Pauline

I'm finally after years of United credit card use almost up to the miles needed for a free flight from the US to Europe. I have never been to Europe alone and none of my friends can go. I'm a widow who used to travel with my husband who used to do all the driving there. I don't think I would be comfortable driving alone so would probably go by train and maybe get a pass. Normally I live in a rural area so am not used to cities much. I'm thinking of maybe just going to places I've been before with my husband so I'm somewhat familiar with them.<BR>That would be places like Venice, Paris, Berlin, Vienna. Any solo females who can give advise on hotels etc in cities such as that or general tips?

Carol

Prior to marrying, I frequently travelled alone around Europe on a Eurail pass. You might be happier choosing a couple of centralized locations as bases and make day trips out from that local. However I chose to just go and free-wheel it, moving on every day or two. My biggest rule was just not to go out at night, except for dinner (many of the hotels I stayed in had their own restaurant). I didn't mind since I was usually exhausted from a full day of signtseeing. 1) Do your pre-trip homework 2) Even when I was lost I always acted like I knew what I was doing 3)follow how the locals act...example: in the Paris subway stare out the window w/a blank look and don't look people in the eye, especially men. (you actually get to watch everyone in the reflection. 4)from a tip that was passed down through the hostel dorms: if you get in trouble w/a male, act like you're vomting; men seem to have a real aversion to it. Worked for me. 5) No night travel on trains. 6)Have a WONDERFUL TIME!!!

Diane

Pauline, in October I traveled in Scotland on my own. I had been to Europe many times with my partner but was never by myself. I also never drove there - he always did the driving.<BR><BR>Although at times I missed him being there and sharing my experiences, the trip was fantastic. After one day of driving I was comfortable with that. <BR><BR>When you are on your own you will find talking with strangers very easy and entertaining. Something you may not do when traveling with someone else. Only on one occassion did I feel I made a couple in a pub uncomfortable. You can do what you want when you want - no compromises or no complaints. I love photography so when I was driving and stopping every several minutes to catch that next must have photo was not a problem.<BR><BR>Go for it! It is really a great experience and you learn more about yourself in the process.

Laurie

Pauline<BR>The first thing I'd suggest is type in in the text search here-single AND solo AND alone- you'll get lots of threads with advice &amp; opinions. Then I'd get a copy of a book called &quot;Without Reservations&quot; by Alice Steinbach. She describes her experiences traveling alone.<BR> Issues to consider-do you speak any foreign languages, if not, would you be more comfortable going to England, Scotland, Wales where you haven't been? (retracing steps you visited with your husband may not be a good idea).<BR> Have you considered hooking up with a tour? Finally, if you do go it alone, I'd suggest staying in smaller hotels or B&amp;Bs. You might meet some interesting people over breakfast.

cynthia

Pauline: You are brave to go and I hope you have a wonderful time. The best tip I can give you is to join the Servas organization before you go. This is a wonderful group that was started for school teachers but now includes everyone. Once you join, you can get lists of pre-screened members in other countries who are interested in &quot;hosting&quot; visitors, either for a few nights or simply for a day visit. This is a wonderful way for a single lady to meet local people safely. I have stayed with Servas hosts and met people as day-hosts. A day host will usually have lunch or dinner with you and perhaps take you on a short tour of the city. There is no money involved except a small membership fee and a deposit on the lists. Check out their website, it really is terrific for singles.

Ben Haines

I like the advice you have had so far, except that I see no problem at all with night trains so long as you travel in a sleeping car. For single travellers these are allocated by sex. They come in 1, 2 and 3 berth layouts. Singles cost most and triples cost least. The thought of sharing space with a stranger for a night troubles some people: I often find that I have an hour?s enjoyable conversation before we all sleep. There is a note on getting the best from sleepers and couchettes on http://www.twenj.com/tipsnighttrains.htm. The following journeys take a night each<BR>Between Paris and Venice, Berlin, or Vienna<BR>Between Vienna and Berlin and Venice (rather short night)<BR><BR>Please write if I can help further. Welcome to Europe.<BR><BR>Ben Haines<BR>

Grasshopper

As an advocate of solo travel, I say go, go, go! There are lots of resources for tips for single female travellers that will give you great suggestions for how to handle the awkward and security parts. Check amazon.com But the best thing is you will discover some great aspects of yourself.<BR><BR>My top tips for becoming comfortable with solo travel: Carry a journal with you for eating alone times. (it makes you less unapproachable than a book) eat in outdoor cafes where people watching is a great distraction. Take day tours or group walking tours. It facilitates connecting with others during the day but doesn't tie you to a group the entire trip. Trains are great places to meet other travellers and learn about things you don't want to miss.<BR><BR>You will be amazed at how many more people you meet when you travel solo than when you travel with a partner or group.

Old

Here are my top travel suggestions;<BR><BR>- wear comfortable shoes<BR><BR>- ditch bright colors &amp; gaudy clothes<BR><BR>- lose some weight &amp; get in shape<BR><BR>- bring plenty of cash<BR><BR>- learn a little of the language<BR><BR>- try the food and drink<BR><BR>- don't compare things to back home<BR><BR>- smile and have a positive attitude<BR><BR>- know what you want to see and how to get there<BR><BR>- don't set your expectations so high that you will never be satisfied

Debbie

Pauline, I have done 4 solo trips to Europe and very much enjoyed myself. I think you are right about the trains, the stress of navigation by myself in a rental car is not a good thought. Also I have found many people to strike up a conversation with on a train. You will find other female travelers on their own and maybe find a lunch or dinner companion along the way. <BR>I like your thought about starting in a place you are comfortable with but from there add on a location you haven't been. For instance do Venice, Florence and San Gmiginano. Most hotels serve breakfast so that is another good place to meet fellow travelers.<BR>I love the freedom of going alone and hope you have a great time.