I haven't yet traveled alone, but am in the process of planning a solo trip to Paris. Like you, I have had reservations about it, but I've copied every Fodors thread about solo travel, and reading them has eased my fears and gotten me really excited about doing it on my own. Doing what I want when I want and not having to consider someone else's likes and dislikes sounds pretty appealing to me! I say go for it!

I've traveled to Germany, Prague, Paris and London by myself and loved it. The one drawback--mostly, on your first time doing it--is getting used to eating alone. After that it should be a snap. Actually, now I try to see who else I might know in the destination I'm headed to so I can meet them for a meal, which is a great way to enjoy a meal and company but not have to be committed to an entire trip with them.

The one big thing that will happen is that you'll be spoiled by the freedom of travelling alone! The next time I had to travel with a companion (a coworker, in fact), I found myself getting annoyed and feeling like she was holding me back.

This eating alone issue. I don't understand. Are you all "coupled"?
I am divorced, but still feel the need to eat dinner. I go out often and plenty of times by myself.
As I work for a living, I go out to lunch nearly everyday. On "bad" days, its my desire to eat alone and simply read or work a crossword.
It occurred to me quite a few years ago that with the advent of "professional women" and travelling the world doesn't pay the lone woman much attention at all. (If anything, the periodic a wistful longing admiring look...the leer, the friendly nod...)
NOT ONCE, not once, did I ever hear "oh that poor soul...what's wrong with her...she's alone."

When I was 20 I travelled alone to Belgium, Netherlands and France. Later in my mid 20s, I travelled alone all over Great Britain. I never had a problem and met a lot of nice people. My recommendation - stay at B&B, guesthouse type places - great for meeting people and the owners seem to take a special interest in helping single travellers. Just use common sense (i.e. Don't wander around strange areas late at night) and you will be fine. Don't take a tour - way too hectic!

SusieC, I think that a lot of women are use to going to a restaurant with a husband, a companion or a co-worker from the office etc.

My stepdaughter had to start traveling with her employement requirements. She was fine with everything but the eating dinner alone. I suggested she slip a pocketback book in her bag, or since she is always worrying about making list of "to do things" maybe a notepad and pen.

Anyway, she now breezes into restaurants, orders a nice glass of wine and dinner and usually just sits and enjoys the enviroment and completely relaxes and enjoys her dinner.

Think the idea perhaps of eating out a bit a home before traveling alone is a good idea if one lives in a somewhat big city. If one lives in a small town I believe it will feel more uncomfortable if one lives in an area that is real family oriented.

When I lost my DH and tried to sit at an outside cafe and even have a cup of coffee by myself (small family oriented town) I was asked even two weeks later "if I was alright because I had been seen by myself". Good grief. Would go to SF and no problem, I think half of SF residents are unattached. Actually do not know the percentage but think you get the gist of what I am trying to convey.

One activity that might help a person new to traveling alone is bringing some postcards along with them to the restaurant. One can write those while enjoying their drink and waiting for dinner. I have noticed in Italy women on their own doing that.

Have also noticed within five minutes women on their own are having a pleasant conversation with someone.

So dear travelers, listen to all the great ideas on this thread and just go!
Once you do your only problem after that will be to find the money and the time to take another vacation and then the big decision, where to go to next.

Happy solo traveling ((*))

>>>>The one big thing that will happen is that you'll be spoiled by the freedom of travelling alone! The next time I had to travel with a companion (a coworker, in fact), I found myself getting annoyed and feeling like she was holding me back. <<<

Heh. Yes, this is my biggest problem with traveling alone! I get spoiled. I LOVE to travel alone. Went on my first big trip at 20. Went to Prague, London, all over Italy, Ireland, France, Switzerland, and Germany. I had a blast and for the most part prefer traveling alone. I never have had a problem eating alone. In fact, I enjoy that as well since I can bring my book or people watch or make new friends!

Have a great trip!

..have travelled alone many times as well as in tamdem and with family and friends...a few suggestions. travel light (already recommnded) and choose your hotel with some care. I would suggest a central hotel in a good neighborhood..reason- cuts down on taking cabs back at night and you are bound to find good neighborhood restaurants. I also choose small hotels..they may not have all the ammenities but often have a helpful staff who seem to go over backwards to help out (or so I have found).. Take a tour bus day trip if you find something you would like to do..sometimes you can meet fellow travellers..I met a great couple from NZ who were old enough to be my parents. Met them for dinner the next day and we still exchange Christmas cards.. I took a 1 day cooking class (because I enjoy cooking) and again met some interesting people and we subsequently met for drinks..So go for it!

I agree with the comments of the other posters! I've been to Germany, Holland, many times to London, many times to Paris and other parts of France - and each trip has been wonderful. I LOVE to travel alone, and avoid going with anyone else. In the beginning, I was a little uncomfortable eating in nice restaurants alone, but not anymore. I have done a few tours before I attempted the trips to Europe on my own.
While I did enjoy those, I much prefer these trips on my own, and will do it this way as long as I'm able (I'm not getting any younger, if you get my drift). While I was married, we mostly visited family, and he would not have enjoyed Europe (unless someplace on a golf course). These trips alone to Europe have been so liberating for me.
DO IT! And then be sure to write a trip report on here about how glad you were that you did. And by the way, DO
research alot beforehand, and DO pack light.

Oh, Suzie, I should clarify....I'm not coupled but I guess on my first solo trip I was still hanging on to that American hang-up of needing to eat in public with someone. It was just that initial trip. But I'm over that now and enjoy it! I also love meeting new people while dining alone.....especially at Le Sancerre in Paris!