Sarah: I was 22 on my first trip to Europe and I went alone also - for 6 weeks. And I got the exact same comments you are getting: why would you go alone, it's not safe, yadda yadda.

Many years later, I've now been to Europe many more times, usually with others, and that first trip is still the very best, because I went where *I* wanted to go, and did what *I* wanted to do, for 6 whole weeks. It was fabulous! (And a single young female traveling solo is rarely alone, unless she wants to be. I met people of all ages and nationalities along the way so loneliness was never a problem.)

Ignore the naysayers: you will have the time of your life with memories to last the rest of your life.

Ditto to all the encouraging remarks above! And one other comment: I've taken many international trips alone, and the closest I came to trouble was one time when I ran into a friend. I was delighted to see him, but became so absorbed in our conversation that I almost didn't realize I was about to be pick-pocketed! When I'm on my own, I'm not as distracted, and more able to be alert to my surroundings. Hope that helps!

My first trip anywhere (and certainly to Europe) was a solo trip to Ireland for three days, then London for three days, and then a week out in the country with people who were traveling in a group. I only knew one of these people (she owned a new age store in Florida, and organized that part of the trip). I had a blast!

Tell the people that (if you want to be un-diplomatic) just because THEY don't have the courage to strike out on their own and experience wonderful things doesn't mean YOU shouldn't :)

If you want to be more diplomatic, tell them you need to find yourself - it worked for the hippies in the 60s :)

Sarah -

One more vote for go and have a fabulous time!

My first trip to Europe was when I did a semester abroad and then travelled for a month or two after school let out before returning home.

As others here have stated, what I found out is that many of the new friends that I had made at my University were also up for travel, so most although not all of my weekend trips were with other students. Sometimes I travelled alone to meet up with one of several friends from my college back home who were studying in other parts of Europe and the UK.

At the end of the semester, part of my travel was with another student from my program in Vienna, part of it was with a group of nice Canadian guys that we met in Greece, and part of it was alone. All of my travels were great!

Also as others have stated, you do need to be wise and cautious, but I think that applies all the time, not just when you are alone. Look at the story of the high school teenager in Aruba with all of her classmates and chaperones. You can make unsafe choices whether people are with you or not. When I travelled alone, that was when I often chose to pay a little bit more to stay in a pension vs. a hostel just because I felt a little more safe that way.

Another advantage that we have now, that we didn't have when I was in college is the internet and you can get a cell phone with a Universal SIM card so that you will have the same phone number for all of your travels.

Finally, does the friend who is so upset that you won't be in any of your pictures honestly think that there won't be someone nearby that you can ask to take your picture? It happens all the time all around the world.

Go and have a wonderful time!

Yeah, about that friend who thinks you won't be in any of your photos: Is this friend unable to speak? Is s/he too shy to talk to strangers? Does s/he not realize that you can ask somebody to take your photo?

The person doesn't even have to speak English, because they have cameras all over the world and most people can understand what you are asking when you hold out your camera to them. Most tourists are happy to help out with the picture taking in front of The Famous Monument and may ask you to do the same for them.

You don't have to be alone to ask for a volunteer photographer.

My friend and I were in Pza del Popolo when two young Japanese women approached with their camera. And they returned the favor - how else will a couple get pictures of themselves as ... a couple?

Here in NYC one could spend the day volunteering to take shots of a single traveler, a pair or a group. Naturally we want at least ONE picture with everyone in it!

My favorite travel movie is Summertime, in which Katharine Hepburn is a secretary on a long-awaited trip to Venice - alone. The beautiful owner of the pensione asks if she doesn't mind traveling alone. "I like it. I'm the independent type, always have been," she answers. "I would hate it," responds la signora Fiorini.

Truthfully, Kate (Jane) doesn't like it much either, though she has convinced herself she does. But it turns out the whole adventure (a passionate affair with Rosanno Brazzi) would likely never have happened if she hadn't been "solo", and finally, driven to open herself to love and life.

Of course, many of us would have accepted signora Fiorini's invitation to dine with her friend signor Postino that first night. "When in Italy you should meet Italians!" she says. (Most of us would second that.) Kate feels like a third wheel, so refuses, and spends a lonely evening - but it leads you-know-where, so ...

Well I've traveled alone numerous times - either tacking some days onto a business trip - or just going alone because someone cancelled or schedules didn't fit. (And that included Russia - not just London. Who could be afraid of crime in London???)

I can't remember getting negative reactions from anyone. Nor is there any reason that you should. I would simply tell them - that you're going to do what makes you happy - and what tens of thousands of people do every year. And if they're so ignorant and fearful of the rest of the world that they can;t deal with it - that's their problem. Their fears are totally unrealistic - and only show how little they know of the world.

Then, refuse to discuss it any further. If they continue, change the topic - and say you don;t care to discuss it.

And - if these are your friends - I would look for some others - who are more informed and supportive - rather than so provincial and negative.

"One friend is fixated on the fact I won't be in any of my photos!"

That's great, you'll be able to really capture the wonderful places and get creative with your camera. Then you'll have some truly interesting pics to show. Personally, I can't stand a bunch of those pictures with "Mary" & "Bob" in front of name-the-place. Boring!

"You'll be lonely, they say."

Sounds like you've made lots of friends already. Now, you'll make more.

Have a great time, I have a feeling you will.

Sarah, How do you like our replies? Hopefully this is encouraging you, as it should.

Sounds like your father is the only one with any sense. I'm guessing once you go traveling, you may well be looking for some new (more adventurous) friends when you get home.

all the best!

hi, sarah,

would your family be objecting if you were heading off for a college in the US? presumably not -oops - i read that you're already doing that.

here in the UK, universities are full of 18-20 year olds just starting off, effectively doing just what you want to do. The vast majority do so without incident, except that they have a ball.

I have a particular interest as my own sarah [yes, really] has just started at the age of 20 at nottingham - the gun capital of the UK, allegedly. so far she's having a wonderful time, and I confidently expect this to continue throughout the next 3 years.

we even speak your language. [well almost!]

sieze the moment, as someone once said.

regards, ann

Our younger son was 19 when he took off to Europe for several months. As a mother, sure I worried sick! Made him give me the phone numbers of all his friends, made him promise he'll reply to all my e-mails even if just to say he's fine, opened a joint bank account where I can deposit money for him to take them off, just in case...

See the pattern there? I did not discourage him, just kept myself busy trying to keep him safe.

So keep all those nay-sayers busy: "help me or move over if you envy me" :)

Hi Sarah (love the "sarahsmiles" btw :)

Your response to the naysayers: "Because I can." And smile :) And do.

You'll love it. Explore new places, learn about different people & what makes them "tick" ... and a lot about yourself, too.

I travel a lot and have done so since I was about your age; solo and with others and whilst it can be fun to share the experiences, my preference is to go by myself. I love meeting up with friends on my journeys and often do; but for me, the travelling is more exhilirating, liberating & relaxing when I'm free to follow my whims.

For those who say "how sad to have to travel 'alone'" ... in my experience, one can be more 'alone' in a crowd than by oneself. I, OTOH, think it's sad for someone to be unwilling/incapable of spending time in their own company.

London's a wonderful city and, as you've identified, a great base for cheap travel all over Europe as well as the rest of the UK.

My niece shot off to Italy just after her 21st birthday, ended up spending 5 years working in Milan. Every 2nd year she takes a month & goes somewhere new o/s. (from Australia). I met up with another friend (mid 20's) yesterday who did the Pilgrim's walk in Spain last year. They don't need anyone to hold their hands either. :)

maybe sarahsmiles is on her way as we discuss her plans.

I went on my first solo trip 40+ years ago, and I have gone on many solos since then. Loved all of them for all of the reasons others have already stated. As I read these posts, I am so grateful to parents who raised me to be independent and able to cope, encouraged me in all these endeavors, and never showed any qualms they might have had as I went off to far places without cell phones and internet (which were then unheard of) and contact was only by postcards and letters which I did send off faithfully. In a few months I hope to be off on another solo adventure. Of course, as a woman "of a certain age", I have a different perspective. Most of my friends are happy for me, though perhaps they are just used to the fact that I am who I am (for want of better words).

Frankly, I thought young people had more sense of adventure these days and I am surprised that your contemporaries are being so negative about this.

Go for it! And keep in touch via Fodors so that we can enjoy all of your adventures and delight as you make new friends and see new sights.

I say go and enjoy it! Enjoy this time period in your life before the kids come, before the husband and just life in general stops you! I'm taking my first trip to Europe "alone" in Jan, to London and East Anglia, with a short two day trip to Paris. My two best friends live in East Anglia, so I technically won't be alone but I will be without my husband and two kids, and I cannot wait! Just the thought of being the independent woman I was prior to kids and the husband excites me! LOL! If only for a week! Make sure if you do go, you post a detailed account of your trip so we can live vicariously through you!

Never pass up the opportunity to travel! Weekend trips are a great way to get into traveling solo. When I lived in Spain during my junior year, I had the chance to visit Palma and Ibiza on a really cheap travel package. None of my roommates could make it, so I went alone. I was scared to death, but I had a great time. I think it is important to be able to travel solo as well as with someone else, because we never know when we might end up solo. I still love to travel solo, and I love being able to take the trip that I want to, without the compromises.

G'day..I just wanted to throw my thruppence worth into the ring...go for it..I'm a 67 year old Aussie female and over the past 2 years I've backpacked for 3 months and 5 weeks (home staying and hostels) through Alaska/ Colorado/Alabama/New York/Vancouver/Russia/Prague/Budapest/Copenhagen/Oslo/Orkneys/all of the UK/Scotland/Johannesburg and I'm now planning my next trip through Malaysia/Cambodia/Vietnam and India then Turkey/ etc...have a blast..just stay safe and sensible..regards Elly in Oz....

For me is the best option! i get to meet many new people and there is always some nice man helping with bags and things! No problems about where to go..or moody companion..free time! is great! And you can be alone or not if you want! ..As for safety..is the same at home isnt? :)

I've found the best way to deal with negative "advice" is to smile politely and then do as you please. What do you find in common with all the naysayers? Most likely, a rather conventional (read, unexceptional) life.

Keep your wits about you, if you plan to go off on your own make sure your hotel/friends/family know where you are off to, and like others have said - don't do anything that may incapacitate you while alone (i.e. one drink with dinner, great, several drinks and walking home alone at 2 AM, maybe not a great idea).

Follow your dreams! Think of the stories you will have when you are older. Be sure to report your adventures here too. :)

Take the trip. Then make some new friends. Truly sarah, you are much smarter than the people you're hanging around with.
;-)