Best place for solo travel?
 

What are your opinions on the best cities or countries in Europe if you're traveling alone?

I'm sorry, but I don't understand why being alone makes a difference.

I think it depends what languages you know, what your interests and preferences are, whether you LIKE to talk to people or prefer not to, whether you are afraid to drive a car in a foreign country, and whether you dislike eating alone. <BR><BR>I might be uncomfortable traveling completely alone someplace where I could not speak the language at all. Yet, I was quite content traveling completely alone in Greece for several days before and after a walking tour, because there's something about Greece and the people in Greece that just makes me feel very comfortable. I've never been to Germany, and I'd hesitate to go there alone, because I don't know German and don't really have a feel for German culture. The first place I ever traveled alone was England, and that was very easy. I think many Americans find it very easy and pleasant to travel in the UK, alone or not. I've loved traveling alone in Italy several times. I have a great time being a lone traveler in smaller towns in Italy and find it pretty easy to talk to people. I would probably feel a lot less comfortable spending much time alone in Rome or Milan. I avoid going alone to bustling or very formal big-city restaurants, but have no trouble at all in smaller restaurants. I have only a little bit of experience traveling alone in France, and found it not quite as pleasant as being alone in Italy. That may be because I'm not very comfortable speaking French but feel that I should speak French in France. Since I like France, I'm thinking of taking an intensive language class there, in the hopes that I may become more comfortable speaking and then can do the kind of traveling alone there that I can very comfortably do in Italy, where I'm much less timid about speaking. Since I do not want to rent a car and drive alone, I choose locations where I can get around by public transportation. I also find that traveling that way is not lonely, since I interact with people on trains and sometimes have interesting conversations.<BR><BR>These re just MY preferences. I know some people have completely different feelings, e.g., they may prefer being alone in HUGE cities, or they may LOVE dining in fancy restaurants alone, or they may hate eating alone SO much that they eat all their meals in their hotel room, or they may choose not to talk to anyone when they travel alone, or they love to drive alone. What's good for YOU depends on so many variables.

i agree that travelling alone and not speaking the language makes it very difficult indeed.

I disagree, I think not knowing the language but being prepared to accept whatever comes your way and dealing with it is half the challenge of discovering new places. Plus if you stay long enough you soon start picking up useful phrases. I have no german at all but had a wonderful month in Austria and Germany. A sense of humour is the most important assett to take on holiday with you.

as long as you are comfortable with yourself and sociable enough, travelling alone is not a problem in most cities. My solo trip was thru Munich, Prague, Paris and Frankfurt and I had a good time in each place....and I only speak English. If I were to choose a place for MYSELF to travel alone, it would be Paris, but I would do it almost anywhere..........

I've solo'd to Iceland, Portugal, Bermuda, Israel, and Vietnam (not that the last three named are in Europe, I do realize) and really can't say that any one place is better than another for solo travel: I'd happily go anywhere alone!<BR>(In fact, I usually prefer it to group travel.)<BR><BR>To me, solo travel is more a state of mind than a state of place. I'm from an East Coast city, so security issues don't really bother me; I've been negotiating public transportation and a crowded downtown for a long time. As far as needing company, there are only a few times--which could happen in any place--where I really want someone to be there to share the experience with me. (And often, there is someone, just not someone that I knew before.)<BR><BR>Happy travels!<BR>

I see from other posts that you're male, in which case I don't really think it makes very much difference where you go, language difficulties aside. From a female perspective, I feel safer in Greece than anywhere else in the world, but maybe that's because I'm used to it.

I have solo-ed in Paris, Rome, Venice, Provence, and London. All are easy to do. Cars not required.<BR>The biggest deal with traveling alone imo is managing your luggage by yourself, getting yourself on and off the train, using the restroom with your suitcase in tow, etc. The little logistics. The bigger logistics are much easier.<BR>And if you're the least bit friendly to fellow travelers, you'll find yourself making acquaintances who will perhaps join you for a drink or dinner.

Paris and Venice!!! I have never had problems within these two cities and don't speak French or Italian. They are both quite walkable, with plenty to see and do.<BR><BR>For Ira's comment, it makes a huge difference. For instance, I'd never be interested in renting a car or staying way out in the countryside solo.

Without a doubt...Paris.

I've traveled alone to London, Scotland (Glasgow &amp; Edinburgh), Italy (Naples, Rome, Florence, Venice) and Paris - the latter two more than once. I speak passable French and Italian. I think speaking at least a bit of the language does help you to feel less isolated when traveling by yourself, since you do not have friends along to talk with, though it's not absolutely essential.<BR><BR>Headed for Spain (Madrid, Sevilla, Granda and Barcelona) next month after my friend had to bail out on fairly short notice. I don't speak much Spanish at all, and am trying to learn what I can!<BR><BR>As you can see, I prefer cities for solo travel. Easier to get around without a car (I don't rent overseas without a navigator if I can help it), and lots of cultural things to see and do. I can spend hours at museums and wandering neighborhoods. I enjoy seeing a play, the ballet, or a concert on my own and can usually get a good &quot;single&quot; seat. (Like Amy, I'm a city girl here at home, too.)<BR><BR>I've met fellow travelers and locals on every trip, and still keep in touch with a few.