SeaUrchin

That's funny, toed. I bet some of those tourists still laugh, "remember that crazy girl when we visited Niagara Falls?"

KL467

This is a nice thread with a great deal of good information.

I currently travel with my teenage daughter. I hope, after she is out on her own, that I have someone to travel to Europe with. It seems that others (parents, friends, boyfriends) do not go to Europe because of either lack of interest, money, or time off from work.

bugswife1

I try to eat at the bar whenever possible. Usually the bartender is happy for conversation, and you are sitting much closer to your neighbors than you would be at a table, so easy and almost acceptable to eavesdrop and join conversation, share food, etc. I do that at Lupa downtown in NYC all the time and have met great people from all over the world.

Maybe more of the solo travelers should start asking fellow fodorites who may be in the city that they are visiting if they are available for drinks or dinner. We are all sort of normal, I hope : - )

thursdaysd

"start asking fellow fodorites who may be in the city that they are visiting if they are available for drinks or dinner" - definitely! I posted a mini-GTG request for Venice for my last trip, and wound up having a wonderful dinner meeting.

whoknew

I found it interesting that when I have traveled alone in Europe, that inevitably, the waiter, the owner, or someone would come over and strike up a conversation with me(when I was in Paris, the local couple next to me in a restaurant decided to include me in their conversation). Even if I have brought something to read.

I don't get this response in the US. I'm not doing anything differently, but it could be that I'm more noticeable as a foreigner despite that I'm fairly inconspicuous looking, LOL.

I found that it helps that I always make sure to go on some guided tours for some feeling of inclusion in a group. Many times I would end up talking with other people and occasionally get invited to meet them for dinner.

By nature I am not outgoing, but I try to make an extra effort to be extroverted so that I do get some face to face conversation or else it can be very isolating.

deperegirl30

I have traveled several places solo. Texas (twice), North Carolina (a week on the beach), Washington DC, Budapest, Hungary,and will travel to Lisbon, Portugal in May 2008. My reason for traveling alone is purely selfish. I have troubles finding a travel partner with the same interests as myself. My tip for traveling solo and dealing with eating alone is to start by catching a small but satisfying breakfast. I usually get a rather early start to my day and then don't feel bad about retiring early to my hotel. I eat lunch as the main big meal later in the day. Then I just catch something quick for dinner or pick something up and bring it back to the hotel. As for fealing lonely, usually I am too busy to be lonely. I am single and live alone so I am a pro at finding things that both interest and entertain me. If anyone has any helpful info about solo travel in Lisbon I would much appreciate.

Suger2

I have found my reading a book is a great excuse for people to start a conversation with me. I have met many people in Europe & the USA who simply asked me what I was reading. I tell them & then a little about the book & the conversation flows on from there.

teach2travel

I reccomend getting an e book. I have both a Sony e reader and a Kindle. You can haul 80 or so books in the space of a paperback. It also unfailing attracts attention. I have had tons of conversation about my book. I'm sure the "wow" factor will decline, but for now it often starts a conversation.

If you speak even a little of the local language sign up for a class of some kind - not one just aimed at tourists.

I also suggest grocery stores. Not a gourmet shop, but a regular grocery store. I have had intersting times shopping and getting advice about what things are. I've also ended up with some great gifts that way.

I also have an international cell - phone. It's pretty cheap to call home with a local sim card. You meet someone local buying the card too! If I'm feeling lonely, a voice from home is just a dial away and I don't have to line up at a phone service or negotiate an unfamiliar phone.

Finally I say if you are on the fence about going alone : Just go already! Trips with a companion have low points just like solo trips. Either beats sitting at home watching the travel channel and thinking "if only..."

laphroaig

When traveling internationally, I think most people know to learn a few basic phrases in the language where we'll be visiting (hello, thank you, I don't speak your language--do you speak English, where is the toilet). If you're a woman traveling alone, don't forget the all-important "get your hands off of me" ("don't touch me" also will do. In many countries "shame!" does the trick).

Iowa_Redhead

One of my favorite things to do when traveling solo is to take a book with me. I'm a bit of a bookworm, so I use the Sony digital book. It lets me haul a ton of books in the space of one, which really cuts down on packing issues. Before I leave home I load a few travel guides for my destination and away I go.

I've noticed that if I read and people-watch while I eat, the people around me will often start conversations. The trick to it is to people-watch too, don't just put your nose in the book and ignore everything around you. I try to avoid listening to music if I want to start any conversations. It's easy to say a few words to someone reading a book and see what reaction you get. If you have to ask them to take off their headset though, it seems like an interruption.

Sudoku puzzles are a gread idea, I've never thought of that one. Thanks for all the good advice.

ncounty

I eat out for all my meals when I travel solo and then hit some night spots every night. You never know what you're going to stumble across or miss out on! One night in Paris, I entered a night club that was full of couples dancing what I later realized was salsa. They were mesmerizing to watch. I am a fantastic dancer and this is one time when I was actually intimidated whilst being entranced by watching these virtuosos swirl around me. Two of the men even asked me to dance and I just felt so bad for them for having to put up with my relative ineptitude. Another night in Madrid, I was alone drinking sangria at a night spot with great music and got "adopted" by a group of attractive yuppie Spaniards who showed me a great time and were astonished when I begged out at 3 am....they were just getting started.
I always have something to read when I go out to dine in case the people watching and soaking in of the ambiance isn't enough.

Midwestlady

I have traveled to 33 countries, mostly with friends or family but this fall looks like I'll do a solo for lack of someone to go with me. Have any of you heard of Servas.org?
It's a travel club where you can stay in people's homes. It is to promote peach and good will among nations. There are about 150 countries listed. Two parts to the program, a host home or traveler. Everyone is checked out first! So, no alarms there. I have stayed with teacher's, Dr's, book collector, and other interesting people. The stay is two nights, they are not required to feed you. Some can take 1,2 or a family in. There is no cost for staying with them.
There is a modest, under $100 to join Servas. People had dinner parties, took us to festivals, gave us maps and what great conversations! No getting lonely on these stays! Of course if you are traveling peak season say to Garmish, Germany expect people to be booked in advance. The people who open their homes (I choose english speaking) are friendly people who love to meet travelers! Check them out on the web. It helps get your feet wet if you are a newby to foreign travel.

For my fall trip I haven't decided yet if I want to backpack, hastle with a carry on suitcase on wheels or book a little sobe (B&B) for like a week on one of the island off Croatia.

My dream was to live in Europe for a year, but don't have any friends who can take the time to do that. Which is why
I'm thinking retired solo female traveler, by which means should I go? Finishing Croatia's southern half, Greece, Turkey, Romania and those area's are where I haven't been yet. Then I will have been around the world.

Any ideas, comments or places of interest or where to stay are appreciated. I find the people in Europe the friendliest and most interesting of places to travel.

GBelle

When I traveled to conferences (usually in the US) and stayed at a hotel, I would mention to the host/hostess in the restaurant that if any single traveler wanted to share a table with me to bring them over. They generally brought over same gender solo diners. In many cases, we would have lovely conversations and sometimes exchange business cards.

Borntotravel55

To Midwestlady. I have exactly the same dream of living in Europe for a year. I would definitely go if I were you. Where do you live? In the midwest? Email me at [email protected]. I live in Kansas City Mo. I will be traveling solo this November and it's a little scary but I think it's worth the experience.

annw

Great thread! Thanks everyone for all the tips. Mine include signing up for a special interest class, conference, or event for part of the time, then touring alone.

I've thought of a language class, but in 2 weeks I go to Ravenna for a mosaic course; after than I meet up with friends outside Florence for a few days, then solo travel to Venice (Locanda Orseolo, which feels like home), and solo to Siena overnight and then Rome.

I did switch from a high-rated B&B with light presence of the innkeeper to a hotel with a staff for my Rome 2 days. I stayed in Trastevere in what is essentially an apartment staffed days only on my last trip; only 5 rooms there and pretty isolating, hence the hotel on this round. I'm doing a lot of train travel and that is with others but also one's own space as desired. Sometimes I end up conversing with others, sometimes just enjoying the scenery.

suite7

annw - which hotel in Rome? i'm going on Oct 24 and still have not booked a hotel!

annw

Hotel Aberdeen -- pretty central, 3*, Rick Steves recommends it though I learned about it on this board, not from his book! A couple of posters here highly recommend it.

I also liked the look of At Your Place, the B&B sort of near the Vatican, but as I said wanted a bit more presence of a staff and more central location.

I did enjoy Trastevere area but if I stayed there again solo would probably use a small hotel.

Previously I've stayed both solo and accompanied at Albergo del Senato, which I love because it is right smack next to the Pantheon, but it's gotten very pricey. I know some Fodorites like Albergo or Residenza Cesari. Have you checked Trip Advisor? Anyway should be some good options, and what a great time of year to see Rome!

thursdaysd

I stayed at the Aberdeen and can also recommend it. Note that if you don't have too much luggage it's walking distance from the train station. In fact it's close enough you may have trouble getting a taxi driver to go there.

ncounty

I stayed at the Hotel Hibernia in June and liked it. The location was fantastic, especially if you plan on using public transportation like the bus system as I did.

annw

I'm coming into Rome via train and leaving for airport same way, so I'm liking the location for Aberdeen, though there should be many excellent choices still available.