Lolly100

I thought I'd try this forum for some advice on solo travel. I've been over in the Europe forum researching a trip I'd like to take this spring. I feel like I have a good plan...but when it comes down to actually purchasing the airline ticket, I feel very apprehensive! I know once I do that, there is no turning back.

Were others nervous before their first solo trip? Here's a little background on me. Single woman, almost 30, living in the midwest. I've been to Europe once - London & Paris - and loved it! I really want to go back to Europe and have finally thought, what am I waiting for? I should just do it!

So I was thinking of a weeklong trip to Spain. I don't speak Spanish though so I guess that worries me too. I think I'll do fine navigating the cities and meeting people - as long as I can communicate in English! So I'm not sure exactly what is making me nervous about going solo - but I just can't seem to click purchase on that airline ticket quite yet!

toedtoes

I always feel apprehensive before buying the airline ticket because it's then a done deal. Hotels, rental cars, etc. can be cancelled, but the airfare is making that committment.

Having said that, don't back down. Once you get that ticket, your excitement will start increasing and you won't regret it.

Most folks say they have no problem in Europe speaking English, but pick up a Spanish phrase book and practice some of the basics (hello, thank you, etc.). It will also help when reading menus, etc.

I definitely agree with the "what are you waiting for". Just do it!

b_in_d

I turned 40 last year, and for me it was simply a matter of not wanting to pass on without having seen some of the world. Not that I plan to pass on, but when the big 4-0 was staring me down, I had to do something.

It was hard to finally "click the button," but once I did it all got so much easier. I probably planned the trip for months before finally deciding to click.

I grew up in Nebraska, so when I told family about my plans, I got a lot of blank stares. My family just isn't the travelling type. "Why would you want to go there?"

I went to London and Paris and I too was worried about the language, but it wasn't a problem at all. I only spent 3 days in Paris and I wish now that I had spent more. My fear was the language. But learning a few basics, made all the difference. I could see people change just by saying hello, please and thank you in French. Don't worry about the language.

You'll click the button when you're ready, but I really think you'll be glad you did.

I've been thinking Tokyo and Hong Kong this year. I think solo travelling might be a bit like Pringles.

Lolly100

Wow, you guys are terrific! Thanks for the vote of confidence - it's exactly what I need to hear.

And I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who is a bit of a chicken! ha ha. It is hard to buy that airfare, because like you say, then it's a done deal. I think once I do it, I'll definitely very excited. Although very scared too. So I may be back on here for more encouragement in the coming months.

I was already thinking of taking a beginners Spanish course - just to get the basics. I figure if I can at least make an attempt to speak the language, people will be kinder.

b_in_d - I totally relate to you. I am turning the big 3-0 this year and I think that's motivating me to just get out there! And I'm hoping you're right - once I do it for the first time, it will be easier. Wow, you are thinking Asia solo...that is impressive!

I need to quit over thinking & click on that airfare!

maile

Hey, there is no "done deal". Really, what do you have to lose? I actually prefer travelling by myself after years of being with my parents, my husband and then my youngest son. It is much, much easier to meet people, you are not tied into another person's schedule, interests and/or pace. I agree that you should attempt to learn the very basics of a language but many people really want to practice English. And even when there might be a complete impasse (such as pantomiming in a small village in Japan for laxitives and being given pills for diarrhea instead)after a period of time almost everything becomes funny. My own system of travel usually calls for rather late awakenings (museums, etc. don't open until 10 or so), a long late lunch (less crowds, menus less expensive than dinner) an early evening walk and perhaps a drink in a sidewalk cafe and then back to the hotel with a good book or a study of the language. You mentioned Spain which is one of my most favorite countries .... Madrid and Barcelona are wonderful for sights, walking, eating. And Spanish men are the all time greatest! Have much fun.

1javajackson

You go girl! I am getting ready to turn 50 and planning a trip to the Caribbean to celebrate the occasion and I am doing it alone. And I am plenty nervous about the whole shebang. But, I have found the folks who partake of this chat bulletin board have been very helpful and encouraging. In making the plans for this special occasion, I came across several websites for women who want to travel and going it alone. Please check them out. I only wish that I had the financial means to take all the trips that are available. Journey Woman - www.journeywoman.com; Women Traveling Together - www.women-traveling.com; Gutsy Women Travel - www.gutsywomentravel.com; All Single Travel - www.allsinglestravel.com; Solo Travel Network - www.cstn.org

eurotraveller

I have travelled to Mexico solo many times but it has been years.

I recently returned from a 5 week trip through Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. It was the best trip I have ever taken!

Another great site for solo women travellers is:

www.womentravelingsolo.com.

the founder is currently travelling solo in India.

Enjoy!

Lolly100

Well, my fellow solo travellers, I worked up the nerve to "click"! I just purchased my airline ticket to Spain & I am very excited!

Those websites are terrific - I will definitely check them out for tips & hints on travelling solo.

Wow, I'm really excited. Thanks for your support on this board. It really helped give me that final push. I know I'll have a wonderful time.

I'm sure I'll be back in this forum all the time - just for all the great encouragement. Thanks!

toedtoes

Great to hear you took the plunge! Don't worry the water's warm.

Be sure to check out some of the prior threads on this board - there's some great tips about traveling alone.

And if you have any questions, please post them. Sometimes it takes a day to get a response, but you'll get some good advice.

jewela

lolly100:
Glad you bought the ticket. I have been traveling alone for many years. The older I get, the more I prefer to go it alone. I can come and go as I please. It's much more satisfying. I hope you enjoy your trip.

travisblue

Spain is a wonderful place to explore on your own. I did it myself about 5 years ago. I spent 3 days in Portugal, then 5 days in Madrid/Barcelona, by myself. In Spain, the people were so friendly at the tapas bars, and the cities are geared for travellers (decent hotels 4 a good price, excellent subway/train system). On Christmas Eve I was alone in Barcelona, and went to a Korean restaurant for dinner (not much else open), nearly everyone (OK, probably not more than 15 people in the entire restaurant) stopped by my table to say hello to me and ask me what was I doing by myself on Christmas Eve! The other posters are correct, you really do meet more people when you travel alone. Do it, you won't regret it.

ValCanada

I am a 39 yr old woman and I prefer to travel alone for all the reasons posted above but also because I meet far more people when travelling solo than I do when I'm with companions. Locals and fellow travellers always enrich a vacation with their tips and suggestions. There's no more nerve involved, really - you'll make the same smart decisions of what streets to avoid than you would if you were with a friend. And isn't travel all about adventures? There's no adventure in the known and secure!

suze

hi Lolly,

I just want to chime in with support.

I can't really say anything particularly helpful, because for me I like to travel solo. Always have. It's nothing I've ever been afraid of.

I'd be more nervous traveling with a friend, because things can get sticky between two people spending a lot of time together, moving around, making mutual decisions.

I have never encountered any problem I could not easily solve in 5 trips so far to Europe (I only speak English).

seasweetie

Good for you, Lolly100! I totally agree with all the posters here -- I had always wanted to travel to places my husband wasn't interested in...and one day I realized that 'someday' wasn't going to happen on it's own. So I bought a ticket for myself for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, which three years later, has turned into a solo 'sabbatical' somewhere three times a year. I've met so many wonderful people, had lots of adventures, been stupid (and realized it) sometimes, and I'm a happier person for it all, remembering who I am outside of my job and my family. I think it's really good to do something 'brave' to remind yourself that you CAN...seemed to be second nature to me when I was 18, but it was kind of scary at 41. I will go back to places I love now, but if I start to feel too comfortable, I'll pick a new spot, to remind myself of that 'being brave' thing again.

Lolly100

Wow! I came back to check in on this board and was surprised to see all the responses! Thank you!!

I loved hearing about everyone's individual experiences with solo travel - it is very encouraging! I agree - for me, it is time to take the plunge. I always think of travel as a "someday" thing. But there is no time like the present, so I am excited to try out solo travel!

I'm definitely hoping I'll enjoy it and then will be more willing to more trips by myself. It's just so hard to coordinate a vacation with friends & family. I feel like if I wait for them to have money/time to travel, I'll never go anywhere!

I think my biggest concerns about travelling alone are safety & how to entertain myself at night. I guess I worry about getting lost in a bad neighborhood or something. But I think I know how to be careful. It also seems a little scary to spend the night in a hotel room by myself. I know these fears probably sound silly to people who have travelled alone before, but it's all new to me.

Then I think about what I will do in the evenings. I'll be in Spain, so I was thinking of maybe seeing a flamenco show or a band or something. I don't know if I'd be comfortable just going into a bar by myself. But we'll see - maybe I will be brave when I get there! I also worry about walking home at night & if that would be safe. I don't mind taking cabs, but who knows if those would be available.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not THAT worried. I think I'll do fine & love it! These are just a couple little fears. But I think I'll be so proud of myself once I conquer them!

atravelynn

Lolly100,

You’ll have a wonderful time and it appears you have a plan already. I travel alone all the time and love it and do not worry and fret.

But here is something to remain cognizant of. People on vacation are more willing to take risks that they would not dream of taking at home. It’s a psychological thing. When you’re removed from familiar surroundings and are in a festive mood, you feel more invincible and less inhibited. You’re on vacation, the rules don’t apply, nothing could happen.

For example, a traveler might decide to walk back to their hotel alone through areas they would never consider walking in at home. I have been guilty of falling prey to that phenomenon myself.

With that bit of lecturing out of the way, let the adventure begin and join the ranks of the happy solo travelers.

toedtoes

Lolly to help with the uneasiness in a hotel room alone, pick up a rubber door stop. When you are in the hotel room, push it under the door and it will stop anyone from opening the door.

For going out at night, look for a pub crawl or pub walk. That way you can visit the local pubs with a group of people instead of alone.

For getting back to the hotel at night, before you go, check out the internet for public transportation info for the places you'll be. Make a note of where the stops are and how they layout with your hotel. Knowing what's available and how to get to it will ease your mind a lot.

suze

Toedtoes' post reminded me of a small travel ritual I usually do (when she mentioned hotel room security). Tho this is more for emotional security, not actual physical security...

I always set up the dresser of a hotel room nicely. Perhaps buy a scarf or pretty dishtowel as a cover, some fresh flowers, a few pieces of fruit or crackers or nuts for snacks, bottle of water or wine, scented candle. It really helps me to feel "at home".

valeriesgallery

Have you ever had the experience of being so nervous that you didn't want to 'really' do something. Anything can go wrong. BUT once you do whatever it was you were so afraid of, the fear is gone, and the need for another 'something' falls into that place.

Here's the deal. Life is short. Period. You will miss it if you have to wait for someone to come with you. Go. Live. Buy the plane ticket. Bring Fodors with you and a smile. People all over the world are kind. Enjoy. Then when its all done, go to another place!

mtngal76

I turn 31 in a week and just a couple days later will be taking my first solo trip combined with my first trip outside of the USA. I'm mostly excited I haven't felt too worried yet.I think my husband is more worried about me being alone than I am!

For me I think solo travel will be a blast I am a fairly introverted person and have gotten quite used to being on my own outside of my core family, I actually enjoy eating on my own in restaurants and seeing movies by myself. Though I am planning on meeting up with a friend once there so may not be on my own all that much.

I am very much looking forward to having some me time without having to worry about being a mom and wife.

Lolly100 Have a great time on your trip,Spain sounds like a beautiful place to visit.