That sounds great!

Certainly you want this trip to be your own ideas, not other people's. I was just looking for something that might seem less intimidating, so you don't scare yourself off the whole idea.

You can reschedule your plane ticket home for an earlier date, at no additional charge? That would be a nice fall-back plan.

The travel company assures it can be done, but they mentioned nothing about a fee. So I guess the WORST that can happen is I'll want to come home early and I'll be stuck. But maybe some fun adventures could come from that, who knows? Worst that will come from that is I'll be complaining for a year and say "I'll never go to that country AGAIN!"

These are my own ideas; no matter if I go to France, Italy, England, I'll need the same frame of mind to enjoy myself, you know?

I'm feeling better about my trip, but I still have alot to think about...

Ask the travel company about the fees involved with changing your plans - make sure you keep money aside for that purpose and that will ease a lot of your worry, I think.

I would definitely do a bit of research into the places that you want to go. You don't have to make a detailed itinerary, etc., but just get some ideas of what the culture is, etc. It won't detract from the thrill of going to a new place, but it will lessen the fear of the unknown a bit. And you'll be able to tell if you really do want to go there - or if you will be bored witless.

Pick up a map of the region and just pour over it. Do some searches on the internet for specific cities, etc. and just start to get a feel for them.

Remember that if you are a planner by nature that you may be putting undue stress on yourself by trying to change your ways. Don't try to change into being a "carefree, come as it will" person - it won't work. Instead, learn how to accept unforeseen changes to a plan.

Suze rarely, if, ever plans out her trips. I plan my trips down to the penny. If she had to plan every trip like I do, she would probably go crazy; if I had to go on a trip willy nilly, I would definitely be bald by the end of the trip. We've both learned not to fight our natures, but she can make an itinerary and follow it if necessary, and I can take my carefully planned itinerary and throw it out the window if something unplanned comes up. Don't force yourself to change, learn to adapt.

I guess I've lost track, but if you are going as part of a tour group or package, won't they be who you can look to if you need help?

I believe Corshi is starting out with the tour group and, instead of returning with them, continuing on a solo trip for the rest of the summer.

That's right toedtoes, I'm only starting out with a group and then staying behind. I do have a friend from the group who is staying back too, so we may spend a few days traveling together. So this might help ease me into the solo traveling.

Sounds like things have really progressed.

Thanks, Tzarinna. Things have definitely changed since my first post here. I'm still astronomically worried, but like I said in my other post, if I don't spend my summer out in the world, I'll be spending it alone at home.

One's easier than the other, but won't yield much of anything (I spend alot of time at home, so I know from experience).

Corshi,

Will you be keeping in touch with family,friends,fodor's while you're about?

Most definitely. I hope the Czech Republic has plenty of computers for use.

Right now though, in other news, I'm having a really hard time with the travel agency... Getting really confused. I'm not sure at all if I will be able to rebook my flight once I get there and I have no idea what my up-front fees will be for changing a flight. Big headache.

The travel agent takes 2 weeks to respond to my questions, so I think it's about time I gave the company a call.

So, I can't afford alot of fees! There may be a small chance I have to call the trip off. We'll see. If the trip happens, I might start a travel blog so family and friends can keep up with my travels.

Also, I originally left myself 3 months open for the trip, BUT again I'm going to try to avoid rebooking fees. So maybe I'll schedule the trip for a month instead. This will cut down on my worries definitely.

I would look at reducing the amount of time you're there - instead of giving up completely...

I'd rather go and wish I had more time, than to not go at all.

Thanks, toedtoes. I'll keep you updated (I'm calling the company tomorrow).

I think making it a 4-6 week trip right from the start is an excellent idea! Three months is an awful LONG time to be gone at one stretch, even for an experienced and confident traveler. I think it is way too long for a worried first-timer (no offence meant).

That doesn't seem right you can't get ahold of whatever agency this is you are using. As I mentioned before changing plane tickets normally involves some penalty fees (unless you have expensive full fare tickets from the get-go).

I'll be in Prague the 2nd week of May,Corshi.
If you get bored.
I promise not to get too wild.

I won't be in Prague until late May. I really appreciate the offer.

I've rescheduled my return for July 10th instead of August 15th. That definitely makes me feel better. I left the 3 months open just in case I wanted to stay... the travel company led me to believe it would be easy to rebook to an earlier flight with no hassle (turns out it's a big hassle). So hopefully it's worked out for the better. I think the Lufthansa fees are around $150 US to change a flight.

I don't take offense easy, so no problem! I like constructive criticism much better than meaningless pleasantries anyway. (Those will be my big words for the day).

Where else are you headed to, Tzarinna? Is it a big trip?

Oh well.
Good job on the change,wise decision.

I'm staying in an apartment,first time and will be making an excursion or two. I used to run all about whatever country I'm in but have decided to chill in one place and relax in one place,soak it all in. I'm getting too old to run.
I've been thinking about a trip to Dresden,Germany while I'm in Czech Republic, I thought it was so
beautiful. Maybe overnight.

I have been listening to the opera Brundibar almost non-stop the past week or so. I definitely want to go to Terezin (Terezinstadt, north of Prague). Look up Terezin, I'm sure it would be a haunting experience.

I am not the kind to run around. I could force myself to visit Italy, France, England, Sweden, all in one trip, but the "big" sights don't do it for me. I'd rather go to someplace meaningful to me then to go to a big city just to say "I've been there."

Cool,I'll check it out.
I'm not renting a car and from what I've heard some places aren't as accessible by public transport,so I'm a bit limited. I don't want to drive and have to keep stopping to look at a map. One of the down falls of traveling alone for me. *shrugs*