Hey. Ever wanted to go a million unique and exciting places but can't seem to get anyone to commit to going with you? Las Vegas, New York, Florida, and Mexico are not my dream trips although I'm sure their great, but they seem to be my only options this summer if I want a travel partner (as a woman i would prefer one). I want to go somewhere great and different: Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, whatever. I could leave with a month's advance notice and would like to go for around two weeks or so in mid July or August after my summer school ends. If your not insane and think you'd like to travel with someone, email me with some info, perhaps you've got some good ideas on destinations as well.
Cheers
Brooke
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As a single female (48 yrs old) whose kids are now grown & doing their own thing and because most of my friends are married or otherwise attached - I faced this issue and have learned to travel alone. I absolutely love it. There's no one to interfere with what I want to do, or how long I want to do it. I meet a bunch more people (local to where I'm traveling) than I ever met when traveling with others and I seem to see more of the locale I'm travleing in by myself and now it is my preferred mode of travel. In fact - a friend volunteered to go with me the next time to Hawaii and I don't know quite how to uninvite herself since I really would rather go alone. It's kind of weird at first, but I really do enjoy it now.

I faced this issue too, but being weak (ha!) I opted for tours.

Don't write Mexico off so quickly! Depending on where you go (it is a HUGE and diverse country) you can find similar travel experiences to what you might find in the south american countries mentioned as "different".

I totally agree, Bashful!
I travel extensively for business and since my business is travel related, I am allowed a very flexible schedule. Over the years I have come to enjoy the time alone, dining alone, visiting what I enjoy, etc... Quite a few times I had people with me and we would meet up in the evenings for dinner. That was nice too. My husband is 'over' traveling and my daughter's schedule does not allow her much time, with college and full time work. So, off I go... work a few partial days and take a day or two to sight see. Or, maybe I just want a 5 star hotel and I won't do a thing.
Last time I was in New York I just had spa treatments, took LONG baths and slept much of the day away. It was just what I needed to recharge. I did leave the curtains open the whole time so I could see a little bit of Central Park.
I really enjoy doing my own thing...
Years ago I hated being alone.
But to go to Latin America? I think I would want a companion that speaks the language.

I travel extensively for business and I really enjoy the alone time. Sometimes I hope there won't be a co-worker at my destination that wants to go out for dinner, drinks, etc. I have enjoyed NYC on my own for a couple of days before or after a business trip, but I haven't made the leap to vacation trips.

On vacations I think I'd be happier sharing the experiences with a travel companion...as long as they are GOOD travel companions! The recent posts are causing me to reconsider a solo vacation trip.

I love to travel alone but I still haven't gotten over the need to "share" experiences with others. I always feel like I get more out of a trip when there is someone standing beside me so I can say, "How freakin' awesome is that!"

I had the opportunity to be in France alone last summer but took my son instead so I could see him experience Europe for the first time.

Since Las Vegas is on your list of places to travel, I can honestly say that it a great place to go alone. You will meet so many people and have a great time. There are shows, spas,shopping and I always meet people when gambling. There are always solo travelers (or appears to be). Even though I travel with my husband, when it comes to Vegas, we go our seperate ways during the day. Most of the time I am by myself and I feel very safe and secure. The airport is only 5 minutes away from the strip, you can get a cab anyhwere and if you stay mid strip, you can walk to most places.

Another option for traveling alone is a cruise. You will most likely meet others is the same situation as yourself and will have a great time. I would stick to Celebrity or Royal Caribbean, as some of the other lines attract an older crowd. You can take a cruise to Mexico, see all and experience all in a group without feeling alone. Since you sit at dinner with the same peope every night, you will be able to share your experiences. If I were alone and wanted to travel, this is what I would do

Found this thread searching for Peru, but just wanted to comment how warm and fuzzy you fellow Fodorites make me feel! I'm travelling to Seattle, San Jose and San Fran in April alone--every time I tell someone about my trip they gawk and say, "You're going alone???" To which I say, "Darn skippy!"

Good luck to you, Brooke, whether you go it alone or with someone. Have a blast!

At different times in my life I have traveled alone. Sometimes it can be so nice to be able to give a museum or location exactly the length of time that you like with no compromises. I traveled alone alone the Amalfi Coast for 10 days in my late forties once, without knowing much Italian. Most of the time I much prefer to travel with a companion or two, though- because I like the comradery as well as the fact that they lead me to places I would probably not choose myself, and end up loving. (Most Western USA has been in this category.)

Have a great adventure!

If you don't find a travel partner, an easy place to travel alone is a safari in Africa. You spend every morning and afternoon on game drives with other people and all meals are shared with others. It is quite an amazing experience and you will easily meet interesting people. I've been twice solo and will most likely go again.

Brooke, I saw your other posting about looking for an adventure travel companion. I am much older than you but I finally decided if I wanted to go, I might as well do it alone. My friends were never able to muster time and $$$ at the same time. I have been all over the world alone and never regretted it for a minute. If you are still reluctant to go to Peru alone, call Lost World Adventures and ask if there is small group going with which you could hook up. Don't wait for your friends to come. Many of my friends who were going to come along no longer can. Some of them are dead, some disabled...you get the picture. If you have the time, the money and the ability, GO.

What sundowner said!

A safari in Africa solo would be fantastic. I have only been (once) with a good friend but I would return in a heartbeat. And I would only want to go with a good friend/traveling companion OR solo. Don't want to be stuck with a dud on what I consider to be the best experience of my life.

That said, I took my first solo vacation in January to So. France. It was great.

I would still prefer to "share" my experiences with people I really care for. But, hey, if they're not available I'm not going to sit on my hands at home.

I too have travelled alone to some wonderful places and I truly do understand the joys of doing so. But if you asked me my preference it would be to have a companion to share moments and memories with. I have no problem doing things alone, however I live alone so getting to do thing by myself is not necessarily a big treat. My preerence however doed not prevent me from traveling if no one wants to go when and where I want to go and I personally would rather travel alone than with a group of strangers.