Will anyone here admit they have wouldn't want to travel alone or had a rotten time traveling alone?
#82
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Going solo is one of the best ways to get to know yourself.I was retrenched in the Asian crisis of 98 I went to Yosemite alone, my first solo trip far,far away from home.I needed that time to reflect and think about what I really want to do.I hiked the falls, sketched the beautiful scenery and woke up at 5am to catch the first rays of the sun. On one occasion I was walking back from my hike I turned around and noticed a wolf looking at me from the edge of the forest.I wasnt afraid. I just stopped at looked back. Quietly I said "you are not alone" If I had been with someone I'd miss that special moment.
#84
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Ha, ha!! I like that, LoveToTravel. Well said.<BR><BR>I think traveling solo is something everyone should do at least once. I do not enjoy it as much as travelling with others--ESPECIALLY dining alone--but if push comes to shove, and no one will go with you when YOU want to go, it is better to just go solo.<BR><BR>And thank God for fodors.com, where we can meet people at Fodors GTGs in these places. My life is now (almost) complete.
#85
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For most of my life I have traveled alone. I have friends, really I DO ! : but it seems like we are all ready at different times. My friends also love travel as much as I do. We don't know many people in our age group (40's) that travel as much as we do. Although very well traveled my friends have never done it alone as I have. I think I have just when comparing notes, met so many more people than them ,traveling alone. I have very fantastic stories that people that go with partners or other friends just don't have. <BR><BR>But you wanted the down side. Well anyone that has been to the American board knows that I am bonkers on Hawaii. This is one place that is hard to go single. You are surrounded by honeymooners and actually weddings (sometimes).<BR><BR>I just don't meet other singles I am sure they are there but not in the numbers they are in Europe. <BR><BR>I have met so many while hiking/walking/dining in Europe and the Middle East. Just does not happen outside Oahu for me in Hawaii.
#88
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Boy, I'm just so glad to hear all these positive posts about solo travel. I am leaving next Wed. for Italy - first solo trip other than a week at Whistler - only 3 hours from home. I am excited, but pretty nervous too. I have gotten so much information and help from this board that I feel pretty confident that I can do this. I have had so many not so great trips with friends and family... I have a feeling this trip will be a real eye-opener and the first of many to come.
#89
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You go, Barb! And anyone else who's doing it, or thinking about it. <BR><BR>My first solo trip was also my first Europe trip, and it was to Italy. By far the best thing I've ever done for myself. I fell in love with Italy and have been back as often as I can manage since. Made two friends that first trip with whom I still keep in touch, one of whom met me in Paris a couple of years later!<BR><BR>Even the "challenges" are great when you're on your own, because you feel so good about having managed them all by your self. I often have moments during my solo trips when I stop and appreciate my surroundings and the gift I've given myself of experiencing that place/moment. (That includes a nice meal, with wine. Instead of feeling self conscious about dining alone, I think about how sophisticated I am to be sitting in a fabulous restaurant in Rome/Florence/Venice/Paris/London or wherever!)<BR><BR>I'm usually the planner for my trips with others, and it's nice to hear that they appreciate the work I've done. But I get an entirely different sense of accomplishment from my solo travel. It's truly empowering to know that you can plan a fabulous trip, navigate a foreign country, and enjoy every minute of it without anyone to take care of you but *you*.
#93
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"It's truly empowering to know that you can plan a fabulous trip, navigate a foreign country, and enjoy every minute of it without anyone to take care of you but *you*.<BR>"<BR><BR>That's the part I love about solo travel; I can do exactly what I want at the pace I want to (I tend to cram a lot into the day and take few breaks/stops). I enjoy travelling with friends and family, but only if it is an active vacation; otherwise I strike off on my own to explore. I really like travelling with others, but only if they want to pack the day with sightseeing like I do. Otherwise, I prefer to go it alone. I don't get to take a lot of trips, so when I do, I want to see and experience as much of the location as I can...and I don't want to impose my "vacation style" on my friends (I tend to be a bit extreme in how much I do). I can always hang out with my "buds" back at the ranch
#94
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I believe that like all things, each person has his/her own likes and dislikes. I have travelled both solo and with friends and each had its merits.<BR><BR>I travelled for three weeks to 10 different countries with two friends. I had a lovely time because we have similar personalities, tastes and habits. I haved a shared experience with them, so it is wonderful to recall stories about our trip together. On whole it was a great way to travel.<BR><BR>I have also travelled solo to Ireland and Switzerland for 3 weeks on my own. Yes, there were times when I longed to share my thoughts with someone as I gazed at the alps or at a breathtaking sunset. I wasn't in too many photos during this trip but I did take some great shots. I also found that I could change my plans at will without disappointing someone else. Travelling on your own brings a great sense of accomplishment. When you navigate your way around a country, have interesting conversations with locals in a foreign language, you get the feeling that you are more competent than you'd ever imagined. There is a sense of being empowered by 'making it' on your own.<BR><BR>I think you make the most of any trip. Don't worry about what someone will think if you go solo.
#95
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I've travelled alone on three occasions since 1992. Twice down to the New Orleans/deep south area and once to France/Italy. The first trip to N.O. was fine (although a friend met me, uninvited, for five of seventeen days - and I was glad he did), the second one weeker to N.O. was fabulous. Both times I had a purpose which was to trace the roots of American R & B music. The Europe bit, well, I got extremely homesick. I stayed in hotels and tried renting a car but I felt so isolated and far from home. Since I love my privacy a hostel was out (plus I'm a very light sleeper). I really didn't enjoy travelling solo then yet know that the absolute freedom aspect is a benefit.<BR>I have tried to travel solo since but just can't get up for it anymore...it's those lonely moments that get to me and anxiety seems to take over when I plan a solo trip today. What can I say? I really think it depends on your personality.
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Sep 8th, 2008 09:59 PM