I'm restless!! I had a trip planned with a friend in May to visit Switzerland, Northern Italy and Germany but he has flaked on me. Now I'm planning to join my brother and his wife on a tour in Ireland at the end of May for one week. I can't wait! They will be heading home to L.A.on June 1, but I want to stay! It's been awhile since I've had a vacation, if you couldn't tell by my antsyness (not a word, I know). I've only been to Europe, once when I was 13, Munich by the way, and I loved every minute of it.

Where would be a nice place to head to for another week? I'm a single woman in her 30's. I love history, culture and meeting friendly people, but am apprehensive about travelling alone for the first time. Any help, inspiration or encouragement would be greatly appreciated from you

Italy, it will be warm and dry, unlike Ireland lol.
Rich,
Photos and videos of our trip to Italy and a few other places.
http://www.franceinfocus.net

My first choice would be London. It is a very easy place to visit solo, you would have no language issues (well, maybe a bit), there is lots to do at night safely on your own - theatre, late night museum openings, London Walks, etc. and it is close to Ireland.

My second choice would be Paris, but w/ the low cost carriers, you can fly cheaply from Ireland to just about anywhere in Europe.

I would head down on a cheap flight to the likes of Croatia, Bulgaria and perhaps on to the greek islands, a lot cheaper and all great and friendly places.

If you have never been, I would go to Paris. I have been to Europe many times over many years, and while I can wait 2 or 3 years between trips to the UK or Italy or Spain, I have to see Paris at least once a year.

Hi K,

1. Paris
2. Paris
3. Paris

Perfect time of year.

See www.whichbudget.com for flights to CDG or Paris Orly.

Fares as low as 14E Dublin/CDG

Thanks for all of your replies. Every place mentioned is somewhere I would love to go, heck, I need a year off from work. I was thinking London because it seems more of the safe choice. Safe meaning more comfortable because of no language barrier. But Paris is calling, I just feel like it's such a romantic city that I should save it for another time. Sounds stupid, I know.

Amsterdam. Everyone speaks English, it's a totally walkable town, all the history, art, architecture you could want, and a week is time enough to see both A'dam and maybe a day in Delft or the countryside - possibly tulips still. Know how to ride a bike? You'll fit right in.

I don't believe there is much of a "language barrier" in Paris. Not any more. It's difficult to find good employment here without English as a second language. You're more likely to be able to strike up a conversation with a French person who is alone -- with only one witness to his or her less-than-perfect English. Really, there are only two French words you need: "Bonjour" - always the first word of any conversation - and "merci" - when you receive help. And receive it you will, again and again, if you are polite and act naturally, just as you would at home. The way to approach someone is "Bonjour," and then launch immediatly into what you have to say, speaking slowly. You don't need to explain that you don't speak French. (You would if you could, right?) And I don't think it's wise to ask whether the person you're addressing speaks English. That's not such an easy question as it seems. And it can put a person on the defensive. If you happen upon one of the rapidly dwindling number of folks who don't speak some English it will be evident right away. Then you might say I'm sorry, "I don't speak any French." You'll do bit better off the heavily traveled tourist path. A bit better in a "young" arrondissement, like the 11th. It also is good to keep in mind that there are legions of European visitors to Paris who don't speak French -- just like you. Europeans are used to not understanding what other Europeans are saying, and they get along just fine!

Good point Dave. I never really thought of that before. They are surrounded by people of different cultures and languages on all sides, all coming through and visiting each other's country. When I encounter people that cannot speak English or are visting I love to help. Why would they be any different to me?

OTOH, you could try Scotland- it has a little history, culture and a few friendly people. It's very easy to get to from Ireland and has no language barrier (except in the outer suburbs of Glasgow where the natives don't even understand each other)

It's a fantastic time of year to be in the Highlands and Islands, or even the cities of the central belt

Krissy,
I hear ya, I'm in the same boat. Hey if you want to hook up with people we're headed to Switzerland and Italy arriving 10 June and departing 25 June. Zermatt, Ferrara, San Gimignano, Thun. Large group of family and friends (16)....the more the merrier.

Wow! Thanks for the invite, Traveler863. That's a big group, sounds fun. I imagine it's hard make everyone happy, unless of course, your group is a bunch of easy-going people.

As with Janis London would be my first choice. Very easy to get to from Ireland. World class musuems -free. Noontime concerts at various venues -free. Low cost guided walks with London Walks - the pub walks are a lot of fun. Beautiful parks. One of the great things about London - there are quiet secluded spots all over the city to take a break.

I agree with Dave in Paris - I don't think there is a language barrier to worry about. I had no problems on my visit to Paris. Definitely worth a visit. I enjoyed my visit to Amsterdam, Berlin, Rome. There hasn't been anywhere in Europe that I haven't enjoyed. Probably why I keep going there. :}