another woman who has traveled to Paris and many other places on my own. Ther is nothing to fear and everything to gain. Go for it! and then be sure to share your adventures with us (well you don't have to share everything!)!

<<malelion55 on Jan 22, 10 at 9:08pm
I know a cheap good divorce lawyer that only cost 500.00 dollars and everything is done...you will be free....LoL....>>

What a sad response. The only reason I can think of that one or two weeks apart would end in divorce is that there is no trust in the marriage.

Not every woman is afraid that her husband will look for someone else if she isn't with him all the time. Ditto for husbands.

While traveling, I've met a lot of married women on trips without their husbands because the men are not interested in travel or had enough of it while serving in the military.

Go Eliza! You'll love it.

As for the "divorce" comment, just s few months ago I was at my best friend and her husband's 25th wedding anniversary party that they threw at their house. During their entire marriage, they have had the system of a family vacation together and then two separate ones if they wish; one for him and one for her.

She's taken off as long as 3 weeks to South Africa with 3 female friends from work. And that's when their child was young. They worked it out so that she could have that possibly, once in a lifetime, South African trip. And that was way back more than 15 years ago. She also used to take off either alone or later with their one child to Bali and just relax and de-stress at a 4-star overlooking rice terraces.

Before they got married, they discussed their lifestyles and one thing that she clearly brought up was that she needed to have time on her own. So, they both knew what they were getting into before saying, "I do.", as all of the cards were laid out on the table, so to speak. They're both very secure and happily married people. Many of her on-a-leash friends didn't make it anywhere near 25 years of marriage and are now divorced. Happy Travels!

The first time I visited Paris the plan was to meet a friend on arrival. She got delayed by flight problems and a family emergency, so I wound up on my own. It turned out great! Of the many return visits since, some have been solo and some have been with others (SO, friends, family) but all have been enjoyable.
I agree with those who have observed that Paris is easy for solo travelers. Single hotel rooms are readily available, dining alone is not a problem as small tables are abundant, and waiters as well as other service providers are generally very helpful. I have treasured memories of both shared moments and solo experiences. I think of it as Amorino offers both chocolate and vanilla gelato, and at different times I eat one or the other (and sometimes a little of both.)

Go for it! I went to Paris alone when I was in college and though I was only there for a short time, I met several other young Americans and toured around with them to museums, etc. I have also been to Florence alone and was just fine for three weeks. I am planning a return trip to Rome this spring and am *seriously* thinking of adding Paris on to my itinerary. I would like to go again as my more confident and smarter 31-year-old self!

I do worry about dining alone; but after reading all of these comments, I'm feeling up to it!

PS. For the singles...there's usually no shortage of fellow travelers or lovely European men to make you feel welcome! :-)

Absolutely not.

My friend dropped out of our trip last May, but I still went. And I had a lovely GTG with fellow Fodorites which made it all worthwhile.

Once you fix your dates, post them here and you will have little problem arranging a GTG - there are ALWAYS many Fodorites in Paris at any given time, and lots would love a GTG.

I've already got a GTG planned for October in Paris (am I allowed to say it's with Barb...???)

Eliza,

I only started really traveling in 2005 and 95% of my travels have been solo. Like you, my feeling was if I waited for someone to take me, I'd never get out of the country, so off I've gone to explore and enjoy. I agree with the other gals, no cowtowing to others who dont want to eat here or there or go to this or that museum. Sure it's nice to have company to share with but it's also liberating to travel solo. Just imagine: "You've come a long way Lady".

I've been to Paris every year since and no matter where I'm headed I always try to fit in at least a few days if not a couple of weeks in Paris. I've been 5 times and there's always more to see and places having been to before, to enjoy again.

I love Paris and if I could, would move there in a heartbeat.

I've found the people friendly and pleasant and helpful, no matter what you may have heard about the rude French, it's not true except for maybe one or two exceptions in all the times I've been there .

As far as eating alone, it's never been a problem for me since I'm a big people watcher. Park yourself at a table near a window so you can watch the goings on as you dine. Or carry an American newspaper, and you might find other Americans or English speaking approaching...or look for other Americans and start a conversation. And absolutely, post on Fodor's for a GTG and the dates you'll be in Paris. I attended one with about a dozen fodorites and a long long lunch and wonderful time was had by all. It's nice to meet the faces behind the words.

Go for it and have a wonderful time.
(Don;t miss the D'Orsay or St. Chappelle or the Luxembourg Park!)

The OP is not thirty-something years old and is not spending her life alone. Nor are most of the people who have responded to this thread and said they have enjoyed their solo trips.

As to the question as to whether there is something wrong when a woman in her thirties lives alone without a partner, it is not relevant to this discussion, but I would venture a guess that few who have replied here would agree with that premise.

do you have problems going on vacation with men ?...

I know a cheap good divorce lawyer that only cost 500.00 dollars and everything is done...you will be free....LoL....

if a 30- something woman who is living alone and don't have a partner, then something is wrong...

LOLOLOL. Keep diggin malelion55. You are cracking me up.

Another recommendation for traveling solo to Paris. I loved it and can't wait to go solo again. Usually I travel there with DH - and that's great, too. But, traveling solo is a different feeling and as others have said, very liberating. Do it!

Agreed Cigal, methinks male chauvinist piglets are long
out of style- yet there are still some cavemen skulking around -

Mahya2...:)

malelion55 has apparently created a time machine and is posting from 1955.

Newsflash: This is the year 2010. Today, women don't need a man to give them permission to travel or do anything else. Plus, you apparently have problems with reading comprehension as the OP said she's married and recently turned 50 (or is about to?).

Life is too short to sit around at home, wishing you had gone to Paris. Go for it.

Not married at 30 means something wrong? Wasn't that applicable when the book was called "Paris on $5 a day"?

Being a male, I'd hate to think that any women somehow needs my permission to go somewhere or do soemthing on her own. If I can go, fine...but to say you can't because I can't...yikes.

if a 30- something woman who is living alone and don't have a partner, then something is wrong

WOW... only here on Fodor's can I mix & mingle with people with such old fashioned opinions.

Ignore the caveman and maybe he'll go away.

Go! Paris is wonderful. The first time I went, I was taking a class and was with a group but found plenty of solo time. The solo time was the best.

The second time, I went with 3 family members and was unable to do anything solo and had to cater to others' desires.

The third time, I went with two co-workers and it was pretty much the same.

Next time, I'm going alone! There's too much to see and do and too many places to get "lost" to spend time worrying about others and their wants and needs.

Go alone and see and do the things you want...there are no shortage of wonderful, helpful people to meet...or not meet.

I waited until I was 50 to go the first time even though I had wanted to go since I was a teenager. I wish now that I had done it before I did.

I just booked a solo trip to Paris for my 50th birthday.

My partner of 20 years is a homebody. He would much perfer that I go on vacation and leave him to paint the house in peace LOL! My friends are all married or don't travel!

Of course the trip is in July and my birthday is in September, but... September's just a busy time of the year for me.

Not 100% sure I will take this trip, but if I cancel it won't be because I didn't want to go solo (It's all on Frequent flyer miles and free hotel nights so the "cancellation penalty is $100) (I do have one friend trying to figure out a way to leave her husband and special needs kid for a long weekend someplace fun and if she can work out the details I will probably have to cancel this trip.)

Go you will probably discover that you really like going solo. No one to answer to as to how to spend the day, and the luxury of only thinking of yourself and your enjoyment. Some of my best trips have been when I traveled alone.

Just went to Paris for the 1st time last Sept and, although it was with my darling husband, we saw lots of solo female travelers from all over the world - they were having a blast!
Rent "Paris, Je T'Aime" which features 10 or 15 5-minute films by different directors...you'll get some great and very different takes on this wonderful, wonderful city. I think you'll relate to the very last one - a 50-ish lady travelling to Paris solo...I wept with joy to see her reactions.
You are gonna LOVE it!

eliza, let me share these short videos with you to get the flavor of the different places in Paris.

http://www.geobeats.com/videoclips/f...is/boulangerie

"if you are traveling by yourself, you don't get a chance to share your experience with someone else"

Which can be good or bad....

However, I find the implication here that those of us traveling alone aren't having fun wrong. I often look at the familes having a fight and think "I am glad I am not them" LOL!

<<...I often look at the familes having a fight and think "I am glad I am not them" LOL!"

So true, CarolA. While traveling solo in Europe I had dinner one evening with two women who have traveled together for several years. I thought how nice it was to have someone to "share" the experience.

I sat with them at breakfast the next morning and when one left the table the other put her head in her heads and began a litany of complaints -- she's driving me crazy -- she doesn't like this, she doesn't want to go there -- it went on and on.

My son met me at the airport. When I told him about the two he laughed and said "It sounds like being married."

Paris is probably the best city to go to solo. I go every winter by myself when it is cold and less touristy. Easy to get into restaurants and museums. And of course, cheaper. My wife calls Paris my "mistress". You don't have to answer to anyone, wake up when you want to, eat when you want to, you are the boss. When making restaurant reservations, I always make them for two. You get a better table. When the waiter asks you why you are alone, tell him the other person got sick and canceled. I like to go to restaurants where you sit elbow to elbow with the locals, sharing wine and learning about the culture. Believe me, you will have a great time.
Marc from Los Angeles

"when one left the table the other put her head in her heads and began a litany of complaints"

That could have been me except I know it wasn't because my last companion to Paris NEVER. EVER. FOR ONE SECOND. left my side during our 17 day trip to France.

I knew she'd traveled to Europe before so her fear of doing anything at all alone came as a surprise until I learned that every other trip was with an organized tour company. I'll go alone or only with one of my two best friend's that I travel well with on future trips.
Ann Marie

I agree with all the above. Best trip I ever had. Solo to Paris for 1 week. I can't wait to do it again...I didn't get to do all that I had wanted. (Gotta get to that Tower someday.)

I don't know if anyone said this, but it helped both my limited budget and my desire to eat "posh". I ate terrific lunches. Ate quietly at night close to my apartment or brought something in to cook. (One of my problems is that I typically wake up at about 5-6 AM and can't stay up so late! LOL)

But if others enjoy a late night stroll, I enjoy the really early strolls.

I'm sitting here right now solo, and was reflecting today on how nice it was to be able to go wherever I wanted and do whatever I wanted to do today. Since it was raining, I read a book in a cafe overlooking Pont Royal and drank a glass of rose. Then I got lost for a little bit, and went grocery shopping on the way back to my apartment. Not that you wanted my play-by-play, but the point being, I reflected on how enjoyable the day was for me, yet could have been drastically different with other people in tow.

Don't skip Paris just because you friends can't come. This city is filled with people...you'll make some news ones :)

Well, I just have to reply to this one. Greg above posted a link to one of my trip reports. I traveled with a group of "friends" to Rome and Sorrento. It was the ultimate trip from hell. Since that trip I now travel solo. I have met up with friends for a day or two during a trip, but ALWAYS have my own room or apt. I usually try to set up a GT with Fodorites, or with people I have met on previous trips. Of all the places I have visited, I think Paris is probably the best place to be solo. It's so easy there, so comfortable, so special. As many others have said, you have such freedom when you are by yourself and you do not have to compromise with someone else's travel style. You don't have to bite your tongue when your travel partner says or does something that drives you nuts. You are much more approachable when you are alone. Some days I may feel like meeting people and that's never a probem, other days, it just feels so good to be with myself. If I feel the need for a group experience, I join a walking tour, or a day tour.

Eating alone is never an issue with me. I don't go to swanky 4* restaurants, like others have said, I prefer a cozy bistro or at an outside cafe table. I rarely ever eat in my hotel or apt. Sometimes I write in my journal, but most of the time I enjoy soaking up the atmosphere and, I admit it, evesdropping a little. I usually have no problem with service and if anything, maybe a tad more attention from waiters, wink wink.

I am going back to Paris in Oct., but this time with my DGD. I am a little apprehensive because she is a teenager!! but I am sure it will be just fine.

So, by all means, go, have a blast and write a report when you get back!

Barb,

I remember that trip....... It was the trip from hell!

I travel solo on business a lot so I long ago got over the eating thing. Right now for example I live in Atlanta and work for a company based on Southern California which means I am there two weeks a month. I am not eating on the hotel "bed" for all those meals. And of course my co-workers, while very nice, have families to go home to so....

Go alone!!!! I've traveled solo to Paris the last five Thanksgivings and always have a fabulous time. Not at all weird eating alone - I always have a book or journal while eating. The city is so beautiful, walkable, and safe. I would encourage anyone to do a solo trip, even if friends were able to go along. I very much look forward to my solo trip to my favorite city.

"I traveled with a group of "friends" to Rome and Sorrento. It was the ultimate trip from hell."

LOL. It was so bad I still remember the report and I think it was a few years ago. But, am I imagining it, or did you happen to meet at least one charming man on that trip?

I WISH I had traveled solo my first time to Paris!!! I'm with the majority on this board. It is my preferred method of travel. I've had no problem dining alone whether in Paris or Dubrovnik. If you are the type of person that likes talking to others, there will be plenty of opportunities. A waiter in Rome sat me next to a fellow solo traveler from my home state so we not only spent dinner together, we also went to a musuem that was open late that night because I mentioned I was going there and he had no idea it was open. I spent almost all day with a nice couple from Australia during a bus ride from Florence to Siena. We had a 3 hour dinner back in Florence and watched a midnight procession as we left the restaurant. Oh yes, and the overnight train from Naples to Venice with the five Italian ladies. I could go on and on but go and make your own memories.

I could not agree more with the positive comments here. I've had *wonderful* travels solo including in Paris (and yes there's a DH at home who can't get away from work responsibilities much and can't easily adapt to time changes for short trips).

I stayed in the Left Bank area at a small hotel with small rooms, not a problem for a solo!

Meals were fine -- cafes, museum cafes, a 3* restaurant, and the like; the hotel folks took good care of me and meals were fine. Mostly, I was *free* to walk, go where I wanted, hop the Metro, stop at museums, stop at shop windows, etc. without boring or holding up anyone (or being held up by others).

It was wonderful! Do it!!

I haven't been to Paris yet but when I do go, I'm going alone. All of my most memorable vacations were taken solo. You have the freedom to see and do exactly what you want and you also have a lot of time to think and learn about yourself. I'm sure your solo trip will be wonderful!

kyliebaby, I hope you post a report and some photos when you return. Have a great trip!

malelion55- You seem to think that we go alone because we have no choice. Do you really think that we have no options? Like we're losers that can't get a date to Paris? Maybe you're just trying to "stir the pot" but I'll respond again.

You are still not likely to "get it" but we don't need you. We don't want you. We have plenty of fun without you. We are not man haters. We are not wall flowers. We have friends. We just like Paris ON. OUR. OWN.

I've been to Paris five times in the past decade and without a doubt the best time I've spent there was alone. I CHOSE to go alone after a number of trips with others. I will CHOOSE to go alone in the future.

One time I went to Paris with a group of people. No one else could make up their minds about what to do, they'd done no research on what they wanted to see, they just wanted to follow me around but if I made a misstep there were some that were quick to point that out. If I asked them to make transportation decisions they stared at me like idiots. No one liked "real" French food and were afraid of eating something that didn't involve meat and potatoes. None bothered to learn to say even basic phrases in French. They embarrassed me by using cell phones in museums and had to be told to turn them off more than once. Some wanted to sit around and sip coffee on the apartment couch all morning which is not my style. I tried to ditch out as often as I could as I was ready to SCREAM at times. I will never go with a group again.

Another time I went to Paris with my 14 yr old son. While we had fun, he lost interest really quickly with art museums and got bored with just walking around which I can do all day in Paris. Every day, about mid afternoon, he hopped the metro back to our apartment and was content to watch French TV and play on his GameBoy which seemed like a waste of money and time to me. I'm glad I took him and I'd do it again but it wasn't the most fun trip I've ever had in Paris.

Once I went to Paris with DH of 23 years. He loves hiking, biking, skiing and beaches and he went with me to France to ride bikes for two weeks during the Tour de France. The whole time we were in Paris he was tired and grumpy from jetlag and his back hurt from the long plane ride. He could live his whole life without going to a museum, looking at old buildings or eating French food. NOT a fun trip and I'll never try to get him to Paris ever again.

Another trip I went to Paris with a single coworker who I liked and admired. She ended up being afraid to do anything alone and it became apparent on the plane trip that she suffers from OCD. She functions well at her job but on our trip she was a mess I won't even go into here. I have other friends that would happily go to Paris with me and although I travel with them to many locations stateside I just don't feel like being a tourguide in Paris.

I am a lucky gal who travels about every six weeks for fun. I travel with DH, with a variety of my gay boyfriends, with college friends, with a neighbor friend, with my family and sometimes all by myself. Paris is a "by myself" place.
Ann Marie

Anne Marie, my late husband didn't like Paris so I have been there alone but he loved France and its food and everything about it. I wish my gay friends with ask me to travel with them.

Does anyone else think that poor malelion's partner probably wishes he/she could travel alone. Anyone who is that judgemental, demeaning and flat out rude can't be a good traveling companion, can they?

Traveling with someone that judgemental would be another great "Trip from hell" report, but I am not volunterring for that torture.

Sad, sad, man! Let's just feel sorry for his partner and move on! :)

Amwosu, You definitely summed it up! and very eloquently. We solo travelers are not pathetic, we are not lonely. We do this by choice, maybe after disasterous trips with friends or family, or maybe because we are just so comfortable being on our own. Paris is the PERFECT city to venture out on your own. Please don't wake up one morning and wished you had gone--- go, have the time of your life and, again, we want a report when you get back.

Your French is terrible, malelion...another reason we wouldn't want to travel with you, or anyone else.

Leely2: I'm traveling for three months this time, so I'm afraid the trip report is going to be very delayed. However, I'm keeping a blog as I travel, so please follow along there in its place
...www.culinaryhopscotch.blogspot.com.

It will explain what I'm doing, and there are already a few pictures up!