thursdaysd

Funny zeppole, those things never bothered me when I was planning to go to Russia. And I'm hoping my next trip will be to Central Asia, where the health services are probably pretty lousy too. (I've wound up in emergency rooms twice when traveling, so it's not like I don't know that **** happens.)

I live in the U.S. The crime rate's not that great here, either...

sheri_lp

Olive, I went solo in 2005 to France (Paris & Nice) and Italy (Rome, & Amalfi Coast) and regardless of your final destintion, you won't really have too much trouble with language, if you get a few workable words you'll be fine and everyone I met was so helpful when they could see I was going the wrong way!

I think Zeppole's advice is very useful - a 'home' base is a bit more cheerful each day than the standard room.

When choosing destinations, take time to think about what's important to you. For example, I love Chagall's art, and that's what led me to Nice. Traveling solo allows you to follow your own nose and make your own discoveries.

Mainhattengirl

Berlin is an excellent place to visit, with exciting things to see and do, not knowing German will not be too much of a draw back, the train system is great, and there are lots of day trips to make. Finding an apt. there is easy and very reasonable. Look on this website:
http://www.zimmervermittlung24.com/e_index.html
We were very happy with their service and had a nice little apt. for 48 € a night. Food in Berlin is also priced a bit lower than the rest of Germany, so more money to spend on other stuff. As far as safety, this is a city where you shouldn't worry too much.

olive22

That's it then, I am going to do it! Thank you all for your encouragement and advice, you have truly made a very difficult decision for me almost a no brainer! Now I just need to decide where and start planning!

sheri_lp

Excellent! Pack light - it's amazing how much you can do without.

tuscanlifeedit

Hi Olive

I hope you are still checking this thread. Yes, of course you should go. But I want to throw my 2 cents in on the apartment issue.

I like to stay in apartments, but I wouldn't want to do it on my first solo trip.

I would get lonely until I got into the swing of things, and I think I would feel a little better with a hotel, and its attendant life, around me on my first solo trip.

Shanti

Congratulations!

I'm going to respectfully disagree with tuscanlifeedit. Whether of not you'll enjoy staying in an apartment, B&B, or hotel really depends on your preferences. I like having more space & a kitchen, so I was fine with renting an apartment during my first solo trip.

That being said, if you're in a major city such as Paris, you'll easily be surrounded by activities even if you're staying in an apartment.