barbara

Am travelling alone to the UK for the first time, and would love to hear from other travellers what it was like doing it alone, and maybe some stories about hgow you managed, and places that you enjoyed as a solo.

Tom

Barbara,

Of all the European places to choose, the UK should be the easiest to get around - no language barrier and the friendliness of the people.
In spring '95, I toured Loondon, Bath/Stonehenge, southern Wales, and Ireland on my own for 10 nights. I had detailed maps with me as I toured
by car and train. In mid April, I only made reservations on Easter weekend. The rest of the time, I pulled into a small town and stopped
in at B&Bs for "on the spot" lodging. I enjoyed the solitude (although I am a people person) because I could do what I wanted /when I wanted (e.g., getting up at 7 a.m., breakfas tat the B&B, touring until 8 p.m., finding a B&B and hitting a pub for drinks/dinner. I did call back to the U.S. just to let folks know I was OK and to make contact with a
known voice! Please contact me for more details if you wish.

Tom

P.S. - I'm travelling to Italy in a few weeks on my own for 10 days - girlfriend couldn't make it!

Monica

Hi Tom,

I'd love to hear from you when you get back from Italy about your trip to Italy (places you went, where you ate, etc). I'll be in Italy in 2 months with my husband.

Ciao!

Bhimi Cayce

Hi there! I am going to be traveling alone for my first time in Europe to Paris and Italy (Milan, Bologna, Florence and Venice) and I am a woman. I am not renting a car but will use public transportation. Am looking for places to stay in Florence and Venice for around or under $100. 3 star. Any suggestions about anything????
Thanks

Tom

Bhimi, for cheap,yet quality hotels, buy the Cheap Sleeps in Italy book (author: S. Gustafson) which lists a wide variety of hotels for Florence and Venice. By the way, do you HAVE to go to Milan and Bolgna. Time may better be spent seeing other places (exs: Tuscany hill towns, Verons, lake district).

Linda

I went to Italy for 2 weeks on my own simply because I couldn't find anyone to go with me. I know I will never have as good a vacation as that! I only took the train and buses and met a lot of wonderful people both Americans and Italians. The freedom of traveling on your own is well worth the single supplement charged by hotels. I stayed at small pensiones due to my budget. Since you don't have the language barrier you will have no problem. E-mail me when you get back and let me know how you did.

Erika

I have traveled lots of times solo, and agree with the other postings about how much fun it can be. I have been to England, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand by myself. The only hang-up I have is that I don't enjoy eating dinner by myself in a restaurant.....since I consider it a social time, not necessarily just a meal. I have tried reading a book or newspaper, but still feel/felt conspicuous. But, that's my hang-up and others don't have the same problem. So, I worked around it by eating a snack or just sitting in an outdoor cafe. I think you will have a great time. Enjoy yourself.

czanaoff

I just got back from travelling alone in England. I enjoyed London, Canterbury, Windsor, and Hampton Court. I had a Brit Rail pass and didn't hesitate to ask questions regarding the timing of trains etc. I was glad I did this in an English speaking country. I absolutely loved the solitude and being able to set my own pace. Since I am a true lover of history, I wanted to really take my time. I enjoyed chatting with a number of Americans while on the train. I am looking forward to going back to England again next year alone to see the parts that I missed this year!!

Mavis

Hi there. Have travelled to UK on my own twice, once for a month and last year for three weeks. I've never had any kind of trouble and really enjoyed the 'I' time. Whenever I got lonesome I went to the lounge in the B&B and visited with other people staying there. Both times I have also rented cottages, the first time at a place called Crackington Haven in Cornwall and the second time in Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds. And both times I have rented a car and although it takes a bit of planning the night before, because it's hard to look at the map when you are trying to get out of one of those roundabouts!, I liked the freedom to explore where I wanted. I also purchased a Heritage Card from the British Tourist Authority (bought ahead of time - in Canada they have an office in Toronto, in US in New York). You pay one fee and it gets you into all the estates, castles, gardens, etc. Really worthwhile. I've also been in London on my own, first time stayed in a B&B in Windor (I can find name if you are interested)and went in by train (you can get a deal on a three day travel card) and second time at a small guesthouse in London. Some of my favourite places in England (all visited on my own) include: Stourhead Gardens in Wiltshire (stayed in the Spread Eagle Inn across from gardens - absolutely wonderful); St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall; Lanhydrock House in Cornwall; Tintagel (the town is tacky but the castle is great); anywhere in the Cotswolds; Sudeley Castle (where Catherine Parr - Henry VIII's last wife is buried); Stratford; Warwick Castle; Baddesley Clinton (moated castle); north Wales (especially Penrhyn Castle); Haworth (where you can visit Bronte Parsonage); Sandringham; Belvoir Castle (they recreate Civil War on special weekends); Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem (supposed to oldest inn in England) in Nottingham; Hardwick Hall; the Wykham Arms in Sibford Gower. If you want more info. pls. contact me via e-mail. You'll have a great time in England. I always have.

JOAN DOYLE

Hi! I first started traveling around Europe in 1957 and was always alone until my sister moved to England and started going with me just two or three years ago. I knew enough French to "get along" on that first trip (and a good thing I did as my flight was so late we got to Paris at 2 a.m.) and I had a FABULOUS time--some of it howlingly funny; other parts a bit harrowing; but never in any danger. The knowledge of the language of the country is a help--but being outgoing and interested in the people and the places is the key to a good time. I wish you a wonderful trip and lots of really good memories. Joan

Tina

I've travelled solo in Ireland, England, France, Romania, and Germany. The next place I'd like to try is Italy, but I have heard good and bad reports from women travelling there alone. Any words of wisdom? Tips for avoiding trouble?

Y. Yang

I've traveled all over France, Germany, Italy, Spain and England by myself, and love evrey minute of it. In fact, I love it so much that it's now difficult for me to travel with people. I don't find Italy as difficult as people advised. I don't speak a word Italian, and I found my way around most of Italy. In Florence I was wedged in a long table at lunch with a lot of Italians eager to find out the latest news on OJ Simpson. In Venice I went to a clasical music performance free because I got into a conversation about the church with the ticket person. Of course, as a single woman, you have to be careful but a bit of adventurous spirit with a lot of common sense is all you need.