I'm a 39 year old woman traveling to London and Paris for the first time and I'm going by myself. Is it better (easier) to book a tour or do you think it's pretty easy to do independently? Also, if I book independently, what part of both cities do you recommend I stay? Any suggestions would be appreciated!!

I'm a similar age woman who just did a 5 day solo trip to London/Paris and also spent a week in London with the family last year. It is very easy to travel independently in London. The tube is very easy to use. In Paris, it was a bit more difficult because of the language barrier, but not really a problem, if you are an independent sort. The Parisians I encountered were very friendly and helpful, although a bit reserved.

In London, I pricelined the Thistle Marble Arch for $60 (plus taxes) a night. Check www.biddingfortravel.com for more info. It was right near the Marble Arch tube station, which was convenient. The hotel was a busy, business-type hotel, where you are basically left to your own devices, which was fine with me. It wasn't particularly charming, but was certainly sufficient and a great rate. I wrote a long review in a different post. On the family trip, we rented a flat near Notting Hill Gate tube station, which I thought was a much more charming area. I prefer to rent an apartment when possible, but it isn't as practical with 1 person.

In Paris, I stayed 1 night at the Hotel Muguet. I can't recall the exact rate, but it was something like 95 euros per night. It was in the 7th arrondisement(not sure if I've spelled this correctly). Very near the Eiffel Tower and Invalides. My room had a view of the Eiffel Tower. It was cozy, nicely decorated, the beds were a little too hard for my taste, lovely little bathroom, the desk people were helpful in making a call for a dinner reservation. I would stay there again. They were doing some renovations in mid-Feb, so I'd ask about that if you go.

The Paris museums were to die for - of course, the Louvre, but my favorite was the Musee d'Orsay. In the old train station, with a sculpture garden in the huge main room, surrounded by smaller rooms with Impressionist paintings.

In general, I think I would hate a tour, so my advice is not all that objective. Just that travelling independently is doable and enjoyable, if you like the freedom and flexibility and don't mind being alone, making the arrangements and handling issues as they arise.

Good luck!

The vast majority of folks here will recommend that you travel independently - and I agree. Coming here for research/advice is a good first step.

But within your independent travels you can go on little mini tours. In London, for example, you could look into the London Walks or Astral Travels. What they offer is extremely informative and it's a good way to meet some fellow travelers.

London Walks:
http://www.walks.com/

Astral Travels:
http://www.astraltravels.co.uk/

Paris will have similar offerings.

Have fun!

London and Paris are good cities to do on your own. Keep in mind that you can join an organized day or half day tour in each place to get to someplace you don't want to tackle on your own, or if you have a special interest that is covered by a tour company. Have fun planning and let us know if we can be of help.

Hi G,

Start with the miniguides to London and Paiw under "destinations".

How much time will you have?

I haven't been to London, but I know Paris is fine to do solo female. I would stay in the 6th or the 7th.

Sure, it is probably "easier" to book an organized tour, but for me I would hate it. I know the regimentation would drive me nuts (up early, go here, go there, eat with the group, etc.).

Really all you need to figure out is a plane ticket and two hotels. Then read a guidebook on your plane ride over. Some people plan ahead in great detail, but it really isn't necessary. I can speak to Paris, just get up in the morning and start walking around. It's a lovely way to see the city (take a street map and a business card for your hotel in case you get lost!).

Thank you all so much for your help!! I'll definitely keep you posted!

I've mentioned this before. I too travel alone and yet when in London I wanted to visit some pubs like a Londoner. I don't take tours normally, but I took the London Walks Pub Crawls (recommended by this group here) and had so much fun. Met great people. The walks are a lot like the day time walks, but you stop at pubs along the way for a 1/2 pint. Two of the 3 nights we ended up going to dinner as a group. The guides even recommend the best beer served at each pub. Many of the pubs are historical in their own rights.