mjmo

Hey there! I'm a 31 year old female and I'll be in Madrid from 9/12, for four nights. Is there anyone else out there travelling alone or in a group that would like to meet and explore the nightlife and soak in the culture?
I'm not interested in any romantic meetings (as my husband might be a bit hurt), just people that want to soak in the culture! I love travelling alone, but meeting new people is an adventure.
Thanks!
Mandy from San Francisco

kalikiana

Hi! I won't be in Madrid the same time you will, but I wanted to know how you felt about traveling alone? I plan on going to Madrid & Sevilla in Oct and most likely will be going by myself.

mjmo

I think traveling by myself is soooo liberating! But, you have to make sure you can deal with long stints of not talking to anyone. You kind of end up eavesdropping on conversations around you, but as long as you don't come off as a weirdo, it's pretty entertaining. I always see it as a time where you can be completely sef-indulgent and selfish with your time. What a treat from the regular rigors of daily life.
I should add that in my "real life" I am a police officer (don't worry, I'm pretty normal) so I feel safe on my own. Any advice I can give you is to make eye contact with those around you and look like you know where you're going (even if you have your map turned upside down). And, it you feel hinky, go with that feeling. Don't underestimate your intuitions!
Have a great time! Let me now if I can help with any specific ?'s.

kalikiana

Thank you for your advice! I'll definitely soak up any information you're willing to give. I do worry about safety, especially because I'm just out of college and I'll be a girl by myself. I walk with a rather confident and focused stride but I still worry that I'll stick out. I plan on going in early Oct, flying into Madrid and then going to Sevilla for the Bienal de Flamenco. If you'd like to email me rather than chat on the board, you can email me at [email protected] . I'd definitely also be interested on hearing how your trip went when you come back!!

mjmo

ttt

kaudrey

kalikiana - I traveled to Spain in February for 2 weeks by myself (35 year old female), and I had a great time! The Spanish are wonderfully friendly (the guys in bars are flirty but not aggressive). I met backpackers who were traveling alone, families willing to talk to me, etc. If you are outgoing, friendly, and confident, you can meet lots of people to talk to.

Mandy - have a great trip! I'll actually be in San Francisco from 9/17 to 9/24 - first time for me, and I'm going for a conference for work and a few days of sightseeing (I'm from Washington, DC).

Karen

kalikiana

I'm psyched! Just booked my trip. Sevilla 10/4-10/7, Madrid 10/8-10/12!!
Can't wait!