Just do it. Plan, research, but don't get all OCD about it. Once you have a plan and know what you are doing, enjoy the serendipity of it all. By the way, lots of people think going it alone is the best. Much less frustration and waste of time that way. (But there are plenty of opionions about this.)

Daisy,

At 46 I'm doing this with 2 of my 3 kids next June. I think 2 months will be my top as they have to be back to School before August 20th.

I can give you insight of my trip. Take a look at my profile so you can see where I am going.

Maria-Paz

I love traveling solo. In most parts of Europe, yes train is the way to go. But sometimes for long distance the budget airlines or a bus work better.

3 months is a very long time to be on the road alone though, especially for someone who's never done it before. Since you say the budget is tight, I might suggest to shorten the trip, and theyby up your budget. Having a little more money makes things easier (and safer).

I meant to say for long distances a flight may be better OR for getting to more out-of-the way places sometimes a bus.

(NOT to take a bus for long distances -oops & sorry!)

Thankyou for your replies. Yes 3 months would be a long time but as i am coming from other side of world and may never be in a position to do it again just wondered if 2 months be too short. Especially as I no longer want to rush.

Maria - Paz I would be very interested in looking at your holiday plans. It would be lovely to share the trip with my chidren but not a possibility. So that is why I thought i should just get on with it and go on my own even though it is rather terrifying.

It depends where you want to go, what you want to see in the 2-3 months. Since you mentioned the money being tight, I personally would shorten the trip and not feel so strapped financially.

I think you just need to continue to plan, and narrow down your own priorities... where you want to go exactly, how long you'd like to stay. Do you want to get an apartment and stay in one place for a week? A month? Or take the train from city to city staying a few days in a place? Specifically what countries, cities, regions are of the most interest to you.

I can only enourage you that there's nothing inherently "terrifying" to be a woman in her 50's traveling alone in Europe. Plenty of people do it.

Go for it, I think you will have a great time. Map out where you want to go to and then drop about half your destinations. Don't reject tours out of hand - they sometimes take you places you wouldn't be able to reach as easily with the train. Hard to say whether they are more economical or not, it depends on what you have in mind. I think they are great for getting you a taste of what's out there and then you can go back on your own to places you want to explore more. If you are really travelling on a shoestring the Let's Go guides and Lonely Planet are more for budget / hostelling travellers. Most libraries have these - perhaps you can borrow copies and try to define what it is you want to see in the time you have.

Lavandula

Daisy, I too am in my 50s, and have travelled mostly alone for the past few years. I love it!

I was interested to read that you plan on visiting Bosnia Hercegovina - I've already been to Mostar, and am driving to Sarajevo in May from Split. My proposed route is up through the mountains with an overnight stay in Travnik. I also am on a tight budget, but my room in Travnik is only the equivalent of 15 euros.

I'll be posting a trip report in due course, but am really looking forward to this trip.

Someone once said to me, "Better to travel alone than to wish you were" and I so agree.

I'm curious about why you chose these countries for your first trip. I too often travel solo but never yet for 3 months. I'm considering a couple of months next year.

Good on you Daisy50, once you take the first step you will love it! Just experiencing different cultures, hearing the language, seeing all those places you just have read about - it's fascinating.
Stay in B&B's, zimmers, pensions or whatever where you can mix with the locals plus other like-minded travellers rather than hotels which can be rather sterile. I envy you taking 3 months where you can stay for a reasonable length of time and get to know a location rather than just passing through it.
We are heading off the Europe next week (if the flights from Australia are back in the air) and a lot of our travelling will be done by train. Have a look at http://europetrainsguide.com/forum/index.php for lots of great info on train travel throughout Europe. I have used them to plan my forthcoming trip and found the information great plus lots of tips on saving money and planning a workable itinerary.
Just make sure you take normal precautions and don't wear expensive jewellery and be aware that there are many scammers and touts that sound very convincing but are really just out to fleece you at every opportunity especially in the major cities. Do not carry lots of cash in your handbag, only enough for your immediate needs and carry the rest in a concealed money belt under your clothes. I'm not trying to sound superior as I've been travelling overseas for years and STILL have been taken in by fast talkers who sound legitimate. Have also been mugged in Spain by not keeping a sharp eye out as to who was behind or beside me.
But, these things can happen anywhere in the world so go and enjoy!

Daisy have you thought about joining www.couchsurfing.com? If you can secure couches with locals it may reduce your travel costs condsiderably. Even if you don't want to stay with locals they have a great 50+ group, many of which are lone female travellers. It's a huge resource for information from locals and you can often just arrange to meet up for coffee / lunch. It gives you a wonderful cultural insight that you won't get from staying in hotels. The 50+ group also organise get togethers for like minded travellers which many participants incorporate into a longer trip. Last year they had European trips to Vienna and Stuttgart. Next month we are going to Istanbul - a trip I'm joining but extending to backpack around turkey for a couple of weeks afterwards. There are also trips being planned for later in the year to Israel (for the jazz festival) and then canal boating in England.

I started traveling alone in my 50s, and am still going alone in my 60s - I'm getting ready to book for a six month trip, and my longest so far was 10 months. You might want to do a short trial trip at home first. (My trip reports are here (click on my name), and at wilhelmswords.com )

I'd recommend reading Rick Steves' "Europe Through the Back Door", Hasbrouck's "Practical Nomad" and either Lonely Planet's "Read This First Europe" or Rough Guide's "First Time Europe".

Besides pensions and guesthouses, and sobes and zimmers, consider hostels and crashpadding.com (I haven't used it yet, but it's advertised as couchsurfing for grown-ups). You might also look for apartments if you want to take things slowly. That will allow you to save money by self-catering, but doesn't always work well for singles - hostels might be better for that, besides being better for meeting people.

Other resources:

www.hostels.com
www.hostelworld.com
www.airbnb.com

I would echo what thursdaysd said about hostels being great places to meet people. Always worth reading the blurb on them as young, lively or party hostels may not be your cup of tea. There's usually a quieter more 'grown up' one as well.

Some great advice here already. I agree with generally avoiding hotels; B&Bs etc are a good place to possibly meet other travelers. I have traveled alone since my twenties and am now in my 40s and still doing it. You're getting a good start with all this research ahead of time!

Sounds exciting! Take a look at the solo trip reports compiled on this thread: http://www.fodors.com/community/travel-tips-trip-ideas/goin-solonothing-like-it-a-trip-report-collection.cfm

I spent 10 days alone in Croatia in 2007 - husband couldn't go, and I really wanted to go back. Was perfectly safe! Rented a small apartment in Trogir (on the sea) and another in Zagreb (capital city) and especially in Trogir, I was "adopted" by the locals. My cousins live in Zagreb, and I saw them each day, but didn't actually stay with them, and loved my little apt overlooking Brittanski Trg. And I did it very on-the-cheap. Paid no more than $40 U.S. per night for my accomodations, which always included a small fridge (great for picking up yogurt, juice, etc. to have in the morning, and cheese, salami for late afternoon snack.) It was fabulous !!!!!! I booked both places online well in advance and checked in with them a couple of weeks before I headed their way. My time there was great, I wandered all the streets and as long as you are sensible and stay with the crowds in the evenings, I never felt uncomfortable. Lots of people speak English in Croatia, so there was always someone to help (I always start with the native language, as I am respectful that I am in their 'hood) Have FUN !!!!!

Have you considered traveling for two months and then spending one month in the same location? You could do the long stay in the middle or at the end of the trip. Is there any city that you are really interested in? I would spend a month, or even three weeks living in Paris. You could choose a place and really get a feel for it that you don't just by passing through for a few days.
I wouldn't consider couch surfing for safety reasons. There are many hostels that cater to families and older travelers. In Italy there are convents and monasteries that are lower priced.
No matter what you decide, I hope that you go for it!

Couchsurfing is fine if you use basic common sense. We've had very good experiences both as guests and hosts. Nevertheless, this is why I suggested getting to know other surfers of a similar age - so you build up a rapport and trust before you travel.

Volcanoes permitting(!) we have an older American couple (60+) staying with us next week. We're taking them to the Wedgwood visitor centre, Biddulph Grange Gardens and Little Moreton Hall then for dinner and the live music night at our local (country) pub. The following day we're going to Renishaw Hall and to see the bluebell woods. After they are cooking a typical southern dinner for us. When they go we have two Dutch students staying who are doing a project at the local university. Last month we had a French couple staying with us and we took them to Liverpool, the Docks, the Beatles Museum and the ferry across the Mersey. We again did a pub dinner and live music (they even joined the band on the mike!). The following day we went walking in the Peak District and took them to our brothers farm to see the new puppies.

Likewise we have had wonderful days out, nights out, meals etc. with hosts we have stayed with. We have even had kids come stay with us - we had a 15 year old french lad stay with us last summer (a language exchange with my 16 year old son). It was the first time either of the boys had taken a flight on their own and both had a fab time). This summer we have a 15 year old German lad staying. The key was read the references, communicate and follow your gut instinct / common sense - the latter applies whereever and however you travel.

I want to put in a vote for an apt somewhere for a month, with the option to do day trips as you wish. A great opportunity to immerse in another culture. I too would choose Paris but I see France is not on your list.

Thankyou all so much for your feed back. It is very hearting to have so many responses.The reason I am looking at a 3 month time frame is I am coming from New Zealand. I also do contract work so have long periods with no work. So thought the one trip would be the best value for money. The countries I put down were just some of the ones I would like to see. Paris, Germany, Italy and Crete would also be on the list. I am liking more and more the idea of maybe settling somewhere for some weeks or a month and doing day trips. I have looked at some tours and would consider some but when I see how organised my day would be I get a little restless. I will follow up the websites and books you have suggested. Thanks.
This idea to finally travel is so out of my comfort zone that I have to keep pushing myself forward or I will shelve the idea and still be here at home in ten years time. Really appreciate your replies.

Daisy, have you though of home exchange for a longer stay at one or more of your locations? This could cut you costs quite considerably?

http://www.homeexchange.com
http://www.homeforexchange.com

We've used the above to travel all over the world and have had some fabulous trips.

I think it would be great to mix it up. Arrange to stay put and really get to know a town for 2-4 weeks, a couple different places. Then mix in day trips, or maybe even some short organized tours (that's a way to see a lot of places in a short amount of time).

For myself traveling solo I prefer budget hotels in central locations (so I can easily walk to see things). I'm not very social or a 'joiner' and would absolutely NOT be comfortable staying in someone's home or a hostel. Meeting people is not a goal. I just want to be safe, see the sights, and do what ever I want to do.

I'd LOVE to have 3 months to go to Europe. I can't imagine not following thru. Daisy, keep reading and researching you can find all kinds of encouragement. There's many women 'of a certain age' who love traveling alone. Solo travel can be very rewarding and fun.

Just do it. I'm early 50s and have been traveling alone since I was 17. Have been on all of the continents, many times over, except Antarctica.

I've been away 1-3 times a year and for 8 days to 11 weeks at a time. It's MUCH easier for you to plan your type of trip now as there are computers and travel forums. Back in the day we had none of that.

Since you're going to be away for 3 months, I would get apartments instead of hotels then you can save a ton on food. I rent apartments when I'm away even for a week. Happy Travels!

Hi Daisy,
I just have to jump in - I'm so excited for you! The anticipation, the thrill of the unknown -it's a bit scary, yes, but so liberating.

My first solo trip was 3 months to Italy. I am fortunate in that I had travelled in the past with others - although only briefly in Italy- but I was still apprehensive about the length of time on my own. Like you, it seemed like a long way to go (from Canada) but I wasn't sure when I would have the opportunity to do it again, so I just went for it

What worked for me was structuring the trip beforehand in one week increments.
3 months is only (aprox) 12 weeks. I knew I wanted one week at least in the north to see the Lakes, one week to explore the Portofino area, one week for the Cinque Terre, one week for Tuscany, one week for Umbria, one week for Amalfi, one week for the Bay of Naples Islands and one week for Naples/Pompeii - That's already 8 weeks, and I hadn't factored in Venice, Rome or Florence yet! So you can see how quickly the time gets eaten away. Trust me, your 3 months will fly by.
I gave myself aprox a week in a specific location which also cut down on costs (play the solo female traveller on a budget card - you CAN bargain when staying a week), but that week was fairly open once I got there, for example, because of circumstances I left Umbria and Sorrento earlier than I had planned, while on the Italian Riviera I stayed longer.
The important thing for me when traveling alone is not to become isolated- I was interested to note the previous poster seems to avoid people, whereas I think on a longer trip it is important to be engaged.
I like the idea of www.crashpadder.com although I haven't used them (yet).
I stayed in a monastery for 2 weeks and had wonderful interactions with the nuns every day.
I went to language school for a week and did some outings with some of the other students.
I did a work exchange on a horse farm in Tuscany and stayed with the Italian family for 10 days www.helpx.com
I met the most wonderful couple through Fodor's who invited me to their home and wined and dined me.
And I did take a few short day tours, out to the Blue Grotto etc where I ended up meeting other fun people and spending the rest of the day or a meal with them.
So engage engage engage and you will find the time flies past - no, 3 months is definitely not enough for all those places.
I am headed to Ireland in 10 days, fingers crossed, and I only have 3 weeks - not nearly enough time.
Happy travels

My thoughts are
1 the weather, availability and cost
2) the further ahead you book the cheaper things will be
3) so if I was coming in 2011 I might come in Spring. Belgium wants to be your last visit as it stays chilly until July and no one goes toBelgium for a holiday.

I might start down in Bosnia in May, hotels will be relativley empty and you may get 4*s at the price of 2*s if you haggle or use one of the internet pricing sites. The weather will be nice and with resorts not crowded its a good time to get over jet lag etc (always takes me 5 days and if you've not done much long haul you may appreciate a 2 3 day crash pad).

Going North into Austria and its mountains at the end of May will be lovely with the ski tourists gone and the hikers/mountaineers not yet in place

Belarus in June makes complete sense and then a long journey over to Belgium in July, this allows you the opportunity to visiting say Berlin, Amsterdam along the way or even part of the Rhine.

Price control, well there are hostels often with washing machines. There is the international Hostel organisation which can be a bit dull but tend to be the slighlty pricier but more staid type.

Now 3 months is long time so you need to think how to keep your head together. One way is to visit family and friends, or sofa surf, or link up with people as you hostel. Hotels don't really allow you to link up with other people but many cities do walking tours and this allows you to touch base with other tourists

> This idea to finally travel is so out of my comfort zone that I have to keep pushing myself forward

If you want to travel, then by all means keep pushing yourself forward! I've been fortunate to have taken a number of wonderful trips, all of them on my own. Each time I go to a new part of the world, I face some anxieties, and each time I've found it to be wonderful and enriching. Expect some stressful moments, be sure to pack your sense of humor, and take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities that await you!

You first trip alone, and you are going to Belarus? Is your Russian fluent? You are brave

Between what you flagged and the other countries listed later, you have nine countries that you'd like to visit. That's three per month, which only gives you a little over a week in each COUNTRY, not to mention various areas of each country. This many stops does not lend itself to having time to "look, learn and absorb." You may want to cut down the number of stops. Just a thought.

That said, absolutely go for it! I'm in my 50's, and my last eight European trips have been alone (seven to Italy, one to Paris). I would kill to have three months! The great thing about traveling alone is that you can do whatever you want to do whenever you want to do it. And don't worry about eating dinner alone. There is always something to grab your attention, and in Europe the tables are very close together, so sometimes you end up with dinner companions even when you didn't expect to have any!

Check out self-catering options, and do go see www.slowtrav.com, which is a website dedicated to traveling slow and easy

Daisy- I travelled alone for the first time two years ago at the age of 54. It was actually exhilerating! I kept a blog- feel free to look at it and see some of the problems I encountered. Most are pretty humorous. It's at www.BonjourMadameBlog.com. If you have any questions you can contact me.