Tracy

Thank you all for your wonderfully encouraging responses. I don't really have any concerns/aprehension about dining alone, because I do that quite frequently in the states (with a book or magazine). My great concern is it being my first visit to Europe (London & Paris)-- alone. (The greatest concern being my visit to Paris, where I have NO understanding of the language, except hello/good-bye.) <BR> <BR>So again, thank you for the encouragement, I'm about 85% there. Any additional information that will get me to 100%? Thanks. <BR> <BR>

Diane

Tracy -- Let's see, that last 15%... <BR> <BR>I've travelled alone in both Rome and Venice, with no command of Italian whatsoever. Didn't matter. Maps are wonderful things, and if there's a place name or a particular phrase you want to be sure to convey correctly to a non-English speaker, you can ask someone at your hotel -- or at any hotel you happen to pass by -- to write it out for you. (By the way, I always carry a small notebook & pen when I'm in a country where I don't speak the language; makes it very easy to find out, & bargain over, the prices of stuff.) <BR> <BR>Yes, in each city, Italian men flirted with me. Very enjoyably, and with total politeness. (One guy in a car, with whom I'd made eye contact as I tried to avoid getting in his way as he pulled out of a parking spot, actually reversed his car back down the street and got out to talk with me!) Probably wouldn't have happened had I been with someone else. <BR> <BR>Actually, it's funny that I'm here convincing you to travel alone. The members of this forum, plus some other folks, have recently convinced me to take the dive to do a three-week driving trip in Ireland alone. I was a bit concerned about whether I'd find that isolating, since in the countryside you aren't bumping into people all day, but I'm told it's a wonderful experience, & now I'm very excited about it. <BR> <BR>Anyhow, I second other posters. If the choice is between "not doing something at all because I'd be alone" and "doing something alone," well, so far I've generally chosen the "doing it anyway" route in life, and I'm happy and proud that I've done so. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps -- <BR> <BR>

Mia

Tracy, <BR>Regarding the language, I would suggest you get one of Rick Steve's translation books. I used one that had French, German, and Italian in one handy, pocket size volume and it was perfect. Rather than just single word translations, he lists important phrases you'll need and divides the book into helpful sections (train station, food/restaurants, accomodations, etc). With his book, I was able to travel thru those 3 countries, making train reservations, asking about certain menu items, negotiating rooms, etc. and making friends quickly with the locals!

Al

Tracy, <BR> Looks like you've received great advice. I have found on my 2 solo trips to Italy that knowing some of the language engages the 'natives'. Though I am far from fluent, I can get by. That allows me to interact more and feel like I am really visiting the country, not just visiting sites. <BR> By the way, I don't know if this string will solve the other 15% unless someone gives just the right reassurance. I suggest giving a go of reflecting on what is underneath that 15%. What, for you, is the uncomfortable part of traveling alone? For me, it was the sense that there must be something wrong with me if I can't find a friend/someone to go with me. Took me a while to get past that. <BR> Good luck. Ciao.

Kayley

Two years ago I went to Prague by myself. It was my second trip to Europe and my first solo trip ever. I can truthfully say it was the best experience of my life. I learned so much about myself and, most importantly, gained so much self-confidence. I ended up meeting 3 guys there (2 American and one British) who were backpacking throughout Europe and who had met each other along the way. We hung out together a lot for meals and some sightseeing, but I spent a lot of time doing my own thing also. It was nice to have company when I wanted it but not be joined at the hip with anyone. <BR> <BR>I do have 3 suggestions--1) do a lot of research before you go. When I got to Prague I felt more comfortable because I had done some decent research. It came in handy also after I met up with the 3 guys because I knew more than they did about the place! 2) concentrate on doing one thing at a time. When my plane landed I considered turning around and going home because everything seemed so daunting. I had to get money, figure out how I was getting to the city, and find a place to stay. When I thought of everything at once it seemed so difficult, but when I concentrated on one thing at a time I had no problem. First I got money, then I went to the Accomodations counter at the airport and booked a place to stay and then I found the bus to the city. 3) Keep a journal. It might be kind of a pain while you are on your trip, but you will never regret that you did it once you return home. <BR> <BR>I hope you decide to go on your own. I've never regretted my decision to do it. Now, I'm married and I don't know when I'll be taking my next solo trip. Do it while you can! Good luck!

Tracy

Well, I've started making plans earlier today towards booking my trip. I've decided to just do Paris, and that was chosen because that's the place I've long since desired to visit. <BR> <BR>Thanks for the insight, Al, but as I stated before, my main concern is visiting a country where I don't know the language -- alone. At least with another person we would have each other's back, and experience the "awkwardness" together... for some good laughs I might add. [Because my friends and I are very silly.] <BR> <BR>Kayley, the last thing you stated was the most profound. "Do it now while I have the opportunity." I've always been leary about traveling abroad alone, which is why I've never done it before now; however, although still a bit nervous, I'm very excited about this upcoming "adventure". I don't know what God has in store for me in the near future, so I don't want to pass up this liberating opportunity. Thanks a bunch! <BR> <BR>You all have been a tremendous help. Any additional words of advise would be well received and greatly appreciated. <BR> <BR>

Gina

Go Tracy! Go Tracy! Good for you for taking the leap. And I think you've made a wise choice sticking to Paris...it will let you immerse yourself in an area and get acquainted with the people who live and work around there. Plus, I think if you spend the next couple of months practicing a little "survival French," you'll do just fine in terms of language. <BR> <BR>Like Ross, I too reached a point in life where I realized that if I waited for a family member, friend, or boyfriend to be ready to travel at the same time I was--to have vacation at the same time, money at the same time, and desire to go to the same place at the same time--I'd never get anywhere. I've traveled to Europe, Costa Rica, and Ireland with friends and had a great time, but I've also traveled solo to England, Scotland, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and had an equally wonderful time. Go for it!

Angelina

I travel alone to Europe as often as possible (usually twice a year). In my experience the pros heavily outweigh the cons. Definite Do's: bring reading material, bring a good phrase book, use common sense and ENJOY. <BR> <BR>

Robin

Hi Tracy-- <BR> <BR>This is great stuff, and all true! I really haven't done much solo travel, but one of my fondest memories was the first time I was ever really on my own, and it was Paris! It was my first trip to Europe, first time in Paris, and I was actually with friends. But for only an afternoon I went walking alone, and I will never forget it. My whole perception of the place changed without others to filter what I saw. The memory has stuck with me, and has motivated me to take the solo trips that I have done. <BR> <BR>Just a note regarding the inevitable bad day. You always have one, with friends or without. My message, for whatever it's worth, is, when something goes wrong, don't allow yourself to think it would have been better if you weren't alone. The only benefit besides comiseration is that when you're with a companion you get to fight with someone to make things even worse! Just kidding...sort of! <BR> <BR>Kayley had some great practical advice, which I second. May I add trying to get a map book before you leave (Amazon sells one from Michelin-- just make sure it is EVERY street). If you don't find one here, they are widely available in Paris at the street newstands, or WH Smith (English language bookstore) has lots to choose from. Knowing your way around is a huge confidence builder, and it helps with Metro and busses too. <BR> <BR>I'm sure you'll love it, and I'm sure you'll be addicted. And incidentally, you will be a sought-after travel companion, because you have proven that you can handle it! <BR> <BR>Have a great time!