Women Travelers: 2003
Is it safe for a woman to travel alone in Europe? What are some of the challenges you've faced and how have you dealt with them? Are there places women should not travel alone? How do you stay safe?
Re: Parisian men
I haven't really been harrassed by Parisian men while in Paris. Sure,
I've gotten a lot of attention from them (they seem to have a thing for
American women!) and have had the occasional perv invade my personal space
on the metro (okay, so it's usually crowded in there, but he doesn't need
to be right against my bum, esp. since it wasn't that crowded!). Also,
last year, one of the girls who went on the trip with us had a bad experience.
We were leaving a restaurant, and this jerk ran by and grabbed her breast.
Her mom was with her and was going to open a can of whoop a$$ on that
guy.
My first year in Paris, .I decided to venture off by myself. Probably not a good idea since I barely spoke enough French to get by. I went shopping in the mall at La Defense. A group of teenage guys followed me around. I was kind of nervous, so I ducked into the bathroom...one of them followed me in there. He asked if I was American and after I answered he left. Kinda freaked me out. I was flashed by a homeless guy on the metro, but that's another story. I didn't stick around to see what he had.
I do find that the Parisian men like to stare, that just unnerves me. At Notre Dame, a group of us (all females) were gawked at by these young men. I don't make eye contact with the people who make me uncomfortable. But that doesn't mean I'm rude or anything. I do try to speak the language and say please and thank you. I love traveling and I love Paris and can't wait to go again. I know some guys have said things that weren't too clean to me (esp. at the discotheques) but I could never understand them so I went on. I guess that's good for me: If I don't understand it, I won't feel offended.
I'm not going to stop travelling because I've had
a few bad experiences. There are always a few bad apples in every bunch.
For the most part, the people I've met in Paris have been fabulous.
Brandie
KS USA Sat 12/20/2003
Paris men
I also had a few moments in Paris of difficult to get rid of men. I never
had anybody touch or grab me though. In a 2 day period I had 4 incidents,
during the day and at tourist sites, of men approaching me and then following
me for several blocks. Two of them even followed me from Notre Dame to the
Orsay. Even when they spoke little English and I spoke no French and did
not encourage them, they would follow and continue to "try their luck with
me" as one man stated. Overall, a minor issue. I just kept walking and made
it clear I wasn't interested and they eventually would leave. I only noticed
the extra attention in Paris for about 3 days of my total 14 day trip through
the Netherlands, Belgium and Paris.
Christina
Minneapolis, MN USA Sun 12/14/2003
Dealing with Harassment; Harassment in Paris
I did my first solo trip to Europe a couple of years ago. I was only 18,
and am a real redhead (unmissable in a crowd) with very, very pale Irish
skin. Harassment on the street (in the form of whistles and catcalls) happens
to me in Canada from time to time, so I was more or less prepared to deal
with it abroad. What I was unprepared for were the men in Paris - it was
an unnerving experience to have my butt pinched on the subway, while a guy
I met in the Louvre was extremely challenging to get rid of, and one old
guy followed me from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower. Incidentally, I've
not heard anything about other women being harassed in Paris - and I wasn't
in rough districts.
On subsequent trips I have discovered that the best way to deal with harassment is as follows: 1) dress conservatively (more or less a given) 2) when spoken to (along the lines of "hey beautiful," as happened in Rome), a smile and/or a "thank you" in the local language is relatively harmless, and a good way of ending it, as long as you remember to keep moving while you say it. It tends to make them stop if you respond with a comment, but whatever you do, don't answer any questions - this tends to be seen as an invitation to accompany you wherever it is you may be going. If they continue to question you, DON'T ANSWER keep moving and studiously ignore them. They'll get the idea.
If you're really not sure what to do, emulate the local women - copy those who look your age - since they deal with it all the time, they know what works. And if all else fails, ask a local woman how she handles it - she may be able to teach you a couple of choice gestures or words that make all the difference. In spite of the harassment (which, in the grand scheme of things, is generally not a big deal - even in Italy, Spain and France), go anyway: it is the best thing you can do for yourself.
With regards to England, I found
that the men there were unusually solicitous: they offered up seats on
trains, apologized when they bumped into me, offered directions, offered
to help with bags (something that happened nowhere else - there's little
old me, all five feet of me, struggling with a big bag on trains in cars
full of men on the Continent, absolutely zero offers of assistance in
getting the bag down off or up onto the six foot high racks, even from
men I'd been speaking with). I'm English (although I haven't lived there
since I was a little girl) and I look (and, after a few days there, sound)
English, so maybe that helps.
Alison Smith
Calgary, Canada Tue 12/09/2003
Curly hair beware!
I loved traveling alone in Europe. I went to Sweden and Germany after my
18th birthday and had a safe and wonderful time. The only problem I encountered
was the men's advances and comments-they kept on trying to touch my curly
hair and touch my skin! This one guy I met in Sweden said that tanned and
dark women with curly hair are a treat. But overall, I think traveling alone
in Europe is great, as long as you don't let on that you're lost!
USA Mon 12/08/2003
Confidence is key!
Be confident. That's my advice when travelling alone in Europe as a woman.
I travelled alone and at one point with two other girls this summer in Italy.
Yes, sometimes Italian men can be a trip, but they are easily thrown off
by confidence. Actually, the girls and I had a little fun 'poking fun' at
the guys and their flirtatious. They were a little dense that they didn't
even know that we were making fun of them. One of the girls was a blond
and she definately attracted a little more attention, but nothing horrible.
Maybe we had it easier because we could speak Italian. But, body language,
stern eye contact, a few key phases, and possibly wearing a wedding band
can communicate a whole lot. Just keep going about your business and they'll
get the hint. I have had worse experiences in the US at bars. Just be safe
about your travels, don't walk alone really late at night on side streets
and all the stuff you would normally do in an unfamiliar city in the US.
Rose
Milwuakee, WI USA Mon 12/08/2003
Germany
Just got back from a trip to Germany. I was alone for the most part, but
met a friend for a conference in Bonn (three days of the ten day trip).
It was quite liberating! I could decide what to do and when. I found it
safe in Germany, even at night. Attempt the local language. I was never
treated rudely for my rudimentary German.
Zaida
CA USA Sat 11/29/2003
Sexual harassment at The Pink Palace in Greece
If you are planning to stay at The Pink Palace on Corfu, Greece, please
this site's Greece & Turkey Tips board for an account of the sexual harassment
I experienced there.
Juliana
Montreal, QC Canada Fri 11/28/2003
Uncomfortable in Italy!! I'm astounded!
Really curious as to why Nina would say to avoid traveling in Italy??? Been
there, done that and WILL go back. Never had any problems and felt completely
comfortable. Perhaps if Nina could tell us what happened we could make a
better evaluation and/or it may help someone else avoid a possibly bad situation!
Please share!
Connie
USA Wed 11/19/2003
Jenni Re: Italy
What are you doing? I'm 25 years old and have been traveling to Southren
Italy and Sicily every year since I was 16 without a problem. My blond hair
has not been a problem in faxt I've seen lots of blonds and redheads in
S.I. and Sicily. Since I also model I don't think my looks are stopping
them from touching me but I look them right in the eye and they know I'm
not avavilable for handling. Think about your body language. They knew their
reputation and are glad to comply.
Mari Ann
LA, USA Mon 11/17/2003
21 year old female
I travelled alone in Italy and Switzerland and my experiences could not
have been more different than night and day. In Italy, the men harassed
me non-stop. The train conductor actually had to move me to a different
overnight cabin! In Switzerland, I didn't have a single problem. Also, blond
hair draws a lot of attention in Italy. The further South you go, the more
they touch you! But thats just my experience.
Jenni
USA Fri 11/14/2003
Traveled alone, no problem
I am a 45 year old female who recently spent three weeks alone in Italy
with no problem. Everyone was very respectful,young and old alike. I have
been learning Ialian on my own and was able to converse with people,especially
on the trains. Other italian women often asked me to come with them for
coffee. I felt very safe, didn't really see any gypsies in Rome. I really
enjoyed being able to slip into the sights and sounds of their world for
awhile. Go and enjoy yourself. Solo travel is rewarding and makes you confident.
Jeanne
Lihue, Hi USA Sun 11/09/2003
Traveled alone and loved it
I travel to Europe a few times a year for vacation. Although I often take
my husband or a family member, for the past two years, I have travelled
once a year by myself. I prefer to travel through France and Spain, I feel
very safe travelling in those countries. However, I do caution against travelling
in England or Italy alone. It is a wonderful experience as you don't have
to wait on anyone and can be spontaneous.
Nina
Houston, TX USA Mon 11/03/2003
Packing, shopping, and travel in Italy
I am a 50-year old woman who likes to travel, and look good without a lot
of fuss so I can enjoy my time to the fullest. Just returned from Oct. trip
to Rome, Florence, and Venice with a small tour group specializing in art
and shopping. I wore primarily Chico's "Travelers Collection"---three pairs
of black pants, one short black skirt, and coordinating tops and a couple
of jackets. The skirt was a lifesaver on the two hot days in Rome. These
knits are acetate and nylon, easily washable. I accessorized with a little
costume jewelry and scarves. I received many compliments, and I did not
have any wrinkling. Everything fit into two duffles with my toiletries.
In fact, on my flight to Rome, one of the duffles contained another duffle
too (for planned purchases). I left all my "good" jewelry at home. I was
always appropriately and comfortably attired.
One night we went to a fancy restaurant in Florence, and all I added to my black skirt and top were earrings and a pink pashmina I'd found in an outdoor market, and it looked very chic. I did some wash one night in Florence with Woolite packets and my tub, and then hung everything up. The next morning nearly everything was dry.
The other five women on my trip were very well dressed and impressed with how little I carried. This was especially great getting on and off trains a couple of times, and then the vaporetto in Venice. I am convinced this is the only way to travel comfortably and still look nice and chic, and not carrying lots of bags.
By the way, I went off alone several times (our group was very flexible) and had no trouble with anything or anyone using my language tape Italian. In the larger cities, almost everyone speaks some English, but I still believe in speaking some of the local language. People seem to appreciate it.
For gifts, I found museum gift shops to have clever and reasonably priced items. In Florence, I bought two gorgeous bags and a leather jacket for my husband at the Santa Croce Leather School around the corner from the cathedral of the same name. I also visited the designer outlets nearby. You can get more info on them on the web at www.made-in-Italy.com. Click on shopping, and then factory outlets. Outlets are always a hit or miss thing, but I did very well at Gucci (bags and sweaters)and Ferragamo (scarves and ties)there. If you are interested in designer goods at a good price, research prices here in the States first. Neimans and Saks both have big websites showing Italian designer goods and prices.
Enjoy yourself, don't pack too much, speak a few
words of the local language, and use your common sense!
Bonnie Weissman
Vienna, VA USA Mon 11/03/2003
Money belts -- a more attractive solution
OK, I don't know about you, but the money belt doesn't flatter my tummy
and the money neck pouch sticks out of my clothing. I found a unique solution.
I wear the neck pouch version on the side of my hip. A little strange, but
hey, it works.
Female from USA
USA Tue 10/28/2003
A few things I'll do differently
I recently took a two-week trip to Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento/Capri/Naples/Pompeii.
When I went to Italy in my mid-twenties, a few times I was frightened by
men in Sorrento and Sicily. And I was on a tour! This time I travelled alone.
I really had few problems. A few men paid me some attention, but they were
respectful, and it was nice considering how little attention I get at home!
However, I had a few problems with thieves. At Hotel Fontana in Venice, my tape player was stolen out of my room (with my Italian language tape, the greatest loss!). In the future, I'll make sure everything is locked up in my suitcase! In Southern Italy, I sat with a couple of businessmen in first class on the train. They weren't pretending to be business men, I might add. Anyway, I fell asleep and was awoken by the man next to me groping in my pocket for cash. Luckily, there was nothing in my pocket but junk.
Also, on the train between Naples and Sorrento,
I sat in the front cart in a rather empty train except for two female
and two male young teenagers. During the trip, four young men moved to
the back of the train and were eyeing my suitcases. I realized that they
could grab them without problem as there were no adults around but me.
The teenagers in the train cart, and some tourists in the next cart, were
looking quite alarmed. I looked at the men, and then looked out the window,
figuring there wasn't much I could do about it at that point. For some
reason, maybe because of my attitude or the locks on my bags, they left,
went back to where they were originally standing, and then got off the
train. Why they didn't take my bags, I'll never know, but in the future
I will find a nice crowded train area with adults!
Cheryl
Santa Cruz, CA USA Tue 10/28/2003
Germany, Austria, Switzerland
I was scared of my 1 week alone in Germany. It was fabulous. Even in the
evenings I felt safe walking around (use common sense). The one thing I
forgot was smiling and looking into eyes of the men in a lot of Europe is
invitation to them that you are interested in them intimately. That created
a "touchy" situation but one in which I was still safe and able to resolve.
I would recommend going to Germany, Austria or Switzerland alone to any
woman!
Susie
Dayton, OH USA Mon 10/20/2003
Women Traveling Solo
Traveling alone is grear! Although, at points it gets lonely when you want
to share a conversation with someone or share a beautiful moment. This was
difficult for me to adjust to at first. But, then in the end it is inevitable
that you will meet people as long as you are open about it and sometimes
take the initialtive. You'll find tons of American travelers, so if you
here someone talking just strike up a conversation.
Also, the more languages you know the better. I had people come up to me in Italy and ask me a question in Italian. My Italian is somewhat limited, but I saw that they spoke Spanish and I began to speak Spanish to them since I was more comfortable with that. They asked me where I was from and told them the US and they began speaking English to me! We sat down and had a coffee.
So, if you travel alone don't worry you will find
other travelers or natives along the way to help share the experience!
Europe is a pretty friendly place and if you have distant relatives or
if a US friend recommends staying with their European friends/family even
for a night, take the opportunity. It's great to be a tourist, but it
is even better to be and feel part of a European family!
Rose
Milwuakee, WI USA Thu 09/25/2003
Solo Tips
I am 46 y/o and have traveled solo in Europe many times before and after
9/11 with no problem. In addition to what others have said, safety and enjoyment
on your trip can be enhanced by the following:
Research the country prior to your visit and make contact there beforehand. Use the internet to search for other women in your field (computers, business,nurse)or with your interests (birding,sportscars,art). I have wonderful friends in Europe I met there almost 20 years ago!
When arriving in an unfamiliar town, I don't walk the street after dusk - I write postcards, journal, study maps, read. Daytime is playtime!
Dress modestly and avoid eye contact/ignore/be deaf to agressive males. In Turkey, call out "ayip!" (shame)or "birak beni!" (leave me alone) - this will do the trick. Other women will come to your aid. I wear a gold wedding band also.
Of course, pack light. I buy inexpensive clothes where I visit usually and ship back excess and other purchases as I go. Nice memories when I wear it later!
When lost, consult maps off the street - in a private area (church or store). Nothing alerts would-be thieves or baddies quicker.
I also put black tape over the "Canon" label on my pricey camera to thwart potential thieves. In crowded areas, my small pack is on backwards across my chest, and nothing of value is in pockets.
Finally, universities (especially cafeterias) are great places to meet english-speaking new friends, and maybe even get an impromptu tour of the area!
Thanks Rick for the years of good advice!
NM
Chicago, IL USA Sun 08/31/2003
Solo Travel is Great
RE traveling alone in Europe: DO IT! I just got back about three weeks ago
from a two month trip over the summer by myself (except for three of those
weeks) and it was fabulous! I'm also only nineteen so you can imagine how
scared all my friends and family were! However, everything turned out great
(and no problems with the Italian men as everyone says--at least no more
than you'd get at home in a bar)! My advice would be to just be smart, always
be on guard especially of foreign men (or men posing as Americans), and
travel as light as humanly possible! If not you'll regret it the second
you step foot in a metro system. So my advice is just to go for it and have
fun!
Lindsay Smith
Atlanta, GA USA Tue 08/12/2003
More Info on Wattage
You must have a converter and an adapter so your US appliance (blow dryer,
iron, hair straightner) won't fry. Our appiances operate at 110 volts and
europeans are at 220 volts. If you plug something into the wall with just
the adapter to make the plug fit, the appliance will heat up extremely fast,
burn hair, melt, smoke, and possibly catch fire. You must, must, must have
an electrical converter to change the 220v to 110v otherwise you could be
responsible for burning down your hotel! Converters can be found at stores
such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, etc. Mine is a converter with adapters
for europe, australia, phillipines, england, and the middle east built in.
Very small and light. My hair straightener worked just fine and actually
took longer than usual to heat up. Don't make the mistake of just buying
the adapter, get the converter or buy your appliance in Europe.
USA Fri 07/25/2003
Use Freezer Bags
For packing in terms of space savers; get the heavy freezer bags with zippers
from the grocery store for your clothes. They really pack flat when you
press the air out. You will be amazed at the amount of space you gain!
Lesa Jacobsen
Houston, TX USA Tue 07/22/2003
Curling Irons/Wattage
Warning for Women: Your curling irons, even with an adapter for the socket,
will heat up very fast, and will burn hair if left in more than a second
or two. Color-processed hair will turn pink if iron is left in more than
a second or two. The tip of my curling iron melted right off and was ruined
on the first day because I allowed it to ?heat up? like I do here. You don't
have to do that in Great Britain. It could have started a fire, but I smelled
the smoke, first, and unplugged it! Monitor your curling irons constantly.
Lesa Jacobsen
Houston, TX USA Tue 07/22/2003
I am a single woman who travels twice a year to europe, mostly Italy.
I understand why some first timers are a bit concerned. Most American women
are not used to the European male style of "introducing" themselves, and
we don't know if we are charmed, flattered, or scared to death. "You are
beautiful - Where are you from? - What's your name? " This must usually
work for them because they all use it. A few tips. Remember, they are CONSTANTLY
reading you, so YOU are in control. They are mostly harmless and ignoring
them will eventually work. If not say "go away" and walk into a shop or
restaurant. American tourist clothing (shorts and Ts with silly slogans
and shoulder bags or fanny packs) will get you bothered by more than Don
Juannabees. European streets are busy and impersonal so an eye to eye or
a smile is a signal of interest. I've used the "pretend" reading material,
note pad pen and phantom phone conversation tricks to put a stop to some
potential pests. Some chats can be interesting and men will politely take
NO as your final answer. Most of all, American women should know better
than most, DON'T GO OFF ALONE WITH ANYONE.
D
FL USA Thu 07/17/2003
Shorts in Europe
We just got back from a trip to France, Switzerland, and Italy. It was very
warm in the US when we left, so I packed the shorts that I was used to wearing
here. However, I quickly realized that European women do not wear shorts.
They will wear very skimpy bathing suits at the beach and then will put
on a wrap-around skirt or to cover up when they leave. Be sure to bring
slacks, a skirt, or a dress to wear to restaurants in the evening. You will
feel very out of place in the casual shorts that we Americans are used to
wearing during warm summer days at home in the US. Finally, remember that
if St. Peters in Rome is on your travel agenda, they will not allow anyone
(male or female) into St. Peters if you are wearing shorts!
Karen
Acworth, GA USA Mon 06/16/2003
A solo traveling woman
I am a forty something, Black American female. I have been traveling solo
throughout Western Europe for almost 20 years now, and I have lived solo
in England and Ireland. As a woman my most harrowing experiences thus far
in Western Europe have been men staring at my breasts non-stop while talking
to me (despite dressing extremely conservatively), and a man in Naples,
Italy who chased me around the block - twice. When I went to a nearby police
officer for assistance he smiled at me and said, ?Oh he likes you.? The
man only stopped chasing me when a male, African university student came
to my rescue. On the whole, I find that if you follow practical safety precautions
you will be fine. I would love to hear from other women traveling the world
solo.
Debra
Chicago, IL USA Fri 06/13/2003
Packing for Women
I just got back from London. I found women in London to wear more fitted
outerwear coats, muted or dark colors. We only saw blue jeans on women on
weekends. I followed Rick Steve's advice and packed light. I only had 3
different sets of clothes, and my wardrobe was black based with black pants,
one black cardigan sweater and one black fake suede jacket. In additon,
I added muted and dark color tops. I sew and I inserted pockets big enough
to store my passport, etc. in my lined leather jacket and raincoat. I sewed
these pockets on the lining. At the top of each pocket I secured the top
with velcro. The pockets I sewed into the lining were helpful to store those
things, I need for every day use. I also used a money belt.
Teresa
Norristown, PA USA Sat 05/24/2003
Prada Outlet
The Prada outlet outside of Florence in Montevarchi (pronounced mon tee
var kee) is worth a trip out to shop. It's very easy to get there from Florence.
Take the train from the central train station in Florence to Montevarchi,
there's a train about every hour or so. Get off in Montevarchi...don't be
scared, you'll feel as if you've gotten off in the middle of no where. Outside
of the train station there's a taxi stand where you'll find plenty of taxis
waiting. The driver will know where to go from there all you have to say
is Prada outlet please and you'll be on you way. The cab fare is roughly
13 Euros one way. The nice thing about that is more than likely there will
be someone else on the train that wants to go to and you can split the fare.
I strongly suggest you make a reservation with the taxi driver to come back
and pick you up to take you back to the Montevarchi train station, trust
me it makes things a lot easier. Just let him know what time you need to
be picked up and the taxi will be there waiting for you.
Try and give yourself some time. The outlet is fairly large and you'll
want to spend some time looking around at all they have to offer. If you're
a Prada fan like myself you'll be amazed at how much you'll save on Mui
Mui and Prada items. Just to give you an example the last time I was there
I purchased 3 pairs of fabulous shoes, 3 purses, and 2 wallets. The grand
total was 875.00 Euro of which I got 20% back in tax refund. You just
can't beat a deal like that. The tax back issue for non-EU citizens is
great and there is no shortage of tax back offices in Italy. If you're
going to the outlet good luck and if you have any questions please feel
free to email me and make sure the subject in the email is Prada Outlet.
Toni
Seattle, WA USA Tue 05/20/2003
Avoid unwanted attention from local men
Being a young blonde who's travelled in various parts of the world, Ive
had my fair share of unwanted attention from local men. My best defense:
polarized sunglasses (the kind with lenses that hide your eyes completely).
They protect from the sun and from unintentionally making eye contact with
strangers. This works particularly well in places like taly, North Africa,
Greece, and Central America where you would be squinting anyway. I lost
a pair in Italy the last time I travelled and almost instantly felt like
more of a target.
Fiona Burke
Houston, USA Wed 04/23/2003
Greeting Europeans on the street
Wow, I can't tell you how many conversations I struck up with strangers
on the street just 2 weeks ago while overseas. Dog walkers were especially
open to a chat. Of course I was careful and didn't greet EVERY person, especially
when I was alone. But I wouldn't trade the moments of chatting with strangers,
the tips older men gave me about their town, the life stories women shared
with me, the knowledge I learned about dogs (whether I wanted to know it
or not) or the warm smiles I received each day.
Libby
Philadelphia, PA USA Tue 04/15/2003
Don't make eye contact
I often receive unwanted attention from Northern African males. Do not make
eye contact with them, ever. Just looking someone in the eye as you're crossing
the street is enough for them to follow you and try to strike up a conversation.
Europeans never look strangers in the eye as they're out and about. Perfect
your 'look over the shoulder' gaze before you and go and use it. Otherwise,
I feel safer in a deserted European square at midnight than I do back home.
Karla
Strasbourg, France Thu 04/10/2003
Travelling Alone in Italy
Backpacking alone in Italy for three weeks, as a 21-year-old red-head I
thought I would stick out or receive unwanted attention from males. Everything
was fine until I got further south in Italy, then the comments began. In
Sorrento, Naples, Pompeii, and Rome (to an extent) I was approached quite
a few times by young men. They would ask questions about where I was from,
where I was going, say "you are beautiful", and the like...it was partially
funny (the men seemed like characters from a movie!) and partially uncomfortable,
but I never felt threatened by it. Just be firm and distant and try to remove
yourself from the situation-don't egg them on. Also, I never said I was
alone, I repeatedly told them I was meeting friends later--all common sense
advice, but it helps to hear it. Don't let any fears you might have hold
you back from travelling alone...one of the best decisions I made!
BT
austin, tx USA Wed 04/09/2003
Spain
I currently am traveling in Andalucia, Spain alone and it?s great. At times,
I do wish that I had someone to share all of this beauty with. Helps to
speak Spanish.
Sarah Ingvalson
Portland, OR USA Sun 03/30/2003
Morning Sickness
I traveled to Switzerland when I was 5 months pregnant and over morning
sickness, or so I thought. I found that with the time change and the different
foods, my morning sickness came back. Solution....I had grabbed a bunch
of the air sickness bags from the airplane and carried them along. Nice
to have when you can't find a restroom quickly!
Andrea
Brentwood, CA USA Mon 03/24/2003
Looking for a travel companion in your city?
Meetup.com, a new free service that organizes local gatherings, has a section
for people who are looking for a travel companion: www.meetup.com. They
have monthly get togethers in 500+ cities all over the world. There's no
charge to sign up and all that's required is your email address. You can
also post messages to other people in your city.
USA Sun 03/23/2003
English High Tea
My daughter and I recently had the most marvelous English high tea in London
at the Brown"s Raffles Hotel in the Mayfair district. Paneled walls, fireplace,
welcoming staff(we didn't have a reservation either). By far the best tea
and we have tried several in London. Not inexpensive, but well worth the
experience.
Suzanne Roeckelein
Chandler, AZ USA Wed 03/05/2003
Staying in Convents
I was in Rome last June and stayed at the Trinitarian Father's Guest House,
Santa Maria della Fornaci. This time I am staying with the Sisters of the
Atonement (the "American Sisters") in Assisi. Staying in convents is a clean,
inexpensive, wonderful experience even if you are not Catholic. You will
meet local people and feel like you live in the neighborhood. Give it a
try--it is the only way I would travel in Italy by myself!
D.J. Smith
Albany, NY USA Sat 03/01/2003
baby powder or no baby powder?
Well, i was recently reading some of the tips that other travellers had
posted up, and someone had mention that baby powder is like dry shampoo.
Well i was curious enough to try it out, on my visit to Canada. I learned
that, if you are going to a dry and cold place, like Canada in the winter
time, DON'T use baby powder as shampoo. What happened was, my hair got all
static-filled, and i couldn't "let my hair down."
Helen
Quincy, MS USA Sat 02/01/2003
UTI cure
I find one thing that will turn even the best trip into hell is getting
a UTI. especially on a plane. for me, cranberry juice doesn't really work,
and it may not be as widely available or inexpensive abroad. Look in the
vitamin section of your grocery or health food store and get cranberry pills.
they are 100% cranberry, and work fast. take them on your trip and you wont
have to mess with juice, doctors visits, etc. i didnt take them on a recent
trip to london and i really regretted it. i will never leave them out of
my first aid kit again.
USA Tue 01/14/2003
Women Travelers
I've been to Europe three times now, each time seeing different countries.
I've traveled alone and with 1-2 other women. It's been my experience that
women are not treated any worse in any of these countries than we are in
the good old USA. Sexism is still alive and kicking wherever you go. The
solo woman dining alone scenario is all too true for US restaurants too.
Your recourse in any restaurant, certainly, is to reflect the "quality" of your service in your tip OR ask to speak to the manager if it was all
that bad, same as here.
Litekeeper
OK USA Sat 01/11/2003