Traveling Alone
 

So, my birthday is coming up December 9th, and I'm not in a relationship. I made a promise that I will not spend my birthday's home anymore. Now I am thinking about traveling to U.S. Virgin Island alone, but I am terrified...

Welcome to Fodors DEVINESELF. >>Now I am thinking about traveling to U.S. Virgin Island alone,<<

Then you need to post on the Caribbean board (see the 'Change Forum' pull down menu at the top of this page . . .)

Nothing to be terrified about BTW. Lots of people travel solo.

I can't help with the US VI, but I can reassure you that there's nothing to be frightened about with traveling solo! Here's a link to a lot of trip reports from a wide variety of solo travelers, just to give you some confidence: http://www.fodors.com/community/trav...collection.cfm

If you are terrified, you could travel to an "easier" place on your own to get started (such as some US mainland city). Are you terrified about traveling alone because you've never done it, or just about the USVI? I think there are problems in that location, you'll have to research a lot to make sure you get some value out of that trip. Such as where might actually be pleasant to go and stay on that island. But at least you don't have to worry about passports and foreign money that way, if you want a Caribbean island.

I haven't been there and so maybe you've research it to death, but from what I've read, some places are remote and best for families (eg, St John) and you'll have more trouble getting around, and others are tacky and can have just a bunch of cruise ships around (St Thomas). So be sure to research which works for you.

If you are thinking Virgin Islands, do one of the islands other than St. Thomas, which reportedly has a significant amount of crime and other problems. We loved St. John, which is easily reached by ferry from St. Thomas and is mostly a National Park. They have a convenient taxi system at the ferry dock. You might be able to get in on some snorkeling tours and be around other people if you wanted, and resorts also have snorkeling, scuba, etc.. As suggested above, consult the Caribbean forum.

I agree to pick a safer place for a first solo trip. Why did you pick that location? If you want warm and Caribbean how about a cruise? There are a lot of solo travelers on cruise ships and most lines do a meet up.

Love Mlgb's suggestion. While as a single, you might have to pay more for your cabin, get an inside cheap one, and a cruise would be great! You might even find some single's cruises on cruisecritic.com.

First, let me give you all a big kiss and a hug!!. thanks for all of the suggestions and yes I'm trying to be more independent and travel alone. I picked Virgin Island because I have traveled all of the other Island and that is the last corner for me to visit. The most important thing is its my Birthday and I do not want to be home... So thanks for all of the support and guidance.. Keep it coming.. Muah..

I do think the island "vibe" can make you feel more alone. (That said, my first solo trip was Bermuda and I loved it.) If you want to stretch your wings a bit more there are definitely economical ways to go to, say, Europe, or of course the cruise idea could work as well.

We soloists will be here to cheer you on!

Maybe pick someplace you have been before then? That will make it less "terrifying". Return to one of the islands you liked the best and know you way around.

I love traveling solo (I am single & used to it) and often to go easy beach-y places. My personal favorites are Puerto Vallarta Mexico (La Paz and Cabo were also nice), Negril Jamaica (but maybe a bit too rustic if you are feeling afraid), and Honolulu/Waikiki or really anywhere in Hawaii.

That said, I don't think the USVI are a 'dangerous' place to visit. St John is gorgeous. But doesn't matter, pick a place you are more comfortable about.

Or you could visit a US city that interests you? San Francisco is not difficult and a lot of fun.

I started traveling on my birthdays years ago, I'm never home on that special day.

suze do you know ANYTHING about the USI? If you don't (and I'll bet you don't , please try not to give advice on whether it is dangerous or not. Some parts have significant crime issues.

I don't think anyone considers St John to be a dangerous destination.

I have only been myself to St Thomas and St John, not St Croix.

As far as gaining confidence generally, there are loads of memoirs and short stories written by women who have traveled alone in various situations and locales to put your question in perspective. Check your library and read up.

If you do go, be sure not to act "terrified"--that may make you an easy mark. Act self-assured & with confidence.

Good point from SeaF.

There's so many places that would make a fantastic solo birthday celebration trip, why not pick one that does not "terrify" you?

St. John is one of my favorite islands and I've been there many times with girlfriends. If it's in your budget, I would suggest Caneel Bay. Your timing is before high season and they usually have "lower" rates at that time. It's still expensive, but is a place where you would likely feel comfortable and wouldn't need to leave the resort unless you wanted to!