I'm a single male in my mid 30's. I'm not currently involved in a relationship and none of my male friends seem to have interest in traveling. So I'm thinking about going solo for my first trip to Europe. I just want to hit musuems, enjoy some architecture and take in the usual tourist sites. Have any of you men done this? I don't mind my own company, but not sure if I will go stir crazy traveling solo for 2 or 3 weeks. I'm a little shy and not likely to approaching many people along my travels. Any advice?

I did this at 31 for about 10 weeks and had a fine time. If you travel by train you'll share compartments with lots of friendly people and have interesting conversations.

I'm a single woman who has traveled solo in Europe and had a great time. The one advantage of traveling alone is that you get to do exactly what you want and there's no need for negotiation. I can get up in the morning and just stop along the way when I see something of interest. <BR><BR>Take advantage of group activities that you can find in various cities. Sign up for city walking tours or go along on a pub crawl. You be surprised at how many other single travelers I've found at these events. <BR><BR>Pubs are also a good place to stop in for a meal and not feel self concious abotu being alone. <BR><BR>Go for it! You only live once and you don't want to regret missing out on travel just because you're going solo.

I was in France last May for 2.5 weeks by myself. I was a little concerned about being in Europe by myself for the first time. I had a great time through France's Loire valley. It was public transportation and wine tasting for me. I had 5 years of high school and college French. I certainly couldn't carry on a conversation, but I was able to easily read menus, directions and museum placards. I did decide on this trip that for me, I would really only enjoy traveling alone in a foreign country that was English or French speaking.

I was in France last May for 2.5 weeks by myself. I was a little concerned about being in Europe by myself for the first time. I had a great time through France's Loire valley. It was public transportation and wine tasting for me. I had 5 years of high school and college French. I certainly couldn't carry on a conversation, but I was able to easily read menus, directions and museum placards. I did decide on this trip that for me, I would really only enjoy traveling alone in a foreign country that was English or French speaking.

I went to London by myself for 2 weeks when I was 29. It was the best trip I ever had. Of course, language was not a problem, so I was able to get help with directions etc when needed. I did meet several people, but I really enjoyed the time by myself to do whatever I wanted, without having to get a second opinion about everything. <BR><BR>I would suggest staying in a small hotel or bed and breadkfast type place to give you a better chance of having fellow travelers to talk to.<BR><BR>Have a great time, and let us know how it was when you get back!<BR>

I agree with the above poster regarding walking tours--I have met many interesting people on London Walks, Berlin Walks, Prague Walks, Patriashy Dom (Moscow), and some other companies that have day excursions.

I am a fifty year old man who travelled to Belgium and Amsterdam by myself for the first time last spring. I loved it and am planning a trip to Italy in March. I had the same concerns as you and found everything about it to be fantastic (it sures beats sitting next to someone on a return plane trip that you think you will never speak to again)<BR>It's amazing how many people will start a conversation with people who are alone in a tavern or restaurant. My experience is most people have very different agendas, even if they have similar interest and that is very stressfull on a trip. Go for it...I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience

John, I'd do it if I were you. Think of when you get back home - the achievement! Also think of the trip as a character-building experience. <BR><BR>Have you thought about staying withing the (predominantly) english speaking countries as a first taster of Europe - may make things run a little smoother.

I can remember traveling alone when younger and asking beautiful woman for help with directions. God, some of the best times...

Thank you for the supportive responses. Since I don't think I can get by with my high school Spanish, sticking to English speaking countries might be a good choice. Am I limited to Ireland and England?

I am a 30-something single male who has done a lot of traveling by myself. For a long time, I was nervous about going to a foreign country, but once I did it, I realized that it was wonderful and it really built my confidence. Definitely go and experience Europe. You don't need anyone else to have a good time. Do in-depth research on the places you are going and take some guidebooks with you, and you will be fine. There are always mini-tours and one-day tours that you can join if you want to be with people. <BR><BR>England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales are good places to start for English speaking countries, but don't limit yourself to just that. I have travelled in Holland, Germany, Switzerland & Austria and there were always people around who could speak English. Many of the restaurants in these countries have an English menu if you just ask. (But take along a little language dictionary just in case). And with the introduction of the Euro, you won't have as much trouble figuring currency.<BR><BR>Don't be shy about approaching strangers. Many of the strangers that I've approached were happy to help. And with the slump in tourism that has been going on lately, many people will be happy you are spending tourist dollars in their country. If you need any help or suggestions, let me know.

I think it can be a good idea to get adjusted to international travel by going to English-speaking countries. They are good places to go, also, so you should enjoy it -- Aside from the usual, I also concur that the Netherlands (everyone seemed to speak fluent English there) would be a good place if you are so inclined. I haven't been there, but from the Swedes and Danes I know, I think it is commonly spoken very fluently there, also. I disagree about Austria, however, I found them much less able to speak English than almost any country I've visited, except some outside western Europe--I mean the people you may have to deal with as a tourist, ticket clerks, etc. My younger relatives in Germany and some German friends I have speak English very fluently, but I'm not sure if that's the norm or not; I know some older Germans who do not know English that well. Anyway, you'll have fun and it sounds like you have some imagination to see things. I'd recommend you look at the Timeout Guides for some cities you are considering (www.timeout.com has lots of free online info) as they are geared towards younger people pretty well, in comparison to some other guidebooks. If you are used to entertaining yourself pretty well at home, I really wouldn't worry. I will say that I don't recommend you go to a non-English speaking country first or for a long time on a first trip like this -- I did that when I was younger and it was rather disconcerting and not very enjoyable. It was sort of interesting to be in a place with people talking all around you and you not understanding anything, in a psychological way, but it was more disconcerting than I had thought it would be--I was alone also, knew no one, and had not traveled much before, and was fairly young.

Don't think you could go wrong with a trip to Scotland. Some of the friendliest people I've ever encountered on vacation. If you like architecture, Glasgow would provide a good choice, since it's the home of the Mackintosh School of Architecture.

I've traveled in Europe a lot, mostly with my wife but occasionally alone. One of the best parts of travel - - what moves you from tourist to traveler - - is becoming confident and self-sufficient and realizing that you can negotiate your own way. I think the best way to do this is sticking initially to countries where you have a good command of the language.

John, I may still be a bit younger than most who have posted here, but I traveled parts of Western Europe with a backpack and a Eurail pass, alone, two times four years ago-- once through Italy, France and Belgium, and another on a roundabout whirlwind tour of 'the rest' [or most of it, at least].<BR><BR>Based on my experiences, I wouldn't feel TOO hesitant to go to Italy, Spain, or other non-English places IF THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT... But it all depends on how adventurous you are. I, of course, am the guy who has applied for Survivor because I think being stranded in the middle of nowhere would be a neat experience, so take that advice with a grain of salt. =)<BR><BR>However, if you want to visit Europe, would feel more comfortable sticking to places where the natives are accustomed to English, and can handle more than two or three locations in one trip, after the UK I would certainly follow the advice of other posters and head to Amsterdam-- the Dutch speak English very well... partially because, in the words of a newsstand worker in the Amsterdam train station, "Our language is too hard for you, so we learn yours." I found that many Germans do, indeed, speak English, but that those who do AND are willing to help are few and far between. The nicest people I met in Germany? --&gt; The tourists from other countries. I agree that Austrians, in general, do not speak much English, but unlike the Germans, they were all Very nice people. [almost all. the hostel monitor in Innsbruck was much more interested in her crossword puzzle than in me] =)<BR><BR>Where else? Switzerland, although a very small country, has distinct regions and pockets of English speakers here and there, while the same can be said of Belgium, which is half french and half german.<BR><BR>for a realistic trip that lets you see plenty in about 15-20 days, try London, Dublin, Glascow/Edinburgh [with day trips of course], then onto the continent seeing Brugges [in Belgium-- much better than Brussels], Amsterdam/Antwerp, and even Copenhagen Denmark [another very friendly, English-speaking city. especially loved the docks there.] If by then you have time and money left and feel adventurous, the obvious can't-miss city is Paris, which like any city, will have enough English spoken to get you by.<BR><BR>Well, now that my fingers are sore... I hope this helps you. good luck in your travels.

On my first trip to Europe, I became an involuntary solo traveller when I was about the same age and my travel partner cancelled at the last minute. Too cheap to give up my non-refundable flight, I decided to go alone and have not once regretted the decision. In fact, whenever I travel now, I try to take a few days by myself.<BR><BR>I do lots of planning in advance, but leave time for spur of the moment adventures. I personally hate to eat alone, so for me that's a big drawback, but certainly not enough to keep me home!

Hi John, well, I can only bang the gong loudly in support of solo travel. I'm a single female, late 30s, and went to Italy for 2 weeks back in October by myself. I'd been to Spain for 5 days back in '98 with a companion, and Paris/London with Mom in the '80s - both very nice trips - but taking the Italy trip alone was so spectacular I wonder if I'll ever travel with a companion again! Bottom line, you get to do what you want, when you want. Don't be too put off by the language thing. My Italian was rudimentary and I did just fine... brushed up with a few tapes in a couple of months before going and it's a fun part of the planning process. Go for it!!!

Edinburgh is a perfect city for solo travel for the first time traveler. Easy to navigate and polite people who will gladly help with directions.

Hi John. I have been in all of the Western and Central and a few Eastern Europe countries. I do speak German and I studied some Polish and Romanian for my trip this year, but when traveling many years ago with very little German and no other languages, I have always had a terrific time when traveling alone. The 2 countries where I found very little English spoken were Spain and Portugal. Even there, I was able to get by. Have a great time wherever you choose to go. You will get by.<BR>Regards<BR><BR>