jenjenjen

I was thinking about traveling solo to Italy and after reading many postings about single female travelers I was wondering if there was a website where people can meet and maybe agree to travel together or simply meet up if they happen to be in a certain country at the same time. I would love to meet other people who, like me, have a such a passion for travel that they are willing to do it on their own.

Traveling alone can be very liberating, but I still find dining alone to be difficult. Wouldn't it be great if there was a way for all these solo travelers to meet up for dinner and a drink to share some stories?

Any ideas?

P_M

I know exactly how you feel. I am OK with eating breakfast and lunch alone, but I hate eating dinner alone. Here's what I do at dinner time: Sometimes I get something from a take-away place and bring it back to the room, or take it to a nice park bench if the weather is good. Other times I go to a small cafe, but I bring reading material so I won't be completely bored. Then sometimes I will find a pub that serves food, and usually someone will be at the bar to talk to. When travelling alone I have found it to be a lot easier to meet other single travellers, so on most of my trips I have been invited to dinner by someone I met that day. I hope you enjoy your trip.

suze

I have not checked it out myself but Lonely Planet's BB called the Thorn Tree has a "Traveling Companions" branch. www.lonelyplanet.com

What about adding some kind of organized activity like a cooking class or a hiking or biking tour? Even a guided tour thru a museum if you made a point to chat with others and mention the possibility of dinner if you found a single or couple you liked?

As I often do! I agree with P_M and her tips for successful solo dinners.

whoknew

Along with the other tips, do you have a hobby or interest that you could possibly find a venue for or activity in the city or cities in which you'll be traveling? I love to read and met up with other booklovers in Rome when I was there. We exchanged books in each other's languages. I simply asked for a few ideas of what was wanted; most were recent bestsellers and easy for me to obtain in second hand shops. I came away with a few books in italian that I've used to improve my literacy. I think they used the books as an excuse to meet monthly, but then again I think Italians generally use any excuse to socialize! We spent a nice evening learning about each other and our lives. They even engaged my shy boyfriend in conversation.

Try searching on the internet for your hobby in that country. I found mine through meetup.com. Meetup is great, just plug in your interest and the country and something may pop up. The meeting places are all in public spots and so I would think if you had any uncomfortable vibes you could leave without a problem.

I know this wasn't exactly geared toward your single solo traveling inquiry, but I thought it would be an idea to step outside the box and stretch yourself to meet people who live in that country. I was nervous at first, but having the common denominator(books) helped and I think they were also impressed that I took the time and effort to meet them. I also received some great insider tips on Rome.

I've traveled solo(and I'm female) before and it can be quite scary, but it is so well worth it. I've met other travelers on walking tours and that was a great tip from suze. I also think solo travelers are more approachable. I feel more people talked to me when I was alone than when I travel with my boyfriend.

suze

After I posted I thought also about language classes as another means to interact, short-term with other visitors. Love the book exchange idea mentioned above.

As solo traveler I've more often had a couple 'adopt me' than hooking up with another single traveler.

Barb

Suze, that has been my experience too - more couples than single people want to be my friends. In fact while on Procida I had 3 couples fighting over me. I even had to hide from the whole bunch one night because I really just vanted to be alone!

WillTravel

Walking tours are a good way to meet people while traveling solo. Also staying at hostels or B&Bs. I am going solo to Italy in late December/early January.

suze

Barb, I've had similar experiences! It's kind of awkward when people ask you to join them for dinner when you're sitting alone, to kindly say thanks but you really are enjoying yourself just fine -LOL.

Barb

Funny, in one restaurant, the waiter took my order and then came back with magazines and papers for me. I guess he didn't want me to be bored.

mjnbrown

I've traveled as a single woman all over the world and really enjoy the opportunity to meet other travelers - which is much easier as a solo traveler than it is when you are traveling with a friend/spouse. When I was in Italy in March, I shared a dinner table one night with a wonderful young couple from London and another night with a single woman from Paris. I love meeting people from all over the world, which is one reason I love to travel solo. I'll be in Rome from Nov. 7-12, if anyone wants to meet for dinner.
Martha