eliza61

So I had a trip planned for Paris in May with 2 other girlfriends but it seems like they are dropping out like flies. I've been wanting to go for 2 years and really hate to cancel. Is it really weird being a solo tourist in Paris?

gracejoan

eliza61,

Not at all. I go regularly and I prefer going alone.

Enjoy your planning and enjoy your trip!

Joan

kja

I certainly enjoyed my time there alone!

StCirq

I've been a solo tourist in Paris probably 50 times over a 30-year span. No, it's not weird, it's liberating. No one to finesse itineraries with, no traveling at different paces, no one-wants-pastries-the-other-wants-a-burger moments, no OMG-she-talks-too-loud moments, no one-wants-to-sleep-in-the-other-has-to-be-on-the-streets-at-day problems....trust me, be brave, and have a ball. Get some good guidebooks, have a plan, but one that can be scrapped if something else turns up, and have fun.

If you're uneasy about eating alone in restaurants, particularly at dinner, which I admit I was when I was young and in Europe my first few times, just grab some takeout or stuff from a supermarket, eat in your hotel room, and go out for a coffee/drink at a café afterward. After a few days you'll probably feel fine eating alone. Bring a newspaper or journal or book - sometimes that helps.

Judy

I would do it in a heartbeat!!

elcon

I went to Paris solo in May 09. It was the best trip I have ever taken and can't wait to get back there. If you have the chance to go, do it! Have a great time.

cheryllj

The first time I went to Europe many moons ago I visited Paris solo and had a blast. It was very easy to meet people when I wanted to be friendly, but it was also nice to make my own schedule each day. I'd do it again anytime. And if you're young and single . . . well, the men can be quite charming. (But not as pushy as the Italians!) Go for it.

StCirq

If you're old, the men can be quite charming, too

cheryllj

Sorry, I didn't mean to be agist! I'm sure the men in Paris are charming to ladies of all ages.

nancy

It's probably the most perfect city to see alone. You will never run out of sites to visit or areas to wander in. I rented an apt for a month in May and two out of the four weeks I was on my own. Gave me a chance to see sites that maybe companions wouldn't care about.

I mostly ate in sidewalk cafe type places while alone; very casual and I never felt out of place. Great for people watching and I often chatted with people nearby. As St Cirq said above, bring a journal for notes/thoughts. I often used it for writing my trip diary.

I have a trip diary for this time if you'd care to read it. E-mail me at [email protected]. Nancy

P.S. I met a travel friend thru Fodors TravelTalk after she laughed about how many ice cream stops I made!

greg

You might always travel solo after reading this

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...d-sorrento.cfm

amwosu

Go for it. I love wandering Paris alone. Besides, I bet you might be able to have a Fodor's Get Together if you like. There always seem to be Fodorites visiting Paris.

rosiecaro

Ditto, ditto, ditto, Did It last May for 3 weeks and had the time of my life. My loved ones joined me the last week. I did cooking classes, wandered, ate. It was fabulous, and I never felt wierd, or anything like that!.

nytraveler

Paris is a great place to go solo. I've spent time there alone at least 4 or 5 times - attached to a business trip - and once for a week when the beau's business required he cancel at the last minute.

There are tons of great activities you might enjoy more not having to cater to friend with diffeent interests.

Don;t know if you have a hotel yet. I always book a full service hotel - with room service - in case I don;t feel like eating dinner out - although I usually do, and I have met several interesting people also traveling solo, in the hotel lounge, bar or breakfast room that I ended up spending part of a day - or having dinner with.

cynthia_booker

Any doubts? Plenty here to let you know the pleasures of going it alone. Post back if you have any questions as you will get lots more encouragement if you need it.

Leely2

I don't even consider myself particularly independent but Paris is fantastic for solo travel! Going for a week all by myself last May was one of the most delightful, rejuvenating experiences of my life so far. Can't wait to do it again.

Enjoy.

azzure

Thinking about the same thing...so I'm glad to see all the words of encouragement.

joannyc

Going any where these days alone is snap. Why wait for someone who may or may not join you???

I have been traveling in Europe for many years by myself. A few weeks ago, a married girlfriend said 'I'm going with you this year.... I don't care where you are going. But, I'm going.' Her husband doesn't enjoy pleasure travel (does some business travel) and she is tired of not seeing the world.

Will it be different for me? Oh, yes! I'm so used to doing what I want when I want... but she is a friend from my college years and we do enjoy the same things. Wine and laughter also help!

Rhea58

The beauty of solo travel is sightseeing, shopping, etc. at your own pace. No complaints or 'can we leave now' queries.

The downside is eating alone but so minor when one considers they are in Paris!!!

tod

There have been times when my old man just can't get away but I can and have! Solo is really great and although you may start off a bit timidly, in no time at all you will be confidently striding into a restaurant to dine alone - very common so you won't be looked at sideways or stared at!
I suggest you keep an eye open for other Fodorites that will be in Paris at the same time and plan a GTG (get-to-gether).
Great fun and it breaks the boredom of having only your own company at mealtimes.