Lolly100

Hello, my fellow solo travellers, thank you for all your words of encouragement!

So I worked up the nerve.... and leave for Spain in about 10 days! More than anything, I'm very excited and really looking forward to it. I definitely think the hardest part was initially making the decision & purchasing the airline ticket. After that, there was no turning back!

I think I'm pretty much set for the most part. Airfare, hotels, trains - all booked. I've read my travel books to see what I want to do in both Madrid & Seville. The only thing is I'm trying to convince myself to pack light. I may need to buy a nice, lightweight suitcase (any suggestions?) - since I will be taking a train & don't want a big, heavy bag.

But other than that, I am counting down & ready to go!

suze

Yeah! Hurray!! Congratulations!!!

I pack fairly light, but do check my suitcase with the airlines for the plane ride over. I use a 24" expandable roller. 22" is even better for train travel but I can't pack quite that light myself. Mine usually comes in at about 25-30 lbs. packed weight.

I don't have anything fancy, just ones I found and liked on sale or at places like TJ Maxx, Marshalls or JC Pennys.

I have a second bag usually either a small backpack or large nylon tote bag that I take as my carry-on for the plane, plus use as a day bag during the trip.

MissZiegfeld

I wasn't nervous at all. I was 19..it really wasn't until recently (now I'm 22, have travelled solo many, many times since then) that it occurred to me.."man, that actually took balls. I was 19, had never been to any of these places before, and I just up and got on a plane and went around Europe.." It DOES take nerve, and now I understand why people are so surprised when they find out I'm going someplace alone--I hear "i could never do that..don't you get bored? aren't you nervous??"

Now I'm just so used to it. It doesn't make me nervous, it's exciting. When planning a trip I never even try to get someone to go with me..I like being able to change my plans, my itinerary, etc..it's wonderful!

Don't be nervous about attempting the language. I think a lot of people are too concerned with mistakes, they get embarrassed. You'll make mistakes, of course, but somehow, you will be understood. You'll catch on after about a day, trust me. Plus, many people do speak english.

toedtoes

Congratulations Lolly!!

For packing light, remember to mix and match and wear more than once.

For a 3 week trip, I will pack

3-4 bottoms (versatile, dressy casual so they can be dressed up or down)

4-6 lighter weight tops in a variety of styles(tees, short-sleeve button down, etc.)

2 long sleeve cardigan sweaters and/or lightweight cotton jackets (to wear in the evenings and colder days)

1 pair walking shoes (currently Merrells Jungle Crocs - they don't look too casual)

1 pair walking sandals (currently Cobbie Cuddlers lace up style - at Kmart)

I make sure everything is interchangeable and coordinates - that gives me enough different outfits for the entire trip. By varying the styles of your tops, you can vary your look more between outfits.

I figure I will wear the pants 4 times and the tops 3 times without laundering. If you want to stop and do laundry at some point, you can reduce the number of clothes even more.

I always bring at least 2 bottoms, 3 tops and 2 shoes - if something happens, you want at least an extra set.

Lolly100

Thanks for the advice on packing! I need it - I'm a notorious over packer. On my 1st trip to Europe (for 10 days), I took a 26" AND a 29". No, I'm not proud of it...but it was my first European trip & I wanted to look stylish! ha ha. Now I'm a little more laid back... I'm with suze - I won't get it all into a 21" like some of the amazing travellers out there - a 25" will work. I think I'll be able to manage that.

I actually thought I'd be more nervous about the trip since it's my first time going solo. But I'm more excited than anything. I can't wait for time to myself, just to enjoy the things I want to do. No comprising with anyone! Maybe I'll get the jitters right before I leave, but I can handle that.

Reading everything on this board has definitely helped me feel more excited, and more confident too!

toedtoes

Lolly - I use a 25-26" also. It still fits easily into most trunks, backseats, etc. and as long as I keep the weight in check, I find it easy to carry and maneuver.

Jenski

I traveled around Europe by myself for nearly 4 months when I was 24-had never been there before. It was a bit scary at first but once I was there it was SO easy to meet people-in fact, as a solo traveler you will find you have much more company than when you are with someone else (and hence isolated)-I met people on trains, in hostels, at bus stations, and ended up traveling with some other solo women for weeks at a time-and they are still great friends to this day. It'll be the time of your life!

bbache2

I am 20 and I've been in Barcelona for the school year studying Spanish. It was a huge leap of personal faith even though I was going with a group. As you travel more and leave more of your comfort zones, you grow more and learn about yourself in amazing ways. Good job and I hope you get to enjoy Barcelona

tzarinna

I'm all excited about my trip. I leave this Saturday. I had school tonight and it was my last class and I graduate next month. I made it known about my trip it once again tonight,,hey I'm stoked. And this one guy,every time I mention my trip he asks "You're going alone?" I said yes the last 4 times you asked,nothing has changed and he gives me that look of pity. &%!*@ Pisses me off. Mean while he sits at home wishing he's seen Ireland. Eat it and tell me how it taste!

Sorry, I had to vent.

SeaUrchin

tzarinna, don't pay him any mind, some people just don't get it.

The first time I was alone in Europe it happened because my traveling companion had to come home to her sick mother (the day after we arrived!).

I decided to stay and when I woke up the next morning....I was alone in Italy!! It was so refreshing and exciting. I stayed for two weeks and actually had the best vacation to date. I can't even describe the feeling, I felt like I was flying with wings. I will never forget it.

Have a wonderful time and write us a trip report telling us all the wonderful things that happened!!

tzarinna

Thanks,SeaUrchin.

I travel alone all the time. I don't see why people keep telling me to be careful as if all of a sudden I'll leave the common sense that has gotten me thus far in life will be completely dismissed.

SeaUrchin

Friends of mine who rarely travel and who would never even think of traveling solo tell me to be careful too. It is just beyond their comprehension.

I have a friend who rarely travels outside of her city or in her own city after dark! How could she imagine being alone on a different continent?
She can't and I have to tone down my trip reports to her or she would faint dead away. lol

daria28

Yes, I don't get the whole "Oh my God you're going by yourself?!" reaction. I finally got tired of sitting at home doing nothing and decided to just go somewhere by myself. Although I don't really consider it "by myself" since I'm joining a small group tour. (never been anywhere by myself so I figured a group tour was best for being on my own for the first time)

Everyone seems to think that what I'm doing is some crazy, life endangering thing when all I want to do is go somewhere interesting for a couple of weeks.

toedtoes

I've had a lot of folks say "well be careful" when I tell them I'm traveling alone. I just take it as an extension of "drive carefully" when you're going on a road trip. I don't think it's meant as "don't do something stupid" as much as "watch out for those crazies out there".

Tzarinna - I have relatives like that guy. Unfortunately, there are people out there who truly believe that if you don't have someone to share your "special moments" with, then you cannot enjoy them. I just walk away without a second thought, they'll never get it.

suze

Even otherwise smart-seeming people can get caught up in that kind of thinking. A poster on the Europe forum recently, going to Italy, was going to skip Venice because it was a place for romance and he was alone. Sheez!

Lolly100

Just a quick post to say that I am back from my first solo trip!

Thank you SO much to everyone who provided words of support & encouragement.

I went to Spain for a week, and absolutely loved every minute of it!

I am definitely on the solo travel bandwagon. I loved travelling by myself! The freedom of it was very liberating & I definitely discovered a new found confidence.

The people of Spain were so kind & warm despite my limited Spanish. And I felt completely safe the whole trip.

It was truly a wonderful experience. Now I'm already thinking where I want to travel solo next...!

toedtoes

Congratulations Lolly!! The high from the first solo trip is something, isn't it?

suze

hola Lolly~ Thanks for checking back in with us. How wonderful to hear your first solo trip was a big success. Good for you!!!

Lolly100

You're right, toedtoes, it definitely is a high coming back from my first solo trip. You described it perfectly.

I really loved it, and I'm so glad I "worked up the nerve to go it alone", as my original post stated. It was wonderful! Thanks again for the support on this board. It really helped to hear from people who have done it before.

By the way, if anyone is interested on hearing more details about my solo Spain trip, check out my trip report in progress on the Europe forum. Thanks!

jewela

Lolly....I'm so glad you had a great time. There's something to be said for traveling solo......We can see what we want and do only the things we're interested in doing.

The older I get, the more selfish I become. After the death of my only child a few years ago, I realized that time waits for no man (or woman). It's all about me now. I don't allow other peoples issues to interrupt my life any more. Too many trips put off because of someone elses schedule....no more. If you can make it, great...if not, I'm ok going alone. In fact, I like going alone.