and lunch alone. But for some reason I would dread having dinner alone, I would feel lonely and depressed. I know I'm being irrational. How do women travelling alone deal with dining solo?

I would love, love, love it - but when I even mention it my immediate family looks at me like I am two-headed. Of course I really liked living alone as well. I wouldn't trade my husband and kids for anything but sometimes . . . It is not so bad now but I can remember a time after my second baby when I thought I would never be alone again (Smile!) During that period I read a book that recommended sabaticals with no talking for three to seven days. Sounded like bliss to me. And I am generally a VERY outgoing person.

Anyway, so that my family doesn't ship me off to the bin I drag my mom along on trips. She loves it (for the most part) and we have wonderful memories. Sometimes she just doesn't get me though. We were in this beautiful garden in England and I just wanted to sit quietly, if not silently, and enjoy it. I came to see it - why rush thru! Forget it, she thought I was nuts.

At least I am able to go!

It's great travelling alone. Most of my girlfriends also like it. We all get up at different times. And you must know how chicks are like with hair dryers and stuff. They need more times. We dudes need to get up and go.

Oh - and in a previous life (before children) I had a job that involved 85% travel. When dining alone I took something to read. I didn't always read it - I might people watch or even strike up a conversation - but if I felt conspicious or wanted to end a conversation I could become engrossed in it!

You know, I used to post and say that the worst part about travelling alone is eating. That used to be my one phobia. But here I am, after various trips and meals alone, and I am now pretty comfortable with it. Not only that, I'm starting to prefer solo travel. I love the flexibility and there's no frustration in dragging others around (or vice versa).

I like going part of the trip with a friend part with a relative. In between being alone is great. It is hard fifnding a good travelling companion.

I actually do like to travel alone, I can go where I want, stay as long as I want and don't have to check with anybody. Sometimes, I have traveled alone because none of my friends could make it, though I was never disapointed to be alone. I'm an avid photographer, and it is much easier to take photographs if no one is waiting next to you patiently or not. I also notice things around much more if I'm alone, I usually talk to more of the locals. But I also enjoy traveling with a friend, but a good traveling companion is hard to find. Of all the friends I have, I can say that there's only two I can travel with without wanting to kill them and my sister is also a good traveling companion. I love traveling so much that I don't want it ruin by someone who will complain all the day, I would much rather be alone than with someone like that. Plus, I also like to read while I'm traveling, it's nice to just sit somewherer and read or write your journal, something that it isn't as easy to do if you are with someone else.

I have travelling alone for about seven years. I am 76 and single (not on purpose,but that's another story). I find traveling alone delightful. When my wife and I travelled, we'd always have minor arguments of what to see and when.

I like museums but after about four hours, I had enough. She wants to see the Whole museum. Alone, no problem.

I get rotten jet lag. I need at least a day to recuperate and when I simply wanted to rest, she wanted to do the tourist thing IMMEDIATELY. "We are paying 125 dollars for this room, get up and lets go."

She's gone and now I travel on home exchange, so when I crash from jet lag--it doesn't cost me a cent.

I don't mind eating alone because it gives me a chance to study the people around me, and sometimes I sketch them.

I do miss sharing an event or a fine visit to a museum with someone but I discovered on my last trip that posting my journal helps me since it is a sense of sharing.
Go for it and go alone!!!

Dining alone? The best to eavesdrop on others' conversation! and of course, people watching too...but trust me, people "listening" is a lot of fun too.

I hope every one of you find the love of your life, a great friend, and or that special someone to travel with. Honestly, this is all a big lie. Who can really be trully happy alone.

Ocean4,

I feel so sorry for you, do you really mean that? Someone cannot be happy alone? Oh, what a sad comment. If a person cannot be happy by themselves, I don't think they can truly be happy with someone else...and god forbid that person is no longer around for whatever reason...what happens to your happiness?

Anyway, believe it or not, some of us do like our own company...now, I'm not saying I hate people but I am happy by myself and don't depend on someone else to make me happy, especially when traveling!

Time waits for no man or woman. Go with someone special if you can, but it not, go alone.

Please don't feel sorry for me. I am the happiest person alive, that's how I feel. I meant what I said in a sincere way and didn't want to sound mean. I agree with everything you wrote and I feel that way too. Being alone and feeling lonely are different. I have travelled all over Europe, middle east, South America, and asia alone and I didn't feel lonely either but its much much more pleasant when you have some one that you care for with you. (atleast for me)

Just curious if anyone has seen these singles cruises with Vacations To Go:

http://www.vacationstogo.com/singles.cfm