I travel regularly in the USA for business - most of the time alone -and when I have business in an interesting place, often take a day or two to explore. I've been to Europe several times with family and/or friends, and looking forward to my first solo trip this November. I can't wait!!! The thought of not having to compromise on doing exactly what I want to do and when I want to do it is so exciting. Thanks to all of you solo women travelers who have shared your experiences - you have helped me to feel confident about my trip.

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So glad to read these stories! <BR>I am definitely returning to italy next yr!! <BR>I just can not get it out of my mind. <BR>I had originally planned a week solo trip, but <BR>My friend Ellen, who joined my family in Italy in july,( after soon to be ex-husband left) wants to do a trip every yr with me now. <BR>She would like to do switzerland. <BR>But, I can not go all the way there, and not be in Italy. <BR>so, I will plan 3-4 days for myself, in italy. <BR> <BR>You all give me inspiration! <BR> <BR>

Pam, <BR>did you find Rome a bit difficult to be alone in at night? <BR>I do not mean "safety wise", cause I felt safe walking around by myself at night there. <BR>I mean, did it feel too lonely ? <BR>Everyone is sitting, talking, walking with at least another person in the evening. <BR>I enjoyed time alone, during the day, but the two times I went out in the evening, alone, it FELT lonely. <BR> <BR>Was this because I was in italy, on the "trip of a life-time" with my family, knowing that 2 days after returning from the states, my husband would be moving out!! <BR>I will not have that hanging over my head this upcoming trip. Thank goodness! <BR> <BR>So, am just curious about how you viewd Rome at night. <BR>

Nancy: I was alone in Rome and Florence in June and, although I do a lot of lone travelling, I do sometimes feel conspicuous dining alone at night. Of all the countries I've visited I'd say Italy is one of the easiest for lone female travellers to dine out alone. First night, having arrived in Rome at about 8.30pm I was hungry and went straight out to a restaurant. I was greeted like a long lost daughter, the waiters managed to both give me space yet continually chatted so I didn't feel lonely (how did they manage that?) plus I got chatting to the Americans on one side and the Italians on the other. The owner even gave me some coins to throw in the Trevi when I asked him to change a note - "have a wish on me!" he said returning the note. I dined out every night, never felt lonely and was even invited on two separate nights to dine with with first a lone Italian lady and another night with a lone Italian man. Both were very pleasant. I'd love to say I'm young, gorgeous and thin but actually I'm in my late 40's. <BR> <BR>At the Trevi I admit I was among seemingly thousands of young loving couples, but it was still fun. The guy in the couple next to me was taking pics of his girlfriend so I offered to take a photo of both of them, to which he enthusiastically agreed (guess I don't look like a thief). I then must have spent the next 20 minutes taking pics of practically every couple in the vicinity! David Bailey would have been envious! Go and have fun. Life's what you make of it!

I have travelled a decent amount both alone and with someone, and think both have major upsides. I have never been mistreated as an american 20-something woman travelling alone in Europe, and like many others have said, I think sometimes you benefit from the experience. When I was younger, and a little more on the wild side, I had my share of crazy, wild, European affiars that were short, but oh so sweet.

I almost always travel alone and I love it. The book that inspired me is, "A Journey of One's Own: Uncommon Advice for the Independent Woman Traveler" by Thalia Zepatos. <BR> <BR>Here's a copy of one review: "A Journey of One's Own was written for women who long to travel but are a little hesitant about facing the open road alone. Author Thalia Zepatos has traveled by camel across the Thar Desert, hitchhiked along the Malay Peninsula, and trekked the high country of Nepal, and in this book she offers advice, encouragement, and wisdom to the women she hopes will follow in her footsteps. Zepatos recognizes that female travelers face challenges that their male counterparts seldom experience: sexual harassment, safety and health concerns, and cultural attitudes are a real part of any woman's travel experience. She also believes that women experience travel differently from men, and she sees the "global sisterhood of women" as a positive, ready-made opportunity for women to interact with whatever culture in which they find themselves. <BR> <BR>Travel essays by women alternate with chapters on practical matters such as traveling alone, finding a compatible travel companion, planning your itinerary, and staying safe and healthy; as an added bonus, there's a list of resources that covers a variety of topics, from travel books and magazines to Internet service providers and socially/environmentally responsible travel opportunities. So, stop dreaming and start planning that fantasy trip with A Journey of One's Own." <BR>

Michelle, <BR>thanks for the words. <BR>I think Rome is a bittersweet place for me right now, due to the marital issues. <BR>I am returning to Italy, spring 2003, for my 50th B-day. <BR>I will be traveling with 2 best friends, and one sister. <BR>(This trip has been planned for over two yrs now) <BR>I love rome so much, I am taking us all there for part of the trip. <BR>And by then, I will be PAST feeling occasional melancholy that I associate with this trip. <BR>So, rome can wait for 20 months, <BR>I think I will try a new area, <BR>Venice, or Bologna or Parma. <BR>I love your sentence, <BR>"Life is what you make of it" <BR>so true, and that is why I am smiling, laughing, eating, talking,hanging with my children. and generally enjoying myself, regardless of what my husband is doing. <BR>and it is also why we had such a great time in italy, even with all that hanging over my head. <BR> <BR>I will enjoy every minute of my solo voyage. <BR>and since I love to talk to "strangers" and meet new people, I am sure I will not feel lonely, even if I am alone! <BR>

Topping for Legs.

Now you are going to stir up that [email protected] again. Please, no, not that.