For myself, on most occasions, but especially traveling alone, I choose to visit places with lots of people around and lots to see and do. Cities, busy small towns, tourist beach destinations, and the like.

For example, I would never rent a cottage on an isolated beach traveling solo. I don't even enjoy renting apartments in big cities because I find that too isolating (I'd rather stay at a local hotel).

Are there solo travelers out there who seek soliture when they travel?
;-)suze

Good question!

I'm not that fond of really crowded places, but I usually don't want total isolation either.

In the end, I usually pick a fairly populated area to stay in and then take day trips to more isolated areas to re-coup from the bustle.

Since I live alone, I don't have a real need to "get away from it all" - I just turn off the tv and radio and turn on the answering machine.

Hmmm, thanks Toedtoes. I think that's an interesting sub-point... It seems from other discussions on the forum that people who travel solo, but are married living with their spouse &/or family at home approach a solo trip with different expectations or even emotions than people who normally live alone so travel alone.

When I wasn't living alone, I would beg, steal or borrow to "get away from it all." Now that I live alone, I don't feel that need - of course, have someone stay with me for the weekend and I'm going crazy.

And while I don't go looking for quiet, isolated places to spend my vacations, I definitely want my own space. I'd go crazy on a cruise because of the lack of real privacy (IMO); and I could never be comfortable in a dorm setting like a hostel. Even a B&B is more togetherness than I want on a regular basis. I want my own private hotel room with the freedom to get away from people if needed.

it would drive me nuts to seek solitude. i need the constant stimulation of people or activities. i prefer populated areas, cities, tours with activities such as hiking, whitewater rafting, trekking, day trips. but on the other hand, i do not have to talk to people and i have been told on occasion that i can last for days without talking to people.

Quiet~ Thanks, interesting. That is similar for me (although I'm less athletically inclined -lol!). I want people around me, but I don't seek their company or conversation one-on-one.

I don't need to seek solitude when I travel alone. It always finds me.

JB - the next time you're in Northern California, just holler - I'll have dinner with you so you don't have to hide out in your hotel room!

Hi suze, I don't want to be in an isolated location and I do really enjoy cities and being around people. But I always want my own hotel room as I do not care to share a room with someone else as much as I enjoy their company. I always need some quiet time each day and I like my privacy. A lot of my friends travel together and share a hotel room and for them that works out great but it wouldn't for me. I am like you, I would never rent an apartment, I like hotels.

I appreciate all the thoughtful comments. Thank you everyone.

Even traveling with friends I prefer my own room in most situations. And no way would I be comfortable staying in a hostel dorm (even when I was poorer & younger!).

i still stay in hostels. even if i do have the $$$. i prefer location over privacy. so if a hostel is in the center of town compared to a hotel a couple of miles away. i will stay in the hostel.

Toed, where exactly is the best place in Northern California to holler?

I can see myself standing on a street corner hollering "Toedtoes! Tozie!...." Then I wouldn't have to worry about solitude, as I'd have plenty of companions in jail or the local loonybin.

Ah, you're just too smart for me! I was looking forward to watching the crazy guy hollering "Toezie!" in the streets on the nightly news.

Seriously, if you're going to be in or around the Sacramento valley (North Bay area good also), just email me (at juno dot com) and let me know when.

When I first began traveling it was hostel for economic reasons and still is depending on how often I get away. I snore and I've been woken by many during the night to stop. But if I can find a hostel with a private room I'm on it. I think they are the best way to meet people and I've met some really awesome people that way.
I like meeting new people but I also don't like to be crowded so I tend to avoid going to the more popular locations at their prime tourist times. It's one of the reasons I chose my birthday to have my annual "big" trip,it's in May.
When I'm out and about I try to experience as much of the area I'm in as possible. I do resort to doing stuff I would normally do at home,such as hang out in the park,cycling,hiking,canoeing or just sitting reading a book. Heck I'd even go to the movies. Also,going to the bar which can lead to meeting people. I've taken to sitting at the bar mostly due to being solo and all,I do love to drink.




Damn,did I even answer the question.
I'm so tired.
Oh the answer is sometimes.

Sometimes I like solitude, others I like the company of people. I like trips that allow me a combination of both. Solo travel provides that.

In my job I'm around lots of people all the time. My only solo time is in my car going to and from work. Maybe that is partly why I like to travel solo.

Great topic, Suze. I see a conundrum with cities... Sometimes it seems like a city can do just fine without you being there (sometimes you might even feel like the city is rejecting you). So, it can be alot easier to remain anonymous in a large city, even though you're surrounded by crowds of people (main reason I don't like cities). So if you're seeking solitude, cities could be the way to go. Guess it depends on your personality.

I do much better in town settings I think. I'm planning on giving myself plenty of "alone" time during my trip. Time to refuel.

That's a great observation Corshi!

For me, I find that the city allows me to remain anonymous while still participating in all the action. The small town usually demands that I give up that anonymity.

I definitely think that's true about smaller towns, but even is somewhat applicable within large cities if you stick to getting to know one particular neighborhood...

It doesn't take long to get to be a "regular" by going to the same bakery each morning, cafe for dinner each evening, or corner green grocer every day. To me that's the best of both, you are anonymous, but participating somewhat at the same time.

I love to travel alone and i always seek solitude. thats' the great thing about traveling solo - you have the choice of finding a travel mate or going to places solo!!

I never look for solitude when I travel. I usually travel to see the sights of the world and will strike up a conversation with anyone who will listen. I find travellers to be the friendlist people there are. I was on a cruise recently and when I couldn't find anyone in the group I was traveling with I would just talk to whoever wanted to talk that was sitting near me. You get to met some nice people when you are not shutting yourself off form those around you.