gertie, I thought maybe you had a rental car only because it seemed like it might be hard to come into town, alone and with luggage, on a train and then look for a place to stay on foot (but maybe I'm wrong since I've never visited Sicily!).

There's only one problem with traveling solo......once you start, you can't stop!

Follow the others advice and you will do great. I always take about E50 to cover metro tickets or Roissy bus and maybe something to eat upon arrival. From that point on, I use the ATM.

I've been solo'ing it for about 7 or 8 years and love it. Once I know when I will be in a certain city, I will post a message asking if anyone will be there at the same time. I've met some wonderful people this way and it gives me a night or 2 of not having to eat alone.

Naomi

On the strength of that, I'll be in Palermo 5-10 October then Catania 11-16.
I booked my hotels in both places. See you there anyone??

Am also a Senior. The suggestion for Elderhostel is not good, they are very expensive except for US programs. Grand Circle is much better, they will match you. I went to Egypt with Grand Circle, met a lady travelling with Elderhostel, she paid almost $4000 for a trip that cost me under $2500. No matter where you travel with a group you will see the same sites in a country. In countries where language may be a problem I recommend a group. The rest of my travel now will be in English speaking or countries where I do not stand out from the crowd so I will make my own arrangements via internet. If you are not too particular about the luxury of your rooms (you only sleep there) you might check with the Hostels, they are not just for young people now. Hope this helps, as your post was in June and it is now Oct.

Going to Italy?
Need accomodation??
I can help you .....
call me at 0039 3498021255
or reply in my e mail.
Ciao.
[email protected]

By all means, DO NOT stay at home just because you are a solo!

Do you prefer to travel alone or with a group? If with a group and your financial situation allows you - check out Elderhostel and other commercial tours. Affordable tours website has a full list of groups, and give a 10% discount on most of them.

There are also tours like Gate 1 who make your plane and hotel reservations, include a few city tours, and the rest of the time you are on your own.

My mother in law lost her husband when she was about 76.
That year she went to Argentina alone and the year after she went to Isreal.
I don't knit either so I guess I will have to keep traveling too :D

And what's wrong with knitting? It can be done on the plane too!

I <i>can't</i> knit, I have taken lessons, I have tried, but I just cannot knit.

I used to knit, crochet, saw, mend, cross-stitch, you name it! And I can tell you for sure: travel beats all of the above :))

While not quite a senior citizen yet (early 50's) and not quite single (married but with a husband who never travels).. I travel solo all the time. I generally do quick long weekned trips to Europe / Asia. I stay in major cities where I've booked my hotel stays, but then look for one or two day trips via rail from my arrival or departure city. I take one small roller/carry on and make sure my colors coordinate (black/tan/red/white etc). I've never had a problem with safety, but then again I try to avoid any spots that may be trouble late at night. I've met loads of interesting people both locals and fellow travellers, and have no fear of dining alone or stopping into a local wine bar for a drink. To be honest, I prefer travelling solo as you can make your own decisions, change plans without conferring with someone and basicially do exactly what YOU want to do. I agree with the ATM cards for money, as well as having some basic plan. You may want to leave your itinery + passport &amp; credit card numbers with someone at home just in case.

I (senior) enjoyed doing 3 days in London, 5 days in Rome, and back to London for 3 days before travelling home. I intend to do it again, picking a city in Europe other than Rome. My intentions in Rome were to take a few train day trips to outlying towns, but there was so much to see in Rome I never got out of the city. With those intentions I would make my Rome stay longer.

Can't knit either, so I took myself to Paris. I agree with the 2 ATM cards. I'm one of those weirdo's that also likes to have about 100E's in my pocket before I get there...and mmmmm... other than finding the best airfare, searching for recommendations here as to a place to stay, I sort of plan my itinerary on the plane over...that's about it. (I think the apartment thing is pretty nice. I am an early riser, in my own &quot;place&quot; I was free to have posh lunches and a few nights stayed in with my own wee kitchen. Traiteurs .. my french isn't that good, what I mean are those take-out (carryout?) places make WONDERFUL food!) That helped my budget, but I do not have any problem eating a meal in a nice restaurant by myself either. But I'm not too much into clubs, etc.

SuzieC: You mean single travellers can rent apartments?? At a reasonalbe price? Tell me about it.

I agree with Mauld &quot;I prefer travelling solo as you can make your own decisions, change plans without conferring with someone and basicially do exactly what YOU want to do&quot;.
While it is great to share an experience, anyone who has traveled with others knows the compromises that need to be made to keep everyone happy. Traveling solo means the only person to keep happy is you! I am still in my 30s and started traveling solo 3 years ago. It is a liberating experience to take that plunge and know you can do this on your own! Also keep in mind, women live and work on their own everywhere. You are just a &quot;temporary&quot; resident for the time you are there. Walk like you know where you are going and all is well. Thanks to all for your insight into Europe solo. Rome is my next big solo adventure!

Following Naomi's advice upthread, I'll
be going to Paris from April 11 to the 18th or 19th.

Is anyone else going to be there at the same time?