Solo Travel: Pros and Cons
Many people are reluctant or nervous to travel alone. Share your tips on traveling alone safely, economically...and without being lonely.
- Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.
Solo Travel Rocks!
I am a 29 yo female and have been traveling alone for 4 years. I backpacked for two months in Europe and have done a bunch of trips to Canada. I usually stay in hostels but I have recently started couchsuring (www.couchsurfing.org) and I will definitely be doing more of that on my next trip. It is such a great way to meet people and see how the locals live! I wish I would have known about couchsurfing earlier!
As far as safety goes, I have almost never felt unsafe. I am smart though. I don't go out at night by myself and I don't walk down dark alleys (duh). The world is not as scary as your parents and the media make it out to be!
Michelle
Minneapolis, MN USA 12/29/2011
Singles/Solo Travel: Avoid single supplement!
A great way to avoid single supplements for solo travelers is finding a travel club or organization that pairs people up with roommates. They often also try to get affordable single supplement rates.
I belong to Singles by the Bay Travel Club.
They have members all over the US and do trips to Europe and beyond. Really great group. You can learn more about them here: http://singlesbythebaytravel.com/
Carey
Hampden, MA USA 12/13/2011
Italy in the Winter--Solo
Hi, everybody! I'm heading out on my first Euro solo voyage in February[INVALID]I'll be in Italy for 2 weeks! I'm very excited but a little part of me is nervous since I will be planning it all by myself. I will be traveling on a low budget and was able to find a few B&Bs and reasonably priced hotels. I'll be landing in Florence and hope to spend my first few days there. I plan to go on a walking tour the first day or so and spend the next couple of days wandering around and just enjoy being there. After that, i plan on heading down to Rome for about 4 days or so, partake in another walking tour or two then head back on a train to Florence. From Florence, I'd like to take a few day trips[INVALID]Siena, Pisa, San G. I'd also like to spend a day in Bologna or Lucca. I'm also very, very tempted to venture out to Turin for a day but I don't want to exhaust myself too much. How does this itinerary sound to you experienced travelers? Is it too ambitious? What are your tips for me[INVALID]a first time-Euro traveler (F, late 20s), pretty street smart and intuitive but not so great with directions :/ How is the train system[INVALID]is it fairly easy to navigate? I would love any feedback! Thanks in advance :)
rea
USA 11/22/2011
Single Supplement
I've traveled solo to England, Scotland, Wales, Finland, Mexico, Japan, Italy and about 30 states. I find that being aware of your surroundings without being paranoid is key. Never had a problem. But I would travel more if the Single Supplement didn't exist!! There is a petition circulating on the White House petition site about this...http://wh.gov/TwT. It's worth checking out.
Milore
Providence, RI USA 10/26/2011
Solo trip to London england
I will be going to London England by myself and need advise where to stay that would be safe with a great location. I want to meet nice people so I am not looking to stay in a large hotel but one where it feels like a "cheers" atmosphere and I can walk to local places if I want. Please advose
Sandy
Corona, Ca USA 10/23/2011
Travelling alone
Sue from Philadelphia: Barcelona is an outstanding city to visit. Actually, one of the most fun and interesting places to visit in Europe. Of course, if your prime goal is art, there are better options (Rome, Firenze, Paris, Madrid ...) but if you want a mix of art, nice street walks, amazing cousine, design/fashion shopping, good weather all year round, a beautiful and long beach by the Mediterranean, gothic quarters, surrealistic buildings, some Picasso, some Dalí, a cathedral that is an explosion of light (Gaudí's Sagrada Familia), the best romanesque museums and «tapas bars» everywhere, with inexpensive and incredible food & wine, go there. No problem travelling alone. Just wacht your pocket when strolling in the "Rambla" street ...
Mestre de C.
L'Empordŕ, Spain 10/17/2011
Sue from Philadelphia: Barcelona is wonderful! I was there on a solo trip last year and loved it.
Matt H
Athens, GA USA 10/13/2011
I have traveled alone in the UK and just returned from a two week solo to Italy.
I never ate supper alone. People are so nice as are other travelers. The only advice I have is to watch your stuff in train and bus stations and dress a little for dinner, black pants as opposed to capris. I took my diary to supper and would write but I never finished since people are interested in solo women travelers for the adventure. Just make eye contact and smile. Ask the Italian couple what they are having. I met nice people. I am not a glamor gal and am pushing 50. Do not order off the tourist menu, dive into the local stuff, and if you mistakenly order a bottle of wine for lunch instead of a glass, give it to a couple when you leave. Don't be afraid to talk to people, you will be amazed at the experiences you have.
Elizabeth
Springfield, MO USA 10/05/2011
Female solo travel - need suggestions
I am a female in my 30's. I feel comfortable to travel alone to new places. I need suggestions to plan a trip in Europe.
Duration: 5 - 10 days
Timing: late Oct or in Nov
Accommodation requirements: budget, clean, safe and conveniently located. I am fine with B&B or hostels; plan to travel solo to somewhere for a week or up to 10 days. I narrow my destination to Barcelona and a couple of other places.
I have been to Paris, Rome, London, Madrid and want to go somewhere new, that has plenty sight-seeing to do during the day, and fun activities and friendly people to hang out at night . I am thinking Barcelona. Would that be a good place for solo female? What other places I can add on to the Barcelona trip? Any other suggestions?
Sue
Philadelphia, PA USA 09/21/2011
Solo Travel Clubs!
Solo travelers unite! I run a travel club comprised of ALL solo travelers. We go all over the world and people pair up to save money on single supplement costs. Check us out here:
http://www.photoflytravel.com/
totally free to join us too!
John
Boston, MA USA 07/25/2011
Looking for Travel friend
2o years old traveling alone to Greece. I would love to have a Platonic friend to meet up with that can enjoy the night life,good food,and beaches with me in Mykonos ,and Santorini Greece. I will be in Greece the July 25-August 03 If interested in a travel buddy,Email me :)
Jamie
CA USA 06/10/2011
solo travel
Have travelled all over the world ...sometimes on a group tour, sometimes solo...much prefer solo. My next trip will be two weeks in Tuscany...I have discovered I also prefer to stay in one place longer and really get to know it.
Susan
Redlands, Ca USA 05/14/2011
Westnostrum
I like to travel alone. I have friends –not too many- and relatives –not too many- and so on –not too many-... But I do like to travel alone. My soul happens to love merging into the dark blue of the sea, or into the walls of an old Romanesque monastery (St. Martin du Canigou is a clear example of this), or to get lost in any tiny fishing harbour at early morning. Travelling alone is a sad business some times, but a superb experience when art and nature are your primordial targets. My stomach loves fresh fish grilled on olive oil and a pinch of garlic. My feet love to climb hills, to jump over a puddle, to tread the hot sand, to swim ... It is such an eccentric pair of feet! It is such an insatiable stomach! It is such a unstable soul! Yes: I love to travel alone.
Mestre de Cabestany
L'Empordŕ, Spain 05/08/2011
Be prepared
I have traveled solo all over the world.
I find what helps me the most is research. By knowing the ins and outs of my destination I am able to more easily settle in and look less like a tourist. I always try and learn at least a little of the language so I don't stand out so much.
Traveling solo just requires basic common sense.
Lee
Moretown, VT USA 04/17/2011
Solo travel and meeting business contacts
I work free-lance and as such, have e-mail contacts with clients and fellow professionals all over the world, as well as attending national and international conventions for my profession. When I travel, I ask my contacts in that area if they'd like to get together for a meal or coffee or (in the case of clients) if they'd mind if I dropped by their office. Since most of us work free-lance and appreciate chances to get out of the house, they usually say yes, and even the business clients like to know who they've been working with. Another option is to seek out the local organization for your profession in the host country. I usually travel solo, but these kinds of contacts keep me from turning into a complete hermit.
Karen
Minneapolis, MH USA 03/24/2011
Going It Alone
I've traveled by myself to Europe twice and even though I was staying with friends, I was left to my own devices during the day while they worked and I could not have enjoyed myself more - I never felt like a tourist and I never felt unsafe. You really do have the freedom to go at your own pace and you don't have to worry about going to see something that doesn't appeal to you. Just enjoy the solitude and embrace the oportunities that you make for yourself on the trip.
Barbara
Alberta, Canada 03/15/2011
Solo traveling
I'm 61 and travel solo most of the time. Have been in Europe now for 7 months -- and enjoy: my own schedule, staying places for 3 -4 days, talking w/shop keepers, hotel or b/b people, strike up conversation w/others when I can - sometimes language is a barrier(Italian - I know zippo)..loneliness happens, but it always passes, and the next train or bus out of town offers another new stimulation - email friends at home... I travel off season - lower prices, eat one main meal at lunch, watch the train prices, rented a gite in France for 3 months and paid for one month what they charged for 1 week -- traveling off season is definitely the way to go! Have done some work/accomodation exchanges - great way to learn about an area, do a blog which is fun.... I would still be at home if I didn't say "I'm outta here!" and go.....
Lisa
Taos, NM USA 03/08/2011
5 ways to meet Travel Partners
Here are 5 tips for meeting travel partners.
1. Ask other travelers for advice.
2. Stay at a hostel or small family-run hotel.
3. Participate in small group city tours.
4. Teach English overseas.
5. Get lost and ask for help.
I wrote an article and elaborated more about these tips. You can check it out at www.hubpages.com/hub/solotravel.
Bryan Keith
Atlanta, GA USA 03/08/2011
Scotland Travel
I am single woman who has traveled in solo in Scotland many times. I have rented cars and traveled by train. I've joined small day trips and taken longer week walking trips.
If you are traveling in summer, you should try to book your room in advance as there are fewer single rooms. Some places will sell a double room as single, but some places won't, so your choices can be limited if you have not booked in advance.
Single track roads are very common in the highlands and other rural areas of Scotland. There are very clear rules that deal with them. When two cars are approaching in opposite directions the car that first reaches a passing places stops on his/her side of the road and waits for the oncoming car to pass. A friendly wave is common courtesy between drivers. Another rule is that uphill travel has the right of way. Here is the link to driving in Scotland from Visit Scotland. [url]http://www.visitscotland.com/guide/travel/travel-around-scotland/driving-in-scotland[/url]
Another aspect I like about Scotland is that in many pubs I am very comfortable getting a drink alone. I sometimes will sit at a table and work on a journal or have my computer and work on photos. Other times I have sat at the bar and met local people and enjoyed the music and discussions. In general, the Scots are friendly in their pubs and make you feel at home.
Another tactic that I've used has been to go to music festivals where it is easy to meet people over similar enjoyment of the tunes.
Pam
Pamela Cooper
Madison, WI USA 03/08/2011
Interact with the Locals!
I love traveling alone. In fact, I prefer to travel by myself as opposed to with someone else 90 percent of the time. I think solo travel is easier and I don't have to compromise on my itinerary. To combat the feeling of "alone," I generally socialize with the natives - in Germany that means a beer garden (nothing quite like walking up to a rowdy table and just throwing yourself in the mix). This past summer I was in Barcelona for part of the World Cup, so I found a great bar with a ton of locals along the water and enjoyed two matches using broken Spanish conversing with locals - nothing gives you the feeling of traveling in Europe quite like mixing with the local populace. If I wanted people who spoke English, I would have stayed home!
I've got quite a bit of experience traveling alone, and am planning on heading to Eastern Europe late this summer and doing three weeks alone.
Joe
Miami, FL USA 02/21/2011
Paris dinners
Hi, I will be in Paris June 24 - 27 (four nights) before joining a RS tour. I would be interested in meeting other solo travelers for dinner. This is my fourth trip to Paris. My e-mail is jmkrob2@yahoo.com.
Jonna Robinson
Orange, CA USA 02/05/2011
love solo travel
I have now taken 1 3 week trip to Southern Italy and 1 trip to Wasington DC alone. I will never worry about having a traveling partner again. I found both of these trips to be completly liberating and fun. I did what I wanted when I wanted without anybody else passing "judgement". I stayed mainly in hostels for companinship, but found that I could talk to people everywhere. It started to become fun to observe the social mores of talking to me (a single 48 yr old woman) in different enviroments and with people of various nationalities. In a nutshell I think anyone who wants to travel should try a trip alone, I think the vast majority will love it.
Lori Dick
Miami, FL USA 01/03/2011
Heading to Hawaii and more with Solo Travel Club!
Hey Everyone,
I belong and help run a singles/solo travel club called Singles by the Bay.
They are a ton of fun and membership is free. Heading to Hawaii, Morocco, Kenya, Alaska and more next year.
singlesbythebaytravel.com
Steve Juba
San Francisco, CA USA 12/13/2010
Sicily Travelogue
Hi. This solo traveler went to Sicily last September (Palermo, Castel di Tusa, Taormina, and Ortygia/Siracusa). Full trip report (the good, the bad, the ugly) at: http://www.travelmusings.net/sicily-2009/ p.s. The Rick Steves Sicily podcasts were very helpful
Mitzyli
Chicago, IL USA 09/15/2010
Safety tips
I first traveled solo when I turned 18 as a way to cure myself of the fear of being alone. They always say that facing your fears is the best way to get rid of them, and they were right. I spent three weeks in the south of Germany and it was by far the best trip of my life. I got to talk to locals and spend as much or as little time as I wanted walking around. When traveling with people I always find the problem that they want to spend way too much time at the "famous" places, whether I enjoy more walking around and feeling the city. I like to feel that I belong there. Traveling solo gave me that opportunity. The first few days were kind of rough because I was really scared, I thought that being a young girl at 5'1" would mark me as a an easy target and through my first trip I realized that you are only a target if you allow yourself to be one. Something I do when I feel uncomfortable in a place, mainly bus stop or train station, I put on my ipod and pretend to read a book that way people won't approach you because you are "busy". Another thing that I do just to be careful is to not open maps in the middle of the street, avoid looking like a tourist. I either write the directions on a notepad on my phone so I can follow the directions or go to a store and open the map there. That helps you avoid unwanted attention. Also when men randomly ask me if I'm traveling alone (specially in the hostels) I always tell them that I am visiting a friend in town but HIS apartment is too small so I rather stay at the hostel. I think the rule to follow is trust your gut feeling and follow your common sense. If something tells you that a person is friendly approach them, if it tells you to walk the other way do so. Nothing can ruin a trip worst that an uncomfortable/unwanted experience. After I came back from Germany I have done some more solo trips both in the US and abroad. Boston, Tennessee and London among others. I do not turn down people when they ask me if they can tag along but I get really excited when I get to do it on my own. It is definitely a freeing experience and I believe something everyone should experience at least once.
Maria
Miami, FL USA 09/11/2010
Museums
Booking reservations for the Borghese in Rome.
Go to this website, click on the "Click here Free Call", enter your phone number, and you will get a call directly from them, immediately!
http://www.ticketeria.it/ticketeria/borghese-regolamento-eng.asp#
bellamisio
Toronto, ON Canada 08/17/2010
The Art of Sleeping Alone... in Airports and other public places
I've been travelling alone since I was 17- probably because I have very little patience for friends who have to blow dry their hair every morning! As a young woman, I find that it's best to have a plan when backpacking, at least in terms of where you're sleeping at night. But what if that plan includes (thanks to a super-early flight out of Gatwick) a night at an airport, or an evening in a train station during which you might accidentally doze off? If you're traveling with someone, you can try to keep an eye on each other’s stuff. Most "group" backpackers I've seen in airports commandeer corners of the terminal in which they build little forts. If you don’t have this luxury (or inconvenience, depending on your point of view), it’s best to stick everything valuable into your sleeping bag: passport, phone, camera, wallet/money belt, etc. I also hook everything I have together: clip your backpack to your carry on, your carry on to the zipper pull on your sleeping bag, etc. This may sound a bit paranoid, and I’m not sure if it’s completely foolproof, but it’s worked for me for eight years and counting! (Check out www.katrichterwrites.wordpress.com for my adventures in Europe).
Kat Richter
Philadelphia, PA USA 07/18/2010
Scotland Sept 2009
Thanks GC for your response. It has made me rethink my travel plans for next spring. Am thinking of renting a car either in Aberdeen, Wick or Inverness. I want to go to Castle Mey, the Ornkeys and highlands.
diane
atlanta, ga USA 07/14/2010
Loneliness while traveling solo
Loneliness while traveling solo is only a problem if you let it be one. I always travel alone, and there are times when I wish I could share my experiences with someone, but I'm a friendly person, I usually stay in one place for a while, and I become friendly with people I meet in shops, cafes, and the B+B where I stay. By staying in on place for a while I begin to feel like I live there, rather than just passing through, and I enjoy experiencing the daily life of a place. But when loneliness strikes, it's usually an indication of fatigue, and I retire to my room and relax, read for a while, do some laundry. I like to pick out one cafe or restaurant near my B+B for dinner, and I'll take my journal to write in or spend some time weeding through my digital photos I've taken so I'm not sitting there looking pathetic and expectant. Plus, with social net-working sites such as Facebook I can post updates on my trip and keep in touch with the folks back home. I'm currently planning a two week trip to Hallstatt, where I've found the perfect B+B room, and I'm really looking forward to experiencing such a lovely place by moving in for two weeks! Most B+B owners seem to like long stays, and it's fun to feel like part of the household.
karen
chicago, IL USA 07/06/2010
I echo the post below: driving in the UK countryside is a blast, even when alone. You can save soooo much time versus public transport (in areas not well served by it), and be free to change plans on a whim. The people are friendly, the roundabouts are fun, and the radio is entertaining -- they gave a Cricket update in which I barely understood a single word. Oh, and the mirror-image driving sure keeps you alert! Good thing all those roadside shrubberies didn't scrape my rental car too badly.
Traveling solo, I have one personal rule that saves me a lot of worry: I don't bring a camera. I'd be constantly focused on protecting it; friends have had cameras stolen, and nothing ruins a trip quite like that. I used to buy the disposables, but no more... Without fellow travelers in my pics, they'd be mostly of the sights, which a beautiful book of professional photography does far better than I ever could. The memories are in my mind, and that's fine with me.
Kevin
Princeton, NJ USA 06/12/2010
For Diane who desires to go to Scotland alone
Don't know if you ever went to Scotland, but I have always travelled alone and, on one trip, spent a week driving around the Scottish countryside. I had the time of my life and it was probably the most fun I ever had on a trip. There were places I planned to see and places I found by just following the brown signs that point out points of interest, where I met many locals enjoying a day out. Sometimes you have to be quick though because the sign is right where you need to turn.
Driving on the other side of the road was no problem at all. However, knowing that most cars there are NOT automatic, I specifically asked for an automatic (or my travel agent did because I didn't want to screw it up) when the reservation was made. Gas, or petrol, there is expensive, but it's absolutely worth the freedom the car gives you.
I know many Americans are not used to the round-a-bouts. I got so used to them that I missed them when I came home! They are a BREEZE! There are very well-placed, clear signs before you come to the round-a-bout, so it's easy to read and remember which turn-off to take. My heart skipped a beat once when I encountered a double, or two-lane, round-a-bout. I found myself in the inner lane but just went around with the traffic and slowly made my way to the outer lane and turned off. If you have to go around more than once - so what?
I also encountered a number of roads that were clearly made for ONE car. Haha. There are spots along the side of these roads that are "passing places" which made me laugh - a lot. They work really well provided two cars meet where there is a passing place. If not, one car ends up making its own passing place. Hahaha! If you can't make your own passing place, one car will have to back up to a passing place. I never learned if there were any rules regarding this. The first time I was WAY off the beaten path, and I just sat there like a moron, completely clueless as to what to do. The other driver moved onto the shoulder and flashed his lights to let me know he was letting me pass. After that, I just moved off the road a bit, unless the other person did it first. I think it's just a courtesy thing.
Really the car is the best thing and I think you can get a cheaper rate if you rent by the week. I know Rick says you can hitch a lift with the postman on his tv show, but I imagined that figuring out when the postman was going to come through a village, might be a bit difficult. I researched it and found that buses between even the larger towns were rather scarce compared to the regularity of buses I was used to in major cities. I didn't want to be "stuck" anywhere. I had nearly been stuck in the English countryside once on a previous trip. Even though the people in the village were very nice and incredibly helpful in sorting things out for me, it still felt a bit scary.
Honestly, if you haven't gone - GO! I started (mentally) planning my next trip as soon as I got home from the last one. I can't wait to get back to Scotland - and yes, I'll be exploring more of the countryside!
GC
Chicago, USA 06/08/2010
solo days
My husband and I give each other solo "days" when we travel. Sometimes we even overnight apart and meet up the next day, in the next town or city. On those days, I don't mind eating a quick breakfast or lunch alone, but dinner can be uncomfortable. To combat this, I'll often cobble together a terrific meal from the local markets and street vendors, then I eat in my room. It gives me time to do some evening sight seeing, since restaurant service seems to be slower at dinner. When we meet up the next day, we're back in a restaurant sharing our crazy stories and photos. Truly the best of both worlds.
Elizabeth
Pacifica, CA USA 04/05/2010
solo travel
Compromise or companionship?? Yes, it can be a tricky balance. But, if you are always planning your next trip, nothing will keep you off of that plane. Bravo to all of the travelers who stay in hostels and to the marrieds that are willing to go it alone. I took my "Grand Tour" of Europe solo when I was 23 years old in 1976 and it changed my life. In the past 5 years, I have been to Europe three times (twice with my son, last time solo). Each time I have gone with a small tour group that does not take you through shops and tipping guides is forbidden. I extend my trip before and after the exact tour dates. Most tour days end at lunch time and then you are free to explore on your own. I have met fabulous people on all of my tours. I am surrounded by new friends that share my same interests and passion for travel. I have the advantage of both companionship and freedom.
Jonna Robinson
Orange, CA USA 04/05/2010
Traveling Alone
I am married but enjoy traveling alone once in while. It gives me freedom in decision making and the getup-and-go kind of unattached feeling. My solo trips are usually roughing it and not ideal with a comfort seeking spouse. But I love it (once in a while)!
Ken
NYC, NY USA 04/03/2010
The Joys of Traveling Solo
I'm single, female and 54, and have extensively traveled solo throughout Europe and Asia with no problems--and I don't speak any languages. I did carry a phrase book, which helped immensely, and I made an effort to approach locals in their own language, but lots of people speak English.
For those who worry that they might be lonely, I have found that traveling solo throws you into situations where you meet people you might never have met had you not been alone. In London, I chatted with a Scottish member of Parliament and his wife at a small cafe, and spent an evening drinking and laughing with a German couple in Fethiye, Turkey. I've met people from all over the world--both locals and other travelers--and have never felt isolated or alone when traveling.
And best of all, traveling solo gives you total freedom to go anywhere and do anything you want, whenever you want. You can change your plans and change your destination at a moment's notice. There are a few drawbacks. It's more expensive. A single room costs more than sharing a double and there are less of them available, and if you choose to rent a car, you're forced to bear the full cost yourself. But by and large, I wouldn't trade my solo travel experiences for anything!
Mardee
Cincinnati, Ohio USA 03/11/2010
Do it!
I "discovered" traveling solo last year while on business travel in the Chicago area I opted to stay a few more days and enjoy the city. I loved that I could change my plans at a moments notice, that I set my own pace, and was more open to talking with locals. I find eating solo really boring so I tend to sit at the bar at most eating establishments. Strike up a conversation with the bartender or fellow diners. I used this opener "I'm here for a day what would you recommend I do while I'm in town?"
I also have used craiglist ads to ask locals what they recommend. hahaha I did get a few VERY forward emails but I ended up really getting some great recommendations on where to go and where NOT to go!
Kristen
KIRKLAND, WA USA 02/25/2010
Considering Solo Travel outside the US
Thank you everyone for your posts. I have also traveled alone several times, but always in the US. I LOVE it (and I also love my husband, but sometimes it really is nice to do your own thing!) but have been a bit unsure if an overseas trip alone would be a good idea. I'm now thinking that it would. As for those of you who do not like eating alone, I was very scared the first time I did so--I even remember the meal (at a fancy restaurant on Martha's Vineyard--I was there for a month taking a writing course) and it was fine--quite liberating, actually. If it makes you a bit queasy at first, just try imagining that your dining partner went to the bathroom...surely you've done that and not felt odd!
Tracy
Macungie, PA USA 02/16/2010
travel by motor bike
hi i am 44 years old and i am going to ride around the world if kills me i would like some tips where to stay away from and where it is safe thanks
gary
melbourne, vic australia 02/09/2010
Christmas Markets
To Cheri of CO. Having traveled to Paris solo a few years ago, I realized I could do it. I have gone to the Christmas markets several times in recent years, but always with a travel partner, my husband or my mother. But I think it would be very enjoyable by my self. There is a festive feel about the bigger cities near Christmas that seems to help when you do feel a little lonely. The stores are decorated, food is easy at the stalls of the markets or at the cafes on the top floor of the department stores. I plan to go solo in the next few years. As much as I love to travel with someone, I would rather go alone than not go at all.
Linda
Danville, USA 01/27/2010
Solo vs. Group
I plan to go Busabout and stay in the hostels they use. I'm going alone but would welcome a mate if I can find one!
My plans right now are to go in Sept. 2010 on the North Loop, which also goes into the Czech Republic. All the other trips I made to Europe were with AESU & Contiki, and I just found it exhausting to stay in cities one or two nights then move on. I'd rather linger a bit.
To be honest, I think solo travel is better than the group thing; the guides
tend to recommend places where they get kickbacks, and they always urge you to take as many 'optionals' as possible to make your trip more 'authentic'. The optionals are usually costly & boring.
Michelle Smith
Winston Salem, NC USA 01/10/2010
?
I've been traveling on my own for many years, I like the independence, the choices.
Liz
Wiilmington, NC USA 01/09/2010
Mature age backpacker in the Greek Islands
Hi ,in 2007 I backpacked in the greek islands, I travelled alone ,my first mistake as I found I really needed company and someone to share my adventure with. I stayed in hostels and found these to be very clean,safe and cheap upto 20euro a night.I would like to go again this year and am planning to do this.
If you would like to know more pleas email
regards
Alex Jan/2010
Alex McLachlan
Melbourne , Vic Australia 01/04/2010