Tracy

Hi Everyone, one of my best friends & I were going to take our first trip to London & Paris the 1st of September 2000. We were both looking very forward to this trip, however some unfortunate circumstances occurred that is preventing her from taking the trip. [And postponement timing is 2001 to indefinite -- and we've already postponed from fall of last year & spring of this year.] I've really been considering taking the trip alone. I prefer to travel with someone, so I've never traveled alone. (outside of business trips, and even then I was meeting up with someone who was expecting me). Any advise/opinion/ recommendations on this? Has anyone else taken the plunge to Europe alone? Thanks a lot!

elvira

Traveling alone is a great experience, and not scary if you plan well and use your at-home common sense. I've done it many times and enjoy myself as much as the times I've travelled with companions. It's just different.

First off, you couldn't have picked two better cities to test the waters. They're geared for tourists, so there's lots of info available, and lots of stuff to do.

Hopefully, your hotel is in a busy area. If you're not familiar with a city, it can be a bit disconcerting to come back at night to find the neighborhood deserted. Also, if you're using the subway to get around, you'll want your hotel stop to be well-used in the evenings. That way, if you are lost or not sure which way to go, there's someone to ask. There will be eating places nearby in case you don't feel like venturing out some day. After a day of sightseeing, you might feel that if you stop and eat, you'll never get up again. If you eat near your hotel, you won't be overwhelmed by the thought of getting back to the hotel.

Don't be put off about eating alone - especially in Paris, you'll see many single female diners in the restaurants. In both cities, the waitstaffs tend to be professionals (this is what they do as a career, not to earn money for college) and will take care of you. If you don't want to deal with a crowded, fancy restaurant, there are lots of pubs and bistros that cater to the locals. I've even been so beat that I've bought a sandwich or cheese and stuff from a grocery store and eaten in my room (knowing full well that if I sat in a restaurant, I'd fall asleep and land face first in the potage). And there's always McDonald's if you need a hit of grease and a Coke.

If your hotel serves breakfast, you'll find other guests there, too, and you can get into a nice conversation. You might find they're going to visit the same place you are, and invite you to join them. Or maybe there's another lone woman who would like company for the day, and you can invite her to join you.

If you decide to go to a club in the evening, be aware that you'll get hit on, just like at home. Decide if you're up to dealing with that before you go out. If you want to attend a concert or other performance, just buy a ticket and enjoy yourself.

The best part about travelling alone is you get to do what YOU want, and not have to make any concessions. No worries that the other party is not having fun, or is bored. If you want to stay at the British Museum all day, you're the only one with sore feet and complaints. If you hate Impressionists, you don't have to go to the Musee d'Orsay. You don't have to apologize if you want to go to the Hard Rock, or skip the Beaubourg. If you want to get up before dawn to see the sunrise, no tip-toeing. If you want to sleep late, you can. If you want to stay up til 3:00am writing in your journal, no worries about disturbing someone else's sleep.

And, you find out just how good you are. Nothing more edifying than travelling alone to find out "I can do that!".

Martha

Tracy -

I agree with Elvira. I have traveled solo to Europe the last two years and have had great trips. Last year I went to London, York, Edinburgh and Wales. I just got back last week from the Greek Islands. I had no problems and really enjoy doing what I want to do. Do use common sense. I have found that I have very interesting people from around the world - and go off with them for a day trip, or have dinner with - when I want to. Have a great trip.
Martha

Linda

I, too, have traveled solo and with people. There are plusses and minuses to both but without a doubt, traveling by yourself means you get to do what you want to do every single day! I recommend learning some basic French if you don't already know it. I went to Italy by myself the first time I went there and the night class I took came in very handy. Common sense prevails in Europe just as in the United States. If it looks like area you shouldn't be in, then don't go there! Have a great trip.

Diane

Another solo traveler here. What I like best about traveling solo is that I tend to meet more people that way. Also I get to do what I want, when I want to do it. Recently I traveled with a friend only to find out we were not compatable. I'm seriously thinking of taking my next trip alone.

Holly

Tracey - Ditto all of the above! Traveling alone will help you to discover layers of yourself that you'd never know were there otherwise. The things you'll learn about yourself and other people and other ways; things that you might not pick up if you're with a buddy. Grab that challenge and go for it! By the way, London is probably the easist place to break into solo travel in a foreign country because they all speak English and all the signs, etc. are in English. It just makes that first step a little smoother. You will have a blast! You might even become an addict.

mel

Sounds like we're going on the same/similar trip. I too am going to be travelling to Europe this fall alone for the first time. Last fall I went to NY for a week alone. It was sooo fabulous!
I would suggest going on a short trip before going to Europe. Or, give me a shout! I'm not looking for a travel 'partner', but would enjoy meeting up with someone(s) that I've already gotten to know. It's always nice to have someone to eat dinner with.
Elvira et all, thanks for the inspiring words. I'm even more exicited about my trip now. I'm thinking about staying mostly in hostels so as to meet more people than in hotels. Do you think this is advisible?!?!?!!!

L.

Definitely go! I travelled alone from Canada to Paris, London, Oxford, Canterbury, Cambridge, St. Ives, Bath, Stonehenge, Salisbury, Land's End, Penzance, and many more places on an extensive trip. I spent six weeks in London and always felt safe...of course use common sense. It was an experience that has changed my life. You will discover things about yourself and these wonderful cities that you never would with travelling companions. Go! Go! and drink in every delicious moment of it.

Cheers!

karen

Go for it, Tracy! I can still remember the first time, many years ago, that I entered a restaurant alone and asked for a table for one. It was in Venice, and I really didn't want to eat another sandwich at a cafe. I wanted a real meal at one of those wonderful looking restaurants I kept passing up because I was alone. Guess what? It was fine, the waiter (as someone else above mentioned) knew exactly how to take care of a solo young woman, and I have never hesitated since to travel alone nor to eat wherever I wanted to while I did it.

Peg

Tracy, You will have a marvelous time in Paris. I traveled alone for the first time in Feb. and really enjoyed myself. I loved the freedom of no consultation on every move and being available to the serendipity of the moment! I did alot of homework prior to my trip, so I felt very comfortable in my surroundings. I almost felt as if I had been to Paris before (because of all my reading). My journal,with photos is at http://minimn.home.mindspring.com.(Click on the Eiffel Tower) You can get an idea of how traveling alone can be a rewarding experience! Have a great time, Peg

niki

Oh, I forgot. I stayed at the Best Western Trocadero. It's in the 16th arrondisement, which is mostly residential so very nice, quaint busy area. Supermarkets, bistro, shopping in walking distance. The metro stop was right across the street. The hotel was clean, with my own bathroom. Small room but so what? Hotel staff was very helpful and a view of the Eiffel Tower. It was a very quick walk to see. Rates were good-approx $85-100night. Go to their website and make reservations online. Put the confirmation in your bag and they will be expecting you.

niki

Tracy, I put some great info on here for you of my trip alone to Paris, but it was eaten. Much too much to do again. But if you want to know,email me.

elaine

Hi Tracy
Like others I've traveled duo as well as solo, and have enjoyed both, it's the travel itself that counts.
If it would help you to look at my London or Paris trip notes
(compiled from my own trips, and other sources like this forum) feel free to email.
You are going to two wonderful cities, and both are user-friendly, even for a first time traveler. When you get back you will probably wonder what the heck you were worried about--at least, that's what happened to me every time.
good luck

lola

Wonderful advice here. I have traveled solo many times and have had marvelous moments. Some other tips: stay in a B&B or small hotel is possible to get to know others; esp. a place with communal breakfasts. Eat at the best restaurants for lunch, when many business people are eating solo and you will feel most at ease. Bring a paper back to to carry and read. I often wrote postacards while waiting for food, when I wasn't observing others. Traveling alone has been one of the most liberating things I have done in my life.

Lesli

So great to see all these posts in favor of solo travel; Elvira could have been speaking for me.

I took my first trip to Europe alone (Italy), and had the time of my life! Saw and did everything I wanted to see and do, and met many wonderful people (in lines, on trains, at the table next to me in restaurants, etc.) Still keep in touch with several of them. It was absolutely the best thing I ever did for myself.

And particularly as a woman, I found it very empowering. Kind of new-agey sounding I know, but nonetheless true. I felt strong and competent that I'd been able to plan and enjoy such a wonderful trip all by myself. (Or with the help of tons of guidebooks, the net, and this forum!)

Now when I see a great fare, I grab it! No waiting for someone else to have the time, money, or inclination to go. OR to talk me into spending my own precious time and money going someplace other than where I most want to be.

There is a saying that you rarely have regrets about the things you do, but rather those that you do not. I'm working on having as few regrets as possible.

Fiftysomething

I'm with you new-agey Lesli...very empowering for a woman to travel alone.

DH (Dear Hubby) thinks I can't read a map. That's because he wants me to pull out the map while we're driving 70 mph, unfold it, pinpoint our location and see if that road that's about 100 yards away is the one we're supposed to take! Oh, too late, we just passed it!

When I traveled alone in Europe I used my map to find everything, never missed one of my trains, never got lost, never had a problem. That's because DH wasn't impatiently breathing down my neck and wanting instant geographical info. I learned enough Hungarian to read the train schedules in Budapest. I learned enough German to speak to store clerks. I manuevered enormous cities all by myself, calmly and confidently. What a difference than if stressed out DH had been there. I love him, but he's not the most patient soul on earth.

For a woman my age, who had never done anything alone like that before, it was a tremendous feeling. Do it Tracy!

Dawn

I couldn't agree more, I guess I'm a new-ager too. The best thing I ever did in my life was go on my first trip to Italy by myself. I learned so much about myself during those 16 days. I met wonderful people everywhere,(not to mention alot of men.....I was single) and was open to new experiences. On my first night in Rome, after taking a nap I ventured out from my room to get something for dinner. I went into a trattoria and ordered. These British guys were in the corner havinga great time. They sent me a glass of wine and invited me over to join them. After dinner, I did. We shared some stories and alot of laughs, and they took me out to see Rome at night. They brought me back to my hotel and were there promptly at 9:00 to start our day of sightseeing. We had alot of fun, and enjoyed the entire day together. I saw things I may have never seen before if I hadn't met them. Never once, did I feel vulnerable. Quite the opposite. We were pen pals for several years.

I did alot of research before I left, and never had a problem. It was so liberating, and started me on a love affair with Europe.

Ross

Hi Tracy!

I wanted to share something with you. I made one of the best decisions in my life several years ago. It was a realization about life in general. If I wanted to do something, and I didn't have anyone to do it with, I would do it alone. I realized that it was better to have the experience alone, then not to have it at all. As one of the previous posters stated, you learn alot about yourself while traveling alone. You'd be surprised at how liberating it is!!!
As far as I'm concerned, Paris is the most beautiful,major,large city that I have ever seen in my life, and I have traveled a great deal already.
Believe me, you WON'T regret it.
I had a dream for the longest time to go to Paris. I had it in my mind for years even before I had the plane ticket in my hands exactly what I would do upon my arrival in Paris. I had the notion to find my hotel, drop the bags off, and head directly to the top of the Eiffel Tower. And that is exactly what I did. It was exilirating!!! The more important part was what came afterwards. I walked across the bridge directly across from the Eiffel Tower, turned around, and started to cry. You see, Tracy, I was beyond happy!!! And proud of myself as well. I had done this all by myself, at a very young age.I am only 31 now. I return to Europe once a year now. And every time I have done it alone. Don't miss out on what could possibly turn out to be one of the most wonderful learning experiences of your life.
Good Luck and Enjoy Yourself!!!

Cindy

I went on a long trip by myself, and I did Italy and Germany. I won't duplicate the wonderful advice above, but I think every woman should try it at least once. No waiting for someone else to take a bathroom break. No one looking bored at the museum. No constant consulting on what to do, eat, wear. For impatient tourists like me who jump out of bed and have to be on the go every minute, it was perfect.

I would suggest bringing good things to read, because I wound up reading during meals. Also, don't wait for other tourists to approach you. Just walk right up and start a conversation. People were quite willing to talk, and meeting other solo tourists was a real highlight.

The only thing I would have done differently was shorten the trip a bit. I think I was on my own for almost a month, and I didn't speak the language anywhere I went, so it got a little isolating, particularly in Germany. Two weeks is probably the top duration I would do if I did it by myself.

Santa Chiara

As a single woman who lives in Europe, I travel alone all the time. I agree with everyone else's advice and encouragement. However, I do want to warn you about one thing. The biggest problem you may have is with fellow Americans (assuming you are American). I have apparently provided hours of entertainment throughout Italy as I listen to them speculate about who I am, where I am from, what I am doing at the particular restaurant or outdoor cafe. I supposed being a middle-aged woman alone in a public place makes me not only deaf but dumb, too. And you would think that having a copy of the Herald Tribune on the table and reading a guidebook in English would tip off the observers that my command of the English language was beyond beginners' level. But these clues have not stopped the loud and seemingly endless discussion. One group of especially shrill and catty men last summer were particular hurtful in their comments. As they were sitting clear across the room from me, you would think they would try at least to lower their voices.

Having said that, don't let it keep you from going. I try to not take these comments personally, and I have learned from them. Never assume that the other person cannot understand what you are saying, whatever language you are speaking. One couple, sitting two inches from me, switched from French to English, so that I supposedly wouldn't understand, even though I was reading a book in English and, as he reported to his companion, "Look, she is drinking a gin and tonic, so she must be British."