foreign or domestic travel for your first solo trip?
Mar 1st, 2006, 01:49 PM
#1
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foreign or domestic travel for your first solo trip?
I am starting to think seriously and longingly of a solo trip to Paris. My usual traveling companion, my daughter, suggested that maybe I ought to go to New York first to see how solo travel works in reality as opposed to theory. any thoughts? thanks, lynda
Mar 1st, 2006, 02:12 PM
#2
Lynda, Funny it would never dawn on me to take a solo trip within the continental U.S. That I save for visiting friends who live in other states.
My solo trips (and there have been many) were to Europe, Mexico, or Hawaii.
I don't see what going to New York by yourself would gain or prove. I say, go to Paris!
My solo trips (and there have been many) were to Europe, Mexico, or Hawaii.
I don't see what going to New York by yourself would gain or prove. I say, go to Paris!
Mar 2nd, 2006, 04:46 PM
#4
It's true, I have felt, without exception, safer in Amsterdam, Paris, Venice traveling solo then visiting San Francisco when I wandered into the wrong part of town. Don't get me wrong I love San Francisco but it seemed a bit dicier to me than European cities.
Mar 2nd, 2006, 08:00 PM
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I have never understood the aversion some solo travel enthusiasts have to taking solo trips in the United States. After all, the United States is a large and very diverse country, providing plenty of opportunities for "exotic" destinations if that's what you're after. In Los Angeles alone, for example, you can experience authentic samples of a number of Latin American and Asian countries without the hassles of airport security or jet lag-- and enjoy their authentic cuisines without fear of gastrointestinal distress (just look for the big "A" placard in the window). I have enjoyed many solo trips around the United States, even without seeking out foreign enclaves. It isn't because I'm averse to foreign trips, but more because I don't always have lots of time to spend; it doesn't make sense to make a long and costly flight to Europe for just a few days (although some people do exactly that and have a wonderful time).
That said, there are disadvantages to solo travel in the United States. Probably because the leisure travel industry markets its products exclusively to couples and families, the solo traveler who isn't on business is too often regarded as an aberration. I almost never encounter any solo travelers on my trips, apart from the occasional Australian. The pervasive climate of fear that dominates American society makes couples, families, and groups wary of interacting with a solo traveler (although that may be less true of a solo woman than a solo man). But that's only a problem if you regard meeting strangers as an important part of your solo travel experience. Not everyone does.
If you've never taken a solo trip before, it might indeed be worth trying a short trip close to home to see how you enjoy it, before you commit to an expensive foreign trip. If you live near New York, that might be a good reason to go there. But if you don't, I don't think a "trial run" in New York would be worthwhile, unless you're also interested in visiting New York.
But I do agree with Suze that if Paris is where you want to go, that's where you should go.
That said, there are disadvantages to solo travel in the United States. Probably because the leisure travel industry markets its products exclusively to couples and families, the solo traveler who isn't on business is too often regarded as an aberration. I almost never encounter any solo travelers on my trips, apart from the occasional Australian. The pervasive climate of fear that dominates American society makes couples, families, and groups wary of interacting with a solo traveler (although that may be less true of a solo woman than a solo man). But that's only a problem if you regard meeting strangers as an important part of your solo travel experience. Not everyone does.
If you've never taken a solo trip before, it might indeed be worth trying a short trip close to home to see how you enjoy it, before you commit to an expensive foreign trip. If you live near New York, that might be a good reason to go there. But if you don't, I don't think a "trial run" in New York would be worthwhile, unless you're also interested in visiting New York.
But I do agree with Suze that if Paris is where you want to go, that's where you should go.
Mar 3rd, 2006, 06:09 AM
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Thanks to all of you for your replies. I have posted on a few other boards and wondered whether this solo traveler page would get enough attention to hear advice. I have never traveled solo before but I'm not worried about security actually. [My daughter knows my husband will worry about security!] I just wondered if people ever find out that the solitude of traveling solo is not as pleasing as they had assumed it would be.
I absolutely love the atmosphere of art museums and the experience of being in the presence of great art. I have always done alot of solitary days going to museums in the different places we have lived but I have never gone to restuarants alone and hotels alone for days at a time.
The reason I mentioned New York wasn't for security but wondering whether the comfort level for trying out solo travel would be better if there wasn't a language issue. I was thinking maybe there would be some solo travelers who would have an opinion on that.
I have been to NY twice and would go back without any more worry about security than I had in Paris or Rome. You have to be mindful of where and what you are doing of course but the places I stayed and the things I did seemed quite secure.
so, thanks very much for any thoughts already shared and yet to come!! lynda
I absolutely love the atmosphere of art museums and the experience of being in the presence of great art. I have always done alot of solitary days going to museums in the different places we have lived but I have never gone to restuarants alone and hotels alone for days at a time.
The reason I mentioned New York wasn't for security but wondering whether the comfort level for trying out solo travel would be better if there wasn't a language issue. I was thinking maybe there would be some solo travelers who would have an opinion on that.
I have been to NY twice and would go back without any more worry about security than I had in Paris or Rome. You have to be mindful of where and what you are doing of course but the places I stayed and the things I did seemed quite secure.
so, thanks very much for any thoughts already shared and yet to come!! lynda
Mar 3rd, 2006, 07:45 AM
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To me the only diference between solo travel and traveling with someone, is I do what I want when I want.
It sounds like you might not be used to doing anything alone. Do you go to movies or out to dinner by yourself?
I do those things alone more often than with other people, but I know people that have never done either one.
No reason not to have a test run to make sure you are comfortable, but unless you particularly want to do NY, why go there? Perhaps there is someplace interesting a few hours drive from you that you might go for a weekend.
Keith
It sounds like you might not be used to doing anything alone. Do you go to movies or out to dinner by yourself?
I do those things alone more often than with other people, but I know people that have never done either one.
No reason not to have a test run to make sure you are comfortable, but unless you particularly want to do NY, why go there? Perhaps there is someplace interesting a few hours drive from you that you might go for a weekend.
Keith
Mar 3rd, 2006, 11:21 AM
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I took my first trip close to home, 5 hours by train, so in case I feel bad I can come back any time without the airplane dependancy.
Since then, went to many trips, Switzerland last year, going to Israel on Wednesday.
Don't know what would happen if I went to Europe first time solo. Probably wouldn't know how to pack
I'm not saying everybody should take a slow start, it's all very personal.
Follow your dream if you feel up to it!
Since then, went to many trips, Switzerland last year, going to Israel on Wednesday.
Don't know what would happen if I went to Europe first time solo. Probably wouldn't know how to pack
I'm not saying everybody should take a slow start, it's all very personal.
Follow your dream if you feel up to it!
Mar 3rd, 2006, 11:34 AM
#9
It's different for everyone. Some people love to travel solo, but others feel lonely or that it isn't as much fun when you don't have someone to share with. I'm guessing you can't really know how it will be for you until you give it a try.
So if you think it would be more comfortable for a test run in an English-speaking coutry, you could always go to London first?
For me part of the excitement is being where I don't speak the language. It adds to the sense of adventure for me. And has never proved a logistical problem.
As Keith pointed out, part of why I am so comfortable is that I'm single at home. So traveling solo comes natural to me. You could try going to movies or restaurants by yourself for a trial run in your hometown (but I gotta say it's more fun when you do it in Paris!).
So if you think it would be more comfortable for a test run in an English-speaking coutry, you could always go to London first?
For me part of the excitement is being where I don't speak the language. It adds to the sense of adventure for me. And has never proved a logistical problem.
As Keith pointed out, part of why I am so comfortable is that I'm single at home. So traveling solo comes natural to me. You could try going to movies or restaurants by yourself for a trial run in your hometown (but I gotta say it's more fun when you do it in Paris!).
Mar 3rd, 2006, 02:03 PM
#10
Solo travel - cons: no-one to share hotel costs; no-one to watch the luggage while you go to the bathroom or look for a hotel (not a problem if you fly to one city & have a reservation); dining alone.
Solo travel - pros: never arguing with someone else about what to do (but you can certainly argue with yourself...); only yourself to blame if things go wrong; being more open to meeting people.
I don't think solo hotels are a problem, but then I live alone. For solo dining I take a book or my journal, depending on the country I might wind up talking to my neighbors. Paris is supposed to be paticularly friendly for solo diners. Taking day or half-day tours, or museum/cathedral tours is good way to meet people if you want to do that.
Solo travel - pros: never arguing with someone else about what to do (but you can certainly argue with yourself...); only yourself to blame if things go wrong; being more open to meeting people.
I don't think solo hotels are a problem, but then I live alone. For solo dining I take a book or my journal, depending on the country I might wind up talking to my neighbors. Paris is supposed to be paticularly friendly for solo diners. Taking day or half-day tours, or museum/cathedral tours is good way to meet people if you want to do that.
Mar 3rd, 2006, 07:52 PM
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Lynda, only you can determine whether the solitude of solo travel is pleasing. Some people travel alone specifically because they enjoy the solitude. Others find the loneliness unbearable and accordingly don't travel alone. Still others don't have any problem with solitude or loneliness because they spend their trips mingling and making new friends wherever they go.
So it's entirely up to you and how you react to it. And there's really only one way to find out.
So it's entirely up to you and how you react to it. And there's really only one way to find out.
Mar 4th, 2006, 05:42 AM
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Thanks to all for your time and replies. I guess there is no one answer except pick a city and give solo travel a go. Probably I will stay domestic to start since I did just get back from Paris and can't quite justify another trip back for 8 or 9 more months. I'll come back with a trip report eventually. thanks again...lynda
Mar 22nd, 2006, 05:19 AM
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Paris is totally safe for solo female travellers. I'd say that most European and Asian countries (excluding the Middle east and South Asia) - just have to use common sense and you'll be fine. Most of my travels have been solo.
Mar 22nd, 2006, 04:57 PM
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I would say go to Paris. I have traveled there by myself and loved it. If you're worried about the language issue, learn a few words of French and most Parisians will be very accepting of you. Many Europeans speak excellent English, and practically all of them do at the major tourist sites (i.e. museums). It's such an amazing city, and if you're by yourself, you'll have the time to linger in places you love, and can explore at your own pace.
If you're interested in meeting people, I'm not sure where you would have an easier time. Since you're a married woman, I assume you're not planning on staying in hostels abroad, but then again most New Yorkers aren't going to go out of their way to make friends with tourists. Nightlife could be rough solo in either place, unless you're totally comfortable going out alone.
If you do go to NY, make sure your visit includes a Friday night; the Whitney and MOMA are free. The Met is a "suggested donation" too, so you don't have to pay the full asking price if you don't want to (a dollar is sufficient). The Cloisters is a must see way uptown on the westside.
Good luck, and have a fabulous time whichever city you choose.
If you're interested in meeting people, I'm not sure where you would have an easier time. Since you're a married woman, I assume you're not planning on staying in hostels abroad, but then again most New Yorkers aren't going to go out of their way to make friends with tourists. Nightlife could be rough solo in either place, unless you're totally comfortable going out alone.
If you do go to NY, make sure your visit includes a Friday night; the Whitney and MOMA are free. The Met is a "suggested donation" too, so you don't have to pay the full asking price if you don't want to (a dollar is sufficient). The Cloisters is a must see way uptown on the westside.
Good luck, and have a fabulous time whichever city you choose.
Mar 24th, 2006, 06:03 PM
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There's a great book about traveling solo called 'Gutsy Women, a Guide to Traveling Solo' (or something close to that). It has great ideas and different perspectives to consider. I'd highly recommend reading it.
'French for Dummies' is a great way to learn French also! Knowing a few phrases and smiling a lot usually works fine in most countries.
Whether you'll enjoy traveling solo depends a lot on how comfortable you are alone. Some people cherish it, others hate it. I personally find I meet more interesting people traveling alone, and enjoy spending time with my own thoughts as well. And the more you do it, the easier it gets (you get more confident each time). The first time out was a little difficult - especially eating out. Now I bring something to read or write in to keep me busy, or just sit back and people watch. Bringing a journal along is an absolute must when traveling alone - you'll never get lonely if you can 'talk to yourself'!
'French for Dummies' is a great way to learn French also! Knowing a few phrases and smiling a lot usually works fine in most countries.
Whether you'll enjoy traveling solo depends a lot on how comfortable you are alone. Some people cherish it, others hate it. I personally find I meet more interesting people traveling alone, and enjoy spending time with my own thoughts as well. And the more you do it, the easier it gets (you get more confident each time). The first time out was a little difficult - especially eating out. Now I bring something to read or write in to keep me busy, or just sit back and people watch. Bringing a journal along is an absolute must when traveling alone - you'll never get lonely if you can 'talk to yourself'!
Mar 26th, 2006, 01:42 PM
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going solo my first trip, I went to the South pacific. In fact, I did it with AllSinglesTravel.com. I had a ball! I've been traveling with single people ever since. Spain, Nice, St. Tropez, Greece, it's been fun! I say go for it! You only live once.!
Apr 15th, 2006, 07:03 AM
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My first solo trip was to NYC. I am a woman, and I never felt unsafe there, and really didn't run into issues of feeling like I was "half a couple" anywhere I went. I found everyone there to be extremely friendly and helpful, and I had a fabulous time.
My main reasons for choosing NYC as my first solo trip were not having to drive, and no real language or currency issues.
I'm glad I took my first trip solo in the US. I had never been to NYC at all, so I really feel like I got my feet wet with this trip. I will probably head to Europe solo next time.
My main reasons for choosing NYC as my first solo trip were not having to drive, and no real language or currency issues.
I'm glad I took my first trip solo in the US. I had never been to NYC at all, so I really feel like I got my feet wet with this trip. I will probably head to Europe solo next time.
May 24th, 2006, 08:18 PM
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I am on the fence as to this answer for this one.
In some ways, I think if you have not traveled alone before, it would be better to travel in your home country if at least for the language issues. But if you speak french fluently, then I would say go for Paris!
In some ways, I think if you have not traveled alone before, it would be better to travel in your home country if at least for the language issues. But if you speak french fluently, then I would say go for Paris!
May 27th, 2006, 11:20 AM
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I just got back from a solo trip to Paris (I speak very little...very little...French and got along beautifully.) It was a fabulous trip. But, I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it as much if I had not had plenty of solo travel experience under my belt. I have taken many solo trips within this wonderful country of ours, trips that have given me confidence and a great deal of pleasure. I also solo'ed to Edinburgh last year.
I vote for taking at least one solo trip in this country before venturing abroad. Better to experiment closer to home, methinks. There is a difference between being able to do something and actually enjoying doing it.
I vote for taking at least one solo trip in this country before venturing abroad. Better to experiment closer to home, methinks. There is a difference between being able to do something and actually enjoying doing it.
