GCD1

I'm looking to take a vacation by myself, possibly in mid-June and no later than mid-July. I'll likely only have 7-10 days, and price is not a major issue, but I would like to keep it under $3k, everything included.

The trip will be originating in the United States. I am open to pretty much anywhere within reason, but I can't think of any destinations in the continental U.S. that appeal to me.

I don't really have any criteria as far as activities at the destination. I'll be taking my camera, and I'm interested in scenic areas where I can take pictures. Ideally, I'd be able to go somewhere like Germany and wander around in the country, but that doesn't seem to be very realistic given my limited amount of time, and I'd probably have to rent a car when I'd prefer to stick to public transportation.

I do not speak any languages other than English, and would therefore strongly prefer areas where language will not be a barrier. I am not interested in visiting France, Spain, or Italy at this time. I would hope it isn't an issue to consider, but I don't want to go any places where I would be vulnerable traveling by myself.

So, I'd be thankful for any thoughts anyone can offer. If you are able to share your experiences from being in a similar position, please do! Thanks!

suze

My favorite solo trips are Puerto Vallarta Mexico, Waikiki in Hawaii both for beach-y vacation & Switzerland for Europe. I'm based in Seattle.

Where are you starting from?

Nothing wrong with the idea of Europe if you can do 10 days, rather than just 7. I can't think of anywhere in western Europe that I would be nervous traveing alone. You can wander around the countryside using trains easy enough.

How about Switzerland?

GCD1

I will be starting from Ohio.

Destinations like Hawaii and Mexico, while attractive, are something I want to save for the winter, when it's cold and dreary in Ohio, and I can enjoy the change of weather. I will likely be able to take a 7 day vacation again in the winter months, so I figure that I might save a tropical-type destination for later.

Switzerland sounds like a pretty good option for Europe, and I will look into it. I've heard that traveling via trains can be expensive, over the course of a trip. I'd also prefer to avoid hostels, if possible, but it would be doable if I had to stay there.

The reason I mentioned concerns about traveling alone is simply that I am in my late 20s yet I look like I could still be in high school, and I am on the small side for a male.

suze

Switzerland and Germany are both very safe countries to travel. Trains are not necessarily expensive, if you're not taking them every single day, and willing to go 2nd class. I'm female and have never had a hint of an issue with personal safety in 5 trips to Switzerland so far. Many European men are more slight than American, so that might be less of an issue than you think.

Language will be somewhat of a "barrier" anywhere in Europe unless you want to go to the UK. Though I have not found it to be a problem myself in the more traveled cities (Amsterdam, Venice, Geneva, Paris, etc.). Once you pick your destination you might want to try to fit in a quick 8-week foreign language class aimed at travelers.

beachdreams3

Most of my longer (i.e., 6 - 8 day) solo trips are to the Caribbean when it is cold at home in the US, and like you, I wouldn't value that kind of trip as much in the summer.

I haven't actually been to all these places solo (or some at all), but I think Canada is a good choice for summer, and it is pretty safe overall. Out west, you could do a combined trip to Vancouver, Victoria, and Banff. Back east, I'd suggest Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City (or some combination of the three). If you are not a city person, maybe consider Alaska or some of other, more remote parts of Canada.

GCD1

@suze: I wouldn't anticipate taking them every day, and 2nd class probably wouldn't be a problem. Between Germany and Switzerland, which would you believe would be more affordable, for the same amount of time visiting?

@beachdreams3: I was considering Canada and Alaska, as well, and that's still a fairly strong option. The western portion of Canada interests me more. A concern for western Canada and Alaska in particular would be transportation: how would I get around? Alaska would be fantastic, particularly for the scenery (nature), which definitely interests me, but I wouldn't know how to get around as I don't think public transportation is that readily available.

thursdaysd

Austria would be cheaper than either Germany or Switzerland. It has plenty of cultural heritage, and gorgeous mountains in the west. But I don't think you should worry about safety anywhere in Europe in the the tourist areas, nor is only speaking English much of a problem in Western Europe.

What do you have against France, Italy and Germany? Also, in the north of Italy you are practically in Austria, and in Sicily you have layers and layers of cultural influence. Most places in Europe you can get around fine on public transport.

beachdreams3

I don't have any personal experience with traveling to Alaska or the more remote parts of western Canada. But, when I traveled to Victoria and Vancouver (also Seattle on the same trip) I rented a car and drove between the different cities (taking an auto ferry to Victoria). But, I didn't use the car much in the cities. Victoria is very small and walkable, and Vancouver has public and private transportation options, and of course it has downtown hotels with stuff to do within walking distance.

I would guess that you would need to drive outside urban areas in western Canada and Alaska, and if you wanted to visit places further apart, you may want to fly between them.

suze

I think Switzerland and Germany would be similarly priced, for a similar level of travel style. I have never been to Germany, but the hostels in Switzerland can be quite nice.

Amsterdam is another city you might consider. There are lots of places to get to in the countryside that are not too far by train. More English was spoken there, than in other European cities I've visited.

Ceidleh

Belgium could be another country to consider. English is widely spoken and it's small enough that you could easily explore the major highlights in a 7-10 day trip and possibly even take a day trip over to Amsterdam or Paris. I know you said you aren't interested in France because of the language barrier, but if you take even an hour to learn a few simple polite phrases in French, Parisians are more than willing to help you out by speaking English and their English is unbelievably good. Getting around on the Metro is very easy (even if you don't speak French at all).

Ireland also could be a good option for you if you stick to one specific section of the country. You can easily base yourself in a larger town (like Galway) and take numerous day tours out into the countryside (Aran Islands, Connemara, the Burren, etc.) avoiding the need to rent a car.

Don't discount staying at hostels - especially given your budget (I'm assuming you hope to get RT airfare from the US-during the most expensive time to visit Europe-as well as meals, sights and sleeping accommodation all for under $3k).

If you research hostel reviews carefully before you go, you should be able to find something clean, comfortable and quiet and avoid the party places frequented by the pub crawl crowds if that's not your thing.