Paris solo?
 

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?

eliza61,

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

Enjoy your planning and enjoy your trip!

Joan

I certainly enjoyed my time there alone!

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.

I would do it in a heartbeat!!

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.

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. :)

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

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

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!

You might always travel solo after reading this:-)

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

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.

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!.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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!!!

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.

Absolutely, for the above reasons. I've been 7/8 times on my own. You control your day...want to sleep in, fine. Want to just wander, fine. Want crowds, take a walking tour. Tickets to events, easier when solo. It becomes your holiday, at your pace.

Eating.. a lot of people wonder about eating alone in a restaurant. Believe me, it is a non-issue. I've never been treated differently (worse table,rushed to vacate the table,etc..) because I was on my own. In some cases, I've felt the waiter talked to me a bit more. You will also see a lot of locals dining alone. I usually bring a book or journal.

I'm hoping to go, solo, for a couple of weeks this year.

<<Is it really weird being a solo tourist in Paris?>>

Definitely not! Do your research, decide what you want to do when you're there and go!

If you're uncomfortable eating alone, bring a book to read or your journal and write while you're waiting for your meal.

I have been to Paris solo many times (about 6 or 7) as well as to other European cities. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. This past November I had 2 friends with me and while the trip was fine, it was a lot different from doing it by myself. Sometimes I have a tendency to wander off track (translation: get lost) and that's fine with me. I'll push myself until I get to a familiar place - Metro, arrondissement, etc.

Eating alone has gotten better for me over the years. I do bring a book or journal. Also, it's fun to people watch - esp. if the restaurant caters to tourists and locals alike.

Go to Paris and have fun! You might just find out that you prefer to travel solo instead of with groups (all the time, that is).

TR

There are lots of trip reports here about women's solo Paris trips. Reading them can be inspirational.

I have done this now three times in Paris, and I have enjoyed it a lot. I definitely meet more people when I am alone and have had very interesting conversations this way. Then again, I do enjoy being alone. For people who don't, it might be less enjoyable.

Paris in May is DIVINE. Unless I'm with a very handsome and sexy lover, I vant to be alone.

paris is a city that makes a woman feel beautiful.
Sitting in one of the beautiful parks or stopping at a cafe
as you watch the teeming crowd of locals and tourists pass is
a way to enjoy yourself. The over 100 museums can keep you busy. Just looking at the beautiful displays in boutiques and patiseries will have you mouth watering. Taste a macaron or some chololates. Take a bus ride, a good way to see the city.
The lingerie shops are so elegant. I've never had problems eating alone, The wait persons have been very nice to me.
Stop in the charming bookstores,visit the markets, relax, take time to enjoy the architecture look up and you'll see details that make this city the beauty it is.

As said before I go often , maybe several times a year and stay at least a month. I really prefer going alone..make my own plans and do it all 'my way'.

My running trip reports tell all that is going on and filled with the pics of dining. I meet up with so many who are there during my stays.I also have many Parisian friends now who join me for some great dining, too. We get together for lunch or dinner etc. I go to 3 star down to local bistros all the time..rarely eat at home..unless I pick something up at super Davoli.

Enjoy your planning of solo travel..

Joan

Paris is a huge city. Unlikely anyone will notice you, one way of the other. Personally I LOVE traveling alone and would go to Paris solo in a heartbeat! The only thing different I do solo, than traveling with friends, is dinner. I chose more casual restaurant where I feel most comfortable. Cafes or bars, even getting a meal to-go and picnic in my room.

Yup that's true about solo travel. You don't get a chance to "share" the experiences with someone else. You just enjoy everything all on your own.

If I wait for my husband to travel with me, then I will never see another country. He has a fear of flying and does not want to get over it. I have learned to make myself happy and not to depend on another person. I enjoy traveling sometimes with friends or my sons, but I also enjoy traveling alone. No worry about pleasing anyone but myself!

Huh? If the OP had a man in her life who wanted to go on the trip with her, I doubt she'd be doing it solo. Maybe she's married and husband just doesn't enjoy travel, or can't get away for some reason. Either way, solo travel can be fun.

If I waited around for a man to go with me on vacation, I'd never go anywhere. Plus, I certainly don't have a hard time finding someone to "share" the experience with, but I don't need to bring him with me, I can meet him along the way. (Didn't we cover that part? Men are everywhere, they don't need to be brought from home.)

My husband is disinterested in cities, architecture, history and art. He has been to Paris with me but doesn't appreciate the city like I do. He and I vacation where we can hike, bike, ski, kayak or play on a beach and when I go to Paris it is not with him.

I've spent time there with my son, various friends and alone. I like wandering alone the best- no worry as to whether others enjoy the same activities as I do or not or want to travel at my pace.
Ann Marie

Hi Malelion55,
Op here. Actually no problem traveling with men at all. LOL, I'm the Happily married mom of 3 teen/young men so I've been travellin with guys for the last 25 years.

This actually started out as a trip planned for my sister in law, myself and 2 other girlfriends. My SIL has dropped out and my 2 other friends may still commit.

I've wanted to go to Paris for so long (5 years now) that I've just decided that no matter what happens with my other friends, I'm going.

Or maybe it's just the fact of turning 50. I don't want to wake up one day wishing I had went to Paris and never done so.

Oops forgot to add. "The old guy" LOL my husband has no interest what so ever in Paris.

<i><font color=blue>"if you are traveling by yourself, you don't get a chance to share your experience with someone else"</font></i>

How not true. If you possess charm, intellect, personality, and style, many opportunities will present themselves that might not if you were with a friend, husband or a group. Speak a little of the country's language and watch the adventures unfold.

I met most of my French and Italian friends while traveling alone and some of those relationships are 20-years-old. There's nothing more fun than being asked to dinner by a handsome stranger (and surprising you by picking up the tab). While dining alone in Venice, I sat next to the sweetest gay-male, forty-something couple from Australia. We closed the restaurant and I bought two bottles of Prosecco (they insisted on paying for one) from the owner and went back to my fabulous apartment and we chatted and laughed until 3 AM. I haven't seen them since but we stay in touch via email.

I can spend an entire day in a museum or an entire day shopping. I don't know many men or women who enjoy museums and shopping as much as I do. Being alone allows me to take my time doing the things I love. Unless you're into photography, no friend or lover wants to play assistant. I'm always happy to be a single traveler.

Eliza, my dad had no interest in Paris, either. My mother was always thrilled to go with me and leave her husband at home. My parents loved each other madly and lucky for me, they weren't attached to each others hips. I love men who are secure enough to let their wives do their own thing. By all means, turn 50 in Paris. Ooo-la-la!

Please check back after your solo trip.
We hopefully hoping you will have a wonderful time.
If you see my post above, we with not a big budget can still enjoy this beautiful city.

I've been doing Paris almost annually since the mid 1970s and probably 95% of the time it's been solo. I prefer it that way. I've been doing Paris since I was around 21 years old although I've been doing Europe solo since I was 17.

I really wouldn't worry about the other travel companions and would just pack up my bags and go. I've been on every continent in the world, except Antarctica, and many times over and have been just fine solo and planning my own adventures. By traveling solo, there are no distractions or possible drama if others are traveling along. Trust me, I've had it with other people's drama ; people who just invited themselves on a few of my trips and showed up. Happy Travels!

<<I don't want to wake up one day wishing I had went to Paris and never done so.>>

Good point. You've heard from several female solo travelers so I hope you're encouraged.

You don't sound like a woman who is afraid to be alone so I think it will a wonderful experience for you.

Spending a week or two in Paris without your husband certainly won't damage your marriage if it's good -- it may even improve it. You'll return energized instead of staying home and longing to go.

'you don't get a chance to share your experience with someone else...'
Sure you do...write a trip report and share it with all of us. By the way, I was planning a trip in May to Spain or London(can't decide), but now after this thread I am longing for Paris.