Travelling Solo?
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Travelling Solo?
| Thu, 05-31-2007 - 2:52pm |
Hi there, I am in my late 20s and single. My friends are all married. There really are a lot of places in the world I would like to travel to but am weary to do it alone. Everyone travels in groups or with there SO. I feel if I travel alone I feel awkward if I go to an all inclusive vacation to eat at meal times, etc. Do any of you travel alone, if so I would love to hear your stories and a vote of confidence on why I should. Any help appreciated.

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>>You must be super outgoing. <<
I've never considered myself outgoing. Growing up, I was pretty shy. I think the past few years of being single has made me come out of my shell a little more. I am also a lot more bold and more able to talk to strangers when I'm traveling for some reason. I think it might be because I am just more relaxed in general on vacation, and don't think about it as much. Plus, you always have the excuse of asking for advice on sites to see and places to go.
AJ, enjoying life with C.
The more the merrier - I'd love to meet up with people while I'm there.
I don't have a set plan yet. I definitely want to see the coast, and I'd like to see some of VT and NH as well, and I'm ending in upstate NY where my sister, brother-in-law and nephews live. If we get ambitious, we might drive up to Quebec City together.
AJ, enjoying life with C.
I just returned from a solo road trip to Fargo, ND, which was the 39th state I've visited. It was a surprisingly good time- my bringing a book to the hotel cocktail hour started a conversation with 2 couples (not traveling together), which led to drinks in the lounge, dinner down the street, a lot of laughter, and two new places to stay should I ever be passing through their home towns. Like many of the other people who replied, I wish others to travel with, but don't (I take that back, I was supposed to go on a different road trip this weekend with friends, but it evolved into a long weekend to waterpark central with 3 couples and their combined 7 kids, so I found a way to back out, hopefully without offending my friends).
So, for what it's worth, my opinion is it is better to travel alone than to never travel at all. The person to travel with may never come along, and for that matter, tomorrow may never come, so I've stopped making excuses. I am prepared when going someplace alone-
I have hotel reservations, an idea of what to do, how to get there, and maybe even a good restaurant suggestion. When I travel with others, I tend just go and do whatever, I guess I probably feel a little more secure in a group.
My best advice is to keep a smile on your face and be willing to chat to complete strangers- they may become your new friends. I've probably mentioned this before, but I've gotten numerous hotel upgrades (bigger rooms on higher floors w/better views, sometimes discounted rates) just by friendly chatter with front desk clerks. I sit down at the restaurant bar and always ended up chatting with locals, who are more than willing to give suggestions on stuff you'd never know to do or places to go. This has turned into a dinner invite more than once. I've also met several other tourists who often invite me to join in their activities, which has led to a string of contacts around the US. When I go out to eat, I take a book or magazine to keep me occupied. I've also noticed the wait staff (male and female) usually will pay more attention to you when dining alone. I limit myself to a drink, maybe two, so that I don't make any decisions I might regret the next day!
You might want to consider doing a group trip with other singles if you haven't taken a big trip on your own. I started with two singles cruises, and met a lot of great people (and even an ex-boyfriend) from all over North America which led to other travels to hang out with them again. Now that I'm comfortable in the Caribbean, I go to different islands on my own, but I would do the singles cruise again if it was guaranteed my ex wouldn't be there! I'm going to Europe with a small singles group (20 & 30's) in September, but I'm starting with several days in London on my own. If you google single tours, trips, etc you will find plenty of options. Whatever you do, don't stay home!
Wow, you guys are great!
Okay...here is my take...
If you are inspired, do it. I personally, would not go anywhere that was too romantic. I went to Hawaii a few weeks ago...had a pretty good time...but wasn't in love with who I went with. Everywhere I looked, I saw couples...*happy* couples which made me feel sad in comparison. I enjoyed Hawaii and definitely want to go back...but *only* part of a couple and when I feel I am in love...as I feel it's a vacation for lovers.
I love how adventuresome you all are! I am 40 and have money now to travel. The people I tend to attract in my life don't really have money to travel with me. So I am going anyways. I am on a waiting list for my first cruise. I didn't pick any cruise...I picked one with a seminar I am really interested in so I will meet others who are interested as well. I hooked up with another gal who wants to go and we, if we get picked, will be roommates. I am excited!
I am particularly excited about all the travel options out there. For instance, I read about cycling cruise tours in Europe! How fun would that be?
I want to go elsewhere...and I am going to just "do it". You never know who you might meet or how your life can change! When I went to Seattle when I was 25, I met someone special...and they were traveling, too and from my "neck of the woods"! After that, I had a very special 1.5 years!
You all have inspired me a lot. You guys are very modern, cool women...my hats off to you!
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