Hi all.

I'm planning two trips next year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Taking my son and daughter-in-law on one trip and doing the other solo (my first ever - solo that is). I'm leaning toward Paris solo and Italy with the kids because I think I'd feel more comfortable traveling around Tuscany with them. I'd prefer to travel with someone on both, but my usual travel companions either can't get away, can't afford it, etc., and I don't want to wait until someone else can go, so I'm going to muster up the courage and have what I know will end up being a wonderful trip by myself. So, Fodorites, I'd really like to hear your opinions on which destination you would choose to do alone.

Gina

Ooh, I would definitely do the Paris trip solo and the Tuscany trip with your family.

There is so much to do in Paris that would be fun on your own, but I think you might feel lonely in Tuscany by yourself.

In Paris, you could go to museums, people-watch in the cafes, and wander along going in all the little shops having a great time by yourself.

It's not that you <b>couldn't</b> go to Italy on your own; it's just that it might be a lot more enjoyable if shared with others.

I read an interesting article a while back- I think in the New York Times (I wish I could remember when so I could give you the link) talking about how the people in Italy just didn't &quot;get&quot; traveling solo.

The author described how Italians are almost never alone- and if they are, they're talking to someone on their cellphone! She/he said that she ended up feeling isolated; feeling as if she were the only one without someone to talk to.

For one thing, it just doesn't fit in with the Italian psyche to eat alone- meals are primarily a social experience.

Wheareas in France, a meal can be enjoyed for the pleasure of the good food and wine, with or without company.

I think it would be a great luxury to have some time to enjoy Paris all by myself and to do whatever I felt like without having to please anybody else.

And did I mention SHOPPING!

I think your tenative plan is good.
I have taken a few trips to italy.
Three were with my children,
one was with a friend, but after a week she headed north to Switzerland to see friends. I headed south for 8 days on my own (except for an overnight with some friends who live in Formia)
I had specifically planned to do this part solo, and I am glad I did.
But, Italy felt lonely solo.
I was in Paris with others, but I can definitely see being solo there.

Enjoy both your trips!!!

I've traveled solo to Paris and to Italy and felt very comfortable in both. I think Paris is &quot;easier&quot; to do solo. It is a little more gentile for lack of a better word. Italy is robust, Paris is refined. Rome is a great city to be solo in as you just meld into the crowd. I never once felt out of place dining alone. In fact, the waiters were all very kind and attentive. I intend to continue visiting both places solo.

Hi Gina,

Definitely Paris.

OTOH, have you ever seen &quot;Roman Holiday&quot;?

For me, Paris solo was a real treat! I did it twice for 10 days each time. There is so much to do and see - you'll never get lonely. Well, of course it would be nice to have someone to go to dinner with, but I did so much walking and sightseeing during the day, I think I was happier not having to talk to anyone at dinner! I took a couple of daytrips on each of those Paris sojourns, which was nice too.

Everyone seems unanimous in recommending Paris solo, and for what it's worth i agree. I've done Paris twice, once with my wife and once with my adult son who lives nearby in London. We did many things together, but one day we wanted to do different things, so went our own ways agreeing to meet at a cafe near Place St Michel in the late afternoon. It was a brilliant day, just pleasing myself, wandering around the Latin Quarter, taking a metro to Montmartre and St Sulpice and wandering around there. I'd do it again any time!

Thanks, everyone, for your replies!

You've all expressed exactly what I thought would be best. I've been to Paris twice, and I do feel somewhat comfortable with the idea of going there alone. In fact, I'm actually starting to get excited about making plans for the spring; you know, April in Paris! I've looked up some past threads about hotels and am thinking Hotel Residence Monge - room with balcony overlooking the street. I also love the idea of being so close to rue Mouffetard for the Sunday market. Now the only thing I'm uncomfortable about is eating alone, so I'm going to look up past threads to find restaurants that are &quot;solo friendly&quot;, and I'd appreciate any recommendations and comments.

The Italy trip will take place in the fall, and I know my son will love it because he's worked as a chef and will enjoy trying all the Tuscan food.

Ira: Yes, I've seen Roman Holiday (many times, in fact). I've been to Rome twice though, and only had a day trip to Florence from the Cinque Terre, so I'd like to spend more time there, plus reading everyone's reports about the Tuscany hill towns makes me want to see a few of them.

So many places to go, so little time! Again, thanks to all for your most welcome responses.