rtwin80days

I know the title borders on weird. But here it is...

I have loved Paris for years and wanted to go there. But I have always perceived it as a romantic place where it is ideal to visit as a couple.

I would be in Europe this August end and have 3 days at my disposal. I can easily fly in to Paris. But I am hesitating thinking what if it makes me feel lonely instead of happy to finally visit Paris!

What have your experiences been and what do you think about the idea of taking a solo trip to Paris...?

Padraig

Paris is good for couples, but not only for couples. If it's one of your dreams to visit Paris, don't give up on it because you happen to be travelling solo.

kerouac

It just depends on how much you want to cry over your fate. ;-)

adrienne

There's tons of single people and people traveling on their own in Paris. If you feel lonely in other place then you'll feel lonely in Paris. If you don't then you'll be fine in Paris. I don't think Paris is any more romantic than lots of other places.

It's ideal to visit as a couple or solo or in a group. Get over the romance thing and just go.

ggreen

Think of it this way: when you revisit Paris as one half of a happy couple, you'll be able to show your partner all the beautiful places you remember!

For me, Paris is one of those places that can amplify whatever you're feeling - so if you go in love with the idea of visiting the city of your dreams, that will be reflected in your experience! (And if you are melancholy from being alone, you might end up crying over your fate. ) That said, IME one is more prone to melancholia in Paris in winter than in the "dog days" of August...

Do keep in mind that in August, many French will be on holiday away from Paris, so the city will actually be more empty/quiet than at any other time of year.

amer_can

Yes Paris is romantic but "carpe Paris" as you may not get another chance..Solo travel has it's charm.. So-o-o 3days.. get the hop on/ hop off to get an overview then hit the Louvre. Have a cafe/vin/whatever in an chair in an outward looking spot and watch the world go by and enjoy.

bjl

rtwin80days,

i know exactly what you are saying because i have felt the same about certain places. but paris is a big city and there must be many locals who are single and 29, going about their daily life. go, have an adventure, and be open to possibilities!

thursdaysd

I've visited Paris several times on my own, and had a great time. France is actually a good place for solo travel, as solo diners are treated with respect.

rtwin80days

Hi all...

Wow!! So many responses so soon! All of you have been quite encouraging and I think the overriding feeling is to finally visit the city of my dreams. Romance will have to wait

And you know what..Paris has so much to offer...just the gastronomic treats for a foodie like me would keep me occupied for months..and here I am talking about just 3 days!

Thanks to you all for warding off that little doubt in my head. I guess it was in one of my weak moments that I thought that way.

Merci.

daveesl

I first sent my daughter to Paris for about 10 days for her 19th birthday, alone. Again on 21st birthday, alone. She and her brother went on her 23rd. She loves it. Granted, she is used to traveling on her own- Japan, Rome, Copenhagen, Stockholm. In fact, she is now in the Army stationed in Korea for 2 years and then hopes to get Germany.

She has a great time, loves meeting people. She also speaks French, but that didn't help in Italy or Japan. GO FOR IT!!!

dave

rtwin80days

Dave, you are a great parent to facilitate global exposure for your kids. Bravo to that.

I am going ahead with the plans, thanks!!

colduphere

It could be a lot worse Rtwin80. You could be in Canada for 3 days in January. The fireplaces, the maple syrup, the snowflakes, the snowshoeing etc. Now that is romantic.

uhoh_busted

Only if you can find an affordable flight to/from...or you can fly home from Paris. You only have 3 days, and you don't want to eat up half of it with trains...that would be a drag!

kja

I skipped Paris on my 1st trip to Europe because of the kind of thought you voice. I went to Paris solo on my 2nd trip to Europe, and am SO glad I did! There is so very much to see and enjoy there, and it is a very easy city in which to travel solo.

BTW, I love traveling alone and have come to savor my solo adventures. I find it a wonderful self-indulgence!

Enjoy!

sheri_lp

I went to Paris solo and it's such a wonderful overall experience, I didn't think I was missing anything being alone. I was so happy to explore and experience it - you'll have a great time.

emily71

Judging by the numbers of young female travels in Paris, it's a city that can be experienced by everyone.

nytraveler

Well, first of all, I'm having trouble with the idea of a 29 year old girl - to me girls are 15 and under.

After that females are women. And I don;t think Paris is any more romantic than a lot of other places - depending more on who you are with and the specific circumstances. (To me there is nothing more romantic than being snowed in at a private lodge with a roaring fire.)

Definitely just go and enjoy yourself - there are many millions of people visiting there every year - many under very unromantic circumstances.

ruedebuci

If you are reasonably attractive you will not be alone for long...unless you choose to be. Trust me on this.

I prefer to travel to Paris alone for a variety of reasons.

But only three days? That makes me cry.

cybertraveler

rtwin, I'm so glad that you've decided to go on your own. Paris is magic, and you can certainly enjoy it solo. I agree with rue above...add more time if you can! Have a wonderful trip!

gwan

When I first went to Paris - alone - I think I was 22 and not very happy romantically (went home after my trip and broke up with my boyfriend not long after). And I *was* lonely in Paris and went back to stay with family friends in the UK after just a few days. But I was staying in Pigalle in a really crappy hotel with no opportunities to meet people. I'm your age now and feel a bit too old for dorm rooms in hostels, but perhaps get a private room in one and take the opportunity to meet other young travellers.