Solo Travel: Pros and Cons: 2008
Many people are reluctant or nervous to travel alone. Share your tips on traveling alone safely, economically...and without being lonely.
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Solo travel in Italy
I reluctantly returned to real life after a fantastic two week trip to Italy on my own. I can honestly say that it was probably the most wonderful time ever and I highly recommend it as a destination for young women to travel (I'm 33...I'll still consider that young!). I was able to get to Milan, the Cinque Terre, Florence, Lucca, Perugia and Rome. Every place I visited was spectacular and it's pretty difficult to say what my favourite was. There are really no words to describe the sights, food and gelato..you just have to go and see for yourself. My biggest worries were the trains..totally easy..and how I'd get by with my ten words of Italian, but I found that by always making a little effort, the people were warm, friendly and more than willing to help and to share their beautiful culture and language, and by the end of my trip people were asking ME for directions. What helped me most was doing alot of research and really preparing myself. Rick's book was my bible and saved me from having any nasty surprises. I was also really happy with his recommendations for food and accomodation! It was so much fun meeting so many people that I would never have met if I was with someone, and a handsome Roman even held my hand on the plane..now that's an Italian experience I wouldn't have wanted to miss! Here's to hoping the few coins I tossed in the Trevi fountain work their magic because I'm already saving up to go back!
cat <email>
vancouver, bc canada Fri 12/26/2008
Solo travel is an eye-opening experience
I have travelled alone 3 times now to Sorrento in Italy. Usually travel to the states (New York and Miami) with a couple of female friends for a girlie holiday but the problem is I never get to do all the things that I want to as we all occasionally argue over what to see and do in such a short space of time- usually a week. I'm 26 and went on those girlie holidays in my early twenties but this summer I took the plunge and went on my own to Sorrento. I enjoyed it so much I went twice more in this same year for a week at a time. I've also just booked a trip to Sicily for this month- i can't wait.I get to make all the decisions and gain independance and experience at the same time. I love just doing my own thing and taking time out from my job in London, UK working on a cosmetics counter in a busy department store. I have now set a trend amongst the girls at work who seem to like the idea of solo travel after hearing my stories and a few of them are doing the same thing if they have annual holiday due and feeling stressed they now just book a weeks holiday. It's a great way to take time out for yourself and meet new people. I would recommend it to anyone though probably not girls in their late teens as they may not be experienced enough in living away from home or not know what to do if any problems occur. Italy is a great place to go. Great weather, great food, great shops and the men are gorgeous! So all of you out there thinking about it please just go for it. You only live once.
Maddie
London, UK Sun 11/02/2008
Solo Travel
I have traveled through Europe three times solo and had the time of my life. I was in Rome, Vienna, Hallstatt, Salzburg, Germany, Paris, Dublin, Edinburgh, Switzerland, Venice. The best part about traveling solo is that you can change your mind on a dime.... and eat where you want... when you want! =) Check out my blog
http://travelingwithtricia.blogspot.com/
Tricia <email>
Santa Rosa Beach, FL USA Thu 10/30/2008
The joys of solo travel
After 2 vacations with family members this year, I am SO ready for my spring 2009 vacation - 3 weeks in Italy on my own. I have travelled in the US alone several times, but my favorite vacation to date is the 10 days I went solo to Paris. I love being able to do what I want, when I want. And even as a single woman in my 30's (barely), I never really felt any danger. It seems to me the key is just being aware of your surroundings, just like I am at home - and not going down dark, deserted streets/alleys, just like at home.
Jenny W
Dallas, TX USA Wed 10/22/2008
Just back from 8 week solo trip throughout Europe, check out my travel journal and pictures
Greetings everyone,
I just did eight weeks in Europe solo and prior to the trip, I made the most of the RS website and the graffiti wall and got great advice from you all. I felt well prepared when I set off.
I visited Paris, Brittany, Normandy, Giverny, Bruges, Brussels, Malmedy, The Rhineland, Rothenburg, Baden Baden, Bavaria, The Zugpitze, Salzburg, Hallstatt, Appenzell, Gimmelwald, Chamonix, Aix-enProvence, Pont du Guard, Cannes, Monaco, Lake Como, Venice, The Dolomites, Rome, The Cinque Terre, Colmar and the Alsace, Verdun, Disney...
The Rick Steves resources (guidebooks, language book, website, etc.) were invaluable as was your answers to my questions and your advice. Thanks.
I had a couple of scam attempts but was ready for them. I had a fantastic time everywhere I went, met a lot of neat people, got in shape, ate well, saw beautiful places... it was good for the soul.
Please feel free to contact me with questions and visit my online journal and see pictures.
If you'd like to see my journal and pictures go to www.visitmytraveljournal.com and enter the following info: Phone: 447924205223 Name: Margaret password: lynden
Then click on the Travel Journal button. Scroll to the bottom of the page, click page 5 and scroll to the bottom again to get to the first post and work your way up from there.
Thanks again everyone.
Cheers, Maggie
Maggie Williams <email>
Lynden, WA USA Wed 10/15/2008
Solo travel is great!
I recently (two weeks ago) returned from my first trip to Europe, and yes, I went solo! I'm a 54-year-old woman and I had no trouble whatsoever. I saw Budapest, several towns and cities along the Danube, Nuremberg, and Prague, and I had an amazingly good time.
Yes, take precautions with your stuff. I had a money belt, but (don't tell Rick Steves) I never used it. All of my accommodations were either very secure or I had an in-room safe. I carried a day bag (the Rick Steves civita bag is perfect) and when I was in a croweded area (Prague, in particular, is notorious for pickpockets), I turned it so that the zippers were against my body and the bag was under my arm. I carried enough cash for the day and my ATM, just in case.
I met fascinating people to talk with, and had a lot of fun working around the minimal language barriers I encountered. I had a wonderful time, and would do it again in a heartbeat.
So go. Research before you leave. Read guidebooks and websites and anything else. Study maps (I have no sense of direction whatsoever!). Ask people for directions, if you get lost as often as I do! Sit on a bench and strike up a conversation. Go. Enjoy!
Patty
Patricia A. Hansen
Portland, Oregon USA Thu 08/28/2008
Solo Advice?
Hey All! I'm an 18 year old taking a gap year in between high school and college. In the spring I plan on taking a language immersion program in Spain for 3 months. After that I have around a month and a half of traveling solo (this would be my first time traveling by myself). I'm traveling on a budget, but basically, I have no idea on which cities to visit.... Any suggestions?
Sam <email>
Seattle, USA Wed 08/20/2008
School in Paris
Last year, at the age of 39, I fulfilled my lifelong dream of learning French and living in Paris. I went to school to learn French for 5 weeks. It was the first time I travelled completely alone - without family or a tour group. I had culture shock and I was nervous because the city was so large and everything was so new - the language, learning the Métro, not knowing anyone - but without a doubt it was the best experience of my life.
I went to an amazing language school in the 6th arrondissement: (check out info on www.eurocentres.com). Eurocentres has language schools in 50 countries and has no age restriction so you can attend whether you're 18 or 80. Classes are 2 weeks to 3 months or more. I met people from all over the world.
Going to school was the most affordable way I could achieve my dream. I went to school everyday and lived with a Parisienne family to improve my French and not feel lonely.
Excluding airfare and spending money, $3,500.00 Canadian covered the cost of my French schooling, accommodation, 2 meals daily (breakfast and a full dinner) - even my laundry was done !- for 5 weeks in Paris. A very affordable way to live in an city as expensive as Paris rather than hotels.
Everyday I went to school from 9am to 1pm and then the rest of the day was mine to enjoy. I'd go to the museums in the afternoon and get in with no trouble because they weren't busy with tourists then. I went to art exhibitions, movies, the opera, the ballet, shopping, the grocery stores and drank coffee in cafés like the locals and wrote in my journal and soaked up all that is so wonderful about Paris. As my French improved I talked to as many people as I could. I wasn't lonely long - I met so many wonderful people. The Parisiennes were so incredibly kind and helpful to me. I was so much more open than I was back in Canada. As a woman, I have never felt safer in any city in the world than I did travelling solo in Paris.
So for anyone who has a lifelong dream of living in Paris - just do it! Don't wait for someone to travel with. Just enjoy the journey of learning about others and yourself. I can't wait to go back!
Renée
Edmonton, Canada Tue 08/19/2008
Jani's experience
I was shocked to hear of Jani's recent experiences in Rome. But since this was her first trip to Europe, perhaps she was not as savvy in dealing with Italian men as she should have been. Attractive women walking the city alone should dress conservatively, not make eye contact with men. And obviously not agree for one to show you around. And, if anyone followed me for 10 minutes (never mind one hour!) I'd head for the nearest policeman, hotel lobby or shop and ask for assistance.
Although there is absolutely no excuse for the behavior of these men. Perhaps the friendliness, openness and trust you might naturally have towards strangers at home, and perhaps a more provocative style of dress also, may have made you a target - particularly in Italy. Women trevelling on their own have to behave differently. I hope next time you have a much better experience and not allow creeps to get anywhere near you.
BG
San Francisco, CA USA Sun 08/17/2008
traveling alone - love it!!
Recently I watched the film "In Bruges" which reminded me -painfully-of my own visit to Bruges a few years ago with a friend, who spent her time complaining about everything and racked up a $200. phone bill calling home. I spent our two days in Bruges angry and upset resulting in a migraine headache that kept me in bed for at least one day, and subsequently I saw very little of that lovely city. Since that trip, I ONLY travel alone. I go where and when I want,staying in B&Bs along the way, and I never feel lonely or sad to be by myself. I realized - in Germany - that any feelings of being sad an' lonely were an indication that i hadn't had enough beer. Once I started drinking enough beer, I felt so much better, and found I could speak the language like a native! It was a miracle!! I do alot of online research before I go so I have the basics figured out, and when in doubt, I head for the Tourist Information Office. I'll never travel with a whiner like that again. What a waste of money that trip turned out to be. I shoulda gone by myself....
karen <email>
chicago, USA Sat 08/16/2008
how to prepare for solo travel
I'm a woman who's traveled mostly alone for the past 30 years, and I can't say enough about how great it is.
If you're hesitant to dive in alone, try these things: 1) Take a weekend trip to a city near you where you've never been. You'll figure out whether or not you like it, and you find out if any problems came up. 2) That brings me to number 2—sit down and make a list of what is actually concerning you. For example, what if I get lonely in my hotel room? Someone once suggested to me to go out and buy a small plant or flowers or maybe a small jigsaw puzzle, so it feels more like home. Or what if I can't figure out how to get where I want to go? You can do a tremendous amount of preparation online before you go. You can look up train routes, airport transportation, etc. Having an idea of what you're looking for really takes the edge off. Or what if I lose my credit card? Check with the credit card company before you leave and find out if they have branches where you're going or what the toll-free number is to call from Europe about a lost card. 3) I always take with me a xerox copy (which I keep in my money belt) of my passport and credit cards. That can save you a ton of time if you lose anything.
Happy trails!
Jude <email>
Berkeley, CA USA Fri 08/15/2008
Black American Female Solo In Italy
Traveled solo to Rome from April 14th -April 25th 2008. I had a great time. The beauty of the city was amazing for my first trip out of Florida. However, I had a few bad experiences I didn't like. First- I was approached by 2 peddlers near Castel Angelo, The one who spoke English tried to get me to sleep with the one who didn't. So they followed me around for about an Hour, trying to get me to walk down deserted alleyways. They left me alone when I went back to my piazza and ran to the police that was stationed there.
Second time, was also near Castel Angelo , but at night. I got lost on my way back from looking for the Trevi Fountain. A homeless guy, came out of nowhere and shouted how beautiful I was, and tried to drag me down a deserted alley. He also put his hands in his pants and smeared whatever was on his hands on my shoulder.(yuck) Luck for me, I was close to a bus stop full of tourist, I ran over towards them, so he ran the other way Third time - I was walking near The Pantheon when some guy, came up and started a conversation with me. He offered to give me a tour, I agreed. We walked here and there, as he gave me a tour. He kept trying to hold hands with me, and got possessive when other guys were staring at me. Long story short, He "assumed" I would sleep with him. I broke his heart by saying "#%% No". He stomp away mad and called me a Nig2@r. Fourth - I was at Pizza Largo when a guy came to me and showed me the front of his pants.. you can imagine what I saw.. and said "Look what you did to me".. I said " Alrighty Then" and walked the opposite way. On the positive side, I had a German couple take pictures with me, either they never seen a dark skinned black girl before or they were just curious about how I got grey eyes...LOL...
Jani <email>
Clearwater, FL USA Thu 08/14/2008
Solo Travel
I am European, Scottish in fact. I am 49 and have travelled all across Europe and the United States several times. Just take your time, take it easy and you will be fine. Dont worry about getting lost, you will always find your way and use common sense. Have fun and enjoy yourself as we pass this way but once...
Jim F <email>
Glasgow, UK Mon 08/04/2008
Confidence Restored
I leave in 39 days - my first trip to Europe since I was 19! Even though I know I can do it, I've been nervous. This morning I read each and every "Solo Travel" posting and you've all been so helpful in giving me confidence for the trip (especially the female contributors) - thank you. You reminded me of some of the advantages of going alone that I had forgotten, namely meeting interesting people along the way. (To the very young travelers, don't do what I did and put it off - I went at 16, 19, and in the blink of an eye I'm 47 - the years go by very fast.)
Susan
Santa Monica, CA USA Fri 08/01/2008
Solo Travel
I have traveled solo all over the world and absolutely love it. I just got back from Devizes, England where I stayed with a couple I had kept in touch with for 2 years. I met them at a bus stop in Kardimyli, Greece waiting for a bus to the beach in Stupa! You just never know... GO FOR IT. It is extremely addicting and oh so much fun.
Jill
Federal Way, WA USA Fri 07/25/2008
I once invited an old school chum to go with me to Germany, and unbeknownst to me, he had just had a serious "event" happen to his son, and it made him very moody and sullen the entire time we were travelling together. I made a promise to myself: "never again!"
Bill
USA Tue 07/15/2008
I'm a fairly experienced solo (female) traveler back from my 4th trip to UK/Europe.
I always bring a small note book to record my day's activities in, with my itinerary and contact info taped to the inside cover. The journal is one of my best souvenirs- it's really fun to write up my day in a town square or in a local garden at the end of the day! It can occupy you when you're bored too (and cheaper than paying to buy a magazine to read), like I was, waiting for the aforementioned laundry to dry in a Parisian Laundromat- another guy waiting saw me writing page after page of what I had done that day. He turned to me and nodded at my book and said to me, "Le grand ecrit!" (basically: a big write up!) :)This lead to a stilted conversation in my elementary French at least! :)
I used that same notebook on the Eurostar back in a conversation with my seat mate (from York, England) to draw a map of California and showed where I'm from. Turns out he was fascinated with earthquakes so we had a lot to talk about! The conversation started when I wrongly placed his accent as being from another part of England! Oops! :) The main point is you can't be afraid to start a conversation, try not to offend (luckily I was able to make fun of his local football team's rival so I was forgiven and we were fast friends!) Remember, you are not the first person to travel alone and feel awkward. And you may never see these people again, so don't beat yourself up too much over faux-pas or things 'lost in translation'. Be ready to laugh at yourself and just have fun!
Solo travelers often come home with lots of arm's length self portraits of themselves because they don't have a travel mate to do it. I got over that quickly! I look for other solo travelers doing the same thing at big sites (Eiffel Tower, Castles, etc) and ask if we can take pictures for one another. Otherwise, I listen for people who speak English and are either two females or a couple and ask them to please take one of me. You do take a risk but trust your instincts and don't turn your back while they have the camera while you walk toward where you want to be photographed! Never give your camera to someone who approaches YOU though! (esp. if you're a solo female and the guy is flirting with you! Danger sign!)
Lisa Q
Oakland, CA USA Tue 06/10/2008
Solo/Women Travlers
I just returned from my 15th trip to Europe (I'm short and stocky, 59 years old and not in the least "glamorous" or "athletic"). In addition, I have traveled to Asia, Israel, So. Am. and Morocco. I don't want to jinx myself but so far I've never lost anything or been pickpocketed or burgled. I did twice foil a pick pocket in St. Petersburg, Russia, when I was wearing a packback. Haven't worn one since.
Much of the time I am alone, without an escorted tour or travel companion. I just spent 3 days in Barcelona "on my own" and then took a short escorted tour through northern France (including Paris). #1-DO NOT be in a hurry when it comes to putting away money or documents in your purse. Accidents CAN happen to even the most careful but you'll reduce the odds considerably by NEVER RUSHING. #2 do use the money belt under your clothes--fanny back and neck ones in my opinion advertise your valuables are there. Usually even the worst pickpocket won't try to get into your underwear. #3 This trip I took the PacSafe 200 purse. It's $59.99 but best money I ever spent. Check online although I got mine locally at luggage shop. There were two Australian women--one in Barcelona and one in Paris--who were using the same model. #4 If available, use hotel room safe. Often I didn't have one so I would put my passport and my debit and credit cards in the belt. There have been occasions unexpectedly when I needed one of those pieces and I would discreetly go in a corner and take it out. Carry at least $50 equivalent in your "purse/wallet" for the day and keep about $10 equivalent in a pocket to get a snack, bottled water, or postcard without getting into your purse. #5 I had a problem (I did notify my debit/credit card people of my travels AHEAD of the trip) in Spain with my debit card not being able to get CASH out of the ATMs although I could make purchases with it. Fortunately, I had about $300 in US cash with me. In France, no problem with that card.
BIH
Salt Lake City, UT USA Sat 05/17/2008
Solo Travel
I cannot rave enough about travelling alone! You go where you want, when you want, and meet the most amazing people along the way. one thing I did throughout the trip was offered to take people's photos- make for a great icebreaker. Through this simple gesture, I met people from all over the world, even joining some of them for dinner (the only downside of travelling alone- eating by yourself in a restaurant!) By travelling alone, you make yourself reach out and talk to those around you because it's better than talking to yourself :) You also learn about who you really are. It changes you, and can become very, very addicting
Sarah
Leonardtown, MD USA Wed 05/14/2008
Solo travel is often the way to go!
I travelled alone for a month in college (when I was studying in the UK for a year), and did meet up at times with people--either friends living in other countries or fellow students who I planned to meet up with. The times I was alone were the best! I didn't end up being totally alone. I met other travelers or locals. But, even the time I was by myself was great. The best parts about being alone? 1) No compromising on what you want to see 2.) No having to slow down or up your pace to match the other person's 3.) No haggling over money 4.) Opening yourself up to meet new people. The cons? On occasion you can get lonely. It can be nice to be able to comment on what you're seeing and share it with someone. Also, as a single woman, I do worry about safety--I'm not as adventurous as I would be with a companion. I had some moments of anxiety when I'd show up at 10 pm and find my hotel room had been given up. But, it all works out (try not to arrive at night in a new city!). And, you spend more--depending on how you travel, not having someone to split the bill for hotels with can add up.
Christine
Washington, DC USA Wed 05/14/2008
Language schools
Like Elaine, I went to language school for two weeks, in Italy though. It was a great way to be independant but still have companions for part of the day. I stayed in an appartment with 2 other students,(my choice) so we ate breakfast and most lunches at home, thus both saving money, and getting to practise Italina buying food at the local market.(One roomie was a great cook: bonus!) I joined other students for dinners some evenings, either pre-arranged or just meeting them as I wandered around the town, and while we didn't necessarily set out together, I usually found someone I knew on the beach in the afternoons. Schools also often include a couple of tours a week so you can see more of the area, important if you have no transport or are in a smaller place as I was. In a bigger city you would have hours to explore alone or with others to your heart's content. I thought it was a great way to travel, and combined the experience with tour of Sicily with RS. In neither situation did I feel either regimented or lonely. I say if you get the chance, just go. You won't regret it.
Ann
Victoria, BC Canada Wed 03/05/2008
solo in Paris, the best
I recently returned from a week-long stay in Paris, that I dreamed of doing for a long time. I've taken several trips there and elsewhere with family and friends that were great, but I loved the feeling of exhilaration that I had each day as I hit the streets on my own, to have my own adventure -- do exactly what I wanted, when I wanted. I was familiar with the city, and knew what I wanted to see and do.
Also, I heartily recommend the photos of VT_Professor -- the link to them is found in her(?)posting below dated 9/24/08, they are beautiful.
BG
San Francisco, CA USA Tue 02/26/2008
I love traveling alone... I always see so many couples arguing and screaming at each other! If I get lost, it's my fault alone!! Of course, sometimes it does get lonely but at least I can do what I would like to do and stay as long as I would like. Also, talking with fellow travelers always happens when I travel. I meet people from all over the world!!
USA Mon 02/18/2008
Solo
Think traveling solo is a bit scary, try living in Italy by yourself. Yes, I have American friends, but I don't speak Italian very well. Don't be afraid to go where you don't know exactly what they are saying. It is great to go to a place that has so much to see & do. I've lived in Germany as well as Italy & wouldn't trade my time across the pond for anythinng.
GG
Ghedi, Italy Fri 02/08/2008
Solo Travel
Traveling solo allows you to make decisions more in tune with your personal taste; the decisions you make are yours. And, the more you travel solo the more you realize your not alone.
The Dandel
www.thedandeli.com
Terrence <email>
Stratford, ct USA Sat 01/19/2008