Where to travel to next?
May 15th, 2008, 04:48 PM
#1
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Where to travel to next?
I'm looking for some ideas of where to next. I usually travel solo and I prefer to travel independently, rather than in a group. I only speak english, but I don't mind going to a place where I do not speak the language. I'm looking for someplace new and different to where I've already been. Here's a list of where I've been:-
Western Europe and Scandinavia- been to all countries except Andorra, San Marino and Luxembourg. Except for Switzerland (where I have only been to Zurich and Lucerne) and France (been to every region except Alsace) I have travelled around the entire country.
Eastern Europe - Czech Republic, Poland, Russia and Slovakia. Except, Russia (only been to Moscow, golden ring and St Petersburg), I have travelled around these countries and seen what I am interested in.
Asia - Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Thailand, India, Singapore, Korea, Philipines, Malaysia and Taiwan. Travelled around most of these countries and been to the areas I am interested in.
Africa - Morocco, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia. In Zimbabwe and Zambia I have only been to Victoria Falls. I've travelled extensively through the other countries.
Oceania - Australia, Fiji and New Zealand. Travelled to all the Australian states and all over New Zealand.
North America - USA, Canada and Mexico. Seen all of Canada except the North, been to about 30 states and seen all of the tourist sights in the US. Mexico been to Acapulco, Cancun and Mexico City.
South America - Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Brazil. Seen the tourist sights in these four countries.
So, what do fodorites recommend? I was thinking of the Middle East (UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Lebannon, Syria, etc), Egypt, the Carribean or Vietnam and Cambodia.
I am hesitant to travel to the Middle East or Egypt by myself and would join a tour if going to these destinations. As for the Carribean I would prefer a cruise, I haven't found a cruise line that does not charge a 100% single supplement. I feel comfortable going to Vietnam and Cambodia by myself.
I will probably be travelling in March 2009.
What do fodorites recommend?
Thanks in advance.
PS - Most people are surprised to hear that I have never been to Egypt, since it is one of the popular tourist destinations. I would like to go, but I think of Egypt as a destination with good tourist facilities, which is why I keep putting it off until I'm older.
Western Europe and Scandinavia- been to all countries except Andorra, San Marino and Luxembourg. Except for Switzerland (where I have only been to Zurich and Lucerne) and France (been to every region except Alsace) I have travelled around the entire country.
Eastern Europe - Czech Republic, Poland, Russia and Slovakia. Except, Russia (only been to Moscow, golden ring and St Petersburg), I have travelled around these countries and seen what I am interested in.
Asia - Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Thailand, India, Singapore, Korea, Philipines, Malaysia and Taiwan. Travelled around most of these countries and been to the areas I am interested in.
Africa - Morocco, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia. In Zimbabwe and Zambia I have only been to Victoria Falls. I've travelled extensively through the other countries.
Oceania - Australia, Fiji and New Zealand. Travelled to all the Australian states and all over New Zealand.
North America - USA, Canada and Mexico. Seen all of Canada except the North, been to about 30 states and seen all of the tourist sights in the US. Mexico been to Acapulco, Cancun and Mexico City.
South America - Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Brazil. Seen the tourist sights in these four countries.
So, what do fodorites recommend? I was thinking of the Middle East (UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Lebannon, Syria, etc), Egypt, the Carribean or Vietnam and Cambodia.
I am hesitant to travel to the Middle East or Egypt by myself and would join a tour if going to these destinations. As for the Carribean I would prefer a cruise, I haven't found a cruise line that does not charge a 100% single supplement. I feel comfortable going to Vietnam and Cambodia by myself.
I will probably be travelling in March 2009.
What do fodorites recommend?
Thanks in advance.
PS - Most people are surprised to hear that I have never been to Egypt, since it is one of the popular tourist destinations. I would like to go, but I think of Egypt as a destination with good tourist facilities, which is why I keep putting it off until I'm older.
May 16th, 2008, 09:13 AM
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ncounty, thanks for recommending Argentina.
dfr4848, I travelled around Iceland two years ago. I had looked at Antartica and cringed when I saw the prices, not sure if it's worth the money.
dfr4848, I travelled around Iceland two years ago. I had looked at Antartica and cringed when I saw the prices, not sure if it's worth the money.
May 16th, 2008, 06:03 PM
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Your list of places is suitably impressive. But have you ever spent a vacation exploring your home town (or the nearest major city) as a tourist? With the dollar falling like a lead balloon and air travel more expensive and miserable than ever, there are many advantages to seeking out exciting places you may have overlooked that are close to home.
Since you're asking for new places to visit, that's my suggestion.
Since you're asking for new places to visit, that's my suggestion.
May 19th, 2008, 09:50 AM
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Hard to say without a better understanding of what your interests are. I also travel as a solo for the most part.
Places to go on my list are Sri Lanka, Papua/New Guinea, Madagascar...
You haven't listed anything in Central America...
What about cruising? I'm considering cruises that include destinations on the Red Sea (Jordan/Egypt/Saudi/Eritrea) and North Africa (Libya/Tunisia)...
My favorite destinations thus far are Turkey and Burma, I don't see those on your list.
Vietnam and Cambodia are a good idea. Don't forget about Laos.
Leaving town now so will not be posting for a while.
Places to go on my list are Sri Lanka, Papua/New Guinea, Madagascar...
You haven't listed anything in Central America...
What about cruising? I'm considering cruises that include destinations on the Red Sea (Jordan/Egypt/Saudi/Eritrea) and North Africa (Libya/Tunisia)...
My favorite destinations thus far are Turkey and Burma, I don't see those on your list.
Vietnam and Cambodia are a good idea. Don't forget about Laos.
Leaving town now so will not be posting for a while.
Jun 7th, 2008, 08:48 PM
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I did the Egypt trip nine years ago. you should do foreign countries while you are able to and in good heath. We did a cruise from Cyprus into Said Port and did the day trip into Giza, and saw the pryamids and the big statue (can't think of the name of it) We also did the Cairo Museum, which is a can't miss. Very Important! I think this should be done while you are young, you don't see old people on this tour! Also, do the Parthenon and other ancient tours of athens, greece again while you are young. If you have never been to cyprus, I highly recommend it! Not too many Americans but don't let that stop you. Pathos is a must see, and Lanarca is a great place to start. Best of luck,\
Claudia
Claudia
Jun 9th, 2008, 08:40 AM
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I vote for Buenos Aires in Argentina!! Its gorgeous...I was just reading about it. I think I may go their this year.
http://www.petergreenberg.com/2008/0...res-argentina/
http://www.petergreenberg.com/2008/0...res-argentina/
Jun 10th, 2008, 08:58 AM
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One of my favourite places in the world (and that fits with your interest in going to the Middle East) is Oman. I went there on a two-week dive-focused trip with my husband two years ago, and I loved it. It also felt like one of the safest places I've ever been to - we even picked up hitchhikers as we drove around (nice young men on their way to the city, or old men trying to get from a secondary road near their town to the main highway).
I would strongly recommend including Oman in a ME-focused trip, and it could be a good place to start, for a solo traveller, if you feel somewhat hesitant about travelling in the ME on your own. Although it is a somewhat conservative country (in terms of religion and values), that conservatism does not translate into judgmental or threatening behaviour. Quite the contrary. I suppose the best way to describe the people we met there is "quietly friendly and curious".
The only downside to travelling in Oman is that it's not exactly a vibrant, bustling environment. It has opened up to tourism in the past 10 years or so, but this is not a place where you're going to find lively nightlife, a backpackers' epicentre, etc. It's also rather spread out, so if you want to explore you either need to rent a car (no problem for a woman travelling alone - and they great roads - not a lot of them, but the ones they have are in great shape), use taxis (in Muscat) or take a tour. But you certainly could develop a travel plan that, for example, was based in Muscat and incorporated day or overnight trips to the desert and to the forts. Oman is also a great place to dive - either based in Muscat or better yet, at the Al Sawadi Resort about an hour's drive north of the airport. You could also consider the possibility of flying into Dubai, and then exploring the Mussandam peninsula (which is cut off from the rest of Oman) from the UAE.
The Omanis we met spoke limited English, but those in service industries spoke enough to get by.
I would strongly recommend including Oman in a ME-focused trip, and it could be a good place to start, for a solo traveller, if you feel somewhat hesitant about travelling in the ME on your own. Although it is a somewhat conservative country (in terms of religion and values), that conservatism does not translate into judgmental or threatening behaviour. Quite the contrary. I suppose the best way to describe the people we met there is "quietly friendly and curious".
The only downside to travelling in Oman is that it's not exactly a vibrant, bustling environment. It has opened up to tourism in the past 10 years or so, but this is not a place where you're going to find lively nightlife, a backpackers' epicentre, etc. It's also rather spread out, so if you want to explore you either need to rent a car (no problem for a woman travelling alone - and they great roads - not a lot of them, but the ones they have are in great shape), use taxis (in Muscat) or take a tour. But you certainly could develop a travel plan that, for example, was based in Muscat and incorporated day or overnight trips to the desert and to the forts. Oman is also a great place to dive - either based in Muscat or better yet, at the Al Sawadi Resort about an hour's drive north of the airport. You could also consider the possibility of flying into Dubai, and then exploring the Mussandam peninsula (which is cut off from the rest of Oman) from the UAE.
The Omanis we met spoke limited English, but those in service industries spoke enough to get by.
Jun 11th, 2008, 01:17 PM
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ncounty here's a link to my trip report on Burma:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=27
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=27
Jun 11th, 2008, 02:17 PM
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Hi a1b2c3df - I heartily agree with the Argentina recommendations. I just got back from 2 week solo trip to Buenos Aires. Here's the link to my trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35134532
Question for you: I'm considering Moscow and St. Petersburg for my next solo trip. Did you happen to post a trip report after you went? I'd love to hear about your experiences as a solo traveler there. Cheers - M
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35134532
Question for you: I'm considering Moscow and St. Petersburg for my next solo trip. Did you happen to post a trip report after you went? I'd love to hear about your experiences as a solo traveler there. Cheers - M
Jun 18th, 2008, 05:11 AM
#14
Magellan_5 - I'm not the OP, but I have been to Russia - my trip report is at www.wilhelmswords.com/rtw2004 - Rainy Russia.
Jun 19th, 2008, 11:33 AM
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Hi, I went to Israel solo and I was 58 years old. No problem getting around at all. Most everyone speaks English and are helpful. The beaches along the Mediterranean might appeal to you also.
You can take day trips out to see the cities and archaeology sites. Lots of younger people around and fun things for them to do.
Take a side trip to Petra in Jordan.
Turkey is also good for solo travelers, younger people seem to prefer the beaches there as well.
Whatever you chose I think you'll do just fine.
You can take day trips out to see the cities and archaeology sites. Lots of younger people around and fun things for them to do.
Take a side trip to Petra in Jordan.
Turkey is also good for solo travelers, younger people seem to prefer the beaches there as well.
Whatever you chose I think you'll do just fine.
Jun 22nd, 2008, 02:53 AM
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East Africa!!!
It is so wonderful that you had a marvelous trip to Africa, however, I would also like to share my Safari Guide of the past two July, one with a friend, and then one with my husband and daughter. Collins of http://village.africanpath.com/profile/collins is the most extraordinary person I have ever met. We were bonded at first sight. By the third day, after seeing just way too many marvelous sights (3 cheetahs up close under a tree, a leopard sitting so noble right next to a vehicle's tire, a black mamba (not many get to see them), etc.) while we were driving back to the tented lodge, my friend was quiet and I was simply looking out the window at the beautiful Masai Mara Reserve and all of a sudden felt tears rolling down my cheeks. My whole life had changed in a matter of a few days. Nothing mattered to me at all while I was there other than what was around me (and I am a highly energetic, hyper person who is always doing something), even the stress of my parents and their unhappiness with the situation life has presented them - for the length of time in Africa nothing else existed. I felt the soul and life of Kenya and its land and people through Collins who is deeply connected to both. Kenya is his life. I would invite you to visit his page before you make any further decisions of traveling to Africa either for the first time, or a return visit. I do believe no one could care more about your time spent in East Africa.
It is so wonderful that you had a marvelous trip to Africa, however, I would also like to share my Safari Guide of the past two July, one with a friend, and then one with my husband and daughter. Collins of http://village.africanpath.com/profile/collins is the most extraordinary person I have ever met. We were bonded at first sight. By the third day, after seeing just way too many marvelous sights (3 cheetahs up close under a tree, a leopard sitting so noble right next to a vehicle's tire, a black mamba (not many get to see them), etc.) while we were driving back to the tented lodge, my friend was quiet and I was simply looking out the window at the beautiful Masai Mara Reserve and all of a sudden felt tears rolling down my cheeks. My whole life had changed in a matter of a few days. Nothing mattered to me at all while I was there other than what was around me (and I am a highly energetic, hyper person who is always doing something), even the stress of my parents and their unhappiness with the situation life has presented them - for the length of time in Africa nothing else existed. I felt the soul and life of Kenya and its land and people through Collins who is deeply connected to both. Kenya is his life. I would invite you to visit his page before you make any further decisions of traveling to Africa either for the first time, or a return visit. I do believe no one could care more about your time spent in East Africa.
Jun 22nd, 2008, 02:07 PM
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1. Expensive but still a bargain compared to the EU with today's exchange rate, I'd advise an extended trip to Alaska.
2. Go to Romania before it becomes too expensive and touristy.
3. Another vote for Turkey.
Bon voyage.
Saige
2. Go to Romania before it becomes too expensive and touristy.
3. Another vote for Turkey.
Bon voyage.
Saige
Jun 23rd, 2008, 06:43 PM
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Easy answer. Vietnam and Cambodia. Skip Phenom Phen, spend AT LEAST 3 or 4 days in Siem Reap before heading to Vietnam -- make sure you leave enough time to do a day trip on the Mekong Delta. I, too, have done extensive traveling and this is my favorite place on earth -- behind Africa!
