1st Time Do It Yourself Tour

If you are normally comfortable being by yourself at home, I think you will be OK in Europe and it will be very much fun -- provided you do the research and plan your trip well. For starters, I recommend getting one of Rick's guidebooks for each place you plan to visit. He's the expert we all admire on this site -- and his books would be an excellent base of information to build on. His Europe Through the Back Door book is great also.

If you're the type of person who always wants to see what's on the other side of the next hill, you'll do fine. With the high level of English fluency on the continent, it really isn't hard to travel.

Don't tell my wife or kids, my best trips are on my own. I'm usually the one that does all the research and planning anyway. It's so much easier to only have to please myself. Plus, if I end up homeless for the night, it's not the end of the world. I'm not sure my family feels the same way so it adds a level of stress to my trip.

My first two big Europe trips were on my own.

It took awhile for me to gain momentum during the first trip because I had no real direction and no plans. But once I got going I was sad to see it end so soon.

Going alone puts you in the position of putting yourself out there. You meet locals and other travellers very easily. You need to be more responsible for yourself because no one else will do it for you! It can get lonely but equally it can be nonstop fun.

Today, I still enjoy travelling alone but occasionally I can appreciate how fun it is with good travel partners.

First of all, I don't think you will regret traveling alone.

I had a lot of fun planning our trip...itinerary, train schedules, lodging, points of interest, etc.

I was traveling with my daughter, but even if traveling alone I would not have been scared.

My advise is to plan carefully, take printed info with you and check to see if a Rail Pass will fit into your plans.

Since you will be travelling alone. I would also suggest you on a note in with your passport, blood type and who to notify in case of an emergency.

You will enjoy your trip.

Brad in Va: You aren't "alone" in that regard.I love my wife and kid dearly and enjoy shared experiences- but that saddle does chafe once in a while. On my own, I am a much more agile traveler- the solo traveler is able to cut and run when things aren't up to par, or prolong and slow down the pace when it all goes sympatico. Certainly our traveling companions do change the lense through which we see travel.

This may sound odd but I've never really considered traveling with a travel parter. I am a very independent person, I did my first trip in 06 for 5 weeks and was hooked, I just finished my last trip this year for 2 months on my own. I love the freedom of traveling on my own, I can do what I want when, and I love the freedom of being on top the swiss alps without having someone beside me asking what time we are going to leave.

In saying that I do spend at least half my trip in hostels which are a great way to meet other travelers. If I am not in a hostel I always seem to meet people when I am sightseeing, many people carry Rick's books with them so I find that a great conversation starter.

I was alittle homesick on my first trip being 21 and never been away from home I had a couple difficult moments. I do think its important to have something familiar, like a book or a journal, I had my ipod with all my favorite tv shows it was something familiar so that if I was homesick I could read my book or watch my ipod and pretend to be home (which trust me with all the great things to do you won't need to do often)

I often say to people who ask if I thnk they can travel alone is, a good test is if you have either ate at a resturant or gone to a movie by yourself, if you can't do either of these your probably not ready.

Also for me preperation is key I plan almost every detail I can it makes me more comfortable.

Good luck
You'll love it

Cora made a good point.

At home, would you eat out alone, or go to a movie alone. I do and enjoy it,, but I have friends who are horrified that I do that. I am a middle class , middle aged woman,, and I figure if I can go to Paris alone then I should be able to go to a movie in my own hometown alone,, LOL

The best thing about travelling alone is I love being on my own time line and agenda,, I love to linger in museums, and stop often for snacks! My rule is ice cream at least once a day, and often twice!
I like lying in bed and reading in the evening, happy as a clam, and yes, I even watch the t.v., even if its not in english,, its hilarious.

The only ( and this is only occaisonally ) downside is sometimes at dinner you just want to share what you did that day since it was so fun, interesting or exciting! I get over it,, and think what a great story it will make when I get home, LOL

And Pat's comment is why it's a great reason to keep a travel journal!

I haven't gone traveling abroad alone yet, but I fully intend to. However, I have gone without my family and I chased away any lonliness by sending emails home, writing stories in my journal, and hanging out with my fellow tour members. I'm definitely looking forward to my first truly "solo" experience (next year, we hope?)

I mostly travel on my own because almost everyone I know only wants to travel "heavy." Not me.

A few things that I do...

Many people here like to picnic to save money. I do it, but sometimes for dinner instead of lunch. I'll go into a restaurant for lunch, but after a long day, I sometimes don't feel like sitting in a restaurant by myself. So, I'll either get something to take away, or the ingredients for a picnic and eat in my room (I normally stay in hotels so I have my own room.) Lunch in restaurants is usually cheaper than dinner so it's a great way to save money. Lunch becomes my main meal of the day.

Find English language bookstores. You may find an ex-pat American working there. They can five you some great tips such as events where people might speak English, or inexpensive restaurants that don't necessarily cater to tourists.

Take organized walking tours that are in English. You'll meet other solo travelers and might just find a companion to join you for a drink or a meal or even a day or two.

Travel light. The worst thing for a solo traveler is to lug too much stuff around.

Take something with you that will make your happy while traveling..it could be an ipod with your favorite tunes, a special kind of soap, a journal...or like me, a small, portable coffeemaker because I like a cup first thing in the morning. I still go out and get the wonderful European coffees, but there's something about that first cup in the morning.

My first two trips to Europe were wonderful but I missed out on so much due to my travel companions.I wanted to take a Rhine cruise but was outvoted in favor of spending a day in Frankfort! I took my first solo trip to England and Scotland and it was wonderful. I was able to see things that were must sees for me that I didn't get to see on my first trip. I could stay as long as I wanted or move along quickly if I wasn't especially interested. I loved every minute. Last year I was sick for most of my trip. I could sleep in, get a later start and move at my own pace without inconveniencing anyone. With cheap phone cards I was able to call home for a quick fix and enjoyed every solitary minute of my trip. I am like Liz. I go out alone at home and don't see any reason not to travel alone. Go, have a great time,keep a journal and buy a phone card!

This summer I was in Europe for the first time(I'm 22). I spent three weeks by myself, and then met up with a friend for two weeks, so I got to experience both worlds. There are pros and cons to both solo travel and having a travel partner. I loved being able to plan my days, to change my mind as I wanted, to go to bed early and get up early, etc. Eating by myself wasn't a problem, and I met lots of people, both at hostels and while I was sightseeing. I was rarely ever lonely, although it was kind of emotional seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time (a dream for me), and having no one to share it with. I e-mailed my family daily, and that helped, because I could share with them the things I saw.

Traveling with my friend was great too though. By the time we met up, I was ready for some company. However, sometimes we did get on each others nerves a bit, and we had to always make sure that the other one was done with a sight, etc., before moving on.

I was never really scared when I was by myself, and I would travel by myself again in a heartbeat. I think planning is VERY important, because you don't have another person to problem-solve with, so I planned everything before hand, allowed myself to be flexible once I was there, and had a great time!

Have fun!

My first traveling was a mistake. I was supposed to meet up with friends in Athens, but we messed up our arrangements and so I found myself alone at age 19 in Athens. I did have an "emergency contact" from my parents, but while they were helpful, I had to learn how to do it on my own. I ended up taking some day tours to Delphi, to Corinth, to Mycenae. That trip set me up to travel in France on my own for ten days a few weeks later. As earlier poster mentioned hostels are great places to meet people. Since then I've traveled on my own all over the US and in Europe. I still take day tours and some times longer, but I always want part of my trip on my own with my own plans and my own time. It's very freeing.

Pam

My first big trip alone in Europe was last summer, so i can comment easily :) I traveled for just over 6 weeks, the first half or so was with a friend and the rest was on my own so i could directly compare my experience. I had a great time with my friend, but the pure exhilaration of being on my own and doing everything at my last whim and desire is irreplaceable in my opinion. I wrote a long blurb about solo travel on a travel blog I played around with after my trip. I stopped updating it but the piece on traveling alone is still there and might help. Basically I did all the planning myself and it was worth every single moment.

I've been to Europe four years in a row on my own. I never, ever get lonely. I have way too much fun to get lonely. Like others said, I love to do things in my own time, and travel light. I like not waiting around for someone else. In 2009, I could be traveling Alaska with my male friend. I'm used to being on my own, but I do like the idea of hiking with another person.
Maybe I'll see Russia from my hotel room! LOL! (A Sarah Palin crack in case some of you didn't know!)
Happy Travels!
Lisa P.

Good for you TC! I like to travel alone, but also like having structure (but not necessarily other travel mates). My solution to balancing this in Europe has been taking RS tours solo. You get a lot of free time on your own during the tour, plus the solo time I plan before and after the tour. But you also get the benefit of the tour guide, group, and transport. If you're going on your own, you can build in this kind of thing by going on guided walks (there are good ones in Paris), local tours (ghost tours are fun), or taking day trips from various cities. You usually meet interesting people and connect with others on the road. Keep a journal to document your adventures and to remind you what to share when you get home. I still read mine years after the trip.

Hey Everyone, Thanks so much for all the input on travelling alone vs with someone. Ninety eight percent sure I will try it alone in 09 as I am very independent and comfortable doing things by myself here. Sure don't like to be kept waiting by someone that is always late. Special thanks to the reply from Debra. See her post and then go to her blog. She sure has an amazing blog on her trip. Believe I could travel with her anytime as she seems to have it together.

Debra, What a beautiful blog!! Everyone needs to read it. Great information and pictures.
I'm glad you sent us the link!

embarrassed thank you guys! I'm just opinionated and speak my mind - if people actually get something out of it, that's icing ;) Unfortunately I don't have the money to travel again (already dreaming of my return to Italy as soon as possible though!) for some time, so the blogging on that blog has gone a bit by the wayside since I sort of ran out of things to say. But I do feel quite passionately that no one should miss an opportunity at a trip of a lifetime for fear of being alone. In college, my roommate wouldn't even go down to breakfast without someone else and I always felt a bit badly for her because of what she'd be missing in the world. Anyway, I am an only child and was used to doing a lot of stuff alone, so I suppose that helped me but I think anyone and everyone can do it and have a great time. The time I spent wandering through places like Copenhagen and Vienna and Amsterdam and Italy on my own were some of the most rewarding, fulfilling, satisfying, educational, and interesting days of my life so I hope everyone gets to experience something like that! :)
One thing I do recommend is what CL said to blog or write during the trip. I blogged extensively every single day, and it's now all online as a big archive for me to re-read and remember (and get nostalgic!) - I think it's especially nice for us solo travelers to be able to reflect upon our experiences (and also my friends and family loved 'following along' with me!) through writing them down, since we don't have people we can share our memories with.

Debra,
Not many people can take off for 61/2 weeks, so you are so lucky! Sounds like you will go back to Italy, even if it's a much shorter trip. Better to have a short trip than not having a trip at all! But your 6 1/2 weeks will stay with you forever. I sure hope someday, I could take off that long.
It sounds like you love Italy. I love Italy too, and am going back in November. I'm so much looking forward to that. I have one older sister, but she was off to school most of the time, so I feel I was an only child. I too spent much time alone. I'm the creative type and spend a lot of time doing music, writing,etc. So, I love traveling alone. I got so that I know myself better, and became my own best friend.
Happy Travels!
Lisa P.

Weeeelll.. I had just taken the bar exam... most of my friends went somewhere. Not everyone for as long as I did, but many took trips. My mom took a trip kind of similar to mine when she was in her mid-20s (a looooong time ago ;)) and she had a wonderful time so I think, despite my parents being a bit nervous about me being there alone, and I think my daily blogging (and staying in touch frequently via skype) really helped calm their fears. But yes normally I would never have had the chance to go away for that long, which is why I snapped it up. Besides my feet feeling like they were going to fall off, I wish I could've stayed even longer! I've also lived a few different places in the US (grew up near Boston, went to college in Houston, and now living in LA) so I like the experiences of seeing new places and learning about them I did loooove Italy, and I loved being there alone, to really soak it all in. I also quite loved Copenhagen - which couldn't really be more different from Italy - I guess they both struck different things in me. I also loved Lisbon... but from now on whenever I go back I am not going to run around to different countries like a crazy person, I will pick one country or region and get inside it in-depth for a couple of weeks. My trip (fortunately or unfortunately depending on how you look at it LOL) only whet my appetite for more, and now I've been so spoiled doing it all on my own terms I actually think having to please and appease other people might be difficult!! ;) Have a great tip in November, to say I'm jealous would be an understatement ;)

Debra.. it is true, once you have travelled alone, it is harder to "compromise" on other trips with companions...

Even when they agree in theory that you will not be tied together all the time,, ( they always say that beforehand) the truth is when you tell them you want to go back to the Lourve that day and they can do the Eiffel Tower on their own ,, well they shoot you pouty looks and sulk all through breakfast, and then decide they will go back to the Loruve again with you so will you pleeaaaase come to the ET with them in the afternoon....( there goes your alone time, Hmmp! )

Ok, rant over, I really must get over my travelling with my good friend gone bad memories,,,,LOL

PS Yes , we are still friends. No I will not travel with her again...LOL

TC, I've been travelling solo for the last few years, mostly out of necessity as I don't have a "S.O." at the moment. I experienced a valuable lesson a few years ago, when I sustained a serious leg injury which required orthopedic surgery and 4-6 months recovery. That was a "wake up call" and I decided that if I want to see Europe, I'd better not waste any time as one event can change the travel picture in a big hurry!

Occasionally I wonder whether the desire to travel solo is a bit "selfish"? However, those thoughts are quickly dispelled when I recall times that I've travelled briefly with other people for short periods, and also watched the experiences of other travellers. There have been numerous examples that have reinforced my belief that solo travel is best for me.

I've been asked by different people on many occasions (both in Europe and at home) "do you always travel alone?" When I answer "Yes, I have been lately", they always walk away with a very puzzled look on their faces. I'd love to know what they're thinking!

The trip that you're planning is much the same as my last "mega trip" in the Fall of 2006. I spent two months in Germany, Italy, Switzerland and France, and it was an incredibly wonderful experience! I tend to plan very meticulously (using Rick's books, of course), and didn't have any major problems.

There were times when I was a bit lonely, but those times didn't last long. There's so much to see and do, that it's impossible to dwell on that for too long. I don't have a problem with being alone at meals, as I usually strike up a conversation with people at nearby tables (especially if they also have Rick's book!). It's not hard to spot "the tourist", so I often like to chat with people to find out where they're from. I mixed my lodgings between Hostels and budget Hotels, so there were always people around (it's nice to have privacy at times).

continued.....

continued.....

However, there is one aspect of solo travel that I've noticed after several trips. There's no one to share the memories with and relive special moments. I've tried to relate interesting events to my family, but there's no way they can appreciate those moments, as they weren't there. I'd probably feel the same way, looking at it from their perspective.

One of the activities that I enjoy most when travelling is photography. There have been times when getting "the perfect shot" means waiting for the right light, or waiting for the crowds to dissipate. It's highly probable that I wouldn't have the freedom to do that if I had a travel partner. I spoke with another Photographer recently regarding that very point, and he said that his Wife "won't let him" bring the dSLR when they they travel.

My preferred travel method lately has been to combine a RS tour along with an equal amount of self guided travel. I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy the structure of tours, but so far it's been "the best of both worlds". Tours are a great way to cover a lot of territory in a very efficient fashion, and it's a huge benefit to have a Guide that can explain the significance of the various sights.

I found that self guided travel is an enormous amount of work, in terms of planning transportation, lodgings, sights to see, etc. It took me a LONG time and 2 RS Travel Festivals to put my first trip together. Of course, the planning process is also a lot of fun! Now that I've been through it several times, it's much easier. One reason I like some time on my own is because I like to visit historic military sites.

I may not be able to get to Europe again until next year (very hectic time at work!), but I'll probably use the same format. My next trip will likely be another 2 month "mega trip", possibly combining two RS Tours "back to back" and an equal amount of time on my own.

Don't be concerned with being on your own. Have fun!

Debra, I really enjoyed reading your Blog, although I didn't manage to get through all of it. You're a prolific writer! The photos were great, and I found the HDR photography link very interesting. That process looks like quite a bit of work with somewhat of a "learning curve", but the results were spectacular! I'd have to buy some additional software for my overworked Mac before using that.

Now that you're an Attorney, hopefully you'll be travelling on a regular basis!

Cheers!

Ken, thanks for your reply also. I understand what you say about people that look at you funny when you say you did it alone. I hike in Colorado a lot and usually do it alone as most friends I have would never even attempt that. I tell them I hike for many hours each day in very high county. They say, "I should be careful and that they would be scared to death". Many people never do or try anything alone, thus don't do much at all.
Debra's blog was amazing to me. Just wish I had the knowledge of computers to put something like that together. As far as my trip goes, I have considered flying to Paris, then to Normandy for 3 days, then back to Frankfurt and doing the R/S Germany, Austria, Switzerland tour. Then spending another few days on my own. That would have many advantages like you said. His tours don't waste time and keep you on the move, but do give you a lot of flexibility and free time. Will just have to see if my budget will allow that.
Thanks again to everyone that put their experiences on this site. I spend hours looking at what everyone has to say and filing info that I can use later. MY trip is still 358 days away but is already here in planning and anticipation.

When I tell people I travel alone, they tell me how proud they are of me, and that I'm a strong woman. So this surprises me about the negative comments you get!
Even if I did get negative comments, like you, I would travel solo anyway and not care what people think. I would never miss out on having the time of my life because of what others may think.
Keep Traveling!
Lisa P.

Lisa, that sounds like what my parents got last summer. Their friends and others asked them "how they could let me go to Europe alone".... my mom was like, she lived in Houston alone, she lives in LA alone, Europe's no worse than that certainly.

TC, I don't think you have to put together a wordy blog that looks pretty or whatever like I did to be able to process and remember your trip (although blogger.com does make it extremely easy, if you can post on here, you can post on there! :)). but you can just buy yourself a nice little blank journal before you go (rick's store even has a bunch of them, and so does Target), and write away. I think more important than how you do it is that you do it every day, while the experiences are fresh in your mind. for me, it was how I unwound at the end of each day, it really helped me process it all. Oh, and I think doing some traveling on your own and some on a RS tour sounds great! Kind of the best of both worlds, and in some ways I think traveling with a small group like that might even be better than traveling with a friend or two, because there is where I faced more of the "I don't want to do that or eat here or spend that much money or wake up at 7am" stuff...

My son was about 19 when he flew to Rome alone. I was nervous, but I didn't let him know that I was. He was over 18, and I knew he would fly from the nest. When he got to Rome, he met his friend and his family there. That made me feel better. When I went to Rome after that, I felt silly that I was nervous about my son.
As a woman traveling alone, I felt very safe in Rome, even at night! But I was still careful!
I'm going to look into blog.com. I have a myspace page. I haven't finished my blog yet, but what I have so far, you may find interesting. Just go into myspace, and I go by littlepinetree1. So far , wrote about my trip to Berlin, and I yet need to finish that, and I need to write about my cooold trip to Prague. I like this thread about traveling solo. TC started a great topic!
Keep Traveling!
Lisa P.

The comments I've received from people about "solo travel" haven't been limited to casual acquaintances or strangers. As I recall, my parents were terribly worried about me travelling to England on my own several years ago. I found their concern to be quite surprising, given the fact I was 50+ at the time!!! After I arrived, I gave them a call on my Cellphone from North Yorkshire just to "set their minds at ease".

I do wonder though, why people have such a great deal of concern about the aspect of travelling alone? Possibly it's at least partially related to the societal attitude about being single? Judging by some of the comments I've received, some people seem to think there's no way one could possibly be happy without a spouse.

TC, hopefully your budget will allow you to consider the RS Germany/Austria/Switzerland tour, as I'm sure you'll have a great time! If you need any information on the Paris-Normandy segment, send me a PM. That's the route I took on my "mega trip" in 2006.

Cheers!

I'm very petite, and have a strong personalty. Somehow, people know not to mess with me! So far, I've had nothing but having the time of my life traveling alone.

In the summer of 05 I spent 6 weeks at school in Asolo, Italy. I took a week before and a week after the classes to travel and I did that alone. At school we had time to travel on the weekends that I did in small groups. I wasn't too close with these people but it was nice to have someone else to share the moments with and dine with. The con was that some people wanted to do different things and making accomodations for everyone. While alone I got to do what I wanted and when I wanted to. I was just careful and never let on to anyone I was actually traveling alone ( ex- my friend is somewhere is the museum or back at the hotel). I was somewhat worried it was my first time in europe and Im pretty petite. I am very exciting in early Dec I am going to Paris and Im going alone. so excited about it, because I get to see everything I want to see and what I missed the first time I was there.

Lots of good info on the reply's. Think I am going to do a combined trip. Will start out with several days in France alone, then meet up with a R/S tour in Germany that ends in Vienna. Then I will finish with a couple more days on my own. Get the best of both worlds that way. That will be 6 days alone and 11 with the tour.
Thanks to everyone that responded. Looks like my depart date will be 9/9/09 and planning has already started.

TC, I also love solo travel - someone has to stay at home and collect the mail!! If you are considering staying at Youth Hostels, they are a wonderful source of information. By talking with people staying there, you will learn of places of interest and useful tips which no guidebook would ever include. Meeting people with similar, or very different interests is fabulous fun and make a trip worthwhile. As previously mentioned, solo travel allows for more spontaneous interaction with locals, which can be such a delight. Of course, there are a few times when solo travel can be blah, but in the main, the flexibility in doing what you want, when you want, is great.

I've been travelling, mostly alone, for years. It's often hard to find someone who wants (and can afford) to go where and when I want to. The freedom to do what you want, when you want is worth a lot.

The best advice I ever got was: look around for someone else who's alone and start a conversation. S/he will probably be glad to have someone to share the site/sight and compare notes, trade travel tips, etc. Turns out this also works well with couples (who are often very happy to have someone ELSE to talk to). In a restaurant you can also ask a single diner if s/he would mind your joining her/him. Share with the other folks at breakfast wherever you're staying. You may even end up hooking up with them for a day or more. A one day guided tour is a good idea, especially for places hard to get to on your own.

The hardest thing for me in Europe is the language barrier. England was pretty easy. Seriously, some accents are challenging to the American ear and in bakeries I just pointed! I have enough French to get me through France and Italy, but Holland threw me for a loop - I could NOT understand any of the signs. The trains were the worst - couldn't read the timetables or understand the conductor's announcements. BUT everyone spoke English and were happy to translate/explain (not so in Flemish Belgium). So my advice to you is if you don't know German, start learning. Being able to speak the language will also let you meet the "locals" and enhance your travels enormously, not to mention they'll probably treat you better for making the effort.