Hailceasar

Four weeks out before our 14 day adventure in France, my friend ( with whom I have travelled 20 countries) has decided to cancel. As I sat on my sofa earlier this evening pondering if I should also cancel the entire trip ( lose all the flight payment) I stumbled upon Fodors.

Some relief washed over me in an awesome wave as I read similar stories on here, but I decided to make a post of my own just to pick the experts brains.

Firstly, I should mention that I am in my late 20's, Black British, athletic, and pretty sociable. I have travelled a fair bit but never on my own, (bar a couple of days in LA for work a few years ago) so traveling alone is obviously a daunting challenge.

Our initially itinerary include:

4 nights in St Tropez take a day trip to Gorge du Verdon, do a bit of sightseeing and go to the St Tropez market on market days, and spend a few days on the beach to soak in the atmosphere and the luxurious nightlife. Have a car booked from nice and intend to drop it back once I get back to Nice.

2 nights in Cannes- again do a bit of sightseeing, a day on the beach etc.

4 nights in Nice- Take a day trip to Monaco, sightseeing, few days at the beach, a bit of partying, and meeting up with a few friends from Canada.

3 nights in Paris- I have been to Paris with the family before, so I know my way around a bit. We had plans to do a bit of shopping here, meet up a few local friends and go out around the Champs-Élysées, Saint German, and the Latin quarter area over the weekend. My local mates are going away a day after we arrive so they won't be around for the weekend, in other words I will be alone.

We obviously planned to do all these together, but as I will be alone now, will you recommend that I amend my itenerary or do something different or go to different places? I mean I'd love to still do all these stuff we planned but I am not sure how I feel going out on my own, asking for table for 1, walking into to the bar on my own, going to the beach alone. I don't mean to sound dramatic but I'm slightly concerned that I may be bored half way through the trip and it may raise a few eyebrows.

Contrary to the tone of my post, I am actually very independent and sociable but because I have always done these things with a group of friends or my said friend, I find this challenging. I'd like to hear from people who have embarked on solo travels before or folks who have traveled around this part of France. Would you do it again? Any regrets? Any major
challenges I should prepare myself for?

Another thing worth nothing is that I am planning to stay in decent hotels for convenience and safety as a opposed to hostels where you can easily bump into other solo travellers. An tips on where to meet other travellers etc? My main interests are seeing scenery, natural wonders, fashion, beach, and a good party scene with decent crowd. While I don't have a blank cheque, I am not too overly tight on budget so I am happy to take any recommendations you may have on board.

Many thanks

MmePerdu

I've traveled all over the world on my own. Regarding changing your itinerary, for me the most valuable aspect of going solo is the ability to change my mind any given moment with no one to consult or from whom to get permission. I suggest you just hang onto your plans with the idea that anything not paid for in advance is subject to change. You cannot go wrong!

One thing I do do differently alone than when I have a companion is eat more casually. I generally have my main meal at lunchtime and often picnic in my room at the end of the day. I dislike sitting in a restaurant alone in the evening, mind much less midday. Who knows why.

I find that people to meet are where you find them. Meaning, hostels are no better, IME, than any other place. The truth is, I rarely meet people when I travel, I'm used to it and maybe I don't care enough. If you do want to meet people, opportunities will present themselves, I'm sure, you just won't know where in advance.

nytraveler

Well I have traveled to europe many times on business and whenever I can I stay on a few days afterward to get to know the city.

I always stay at a full service hotel for a couple of reasons:

I like at a central hotel with a bar and public rooms where I can meet people. I often meet other women or couples to go out to dinner or see a play or do some sightseeing. I don't do so with single men since they usually misunderstand and I'm married.

I like having the option to have room service if I feel like it for dinner - esp if the weather is poor.

I like having a concierge to help with restaurant recos (they often know which will be most welcoming to singles).

My only concern for you is that you will now be paying for the room and car alone - so really upping your costs. (I have driven alone several times - but not the Riviera in summer - which will likely have huge traffic jams.)

kja

I think of solo travel -- to which I am committed! -- as a true self indulgence. I get to do what I want, when I want, without ever compromising on anything. How can you beat that!

So my recommendation = do what YOU want to do!

I dine alone, and do so at a variety of restaurants, from casual to some VERY high end ones (even Michelin 3-stars). Since I use my room ONLY for hygiene and sleep, I go for accommodations that are well-located and affordable; I forego costly perks. I don't specifically try to meet people when I travel, but have met some wonderful people while taking local transportation -- and not because I initiated a discussion with them, but because they did so with me.

My first solo trip was my first trip of more than a day or two, and like you, it was prompted by the last-minute decision by my intended traveling partner to back out. (Jeesh, just because she needed emergency surgery?!?) I decided to go it alone, and have been happily doing so ever since!

Here's a thread with some of our solo trip reports:
http://www.fodors.com/community/trav...collection.cfm

sandralist

I think that the fact you are going in August will have a large positive impact on your ability to meet people, and also not stick out like a sore thumb in restaurants. Much of southern France is party central during that time, and lots of people your age head down there solo, or even if they are with friends, they wander off by themselves occasionally for lunch. If you are athletic, I'll bet you'll be welcome at beach games, and you can rent kayaks or bikes and such to stay amused.

Can't tell if you will be bored by some of the party scene in some of these places, but there are sights of intellectual interest or scenic beauty for hiking that you can reach by train. Once you get to Paris, you'll find plenty to do.

2012moving

Sorry to hear your planned trip has changed from having company to solo. HOWEVER I encourage you to do whatever you feel like doing. This is the advantage of travelling solo. You describe yourself as self sufficient. Have faith in yourself.
Granted I am in my mid sixties and using a walking stick but I spent 7 weeks Italy & Switzerland 2012 and recently a month in Paris travelling solo.
It's a wonderful experience and envied by some that you see who are having trouble travelling with people.
You have chosen accommodation with support.
I never feel uncomfortable in any restaurant on my own.
It's my experience that you meet people at your accommodation and in cafes & restaurants from all over the world. Some singles, some welcoming couples. My advice is go for it and enjoy. It's full of broad possibilities that you can choose to embrace or move away from and learn from. Have fun!

Hailceasar

Thanks for all the comments. Your comments are equipping me with the little courage I needed, I think I will go for it. As the old adage goes; I rather live in remorse than regret.

kja

A perfect adage for the occasion, Hailceasar! Let us know if we can help as you venture forth.