win2ski

Oops! Just noticed you were traveling in November. September/October are MUCH better months to travel weather-wise...more options. November's the doldrums & the weather is more of an issue. Why wouldn't you be going on your birthday October 4th?!

trippinkpj

In mid November the CA Coast may be iffy. Yes, early October would be much better.

dmdevl

If it were me, I would take myself off to San Diego and get PAMPERED!

I would book spa appointments for two days of beauty. I would get a makeover with a cut and color. I would shop for a sexy new outfit and go out to a trendy new hot spot to mingle and people watch. I would make friends with the bartender and allow several young men to buy me a birthday drink all the while dropping tidbits about my interesting and mysterious life back home.

I would stay in a glamorous hotel near the beach where I could stop for seafood lunch at a seaside shack. I would send postcards to my favorite people, shop some more and then have another deliciously decadent chocolate martini while looking hot in my new outfit, freshly buffed skin and shiny new do!!!

Man, I think I'm going to do that for my next birthday!!!

jinxiejo

Why would going with your mom "suck"?
Without her you would'nt be turning 30 would you? I'am so glad my daughters(20 and 24) don't feel that way. They both are attractive and have boyfriends but we do lots of stuff together, just us girls ,including a yearly beach vacation.

lifelist

Vegas, Baby. Vegas.

donnasand

I hope your mom doesn't read this forum; that is really sad that you even bothered to mention that! Sounds to me like you are trying to escape realty: the insidious mom, the noncommital "dude" and the friends that can't be bothered to help you celebrate. So...you should do something fabulous and completely different from what you would normally do, even for a vacation. Shake it up a bit. You have plenty of time to save money. Buy or borrow a very warm, chic coat and go to Moscow. Believe me, you won't regret it.

Charlene29

Just because someone gave birth to you and raised you does not automatically qualify them to be in the 'mother daughter' club, some folks just aren't that close!

That said, I am in the club, my mum is my bestfriend and I love spending time with her, we laugh all the time....mum's rock!!

jinxiejo

Then why even mention your mom? Saying it would "suck" to go with her is disrespectful no matter how close you are.

kaudrey

I second New Orleans!

I am in between relationships right now too, but I see nothing depressing about it (and I'm 38)!

I have traveled by myself to Spain, and next year I am going to Alaska (cruise with my aunt and uncle, but then touring for a week on my own).

Solo travel can be great fun. You can set your own schedule, do whatever you want, talk to whomever you want etc.

Also, check out the Thorn Tree over at Lonely Planet. Once you pick a destination, yuo can find other travelers there to meet up with.

Karen

Debi

I second the spa vacation. I did that once by myself (an amazing spa in Florida - I lived in CT at the time) - and I came back in great shape, completely rested (had a massage every day) and felt like a million bucks. I met lots of other women that were also at the spa alone, and it was fabulous. While I love Vegas - that would be more fun if you had someone to go with (I think) - the people watching is the best when you have someone else to talk with.... As for which spa (back to the spa thing) - there are some in New England, but you might want to go to Florida, Arizona or California (to make it more exotic)...

suze

Why not fly to Europe? Go to Amsterdam or Paris for a week. That's fun and easy to plan. I travel solo often (since I'm single, and btw don't find it depressing in the least!).

I like to be out of the country on major birthdays. On my 40th I was in Vevey, Switzerland, on my 50th I was in Honolulu (ok Hawaii is not technically out of the country but you get the idea!).

trippinkpj

In November, I was also thinking San Diego. Probably the warmest CA coastal spot in November. If you want a more spa-ish relaxing trip, Palm Springs CA or Tucson AZ would be good options.

jdjgk

I have absolutely been in this position. I had 6 weeks off between jobs about two years ago and no one could afford to come with me. I ended up traveling with a friend (whose ticket I bought) for a while, by myself and then with my mom. I echo the thoughts that traveling with mom isn't so bad. But, I think that really depends on the mom. I have traveled around Europe for about 3 weeks total on my own and its not depressing at all. There are lots of things to do that don't require others and I've met the best people from all over at dinners when I shared a table with them.

If you have the frequent flier miles, go international. The dollar isn't doing so well, but single rooms can often be more reasonable (and more plentiful) abroad. My favorite on my own places to go are Germany (super safe), particularly in Baden-Baden where the spas are nice and the Amalfi Coast. Five days is perfect for a Munich/Salzburg/South East Germany Tour or a Milan/Amalfi Coast trip.

wyatt92

I agree, you must do something great for your 30th! I went to DC for a weekend with a bunch of friends and although it's not exactly an exotic locale, it was memorable.

So I don't necessarily think you have to go to Europe to mark the event. If your cousin is willing to go somewhere with you but is on a limited budget, why don't you go somewhere within driving distance? You could share a hotel room to keep costs down.

You say you're in NE, how about Boston or NYC? Go to a fabulous restaurant and then bar hop the night away!

nohomers

Fly to Las Vegas. Rent car. Drive to Grand Canyon. Contemplate your past, present and future. Return to Vegas after a day of two. Check into hotel. Visit a spa. Go to a Cirque du Soleil show. Fly home.

bkluvsNola

As mentioned earlier on this post,
I can think of no better place weather-wise than New Orleans in November. It also fits into your price range.

As far as things to do, New Orleans is a perfect place for single woman and there are many things to do day and night. Also, there are many excellent restaurants for your birthday dinner, and many places to party the night away.

hills27

I'd go on safari. I just came back from one and it's a trip I could easily have done alone and felt totally comfortable. Take a look at CCA's lodges as they don't charge a single supplement. I've finished about a third of my trip report on the Africa forum. But look for travelynn's report on Phinda. She went solo.

There are link's to a bunch of trip reports here, including Lynn's:
http://www.fodors.com/wire/archives/002737.cfm

win2ski

I would do Rome/Amalfi, or Marrakesh/Fez or the Miraval resort (spa) in Arizona (#1 Spa in USA according to SpaFinder.com & I agree--so many fun activities if you are on your own...do the adventure ones). I am world-traveled, and have traveled alone, with family, etc. I have been to so many boring 30, 40, 50th bday parties....expanding yourself by traveling is so much more memorable & exciting!!!!! Nothing matters in life but family, friends, life experiences. Spend whatever it takes to make your 30th memorable...that comes with age & wisdom from having already been there, done that...you can always see friends after...and share your fabulous experiences!!!

kllh

Interesting. There's a lot of opposition to me saying going on a trip with my mom would suck. I didn't mean in that sense, especially given my mom is over 60, doesn't party or drink, and turning 30 just doesn't sound conducive to senior discounts at all you can eat joints oversees. Calm down people.

trippinkpj

I'm early 50's and do party and drink (okay a little). Do you want a surrogate "mom"? ;-)