pwpark

I am planning to take my first vacation alone after a long, drawn-out split. Suggestions needed. I can go pretty much anywhere for 1-2 weeks moderate to luxury but have no ideas.

Some background:
- Male 40
- NYC-based
- Traveled extensively to Europe (UK, France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Spain), a few times to Asia and Africa. All over the USA.
- I like cities
- Want to go alone, not with anyone else for this first one, mostly to prove to myself I can
- When I am there I dont exactly want to be alone the whole time, thats too depressing
- Resorts are ok, probably not the whole time

One thing of note, I'll be going during the time that would have been my 20th anniversary. I'd like to avoid places where we celebrated anniversaries previously like France and Canada.

Any help is appreciated. Looking forward to healing.

pwpark

msteacher

Good for you! I vote for Italy. Spend time in beautiful cities like Rome or Florence, and maybe a few days in Tuscany or another less-urban setting. You can visit museums,churches and historical sites, and eat, eat, eat. (Do not underestimate the healing powers of food.) Outdoor cafes are very sociable places so you are sure to have people to talk to. You might also like to join an organized tour for just one or two days (bike tour, winery, food tasting, etc.) Wherever you go, you will probably find this trip to a very empowering experience. Good luck and have fun!

pwpark

Thanks, I had thought about going back there, perhaps to run try the coastline.

Rastaguytoday

I've traveled solo many times to Europe. Italy would be a great spot to enjoy and soak in the local atmosphere.

Go to Venice and watch the sunset on the Rialto Bridge.

Visit Siena, screw around on Lake Como.

It's your world, live it and live it well.

Find a cafe and watch the world go by.

schnauzer

Hi pwpark, well done you for deciding to do this. I too had a really long drawn out split and one of the things I had to do to empower myself again was to travel by myself to Europe. I did chose to go back to a city - Paris - where we had spent quite a bit of time together, also we had spent our 20th anniversary there. However, it was actually quite good, the memories didn't worry me and it added to the "I can do this by myself" feeling.

I agree with one of the above posts, maybe do a group thing for a few days - a walk, a language school, a bike ride, this could pave the way for you initially. I would stay away from too many "romantic" spots, but hey, that's probs a bit daft saying that - too hard maybe. I am thinking of Lake Como, Rome etc.when I say that. How about a good brisk walk in Switzerland?? Or a cooking school on the Amalfi coast/Tuscany?

Good luck with the decision, it is a new beginning for you and an opportunity to do exactly what YOU want to do. No compromises..... the feeling is actually very enjoyable. So enjoyable I continue to travel by myself each year to Europe!!

Schnauzer

thursdaysd

Good for you. I travel solo most of the time and highly recommend it.

When are you going? I would suggest Sicily, but not in the summer. In the summer you might consider one of the South American cities.

pwpark

Where in South America do you suggest?

thursdaysd

I haven't been yet, but I'm starting to plan a trip to the northwest quadrant for this winter. From what I've read I'd suggest Columbia, but Buenos Aires or Rio would be more main-stream choices. suze will probably recommend Mexico.

Rastaguytoday

Personally speaking, I like Argentina.

BA is very cosmopolitan, Mendoza reminds me of Napa Valley 35 years ago.

Inflation is rampant. There is always a discount if you pay in U.S. cash.

If you check it out further, look for posts from Avrooster and DrDawggy. They seem to be the experts. Av is a native and the good Dr. travels there very frequently.

november_moon

I like to join guided tours that last a few hours - a culinary tour, bike tour, walking tour, etc - as others have suggested. Museum tours are also a great thing. They give you a little social interaction to break up being by yourself, which is nice.

GinaTO

I suggest Iceland! Lots of adventure (as active as you want to make it), enough culture if that's what you want, beautiful scenery, interesting people. Not too much of a romantic/couple-ish vibe, and there's tons to do and see - lots of day trips can be taken from the capital, Reykjavik, in small groups so you wouldn't be alone, and the city itself is very lively, especially at night. The thermal pools are amazing!

mlysiansunlight99

I would suggest Malaysia. It is a beautiful country with multicultural ethnics. It's beautiful scenery and hustle of the places and people would probably keep you off your mind from remembering things you want to forget. Reply me if you want further info or assistance.

pwpark

I really appreciate these suggestions.

I have been thinking about Spain's coast and Morocco. Will that be doable in a week?

Peer

suze

I can't help with your destination pick, I usually head to Mexico or Hawaii, but lots of us really like traveling solo the best. So I offer those words of encouragement.

thursdaysd

"Spain's coast and Morocco. Will that be doable in a week?"

Absolutely not. You could, I suppose, do one or the other, but both really need longer. Unless all you want to do is sit on a beach in Spain. Or, I suppose you could fit in Fez and Marrakesh and perhaps a look at Essaouira.

I thought you had two weeks? You could see a fair amount of southern Spain in that time, and it would allow a reasonable look at Morocco. Personally, I wouldn't go through the pain of the flight just for a week.

Also, in that part of the world I'd put in a plug for Portugal. I prefer it to Spain, and it gets many fewer American visitors.

pwpark

thursdaysd, I agree re: Portugal. I visited last Spring and stayed with a friend who has an apartment near Lisbon. He took me to Sintra for a day. What a magical place!

It is refreshing to know that such places still exist in the world.

And the food was so great. It really makes a difference to have a local contact.

Peter

amandarawrrr

If you do decide on the south of Spain/morocco, there are a number of tour groups that give you a guided weekend trip with all costs included for under 300 euros. I'm trying to remember the company I went through when I studied abroad, but then again, that might have been for students only... though I think I remember adults being on the trip too. I agree that a week to do the coast of Spain and Morocco in one week will be tough, but if you stick to one or two cities, it could be doable.

Also, semi-related advice - Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (or watch the movie, but I pored through the book in 2 days, very easy read). Even if you're not into the whole God thing, which I wasn't, and even though most guys I know roll their eyes it, this is one of my all-time favorite books and relevant to your situation. Good luck and major props to you!

pwpark

amandarawrrr, Thank you.

I did go through EPL a few months ago. Yes, it's one that makes guys eyes roll; yes it's totally unrealistic for me to take a year off; and yes, it was cathartic and highly relevant.

LABruin

Have you considered Istanbul? I always see flight deals from NYC. You could stay 5-6 days there & a couple more in Cappadoccia. There's lots to see & it's easy to get around.

Grassshopper

Istanbul is a great idea! You're in NY...Europe is an easy flight. Or London or Amsterdam. I travel solo too. You will discover some real treats with solo travel. For connecting with others, consider walking tours or bike tours. Have fun!