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London - 1st time visit - Would you travel alone?

London - 1st time visit - Would you travel alone?

Old Nov 27th, 2006, 05:34 PM
  #21  
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You guys never fail! I know it seems cheesy, but it's so nice to chat with truly nice people.

Caroll - the compass is a great idea! Travelgirl - thanks for the tip on the maps in the subways! SAB - thanks for the tip on the London Walks group as well as providing the site. And, FlyBob, I have to crack up at your post! I'll keep your offer in mind. hahah!
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Old Nov 27th, 2006, 05:43 PM
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Absolutely!

My husband and I have been on 2 trips to Europe including London, Paris, Rome, Athens & Istanbul, and we make a point of separating for a few hours every time we go to a new major city, since our interests are different, and we get the chance to explore on our own.

I LOVE being on my own in a foreign city. I find that if I'm lost or need help, I duck into a restaurant or hotel and ask for help, and I always get it.

London is so easy -- you can ask virtually anyone (I tend to target couples to ask for questions if I'm not in a business establishment), and they'll be happy to help.

Have a great time!

Jules

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Old Nov 27th, 2006, 09:11 PM
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go for it.

Getting lost is part of the fun. If you get lost and can't find your way back - just hail a black cab.

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Old Nov 28th, 2006, 04:03 AM
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Those millions of us who live or lived in London as single women survived walking around alone, in the daytime and indeed at night !!

If you are used to cities you have nothing at all to worry about.
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Old Nov 28th, 2006, 06:49 AM
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Tata,

First, learn how to use the Tube. After that five minute lesson, you’re good to go!

Know the closet station to your hotel. The streets sort of wind and entangle, unlike my cookie cutter grid Chicago, but you need only find a tube station, and they’re about as common as ATMs. Here is the Tube website: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tube/

By the way, all Travelcard versus Oyster Card arguments aside, a zone 1-2 Travelcard pass will encompass most of anything you’d like to see. You will need your ticket to exit, as well as enter, of course.

I 100% agree with the posters who mention a compass. I have a small dimed-sized compass that fits on my watch. Many times I have come out the tube and am on the right street, but mistakenly thought I was facing a given direction.

For a map, I suggest the Artwise or Streetwise maps. They are available at Borders, Barnes & Noble, etc. They overlay the streets with the tube stops.

I’d have no particular worries about walking around during the day, or even most places at night. My ten or so trips have found it to be pretty tame. I’m a guy, so it’s different, but you’re from DC, you know to keep your wits about you.
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Old Nov 28th, 2006, 07:47 AM
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I will be back in London in March, and will myself be spending a good bit of time solo. London is a very exciting city, and armed with my trusty map, relatively easy to get around.

I had several one-page laminated maps and a pocket sized A to Z. By far the best map that I've used is the Red Map. I found it at my local Barnes and Noble, but it can be ordered as well (212 255-4645). Here are the details about the Red Map from my first London trip report:

"I ended up using the Red Map for 98% of the time, as it gives a very good overview coupled with impressive detail. The map covers more of central London than many other one page maps (from Earl’s Court in sw to Maida Hill in nw to Shoreditch in ne to Bermondsey in se). What I liked about it is that it is very legible, has every street labeled (little alleys are not included), and, best of all, has the tube stations clearly shown and the tube routes drawn on, with color and name of line. The back of the map has lots of listings for various attractions, shopping, and major streets. The Red Map is a laminate/weatherproof material, which held up well with all of the stashing and pulling out, refolding, and lots of rain. You can see the map at: http://www.globecorner.com/t/t41/20962.php"
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Old Nov 28th, 2006, 04:29 PM
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The first time I went to London I travelled alone. I was there on business and stayed a weekend to explore. I was 30 at the time and my DH says I am really attractive, ha ha. Seriously though, walking around London alone remains one of my favorite memories. I loved going at my own pace and doing whatever I wanted to do. And I felt totally safe at every turn, not once did I get nervous. I feel far more insecure in say Philly or NYC than I did in London. And I thought it was super easy to get around too, although I did get lost a few times (nothing major, just missed a stop or whatever) but it was great, ended up seeing things I otherwise would not have seen.
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Old Dec 4th, 2006, 06:16 PM
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tata823, i heard of a tourist in london with a mini satnav, lol
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Old Dec 7th, 2006, 12:04 PM
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Flybob, how pathetic would I be if I walked around with one of those?! haha! Should I just paint "TOURIST" on my forehead?
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Old Dec 7th, 2006, 12:36 PM
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Oh yeah, you'll be fine, go have fun! My first trip to London was solo (I was 19) and I have been there eight times solo since then..you'll be fine. enjoy!
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Old Dec 7th, 2006, 12:39 PM
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I have traveled alone in London a number of times. When I am traveling alone, I am a bit more cautious as to where I stay only because I want to feel comfortable having a latish dinner and then walking home as opposed to using a cab. The only time I blew it was when a travel agent booked me near King's Cross station as I had an early train to Scotland the next day. That area was without charm and I must admit I was looking over my shoulder. The suggestion of a London Walk was a good one. I took several and enjoyed them immensely (and I didn't get lost). Have a great time.
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Old Dec 7th, 2006, 01:05 PM
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I'm a Londoner, female and in my 40's. As everyone else has said here it's a pretty safe place provided you keep your valuables to hand and avoid unlit alleyways late at night.
The tube and buses are generally very safe, if I'm alone late at night I try to get into a carriage with several people or other women.
My husband is a black cab driver and I really must stress how important it is to only use licensed cabs. Black cab drivers are police checked and will always get you where you need to be in one piece. There are also licensed minicabs which must be pre-booked - find a licensed cab company using the TFL website http://www.tfl.gov.uk/pco/findaride/default.asp
Minicabs should never stop and ask you if you want a cab, this is illegal (only black cabs can be flagged down in the street) so if they do this there is a very good chance that they are not licensed and up to no good.
Enjoy your trip.
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Old Dec 7th, 2006, 01:56 PM
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I wouldn't feel unsafe in London - maybe late at night, just like any big city, in an area that isn't busy. But overall, I enjoy walking around and may be myself there for a couple of days in May. The tube is easy to navigate, and the language is English. Not too tough!

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Old Dec 7th, 2006, 02:27 PM
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hi tata823 - love the name.

London by yourself should pose no problems- it's always busy and well-lit.

If you want to feel extra secure, try to book a hotel in the centre, near a tube station, and with a restaurant, so that if you are feeling nervous, you can still eat!

I'm sure you'll have a great time.
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Old Dec 7th, 2006, 08:25 PM
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Hi tata823, forget the painting of TOURIST on your forehead, Flybob escort and tour service is by far the best way to see London
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