downbutnotout

Thank you all,
I've narrowed down to southern Italy and Greece for approximately 20 days, but having second thoughts about the costs involved given travel about Greece is mostly through ferries and the hotels this time of year are a tad high for a solo traveler. Anyone out there who has done southern Italy and Greece? Thoughts?

thursdaysd

Where in Greece? I thought it was fairly cheap for Europe - get yourself a Lonely Planet and/or Rough Guide. Of course, if you want posh hotels, anywhere's expensive...

slangevar

downbutout - I second the comment that disasters like this can turn out to be blessings in disguise. I was let go from my job a couple of years ago and in no time, managed to get a fantastic job that pays me twice what I was making at my last job (and I'm able to take tons of time off to travel). Have also been through the painful breakup... maybe you'll get back together, maybe you won't... either way, you'll be thrilled with the result. Stay strong and pat yourself on the back for treating yourself so fabulously. So few people do.

I've never been to Greece, but I loved, loved, loved Italy when I went and would gladly move there if I had the chance. Southern Italy should be gorgeous, if a bit hot. I would try to go to Rome if you have the chance (ignore the recent posting from the person who hated it... they'll love you there.).

Have a FANTASTIC time!!! And if you get a chance, I know it's a bit cheesy, but see The Last Holiday with Queen Latifah. I felt embarrassed renting it, but it had such a great lesson about learning to treat ourselves like the queens we are. (It's not sad - don't worry.)

ncounty

Southern Italy is gorgeous, great choice! I would stay in Sorrento as my hub and book a hotel before you go. I stayed there on my 6 week free wheeling trip around the world with no reservations and had to walk door to door trying to find a place to stay with little luck. It is a nice hub to explore Capri and the Amalfi coast and Pompeii. I would fly into Rome of course and definitely take a few days to do Rome. Might as well see the Sistine chapel, stroll the elegant shops of the Via del Corso, explore the Piazza Navona, etc. So much to see and do there. I recommend a restaurant called Abruzzi. Fabulous home style soup and spaghetti carbonara (yes, I know....bad for the waistline). I loved the island of Crete in Greece much more than Athens but I never made it to Santorini which looks like the vision of Greece.

suze

Again, just a personal point-of-view, but I would not do Greece solo as a first trip to Europe, for a number of reasons. Why not Italy for this trip? It will be much easier to arrange your logistics.

izzie2

Sorry to hear about your breakup! I can relate... I was in the middle of planning a trip to Paris with my boyfriend for my major birthday ending in an 0 and now find myself in the middle of a breakup.

I'm considering going alone, so far the only thing reserved is an apartment. Have you considering doing that.. if you will be in one area long enough? It can be cheaper than a hotel and even fun solo... think Cameron Diaz in The Holiday. Although hers was a home exchange (great movie if you haven't seen it, similar situation to yours). I've used vrbo.com (vacation rentals by owner) many times with good results. Lets you feel like a local, wouldn't do it any other way now.

I've been to London solo, you'll do fine if you plan ahead, act confident and are aware of your surroundings. There are some great websites and books on the subject.

You go girl!! Have fun and FOLLOW YOUR HEART!

downbutnotout

Again, I have to reiterate at how grateful I am of the extremely helpful feedback from everyone and encouraged by all of your support. I am looking forward to what I've decided is my trip to Italy. I will keep you posted and I appreciate any info on some great insider locales (restaurants,bars,shopping) in Rome, Naples, Sorrento, and Amalfi Coast. I would imagine it would be too much to make it down to Sicily within 10 days. Is that a correct assumption?

suze

I think that's a correct assumption. You might want to put your final ideas on a new post over on the Europe forum, to get specific feedback about an Italy itinerary for 10 days.

thursdaysd

Definitely agree you should skip Sicily with only 10 days. Go for Rome plus Amalfi, maybe a day trip to Naples for the museum, and for sure trips to Pompeii and Herculaneum. Lots of good guide books around for this trip. Have a wonderful time!!!

teach2travel

If you click on my name, you can read my trip report about 2 weeks solo in Rome and Naples. I went last November so the info is fairly recent. Have awonderful trip!

Abby43

It might be too late for this but I just got back from Buenos Aires yesterday which aside from Sydney is the best city in the world (and I live in NYC). It is so inexpensive compared to the US as the peso is very weak, so you can eat, shop, and drink till your hearts desire. I stayed again at the Home Hotel Buenos Aires which is a wonderful boutique hotel where they will cater to your every need. Fabulous! BA is quite safe and a foodie kind of town, plus wonderful shopping and museums.

Guenmai

Ghana, West Africa. I've done it twice and solo and I'm female. It's a great country with great people. I've been to Africa 4 times. Ghana is an easy country and it's Englisg speaking. Happy Travels!

kaley1kt

I did Italy (Rome, Pompeii, Florence) solo a few years ago, and was in a situation almost identical to yours (minus the job problem) and had a great time! Rome was great, as was Florence, and I can not wait to go back! It was fairly easy to get around, people were friendly, and it was a great single trip. I have done other solo trips (Chile, Peru, Thailand, Cambodia), and I think that as long as you have a sense of adventure, then you will be fine.

suze

How's the trip to Italy coming? I was following your thread and situation with interest, but we haven't heard from you in awhile. Maybe you'll just send us a postcard from Rome
;-)

jonathanrio

Yes, i´ve been there too.
Have you considered a meditation retreat as part of your travel plans? Check out:
http://www.dhamma.org/

I must agree (and expand on) an earlier comment - leaving my job and losing a partner (at the same time) was really tough - but in reptrospect proved to be a really positive development. THe universe moves in mysterious ways. Good luck!

windycity847

I just started the book but you should read Eat, Pray, Love. The other travels to Italy, India and one other place while going through a similar introspective process. You should definitely check it out. Her last name is Gilbert. First name, Elizabeth, I think. Maybe the book will help to give you ideas. Good luck!

Mischella

I'm interested to hear from all of you ladies how your trip(s) went. I'm a 50's something single headed out to Rome and the Amalfi Coast. I'm beginning to get a little concerned as it seems form what I read that there are so many families and honeymooners on the Amalfi Coast and surrounded areas. It would be nice to know that there are at least a few available middle-aged singles roaming around in those areas.


Thanks,

Susie

thursdaysd

I (solo female, 60s) had a good time on the Amalfi coast, but I wasn't looking for a <i>good</i> time...

You might find my TR useful: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...om-s-italy.cfm

Although this might be more what you're looking for: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ain-system.cfm

ncounty

I just returned from a solo trip to Peru; I just turned 50. There were lots of solo travelers of all ages and there is a camaraderie there. I can't think of a better place for solo travel though than Southern Italy and the Amalfi coast if you are looking for some company and attention; the men there are the most attentive that I have encountered in the world.

suze

Susie, For your specific question about going solo on the Amalfi coast I would repost over on the Europe forum. Only a very few of us even read this Travel Tips board and this OP is almost 5 years old.