This is Why I Will Always Travel Solo From Now: Trip Report -Rome and Sorrento
Oct 27th, 2005, 07:07 AM
#121
First of all, I love this trip report...I adore it...and can't wait for more.
But, hey guys, I really like travelling with a group of people. I get lonely if I travel alone. And I've had the most wonderful experiences with group.
For all you solo travelers: don't you ever get lonely during your trip?
But, hey guys, I really like travelling with a group of people. I get lonely if I travel alone. And I've had the most wonderful experiences with group.
For all you solo travelers: don't you ever get lonely during your trip?
Oct 27th, 2005, 07:13 AM
#122
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ok, another travel story while we all are waiting...
Family trip to Italy, paid and hosted by father-in-law. Ten of us. Everyone wanted me to plan it except blind father-in-law who had to be in charge and wanted "credit" for the fun. I knew the only way to see/do/eat incredible things was to make it seem like everything was his idea. So I researched for a year and had pages of "possible" ideas for every conceivable scenario: place, day, weather, etc. Each morning would roll around and we would all face The Man. He would mumble something about how he had worked in Europe and there was so much to see and do (no specifics). I would say, very casually, something like: "oh I heard there is a boat to the islands that might be fun to take."...5 minute pause..."how would we know where to get the boat?"..."what time does the boat leave?" In an off-hand way I would say, "well, if we go down to the pier at 11 we can get on the boat and go." So we would go down at 11 and father-in-law would find his way to the front of our group and orchestrate from there. Everyone on the trip made fun of my bits of paper but we had a wonderful time and father-in-law continued his reign of the family.
Family trip to Italy, paid and hosted by father-in-law. Ten of us. Everyone wanted me to plan it except blind father-in-law who had to be in charge and wanted "credit" for the fun. I knew the only way to see/do/eat incredible things was to make it seem like everything was his idea. So I researched for a year and had pages of "possible" ideas for every conceivable scenario: place, day, weather, etc. Each morning would roll around and we would all face The Man. He would mumble something about how he had worked in Europe and there was so much to see and do (no specifics). I would say, very casually, something like: "oh I heard there is a boat to the islands that might be fun to take."...5 minute pause..."how would we know where to get the boat?"..."what time does the boat leave?" In an off-hand way I would say, "well, if we go down to the pier at 11 we can get on the boat and go." So we would go down at 11 and father-in-law would find his way to the front of our group and orchestrate from there. Everyone on the trip made fun of my bits of paper but we had a wonderful time and father-in-law continued his reign of the family.
Oct 27th, 2005, 07:18 AM
#123
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1jan1
at the bottom of this thread, next o Post a Reply, is a choice to email it.
Email it to yourself. You won't get the whole thread, just a link to it.
Everytime you go to it, it will have the latest additional postings.
at the bottom of this thread, next o Post a Reply, is a choice to email it.
Email it to yourself. You won't get the whole thread, just a link to it.
Everytime you go to it, it will have the latest additional postings.
Oct 27th, 2005, 07:20 AM
#124
"<i>don't you ever get lonely during your trip?</i>"
Nope - not really. Sure, there are times you get sentimental and wish some SO or friend was w/ you. But it is easy to meet people when traveling, have interesting conversations, etc.
I don't exclusively travel solo, but about 1/2 of my trips to Europe are - and it is sometimes more "lonely" in a group especially if the group is like Barb's.
Nope - not really. Sure, there are times you get sentimental and wish some SO or friend was w/ you. But it is easy to meet people when traveling, have interesting conversations, etc.
I don't exclusively travel solo, but about 1/2 of my trips to Europe are - and it is sometimes more "lonely" in a group especially if the group is like Barb's.
Oct 27th, 2005, 08:20 AM
#126
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Wow I can't believe the responses - this is awesome. I see I have hit some nerves here. Just to set the record straight - I absolutely talked about finances before we left and how we would handle shared meals and expenses. I even asked you Fodorites about how you handled similar situations. It was decided that everyone would keep track of what they had ordered and would be sure to have enough cash to pay for their meals. No one mentioned to me that two women would be relying on credit cards for almost everything and that D had a stash of 50 and 100 euro bills in her money belt and would dip into it periodically, yes, in public. Think "perfect target for pickpockets". I talked about travel styles too. It's amazing how all the good intentions of the Divas just flew out the window once we landed in Italy. But... there were many things that were not obvious to me before we left, like how my soon to be roommate really had some mental/psycho issues and unfortunately I would learn about them the hard way. I also told them in no uncertain terms that I did not want to turn into the trip Nazi. I just wanted them all to have a really good time and if I could help them with my experience and knowledge, I would be be more than willing to do that. Even though they had not been to Italy, they had travelled before so I really thought Italy would not be such a shock to their systems. Anyway, on to the next installment as I can between, ugh, work.
Oct 27th, 2005, 08:52 AM
#129
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Oh, I remember the nightmares about traveling with friends, one of whom I now no longer consider a friend. After reading through this whole thread, I am questioning the wisdom of me plannning to take my nieces to London when they turn 16. It's not like I can at will ditch a teen-ager during her first trip to Europe! 
Maybe I should not have kept talking to them about it. Maybe if I never mention it again they will forget??
I can't wait to hear more, Barb. Hurry back.
Maybe I should not have kept talking to them about it. Maybe if I never mention it again they will forget??I can't wait to hear more, Barb. Hurry back.
Oct 27th, 2005, 08:59 AM
#130
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Hoping you won't let a little thing like work get in the way 
of this great story.
Whenever there is a new thread about, "What To Wear", I think the critics who say, "what does it matter?", should be forever more directed to the paragaph about the orange and lime green outfit.
I know I'll be asking future travel partners what they plan to wear, in friendly conversation of course.
of this great story.Whenever there is a new thread about, "What To Wear", I think the critics who say, "what does it matter?", should be forever more directed to the paragaph about the orange and lime green outfit.
I know I'll be asking future travel partners what they plan to wear, in friendly conversation of course.
Oct 27th, 2005, 09:10 AM
#131
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I know exactly what you mean regarding having all "the talks" prior to the trip - and then once you get there, it's like it never happened.
The trip with my travel companion from hell was spring 2004 - we're only now getting to where we are back on speaking terms.
This is a great read because I think many of us have been exactly in your shoes before - what's that saying - misery loves company.
The trip with my travel companion from hell was spring 2004 - we're only now getting to where we are back on speaking terms.
This is a great read because I think many of us have been exactly in your shoes before - what's that saying - misery loves company.
Oct 27th, 2005, 09:18 AM
#132
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This is making me have second thoughts about going to Venice in '06 with a ex-co-worker. I normally either travel alone or with 2 friends that have proven travel worthy. This co-worker and I get along really very well, we have traveled together for business but not a major trip. I had planned to go back to Venice by myself and then she said she'd like to go, and I thought okay....now, these multiple horror stories are scaring me. I had thought that she & I would have discussions about how I like to travel and we'd be okay, but obviously that doesn't always work either. I'd hate for my return to Venice to be ruined by the travel companion! Oh, well, there's a year to go before it happens, maybe she'll change her mind, or maybe I'll find another person who is travel worthy.
Oct 27th, 2005, 09:47 AM
#134
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I’m starting to notice two rather disturbing things. One, Diva M (Know it All, But Knows Nothing, KIA) is starting to question and challenge everything I say. She asks me something and then when I answer her, she either does not believe me, or tries very hard to prove me wrong. She has now produced a 10 lb. Lonely Planet Italy Book from 2000, which she apparently she has just started reading on the train to Florence and which is now her Holy Bible and she is starting to quote from it. At first I think this is good. Two, D is starting to talk more and more. She has also developed this weird cough and her laugh is starting to really bother even the rather loud Divas. On the train, I noticed no one really wanted to sit beside D. Describing it as a laugh is really not accurate, it is more like a shriek, usually followed with a “woops”. I guess Diva J had talked to her about this before we left and told her she really needed to watch that and perhaps tone it down a little. Maybe she was feeling a litte more relaxed at this point in the trip and did not think anyone would notice, Ha.
Anyway, are first stop is Cappelle Medici, then Palazzo Medici Riccardi, both very enjoyable and I highly recommend. Won’t comment on them because I’m sure most people have been there, or are familiar with them. On to the San Lorenzo Market. Eiffel Tower Diva’s eyes glaze over when she sees the market and she is immediately into shopping mode. She’s amazing, she speaks no Italian and doesn’t even try, but I hear her in a very loud voice, ask the man selling ties, How mucho the tie-o’s. And, amazingly, he answers her in English, ten euro. She says, I don’t think so, and starts to walk away, he says, ok, 9 euro, she says 7, he says no, she starts walking, he says, OK. The Divas are all watching her at this point with a newfound admiration. I’m thinking oh Lord this is going to be a long day. But amazingly she’s done after three purchases and we move on.
Everyone is getting hungry and they really want to eat at this very touristy place right on the sidewalk on the main street to the Accademia. I say nothing, but I’m thinking, this should be good. Well for the Divas it was. We had sandwiches that I am sure were frozen at one time and maybe defrosted right before we ordered them. I have a glass of wine to keep me going. The Divas are really impressed with how fast the service is and how fast the bill comes – we haven’t even finished eating. Diva KIA, says, now that’s more like it.
Because I was remiss in making reservations for David, we stand in line for an hour. As I am writing this, I am thinking why in the world would I stand in line with them for an hour. Why didn’t I just go off on my own and have some alone time. I do not have a good answer for this. They love David and even though I have seen him before, I still get goosebumps. The Divas are wondering why his hands are so big, I’m wondering if they read anything at all before they came on this trip, and just as I was about to answer, I could see KIA thumbing madly through Lonely Planet. I thought, let her tell them and walked away.
While we were in the Accademia, it had started to really pour rain and then thunder and lightning. Because it was warm and sunny when we left Rome, none of were dressed for a rainstorm/fast becoming typhoon and had not brought our umbrellas. BUT…like a miracle, the umbrella vendors are waiting for us as we exit and 5 euro later we all have our new colorful umbrellas – how did Eiffel Tower find a bright green plaid?
Again with IRA’s great directions – thanks Ira! we find the Duomo, but even in this storm there is a long line to get in. I look at the Divas and they mouth “NO”. So, we walk over to the Piazza Signoria and past the very long line to the Uffizi, which we had early on decided not to see because of time constraints. As we approach the Ponte Vecchio, I think Eiffel Tower is going to have a blast here, but apparently the storm has put a damper, lol, on her shopping mood, but we do manage a little window shopping. By now J and my umbrellas have blown inside out a few times. J’s is still looking good, but mine is now resembling an instrument of torture, with sharp spokes sticking out, oh well, it was covering up most of my upper body and it’s better than nothing.
I was REALLY hoping that we could have a late lunch, early dinner at Osteria Del Cinchiale, but unfortunately when we arrive there, it’s not open until 6:30 and our train leaves at 7:30, and it’s only 5:00 pm. boo hoo. It’s starting to get dark and the lightning is lighting up the night sky – Can you get struck by lightning through the spokes of an umbrella, even if you have rubber soles on your shoes?
We stumble upon this cozy looking little restaurant just off the main street to the Pitti Palace in sort of a covered atrium. It doesn’t look open, but as we are all standing there, with rain dripping off us, I think the owner takes pity on us and opens the door, gesturing for us to come in. It’s warm, it smells heavenly. My jeans are wet to the knees and my Ameri-Bag is dripping. What a wonderful place this is. I have probably the best ribollita I’ve ever had and grilled lamb chops with roasted pototates with rosemary and spinachi to die for. With vino it’s 25E. He even gave us separate bills! This ristorante was like a haven in the middle of the storm. We ate with gusto while listening to rain and thunder. We did not want to leave here, but unfortunately we had a train to catch.
Anyway, are first stop is Cappelle Medici, then Palazzo Medici Riccardi, both very enjoyable and I highly recommend. Won’t comment on them because I’m sure most people have been there, or are familiar with them. On to the San Lorenzo Market. Eiffel Tower Diva’s eyes glaze over when she sees the market and she is immediately into shopping mode. She’s amazing, she speaks no Italian and doesn’t even try, but I hear her in a very loud voice, ask the man selling ties, How mucho the tie-o’s. And, amazingly, he answers her in English, ten euro. She says, I don’t think so, and starts to walk away, he says, ok, 9 euro, she says 7, he says no, she starts walking, he says, OK. The Divas are all watching her at this point with a newfound admiration. I’m thinking oh Lord this is going to be a long day. But amazingly she’s done after three purchases and we move on.
Everyone is getting hungry and they really want to eat at this very touristy place right on the sidewalk on the main street to the Accademia. I say nothing, but I’m thinking, this should be good. Well for the Divas it was. We had sandwiches that I am sure were frozen at one time and maybe defrosted right before we ordered them. I have a glass of wine to keep me going. The Divas are really impressed with how fast the service is and how fast the bill comes – we haven’t even finished eating. Diva KIA, says, now that’s more like it.
Because I was remiss in making reservations for David, we stand in line for an hour. As I am writing this, I am thinking why in the world would I stand in line with them for an hour. Why didn’t I just go off on my own and have some alone time. I do not have a good answer for this. They love David and even though I have seen him before, I still get goosebumps. The Divas are wondering why his hands are so big, I’m wondering if they read anything at all before they came on this trip, and just as I was about to answer, I could see KIA thumbing madly through Lonely Planet. I thought, let her tell them and walked away.
While we were in the Accademia, it had started to really pour rain and then thunder and lightning. Because it was warm and sunny when we left Rome, none of were dressed for a rainstorm/fast becoming typhoon and had not brought our umbrellas. BUT…like a miracle, the umbrella vendors are waiting for us as we exit and 5 euro later we all have our new colorful umbrellas – how did Eiffel Tower find a bright green plaid?
Again with IRA’s great directions – thanks Ira! we find the Duomo, but even in this storm there is a long line to get in. I look at the Divas and they mouth “NO”. So, we walk over to the Piazza Signoria and past the very long line to the Uffizi, which we had early on decided not to see because of time constraints. As we approach the Ponte Vecchio, I think Eiffel Tower is going to have a blast here, but apparently the storm has put a damper, lol, on her shopping mood, but we do manage a little window shopping. By now J and my umbrellas have blown inside out a few times. J’s is still looking good, but mine is now resembling an instrument of torture, with sharp spokes sticking out, oh well, it was covering up most of my upper body and it’s better than nothing.
I was REALLY hoping that we could have a late lunch, early dinner at Osteria Del Cinchiale, but unfortunately when we arrive there, it’s not open until 6:30 and our train leaves at 7:30, and it’s only 5:00 pm. boo hoo. It’s starting to get dark and the lightning is lighting up the night sky – Can you get struck by lightning through the spokes of an umbrella, even if you have rubber soles on your shoes?
We stumble upon this cozy looking little restaurant just off the main street to the Pitti Palace in sort of a covered atrium. It doesn’t look open, but as we are all standing there, with rain dripping off us, I think the owner takes pity on us and opens the door, gesturing for us to come in. It’s warm, it smells heavenly. My jeans are wet to the knees and my Ameri-Bag is dripping. What a wonderful place this is. I have probably the best ribollita I’ve ever had and grilled lamb chops with roasted pototates with rosemary and spinachi to die for. With vino it’s 25E. He even gave us separate bills! This ristorante was like a haven in the middle of the storm. We ate with gusto while listening to rain and thunder. We did not want to leave here, but unfortunately we had a train to catch.
Oct 27th, 2005, 09:53 AM
#136
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Barb, your story is so funny, but at the same time I am sorry that "group travel" did not work for you. I brings me so much joy, but I am very careful about whom I travel with.
I have a group of 7 friends (late 40's and early 50's) that I travel with. We have been to Paris and Madrid, and our next tripped was planned for Florence in the spring. I knew them all, but they did not all know each other. I knew how they all dress (which matters to me), and I knew that none were whiners which matters more! Some tell me things they want to do; others say do whatever and are happy with it.
As I said, it is the greatest joy of my life. I travel a lot more than they do,so I love "showing" Europe to them.
Three weeks ago, one of our group died from a very short illness. Her breast cancer returned after our spring Madrid trip, and now she is gone. We don't even know if we can travel together again, now. We do know that we would never chance to try to replace her, although we always have people who begged to go with us. I hope you find a better travel group and try it again. It has bonded us all in a way that nothing else would have.
I have a group of 7 friends (late 40's and early 50's) that I travel with. We have been to Paris and Madrid, and our next tripped was planned for Florence in the spring. I knew them all, but they did not all know each other. I knew how they all dress (which matters to me), and I knew that none were whiners which matters more! Some tell me things they want to do; others say do whatever and are happy with it.
As I said, it is the greatest joy of my life. I travel a lot more than they do,so I love "showing" Europe to them.
Three weeks ago, one of our group died from a very short illness. Her breast cancer returned after our spring Madrid trip, and now she is gone. We don't even know if we can travel together again, now. We do know that we would never chance to try to replace her, although we always have people who begged to go with us. I hope you find a better travel group and try it again. It has bonded us all in a way that nothing else would have.
Oct 27th, 2005, 09:57 AM
#137
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oh my GOD, did she really ask him "how mucho the tie-os?"???!
wowow..i didn't think people actually DID that, I thought that was just something people said in the movies! Wow. I apologize to all of Europe on behalf of all americans.
wowow..i didn't think people actually DID that, I thought that was just something people said in the movies! Wow. I apologize to all of Europe on behalf of all americans.
Oct 27th, 2005, 10:00 AM
#139
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My stomach muscles are sore from laughing! What a tale. I have travelled solo, with SO, family and with gfs. I think each is unique. The girls I travelled with actually made the trips the successes they were but maybe we were just lucky. I like to think I have been blessed with fabulous friends all of whom seem to have a wanderlust. We also have been friends for so many years that we have no secrets. Talk is always very blunt as to where we want to go and the budget. I seem to be the planner but that doesn't seem to upset anyone as I have always included everyones must dos. For us, the trips have always been time to enjoy each other without our husbands, fiancees bfs or kids....so group trips can also be a joy!
Oct 27th, 2005, 10:07 AM
#140
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Barb - Great report! I'm anticipating your new adventures with bated breath...will the Divas eat calimari by mistake and think it's some weird chewy pasta? Will they refuse to visit the Forum because it's just a bunch of old buildings/rocks? More please!? And thanks for the best read I've had in a while!
