Bitrix is offline Bitrix Post #11  October 6,2009, 8:32pm
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Dears Followmesky and YYsmiley,
About getting the guts, why not try a short trip first? There's so much to see in Rome, Barcelona, Napoli, Madrid...One week break in one of those cities -- where you'll surely find lots of people who can speak english-- and you never have time to remember you're travelig solo. That's good training for longer journeys.

A friend of mine used to say she could deal with anything traveling solo, but she felt very awkward dinning all by herself. At first I used to take a book to a restaurant or to a bar where I would enjoy some wine or Martinis. Now I just go, sit down, order the meal and the drinks. It becomes natural, just give it time .

About the loneliness, again, my books always kept me company, and they help me a lot when I need to get rid of some kind of uninvited attention-- I-pods are also perfect for both purposes .
 
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YYsmiley is offline YYsmiley Post #12  October 6,2009, 8:43pm
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Bitrix, you are my idol! You are so independent and brave!

Thank you for your advice. I'll seriously planning a solo trip.
 
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followmesky is offline followmesky Post #13  October 6,2009, 9:19pm
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that's a great idea. I think for me, I would rather do something really short, maybe 3-5 days, regardless if its not international . For me, its baby steps. I along anyone else needs to get the guts plus the awkwardness of being alone and wanting sometimes to share it with someone.
 
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sarabythesea is offline sarabythesea Post #14  October 9,2009, 8:37am
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Dear Followmesky,

I read a great book about traveling alone:

A Foxy Old Woman's Guide to Traveling Alone : Around Town and Around the World by Jay Ben-Lesser. Crossing Press, c1995.

It has great advice, and not just for older women. I was only 34 when I read it. The author is a cute old lady who is widowed, but wanted to travel.

She tells you how to take practice steps in your own city, like eating out alone.

After reading her book, I took a trip by myself to Portland, Oregon. I stayed in a log cabin at a state park right by a creek. It was beautiful.

I also stayed at a bed and breakfast. I researched online and picked one that had a nice older couple who owned it. (I didn't want to end up alone in a house with a single man!) I was the only one staying there, and the couple was very kind to me, recommending local restaurants, sharing their ice cream and TV in the evenings, and loaning me a bike to ride around the valley one morning.

I did do a guided tour, also. We hiked into Havasupai, a camping spot in the Grand Canyon. The tour cost about $1600 for 4 days, and it was worth it. They provided tents, meals, and guides to take me to waterfalls and on hikes. It was called Arizona Outback Adventures. The group included married people, kids, and one older woman.

I hope you find a wonderful trip to take, followed by many more!

Sara
 
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followmesky is offline followmesky Post #15  October 11,2009, 3:31pm
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sarabythesea wrote :
Dear Followmesky,

I read a great book about traveling alone:

A Foxy Old Woman's Guide to Traveling Alone : Around Town and Around the World by Jay Ben-Lesser. Crossing Press, c1995.

It has great advice, and not just for older women. I was only 34 when I read it. The author is a cute old lady who is widowed, but wanted to travel.

She tells you how to take practice steps in your own city, like eating out alone.

After reading her book, I took a trip by myself to Portland, Oregon. I stayed in a log cabin at a state park right by a creek. It was beautiful.

I also stayed at a bed and breakfast. I researched online and picked one that had a nice older couple who owned it. (I didn't want to end up alone in a house with a single man!) I was the only one staying there, and the couple was very kind to me, recommending local restaurants, sharing their ice cream and TV in the evenings, and loaning me a bike to ride around the valley one morning.

I did do a guided tour, also. We hiked into Havasupai, a camping spot in the Grand Canyon. The tour cost about $1600 for 4 days, and it was worth it. They provided tents, meals, and guides to take me to waterfalls and on hikes. It was called Arizona Outback Adventures. The group included married people, kids, and one older woman.

I hope you find a wonderful trip to take, followed by many more!

Sara
excellent idea. I will def check this out. Sounds like you had a great time. It def inspires women to travel alone.
 
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ChefKat is offline ChefKat Post #16  October 11,2009, 3:50pm
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I have traveled alone as well! It is very refreshing if you ask me. I love going to the beach and listening to the waves, the smell of the ocean mist. Its incredible and can certainly clear the mind.
 
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Elmie73 is offline Elmie73 Post #17  October 12,2009, 4:01pm
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I've travelled solo all over europe, parts of the states, asia, the middle east (not advisable for a first timer, but amazing), and even in africa. (am learning spanish so that i can manage south america next - dos cervesa grande pro favor it enough for spain, but probs won;t cut it in latin america).

If you're a newbie stay in a hostel (Hostels & Youth Hostels Worldwide - Online Bookings) or any other site - there are always lots of solo (and small groups) of travellers happy to chat, share a meal, or a the cost of a day trip.

I agree with the girls - if it's your fist trip why not stick to an english speaking country - Eire and Scotland are great - not as lonely/initmidating as london and the natives will talk the hind legs of a donkey at the drop of a hat - you'll never be short of company if you make yourself comfy on a bar stool down the country.

And if you're not ready to risk the transport system on your own - use a hop on hop off service where you'll quickly get to know the group (Vagabond Guided Tours of Ireland | Award-winning tours of Ireland. The personal Irish vacation, Vagabond is the best way to tour Ireland. Only Vagabond's Small-group 4X4 Tours travel to the hidden corners of Ireland.) (Shamrocker Budget tours of Ireland from Dublin Irish tour guides) and have great craic.

I've also met a fair few Americans doing activty holidays (for example Cultural Activity Holidays in Glencolmcille, Donegal, Ireland, and Irish Language courses for adults - Irish Gaelic.) and again they have a super time (but then you'll have to wait for the summer, such as it is).

Good luck - you'll have fun!
 
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Psycue is offline Psycue Post #18  October 12,2009, 9:29pm
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I like this thread. I will be taking my first trip solo, Feb 2010 to Bermuda. I'm a little nervous but excited and in the need of a vacation badly. Reading you ladies post gives me confidence that not only can I have a great time but I can also feel comfortable traveling alone. Many Thanks!
 
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Marlo5678 is offline Marlo5678 Post #19  October 13,2009, 2:13pm
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I too have had some great experiences travelling alone. You do have to be prepared for some time truly alone of course so take a book and your ipod for those times. But mostly if you send out the right vibe you will never be lonely. I suggest an "easy" entry into travelling alone is to go to an all inclusive resort . That is a good starting place if you enjoy the beach. You can take part in all the silly activities and you are immediately part of a crowd. Believe it or not New York city can be good alone if you stay in the Theatre district. I went all over on the subway during the day and at night it is right next door to go to a play. Las Vegas is good alone. Just sit at the bar and start talking. These are places that are easier in my book than say a backpack across europe for the first time. Go someplace you may have been with someone else so at least you have an orientation to the place. Or like anytime you go travelling to someplace new, take a city tour the first day. Look for others alone. Best of luck. Please give it a go. I decided a long time ago that I am not going to wait around for the people around me to want to do something. I plan it and do it. I agree with the person that said it is nice alone because you don't have to negotiate every break or where to go for dinner--you do what you want. No compromise. Love that!!! LOL
 
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TravelBarbie is offline TravelBarbie Post #20  October 13,2009, 9:04pm
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Dealing with the loneliness is easy...find yourself a local man
j/k...kinda ...that actually can be a fun part of solo travel!

But seriously - there is a kind of loneliness that suddenly creeps in unexpectedly, and can be quite acute. But I have found that it actually creates that need in you to make new friends and new connections. You get over it pretty quick. But it definetly helps if you are someone who can laugh at your own jokes, and be okay with a lot of personal introspection.

I highly recommend the book called "A WOMAN ALONE: Travel Tales From Around the Globe" This book TOTALLY inspired me to take my first solo voyage...and I've been doing it ever since
 
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