Traveling Alone

Old Oct 23rd, 2016, 07:43 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Traveling Alone

So, my birthday is coming up December 9th, and I'm not in a relationship. I made a promise that I will not spend my birthday's home anymore. Now I am thinking about traveling to U.S. Virgin Island alone, but I am terrified...
DIVINESELF1 is offline  
Old Oct 23rd, 2016, 07:48 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,548
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
Welcome to Fodors DEVINESELF. >>Now I am thinking about traveling to U.S. Virgin Island alone,
janisj is online now  
Old Oct 23rd, 2016, 07:58 AM
  #3  
Amy
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,822
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I can't help with the US VI, but I can reassure you that there's nothing to be frightened about with traveling solo! Here's a link to a lot of trip reports from a wide variety of solo travelers, just to give you some confidence: http://www.fodors.com/community/trav...collection.cfm
Amy is offline  
Old Oct 23rd, 2016, 09:55 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,831
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you are terrified, you could travel to an "easier" place on your own to get started (such as some US mainland city). Are you terrified about traveling alone because you've never done it, or just about the USVI? I think there are problems in that location, you'll have to research a lot to make sure you get some value out of that trip. Such as where might actually be pleasant to go and stay on that island. But at least you don't have to worry about passports and foreign money that way, if you want a Caribbean island.

I haven't been there and so maybe you've research it to death, but from what I've read, some places are remote and best for families (eg, St John) and you'll have more trouble getting around, and others are tacky and can have just a bunch of cruise ships around (St Thomas). So be sure to research which works for you.
Christina is offline  
Old Oct 23rd, 2016, 10:03 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,940
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you are thinking Virgin Islands, do one of the islands other than St. Thomas, which reportedly has a significant amount of crime and other problems. We loved St. John, which is easily reached by ferry from St. Thomas and is mostly a National Park. They have a convenient taxi system at the ferry dock. You might be able to get in on some snorkeling tours and be around other people if you wanted, and resorts also have snorkeling, scuba, etc.. As suggested above, consult the Caribbean forum.
jayne1973 is offline  
Old Oct 23rd, 2016, 10:16 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 24,502
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I agree to pick a safer place for a first solo trip. Why did you pick that location? If you want warm and Caribbean how about a cruise? There are a lot of solo travelers on cruise ships and most lines do a meet up.
mlgb is offline  
Old Oct 23rd, 2016, 10:29 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,971
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Love Mlgb's suggestion. While as a single, you might have to pay more for your cabin, get an inside cheap one, and a cruise would be great! You might even find some single's cruises on cruisecritic.com.
Sassafrass is online now  
Old Oct 23rd, 2016, 01:18 PM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
First, let me give you all a big kiss and a hug!!. thanks for all of the suggestions and yes I'm trying to be more independent and travel alone. I picked Virgin Island because I have traveled all of the other Island and that is the last corner for me to visit. The most important thing is its my Birthday and I do not want to be home... So thanks for all of the support and guidance.. Keep it coming.. Muah..
DIVINESELF1 is offline  
Old Oct 23rd, 2016, 02:15 PM
  #9  
Amy
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,822
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I do think the island "vibe" can make you feel more alone. (That said, my first solo trip was Bermuda and I loved it.) If you want to stretch your wings a bit more there are definitely economical ways to go to, say, Europe, or of course the cruise idea could work as well.

We soloists will be here to cheer you on!
Amy is offline  
Old Oct 23rd, 2016, 02:42 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 97,137
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
Maybe pick someplace you have been before then? That will make it less "terrifying". Return to one of the islands you liked the best and know you way around.

I love traveling solo (I am single & used to it) and often to go easy beach-y places. My personal favorites are Puerto Vallarta Mexico (La Paz and Cabo were also nice), Negril Jamaica (but maybe a bit too rustic if you are feeling afraid), and Honolulu/Waikiki or really anywhere in Hawaii.

That said, I don't think the USVI are a 'dangerous' place to visit. St John is gorgeous. But doesn't matter, pick a place you are more comfortable about.

Or you could visit a US city that interests you? San Francisco is not difficult and a lot of fun.

I started traveling on my birthdays years ago, I'm never home on that special day.
suze is online now  
Old Oct 23rd, 2016, 06:06 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 24,502
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
suze do you know ANYTHING about the USI? If you don't (and I'll bet you don't , please try not to give advice on whether it is dangerous or not. Some parts have significant crime issues.
mlgb is offline  
Old Oct 24th, 2016, 07:54 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 97,137
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
I don't think anyone considers St John to be a dangerous destination.

I have only been myself to St Thomas and St John, not St Croix.
suze is online now  
Old Oct 24th, 2016, 10:41 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 97,137
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
As far as gaining confidence generally, there are loads of memoirs and short stories written by women who have traveled alone in various situations and locales to put your question in perspective. Check your library and read up.
suze is online now  
Old Oct 24th, 2016, 10:44 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you do go, be sure not to act "terrified"--that may make you an easy mark. Act self-assured & with confidence.
SeaF is offline  
Old Oct 25th, 2016, 11:24 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 97,137
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
Good point from SeaF.

There's so many places that would make a fantastic solo birthday celebration trip, why not pick one that does not "terrify" you?
suze is online now  
Old Oct 30th, 2016, 02:21 PM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 756
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
St. John is one of my favorite islands and I've been there many times with girlfriends. If it's in your budget, I would suggest Caneel Bay. Your timing is before high season and they usually have "lower" rates at that time. It's still expensive, but is a place where you would likely feel comfortable and wouldn't need to leave the resort unless you wanted to!
MP07950 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
chelsea_dagger5
Caribbean Islands
5
Jun 8th, 2017 01:20 PM
tibbs66
Caribbean Islands
5
Feb 8th, 2011 12:17 PM
SAnParis
Caribbean Islands
8
Sep 22nd, 2006 09:41 AM
goldie7111
Caribbean Islands
13
Feb 23rd, 2006 11:15 AM
e17345
Caribbean Islands
26
Nov 30th, 2005 03:02 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -