Loacker

<<<<But keep in mind that in those days, most of the French did not have telephones and all communication was postal unless there was a major tragedy that warrented a telegram.>>>


Kerouac, the telephone was invented in 1876. Really, how old are you?

It's interesting that you wanted to live in Geneva. It doesn't get much love from Fodorites and Ricknicks.

suze

Geneva is a great city. Not so much as a tourist, but it would be a wonderful place to live (if you can afford it)!

billbarr

>Kerouac, the telephone was invented in 1876. Really, how old are you?<

A big smile here Loacker although I can relate to what Kerouac said.

In our long street during the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s only one person had a telephone. They were expensive to install and the monthly line rental definitely not cheap. Also, the waiting list for a telephone was enormous. I remember though if folks had to call out a doctor or perhaps something else just as important they would go along to the man who had the telephone (who always obliged!) and have in their hands some coppers to pay for it.

Oh and this was in Scotland, Alexander Graham Bell’s country of birth!

janisj

Loacker tries to be funny but it can derail a thread sometimes . . .

Yes, the average demographic on Fodors is older than you for sure - but we've all been 18 and many traveled in Europe at 18 (and sometimes younger), some are in their 20's and going to Europe for the first time, and many have kids your age who travel in Europe. So we know how to help you and no one on here would suggest you stay in luxury hotels like. Look how many have already suggested youth hostels. So yes, we can help you . . . .

Don't be afraid. If you are sensible you will have a GREAT time . . . and PLEASE don't avoid Paris. It is a very easy/safe city to visit on your own.

kerouac

Just for the record, modernization of the French telephone system dates from the presidency of Giscard (1974-1981) and is about the only positive thing for which we remember him. When he became president, France was about 60th in the world for telephones -- installation fees of almost $400 and a wait of about 18 months in most cases. At the end of his presidency, we were #1 and had free Minitel screens next to the telephone, which worked so well and were so convenient that our next delay was with the internet, because people didn't understand why on earth a computer was necessary if you had a Minitel.

flanneruk

"I plan on sticking to smaller or safer cities."

Why? And what makes you think the're "safer"?

Stick to the Katzenelnbogens of this world and you'll die of boredom. Unless you bump into a bunch of the local youth staggering out of the beerhall on a Saturday night. Small-town drunkenness is no different from what it is in cities: small towns rarely have the police to keep those drunks under control.

I'd far rather walk through London's back streets alone on a Saturday night than through my nearest, 35,000 population, country town on the edge of the Cotswolds.

If you're in Germany - Europe's least capital-dominated country - Berlin's still the place to visit if you're young. And that's even truer of Amsterdam, London, Paris, Stockholm - and even Barcelona, if you pretend, as most Europeans do in practice, that it's Spain's real capital.

There's a really good reason a growing proportion of young Europeans migrate (or would if they could afford it) to the biggest cities.

They're a hell of a lot more fun. And every bit as safe - though, frankly, everywhere in Western Europe is.

Hobbert

Definitely visit Paris! I went there last year and spent each day on my own (the group I was with had different plans each day that I wasn't interested in) and I felt very safe. It's easy to navigate, people were helpful, and I got see places that I'd dreamed of seeing. Plus, I got to try out my basic French phrases

Honestly, I think the only question to consider is how comfortable you are in a city at home. I live near DC and have no problem navigating my way around and staying safe. If you can say the same, you're good to go. If not, give it a test drive. Use the tips other posters have mentioned- cross body purse, passport in a money belt, using a map (!), ATM safety, and, of course, being alone all day. It'll give you a sense of this trip. Have fun!! Sounds like a great adventure

J62

The average fodorite is 70? Really?

When did all the young people join & pull that average down?

PalenQ

and PLEASE don't avoid Paris. It is a very easy/safe city to visit on your own.>

Oui Oui!

As are all cities as flanner.uk so aptly describes.

A young lady alone in Paris fine- and if you stay in hostels you will find others to do things with.

ssander

Kerouac & Billbar...

I, too, chuckled at those who were incredulous about lack of phones in the 60s & 70s.

We were in St Bath in 1976, a part of France, though, obviously not the same as metropolitan France -- being an island.

There were only a handful of phones on the entire island. Even the high-end French Restaurant didn't have one. We had to go into town the day before and make our reservation AND pick out the food on the menu (because it took a full day to get the ingredients to the chef).

If we wanted to get a message to someone, we would go to the "library" (actually someone's house with shelves of books to lend) and leave a message with the info or a request for him/her to drop by our place to talk.

OK, OK...I know I sound like one of those old geezers who talks about the old days when we walked 5 miles to school in the snow without shoes -- uphill in both directions!!! I'm 70 -- Fodor's age??? -- so I guess I AM one of those geezers.

But it was true...there is no comparison between today's communication and that of 50 years ago.

ssander

PalenQ

But it was true...there is no comparison between today's communication and that of 50 years ago.>

One wonders if this will be true in 50 years from now?

OP's solo trip at 18 will be much more comforting to parents with instant contact available now via smart phones, etc.

rs899

Go. As soon as you can. It will likely change your whole perception on life. I waited until I was 23 and could have gone earlier.

And I respectfully disagree about rolling your luggage around. I still backpack at 62. Just start out light and leave half of it home. Or bring your worst clothes and dispose of them along the way.

Bedar

@Kerouac. So, has the pneumatique totally disappeared ? I should think so, but ya never know. When we lived in Paris from '64 to '67, we had a phone, but one of our friends didn't so we had to use the pneu if we wanted to contact her immediately (and if the post office was open). Thanks for the info.

Betsy

For transporting yourself around Europe, consider spending time at this site:
https://www.seat61.com/

Bon voyage

kerouac

The "pneu" was discontinued in Paris in 1984.

rs899

http://www.nytimes.com/1984/03/31/st...ad-letter.html


Wow. I never heard of this. From the country who brought us the Citroen. (Not trying to be funny...I had a DS19 boite mechanique).

Bedar

Certain stores in the US use pneus within the store. Can't remember which stores, but I'll keep my eye peeled.

Sassafrass

rs899,
Thank so much for posting that link. Only a few days ago, for some reason, I thought about those things and, as a child, how fascinated I was by them in department stores. I did not know they were used city wide in large cities.

rs899

I have seen them at banks, where cars roll up to the drive in teller, but in one of the outer lanes.

fuzzbucket

If you are a violinist, you probably have a lot of disipline, so can think for yourself.

I agree that making a large city like Paris as your base, and if you want to take day trips to smaller towns, that's certainly do-able if you buy tickets 90 days ahead of time for better rates.
Otherwise, you'll be spending a lot of time in transport.

If you want to go to concerts, just Google for classical or other music in any city. Often discount tickets are available.

I would ditch the backpack in favor of a cabin-sized suitcase. Backpacks are often pickpocketed or even stolen. You can bring a fold-up tote bag if you need to carry stuff during the day.

In Paris, if you're interested in museums and major attractions, get a Museum Pass at the airport.