Heather

I finally have the means to travel this year but none of my family or friends can break away. I can't quite see how a fortysomething female could have a fun vacation alone in Europe. I know others here do this. Then again, the idea of a canned tour somewhat offends me, as I have traveled independently in Europe before, though that was close to 20 years ago. I've been dreaming of going to Europe for awhile now and have read up on lots of facinating places. What about you? Is solo travel any way to go? Does the lone female do a tour or simply wait (a year +!) until friends and family can accompany?

kk

Heather, if you want to go, GO. In my forties I started going to Europe for business and I was lucky enough to be able to add in some personal time. I enjoyed it very much, especially in England. When I am in Paris, I hate to be alone. To me, that is a city to be in WITH someone. Personally, I wouldn't pick a tour and I also wouldn't wait for a year to have company to travel with. I would go now and also later with someone. <BR>Somewhere here, in recent weeks, was a similar posting and many answers all amounting to saying, yes, single women can and do travel happily to Europe on their own...even, sometimes, happier alone than with someone! Unfortunately, however, I can't remember the name of the post so I can't bring it up. Bottonline: Go and ENJOY!

Sheila

I seem to take bout a week or so on my own these days. Do what you want; talk to who you want; stay where you want. <BR> <BR>How could it get better.

lola

You can't assume you will have another day, let alone another year. That is a subtext I live by to make the most of my life. I have traveled alone perhaps one-quarter of the time. It is different, but wonderful. You need to be able to function and enjoy without thinking you have to share at the moment. Remember, you can share later. But live for the moment. I have had the best times in cities and places where there is much to do for singles, day and night. You can always grab a tour once you get someplace if you want company. But I have enjoyed the privilege of solitude, and when I have been alone, I have been less lonely than when I have traveled with those incompatible. I lose myself totally into the place. There is little distraction. I come back far more steeped in my experiences. I hope you go, and discover this. It will be a gift to your life.

Carol

Heather I say GO, You'll have fun and may even meet nice people along the way. <BR>Take a look at the Romantic Places of Rome thread, I got this url there and it's just the kind of thing I would do if I were traveling alone. <BR>http://www.walksofeurope.com <BR>Good luck with your trip : )

Lisa

I am in my late 30's, female, and have travelled alone in the states, where I live, a few times. It is a different kind of vacation, much more relaxing than travelling with others, as I have also done. I am a very independent in my every day life, and do spend a lot of time, willingly, alone at home; reading, computer time, art projects, etc... My boyfriend and friends know this about me, and have come to the conclusion that I am not lonely, or hiding in some way. I just like to be focused without distractions of any kind. <BR>I have been waiting a long time to go to Europe, and a friend, who travels overseas often, and alone, took me with him this past summer. I knew I would want to come back about a minute after I got there,(Spain, France,Italy) and went off on my own a few times. OK, so I did get lost walking around in Nice for over an hour, but found my way back to the hotel eventually.(It makes for a great story now). In any case,I plan on going to Europe once a year, with or without a companion. My plan is to stay in a centrally located hotel, because although I feel very safe in new surroundings during the day, at night, as a woman, I am more wary, and staying within a few blocks of my hotel during the evenings is more comforatable to me. I find that I go a few blocks farther every eve as I get more comforatable and familiar with my surroundings. Keep a business card of your hotel with you that has their address on it, in case you get lost(see above!) Take a phrase book of the country you are going to. Research as much as you can before you get there, mostly about public trasportation, if your not renting a car(I won't rent, too much trouble finding parking & cost). <BR>I hope I, along with the others, have encouraged you to go, alone if you must, to Europe, NOW! You will not regret it if you go, you WILL regret it if you don't go. Just be smart about your personal safety, as you would anywhere else. Don't whip out your map while standing on a dark corner at midnight with your luggage surrounding you, looking lost and confused! <BR>Oh yeah, that reminds me, PACK LIGHT!!!! <BR>Try this site for more encouragement- <BR>www.journeywoman.com <BR>Good luck.

adrienne

Heather, <BR> <BR>I just topped a thread called "Am I Nuts." It's full of advice about traveling solo and will probably help you make your decision to buy a ticket and go for it. I recently received brochures from HF Holidays (www.hfholidays.co.uk) which I thought would be perfect for my next solo trip. They offer many different types of walking, cultural, and artistic short holidays (3 - 7 days) which you can combine with solo travel. These are not escorted tours but stays in country houses with planned activities where you can meet other people who have similar interests. <BR> <BR>Adrienne <BR>

hRose

Hi Heather, I can only say that if I had waited for my friends/family to have the money to travel with me, I'd still be waiting!! I have had some awkward moments, but 98.5% of the trips' memories are incredibly wonderful moments. I have taken tours and then added the same length of time in solo travel on every trip. The funny thing is that I remember the solo travel and the things I discovered alone much more than the time spent on the tours. This could be due to that amount of time I have when alone to explore to my heart's desire. Obviously if I had a wonderful travel partner, I would rather do it with that person, but in reality it was go alone or stay home. If you have an explorer's soul, you'll still have a great time. If you don't, you may not...I hope this helps! <BR>And I won't trade those memories for anything!!

Candace

Heather, <BR> <BR>I travel alone all the time since my divorce. What do you like to do? <BR> <BR>You can find all sorts of ways to connect with people. It's up to you to do some research before you go and to keep your eyes open when you get there. <BR> <BR>For example, when in Paris, I often go to the American Church. They are so nice and helped me once when the pickpocket got everything on Christmas Eve and left me penniless. <BR> <BR>The American Church has free concerts in the winter on a sunday. Also there are one day tours and even walking tours you can take in most cities. <BR> <BR>I'm rambling, but the point is find a connection point - whatever it is for you - and enjoy yourself.

Martha

Heather: <BR> I too am in the same situation you are. A few years ago when I decided I wanted a yearly trip abroad no one had the time or money to go with me. For the most part, they still don't. I started out going on the big name tours but this certainly was not to my liking. Half the day seems to spent in shops where the tour companys get kickbacks. Last year I really looked into doing something different and since I enjoy being with people and sharing experiences I sought out a small group tour. Ended up going to Switzerland with only ten other people. I also always pay the single upcharge so that I can have my own room. This worked out great because we weren't on a tour bus all day, we took public trains and walked alot. And I have found this the ideal thing for me. So thought I would suggest another idea rather than going solo. whatever you do hope you have fun.

Lauren

Heather, <BR> <BR>This December I am going on a Insight tour for 28 days. I will be alone. Like you, friends/family do not have the time/money to go with me. I decided on the tour becuase I have never been to Europe, much less out of the South where I live. Also, I am quite young for a singal traveler--19. I feel that a tour will make me feel secure when needed. However, I can go on my own when wanted. This way I visit many places, although in a semi-short period of time, as to know where to go later when I can, on my own. Hope this helps, or at the very least, tell you that you aren't the only one who is choosing to venture alone! Good luck!

Brenda Breslin

Make the most of it. Go where you want, talk to who you want, come in when you want and sleep with who you want. Let this be your experience of the world. Forget the restrictions of home and be who you want to be. You will come back enlightened and with a new confidence that those around you who are too afraid to do what you have done will never experience. <BR> <BR>Be careful, be safe but don't be frightened. Surprise everyone around you. Just imagine their reaction when you say 'well I'm sorry you can't come but I'm going anyway.' You can bet next time rouned there will be a queue to join you. <BR> <BR>Brenda

bhictoriah

I've always gone solo on vacation. I sometimes however will find a couple of day tours to take when travelling, they are a good way to get an idea of the country. The good thing about going solo, is you can do whatever you want.

jill

Hi Heather: This past Christmas and New Years I met the ski club of Great Britian at the airport in Zurich and spent 10 wonderful days with a fabulous group that I had never met before. I had the most majical holiday season of my life... skiing in the alps Christmas Eve with the snow coming down all day.. 7-10 course meals every nite. Here I was thinking I was so cool being the only American with a group of Brits.. and who do I run into but a colleague of mine from Boston staying in the same hotel in Davos that I was....They put all the English speaking people in the same dinining area...It is a very small world...GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! You will have the time of your life! I did! But do agree with Paris... that is a place to be with someone.

Shirlene

Donīt wait Heather. Just go and do whatever you want. I travel alone on business sometimes, and now I do it also on vacation, when I donīt have friends or relatives to go with me. I am 41, and this year I will do something diferent. Next month I am going to Italy, to study italian. Not because I need, but because it is a good oportunity to stay in Italy for three weeks (and much cheaper), make new friends, and at the same time visit the places I wish to. Classes until 1pm, and the the whole afternoon and weekends by myself. Two weeks studying in Florence and one week in Rome - strolling in the piazzas. Take a group tour in the begining of the trip, to know the city or to make friends, or at night, and you will feel safe and not so lonely. And donīt feel guilty if one night or another you want to stay in your room reading a book or watching TV. You have the time, and it is your vacation. Read everything you can about the place before departing. Europe is such a beautiful continent - I never had problems in my sollo trips. Just once in Mexico, when I went to visit a small Maya Museum when everything was closed (siesta time and I had no idea) and there were two men inside the small museum. Maybe they thought I was looking for something else, but "sixth sense" helps you to stay alert, and I imediately left the place. But usually I take care, and I just go to places I know are safe and I will be fine. If you donīt like to have dinner alone, go to the shopping - always a good place to eat something at night. Or choose a restaurant near (one or two blocks) your hotel, and go there twice or when you want. The waiters will know you and will give you the best table. Enjoy, have a great time, but be careful - you may become addicted!

robin

-- <BR>Heather: <BR> <BR>In London, Paris & Rome, it is very easy to find a day tour (either half or full) of the city or of various points of interest. And I assume that most other major European cities likewise afford that opportunity (can be found thru American Express office or easily located with the help of your hotel). SO, if you want a group experience, you can join one for the day --- then move on to other things. <BR>Whether traveling solo or in pairs or in a group, I've usually found fellow tourists to be open & friendly and easy to engage when one wants some companionship. <BR> <BR>Additionally, as Lola as said you can't assume that you'll have another year to wait for a travelling companion --- last year at this time I was deciding between surgeons as to whom would perform my lumpectomy --- as a forty-something female, I had never put breast cancer on my 'to do' list. Here I am 1 year later (a bit scarred, radiated & hair alot shorter), BUT I'm leaving for my next trip to Italy on October 19th. You just never know what life will toss in your pathway. <BR> <BR>Do your research - ask your questions on the forum - buy your plane ticket (and NOW is a great time as there's some excellent prices on sale thru Mon, 9/22) - AND GO !!!

Rose

Hi Heather, I posted earlier, but I thought of something that I do overseas... I eat my main meal in the early afternoon so that I don't feel uncomfortable eating alone. In the evenings I stroll around, being careful of course, and eat my evening meal in a sandwich shop or such. That's a generalization, but it helps decrease the awkwardness you may feel. Great idea posted above that I hadn't thought of - eating your meals at the same place daily. I try that next trip! <BR> <BR> <BR>PS I have friends who say I wish I could travel like you, and I tell them rather humorously "Don't do it! it's a very expensive hobby! Once the bug gets you, that's it!" but it's a wonderful bug...

Helen

Heather,I agree with all of those who responded-GO. Most likely those friends and family members think that they want to go but really are not that interested. I have a few years on you but only started to travel in the past four years. Have made seven trips to Europe in three years - one with my adult daughters, four with a friend and travelholic, and two on solo tours. My solos were in April to Spain on Trafalgar and to Switzerland in August on Insight.(loved Insight) I am an early bird, very time orientated so I do not mind the regimentation as much as others. There are occasion when I would like to stay longer at a site - for example, Chillon Castle in Switzerland. It was such a lovely day and such a beautiful place on the lake - but,alas, we had to leave. Nevertheless, I like the companioship of others and the info from the tour guides. On both trips I met up with great people - of every persuasion. There was no talk about home only sharing travel stories, shopping excursions, and other adventures. Have kept in touch with several on email. I would think of taking a less structured tour in the future, perhaps a walking tour or one with an academic flavor. <BR> Don't be shocked at the response you may encounter when you tell others, especially male co-workers, that you are going to Europe alone. They may look at you with something akin to pity. Trust me, most of them couldn't do it. Again, I wish you all the best on your solo trip. Thanks to all of the others who responded to your query -wish them happy travels also. Helen <BR>

lisa

Heather -- I can totally relate to what you said about having the means but family and friends are unable to break away at the same time you are. Definitely GO! I am in my 30s and have travelled alone to England, San Francisco, Key West, and just got back from the Grand Canyon, just to name a few. I also take trips with others or meet up with others for part of my vacations, and enjoy that as well. But it is FUN to travel by yourself and get to do exactly what it is you want to do with no compromises -- plus, you meet a LOT more people travelling by yourself than you do when you travel with someone. You will meet people on trains (seatmates), planes (ditto), automobiles (sharing cabs at airports or wherever), standing in line for theatre tickets, etc. Strike up conversations with other solo travellers and soon you will find yourself having dinner with a new friend. I highly recommend it! <BR> <BR>However, if you can't muster up the courage to go alone and feel you must do a tour, that's still better than NOT GOING (the horror), and there are so many tours these days and not all of them are the huge tour bus kind. There are great small-group tours, walking tours, horseback riding tours, wine tours, cooking tours, you name it! (Frommers Budget Travel website is one good place to search for these -- www.frommers.com) -- in addition to all the other regular travel websites and guidebooks.

Janice

I'm blessed with the world's best travel companion - but I echo all the other responses and say GO GO GO GO!!! Make it a total fest of what you like, what interests you, where you want to sleep, eat, read, etc. And if that's not enough motivation, search for an old topic on this board about horrible travel companions, print it out, and read a few of them every day of your trip - you'll be glad to be alone! <BR>Practical advice: prepare like an anal-retentive maniac, and pack light!