Going alone tips
Oct 28th, 2005, 02:42 PM
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Going alone tips
I lost my wife of 35 years in February. For the past dozen years we have been independent travelers, particulary enjoying trips to Europe each spring. I am thinking of getting abroad again. While I'm not crazy about going alone, I also know that idea of joining a tour group really doesn't appeal.
Has anyone here faced this challenge? What did you do? I need suggestions for something that will get me back to Europe, but not, well, you know.
Has anyone here faced this challenge? What did you do? I need suggestions for something that will get me back to Europe, but not, well, you know.
Oct 29th, 2005, 08:42 AM
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Sorry for your loss.
I agree that tour groups are not that appealing. Going solo is easy, but it can get get lonely at times. And going solo will be a big change for you.
Since you have traveled independently with someone for so many years, you may consider a small group tour. Or consider having a close friend or relative join you.
I belong to Lions CLubs International. Whenever I go, I contact the Lions clubs in that area, and mention that I will be soloing in their area. Most times, they are willing to arrange for a dinner get together. The last time, I met with 13 members and had a great time.
Good luck.
I agree that tour groups are not that appealing. Going solo is easy, but it can get get lonely at times. And going solo will be a big change for you.
Since you have traveled independently with someone for so many years, you may consider a small group tour. Or consider having a close friend or relative join you.
I belong to Lions CLubs International. Whenever I go, I contact the Lions clubs in that area, and mention that I will be soloing in their area. Most times, they are willing to arrange for a dinner get together. The last time, I met with 13 members and had a great time.
Good luck.
Nov 2nd, 2005, 11:58 AM
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Hello Rutt_Butler, my sympathies on the lost of your dear wife. You are going through a difficult time I am sure.
Rutt, after I lost my husband I went back to Italy about 8 months later. However I did not go to the places that he and I always went to. I somehow knew that would not be a good thing to do. I went to areas in Italy that were new to me. Now as time has passed I can return to places my husband and I visited and it is alright for me to do so.
I really helped me to get away. BTW, I took a journal with me and wrote in it every day. That helped also. I just reread it a few months ago and obviously taking this trip was the smartest thing I could have done for myself.
Best wishes to you. I hope that you will take a trip and that you find that it soothes your soul as it did mine.
Rutt, after I lost my husband I went back to Italy about 8 months later. However I did not go to the places that he and I always went to. I somehow knew that would not be a good thing to do. I went to areas in Italy that were new to me. Now as time has passed I can return to places my husband and I visited and it is alright for me to do so.
I really helped me to get away. BTW, I took a journal with me and wrote in it every day. That helped also. I just reread it a few months ago and obviously taking this trip was the smartest thing I could have done for myself.
Best wishes to you. I hope that you will take a trip and that you find that it soothes your soul as it did mine.
Nov 5th, 2005, 02:41 PM
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Rutt-
I am very sorry for your loss. Have you entertained the idea of going somewhere else besides Europe? I've been to Australia several times, some solo, and have met heaps of people. Australians are so extremely friendly and it's hard to get people NOT to talk to you! Plus, it so much fun and there many wonderful things to do and see. You could do several day tours where other people would be around but you are not committed to being with them for days at a time. It's personally my favorite place in the world and the people are fabulous! I'm sure the same can be said for Europe (been there but the language barrier keeps me from going back often) with the day tours, but the Aussies LOVE Americans and it's just a great place to see and easy to travel within the country. New Zealand was also fabulous, but esp. great if you are active as it's very outdoorsy. Good luck and I hope wherever you go you have a great trip.
I am very sorry for your loss. Have you entertained the idea of going somewhere else besides Europe? I've been to Australia several times, some solo, and have met heaps of people. Australians are so extremely friendly and it's hard to get people NOT to talk to you! Plus, it so much fun and there many wonderful things to do and see. You could do several day tours where other people would be around but you are not committed to being with them for days at a time. It's personally my favorite place in the world and the people are fabulous! I'm sure the same can be said for Europe (been there but the language barrier keeps me from going back often) with the day tours, but the Aussies LOVE Americans and it's just a great place to see and easy to travel within the country. New Zealand was also fabulous, but esp. great if you are active as it's very outdoorsy. Good luck and I hope wherever you go you have a great trip.
Nov 6th, 2005, 07:37 AM
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Please see my post under Solo Travel Groups -- I was in exactly the same position -- recently widowed and my best friends had left the country.
Luckily, 10 years ago I met a wonderful man and we have traveled many placed together. In 2 months we leave for a cruise around NZ ending in Australia. Even on cruises I've met many solo travelers and I hope some day we will meet you.
Luckily, 10 years ago I met a wonderful man and we have traveled many placed together. In 2 months we leave for a cruise around NZ ending in Australia. Even on cruises I've met many solo travelers and I hope some day we will meet you.
Nov 26th, 2005, 03:11 AM
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Hi!
I am so very sorry for your loss. This will be a big adjustment for you, and no doubt you will be a bit sad.
How about trying a cruise? Holland America has special rates for singles, and on one of these cruises, you can be as together or as single as you like. You will not have to worry about many things (lodging, accommodation, etc.) and at your departure stops you can either take a tour or go on your own. There are many trips offered by cruise lines for European destinations.
Just a thought!
All the best, and please let us know how you make out.
I am so very sorry for your loss. This will be a big adjustment for you, and no doubt you will be a bit sad.
How about trying a cruise? Holland America has special rates for singles, and on one of these cruises, you can be as together or as single as you like. You will not have to worry about many things (lodging, accommodation, etc.) and at your departure stops you can either take a tour or go on your own. There are many trips offered by cruise lines for European destinations.
Just a thought!
All the best, and please let us know how you make out.
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