Hi-- I've always wanted to go to Italy, and now I find myself with the opportunity to go. <BR><BR>I'd like to do a guided tour, but am concerned that this type of trip will be mostly families or couples. <BR><BR>Can anyone give me some suggestions? <BR><BR>Thanks... <BR>

I've never used this company so I can't recommend them, but they do trips for single travelers: www.osolomio.com. Good luck!

Lolita, A couple of years ago I was in the same boat and decided to go on my own. It was the best trip I have ever taken and since then I almost always go to Europe alone. I do work hard to meet people along the way on trains etc and that gives you someone to chat with over lunch or meet with up with for a drink. If you want any suggestions on how to get this started feel free to e-mail me.<BR><BR>You don't say how old you are but most of the tours I see are older people,they are on set intinerarys that leave little flexibility. If you are really uncomfortable going alone then give one of these a try for maybe a week and then go do a week on your own once you have realized how easy it is to get around.<BR>Let me know if I can help.

I forgot to add that you might want to consider booking tours in each city which is a compromise between traveling alone and going with a group all the time. You can book walking tours, bus tours, boat tours etc that take 2-4 hours and that way you would be with others but still be flexible.

Hi, Debbie,<BR><BR>As a traveler in my 20s and 30s, I always traveled on my own. And, as Debbie noted, taking local tours in cities is a great way to meet people -- I highly recommend walking tours, which are available in most major cities.<BR><BR>If you want to do a fully-organized tour, Contiki does these for 18-35 year olds. I have not been on one of their tours. Their web site is:<BR><BR>http://www.contiki.com/<BR><BR>Happy travels.<BR><BR>John H.

Thnk you Doug I'll check it out. Debbie- I'm actually 31 and I am very friendly and outgoing when it comes to opening conversation- I think I was thinking of a tour to Italy because I was more concerned about the language as I I terrible at languages : ). And also I'm afraid that if I don't do a tour-I'll be wasting alot of time trying to gather information and getting around. But- I do have to say that I like the idea of a tour for some period of time and then me on my own for a bit. It is something that I really want to consider. When you went to Italy- did you know the language? The walking tours that you and John suggested also appealed to me- I know there's no better way of seeing an area then just getting up and walking around. Maybe if I continue doing more research and gathering information I will be less nervous about it. A tour just seemed less stressful. I have a lot to think about : )! But thank you!

One more thought- has anyone used Contiki tours and what did they think?

I used Contiki for Turkey and they were really good. We had an "older" group though (late 20's-30's).<BR><BR>Trafalgar has "Breakaway Tours" for young people and they do an Italy tour as well. You can get a lot of info on Trafalgar's own bulletin board about these tours.<BR><BR>Usually there'll be people on these tours who are staying on so you'll have some new friends to continue your travels with if you want.

Lolita, Language is not a problem. If you stick to the larger cities such as Rome, Venice, Florence etc, almost everyone speaks English. Signs in airports have both italian and english. I have traveled all over Europe and only in the small out of the way towns do I have a language barrier. Just pick up a book from the library or bookstore and start reading and decide how long you want to stay in each place then work on flights and hotel arrangements. It is really pretty easy. Again, e-mail me if you want more help.

TTT