alone, find a partner or tour

I've been traveling alone since I was in my thirties, you'll have a great time. It's not as difficult as it might seem. Come back to this forum with more questions, lots of the posters here travel solo.

I agree that traveling alone is a great way to go! You get maximum freedom to make your own decisions and mistakes, without regard to anyone else's preferences. See some general tips on the topic at http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/trip-planning. You already have some idea of what to expect, since it's not your first trip.

There's no reason not to go by yourself. You do what you want, when you want, and nobody will argue with you. Try going to dinner by yourself in your hometown for practice. Notice that absolutely no one will pass judgement and they might actually strike up a polite conversation. I've met all kinds of cool people from all over the world doing solo travel. I've never felt unsafe or lonely.
The only drawback to solo female traveling is the mild street harassment. It's a bit pronounced in some places but if you ignore the offender or duck into a cafe or bar it offers a reprieve. Again, it's not unsafe, just annoying. Don't let it deter you from traveling where you want.

I would honestly NEVER travel solo except in China (if you speak Chinese). It simply is not as safe as you might think. Parts of South America and Central America are downright dangerous, India is out of the question (as we have all seen the news) and most of the middle east. Italy, while nice, has been known as a place where females can be harassed by men. My cousin went there (not alone, with one friend) and was flashed by a random guy and grabbed several times. She didn't dress provocatively. I think weird situations can be avoided by not being out late at night, and always watching your back. But I highly recommend going with someone else. OR doing a Rick Steeves tour since you can go as a solo traveler. At least you will be with a group and not get lost or harassed by anyone.

I have a feeling the most recent poster is a troll. Please ignore that post.

If you'd really like to travel solo, PM me with any questions. I hate rigidity and schedules set up by other people, so I choose to not go on tours. I have used Viator for certain activities within my travels-they often have excursions and classes on their site.

I know a lot of people who have traveled solo. Very few have not liked it. I know a lot of people who have traveled on group tours. A lot of them didn't like it. Just sayin'.

I'm another female who sometimes travels solo. I have never felt not safe. I really enjoy the freedom of being able to do what I want when I want. There are benefits to traveling with a tour, with with a travel partner, and solo. None are the wrong choice, but don't let safety concerns stop you from traveling solo.

Shira, I agree with the other posters about the joys of solo travel. I find I meet more people when I'm on my own, and I certainly enjoy art and churches far more when I can focus exclusively on them. However, I realize that people differ in how they feel about spending time on their own.

If you want to go with the tour group around your own age, I would suggest checking into some of the special-interest trips. I spent time in the Caribbean with the Sierra Club, and the group covered the full age range but probably averaged somewhere in the 30s. I also took a trip with a company called archaeological tours, headquartered in NYC, and the average age of that group was probably around 40. The adventure travel companies are also good options for the younger group, Although I have no experience with these companies.

If you find something of interest, it would be worth calling the company to find out the age range of participants.

Shira, you're getting lots of encouragement here to go on your own, and I'm sure that would be fine. However, I'll put in a plug that you at least think about ... taking a Rick Steves tour! There are a number of single travelers who regularly post here and have done RS tours; I hope Pam or Ken or one of the other solo tour people see this question and can jump in with additional information.

I've only done one RS tour, with my husband and teen daughter about 10 years ago; we went in the summer and had 4 teenagers, the parents who were mostly in our 40s, and another 10 or 15 who were probably 30s to 60s. The memory is a bit hazy, but I do remember I enjoyed talking with my tourmates a lot. You could look at some of the tour scrapbooks to see the ages of the travelers.

Whatever you decide, have a great trip!

If you want to find out what it's like to travel solo, there are many solo women travelers who blog about their experience. Here are a few links (not all will fit your needs but it pays to look around):

https://www.flipkey.com/blog/2014/11/03/top-25-solo-female-travel-bloggers-to-follow-in-2015/

https://www.women-traveling.com/

http://www.journeywoman.com/SoloTravel/SoloIndex.htm

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/travel/women/

http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/

While I agree there are some places that would be less safe.. or maybe less comfortable for a solo woman traveller.. ( middle east , parts of Africa etc..) I think Jaesons assessment is inaccurate.

I have travelled solo in Europe.. its as safe as anywhere really..

And I got "flashed" here in Victoria BC Canada about 30 years ago.. so don't come here.. its very dangerous.. lol

Hi,

At 31 traveling to Europe solo would have been my goal that summer had I been in a financial position to do so then which was far from the case. That wasn't possible until three years later at 34. Then I went solo. Some tours have an age limit of 35. I can understand your desire not to be with the party set of youngins or those beyond fifty. I would encourage you to go to Europe solo at your age. Ask yourself what are you afraid of in going to Western and Central Europe. As long as you don't do anything stupid, the safety factor poses no real concern. Women your age still stay in hostels, whether traveling alone or with a partner(s).

You wait for someone to go with, chances are you'll never go because they will come up with all sorts of reasons real or unreal or excuses for not going. All that time will be wasted. I went over for three months solo the first time. None of the friends/acquaintances I had in mind then would commit, so I decided (with some strong encouragement too) to leave them and go alone. European women travel solo too over there (or with another woman). You'll see that too. If they can do it, so can you.

shira,

I can only offer the perspective of an "older male" but there's no reason not to travel, solo or otherwise. If solo is the only method available for you right now, go for it (which is what I do). With adequate planning and preparation, you should have a wonderful, memorable and safe holiday.

You could also consider a short tour along with some self-guided travel, something I've found to be a good method. Having taken eight RS tours, I would highly recommend them. Although the demographics of the tours tends to be older, there have been younger members on tours also and I've found that everyone gets along and has a great time (regardless of age). The tours are also a good way to gain a few travel skills. If your budget is limited, you could also consider one of the My Way tours which take care of hotels and transportation, but tour members have to arrange their own sightseeing. A tour escort is provided to help members, rather than a full guide. If you have a more generous budget, I'd recommend one of the fully guided tours.

I think once you've done a solo trip, you'll be glad you gave it a try.

HI Shira, I'm going to add to the chorus telling you to go solo! One thing that I have done is to mix solo trips with some day tours or a longer tour in the middle bracketed by solo travel. I wanted to be able to meet people and talk to them and taking tours is one way to do it. I did a trip a few years ago where I was traveling alone in Brugge. I took the tour of the brewery and met the nicest Scottish couple. We set down for a beer in the beer garden afterwards and ended up have dinner together that night. One time when I was visiting in France, I did the balcony walk in Chamonix. It nearly did me in, and I met a couple on the way down on the train. We collapsed together for drinks and dinner. They were from Oregon. I've also met people by staying in smaller hotels that still had residence lounge. I like the residence lounge as I could go and have a drink and not worry about being bothered.

You could also look for a shorter tour. Look for companies that cater to the British which will get you English speaking guides, but not be over run with Americans--nothing wrong with Americans, but when I'm in Europe I'm looking to meet others! What about a couple of days in a cooking school? Or on a barge trip? There are lots of potential ideas.

Pam

Hi Shira,

I think much of Europe is as safe as the US for solo female travelers (Disclaimer: I am a male). I have traveled by myself through Europe several times and really enjoy it. You might consider doing half and half, starting with a tour for a week and doing a week on your own. If you go on your own, I would recommend doing a pub crawl or several as a way to meet people. Being on a tour, is also a great way to meet people, but being on your own is a great way to experience Europe.

Regarding safety: If you do go by yourself, understand that you will likely get approached and that, like here, it will likely be mostly harmless, though possibly unwanted, attention. Not having to deal with that, I am sure that it can be ridiculously annoying. But, if you can handle going out to a bar by yourself in the US, you can probably withstand the male attention in Europe. Like in the US, you don't need to be dressed provocatively for someone to give you unwanted attention. Use the same caution you would in a city in the US: If you feel uncomfortable, leave the situation, trust your judgment and instincts, exercise caution, etc. I think you'll have an excellent experience!

On the positive side to travelling alone as a single female, you'll be very approachable and others are likely to be open to you approaching them - locals and other tourists included. You'll probably make friends with a group of Australians the first few days you're there anyway, if your experiences are anything like mine. Friends for life! Have fun whichever you choose!

Hi, Shira.

I am a woman who travels alone and on tours, mostly RS tours. What seems to work for me is to go solo either pre or post tour (or both) to places I may have visited before and where I already have a certain comfort level - often determined by language. I find I put a lot of energy and passion into planning my solo travels - and I enjoy them immensely and have truly had some wonderful adventures. If and when a tour is appended to solo travel, by the time the tour rolls around, it can feel like the "vacation" is truly beginning. I can kick back, hotels and transport already planned by someone else, and I can relax a bit more. On RS tours, there are also many opportunities for alone time.

Regardless of location, I usually have some personal agenda like viewing a cattle parade in Tirol, or finding film locations for Roman Holiday in Rome. Lately, I have been searching for and locating starting points for the Way of St. James in different European locations. This spring, I am thinking of combining a visit to bluebell woods in the UK with the RS Heart of Italy tour. It makes me happy.

Another thing that works for me is not sharing a room with someone I do not know, which ensures needed downtime.

So, maybe consider a combination of visiting somewhere you are longing to return to on your own and joining a group for awhile? BTW, the My Way Tours provide even less structure than the guided tours, though in my experience, our group bonded just as well or better than a guided tour group. Age: there are all ages on tours. If you really want to ensure a combination, consider one of the Family Tours. There are single supplements available for these; singles can join them.

I have not taken any women-only tours, though Wander Woman (a tour group) and Journey Woman (a website) have been on my radar for years. Google women and travel and you will find lots to keep you busy.

I hope you find an enjoyable way forward. Debbie

I hit my mid-40s, realized I really, really wanted to travel and also that I had no romantic partner or friends that were in the same place (financially & life situation-wise) as me so I decided to head out on my own, having always been very comfortable with my own company and fairly intrepid. My first trip I kept it simple--a week in London with a couple of day trips, and it worked out wonderfully. The next year I got braver and visited Estonia and Finland, then last year it was Austria and Hungary. This year it'll be Poland and Czech Republic. I make up my own itinerary and figure out how to get around and from country to country and there's nothing better than being your own boss on a trip, doing everything you want to and nothing you don't.

One other thing: I often run into other women traveling alone, and even if it's just for a coffee or a conversation at breakfast, there's a bond that occurs. Several of the women I have met had planned the trip with a friend, but the plan fell through, and they were all happy that they went ahead, solo.

To jump on the bandwagon - go!

I have taken four RS tours solo - the first at age 33 on my first solo trip to Europe (Italy). Yes the average age on a RS tour is a bit older than 30...turns out, these are the folks that have time and money to travel! I've never, ever felt too young or that my tour mates were too old. In fact, on one tour a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary (both in their mid-70s) ran circles around the rest of us (literally no one could keep up with them they were so fit and active). I find the caliber of folks quite high and everyone is thoughtful, interesting, and ready for the adventure. One benefit of being solo is that people look out for you - on one tour a couple "adopted" me and I am still in touch with them (I call them my East Coast Mom and Dad).

Every trip I take solo makes me a stronger person and a better traveler. After the four trips above, last year I did a solo trip to SE Asia (way outside my comfort zone) and had a wonderful time. One of my few regrets in life is I didn't start traveling sooner. I'd be happy to answer any questions, give you advice, or provide moral support - feel free to message me.

The worst option is to just find a random travel partner. Traveling with another person can be stressful even if it's your best friend or significant other. Traveling with someone you don't know very well - a casual friend or something - would be hard.

I'd go alone. There are group day tours or walking tours you can join here and there for some social interaction, then be on your way. Don't worry excessively about safety. Obviously, be smart and aware, but if you're comfortable alone in any US city you will be safer in Europe.

And, in case you needed any further encouragement to travel alone, there's this lovely post from an 80 year old woman who spent three weeks in Paris:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187147-i14-k7710127-In_Paris_On_my_own_at_80-Paris_Ile_de_France.html

Seems I am in the minority here, but I would say take a RS tour or a RS My Way tour . . . just in case. You'll at least meet people and make friends IF something happens over there. I'd feel more comfortable knowing I had people I could depend on if I got sick, robbed, if I got that dreaded phone call from home that something terrible has happened (my brother was killed while I was on vacation). I don't mean to seem so negative, but having people that could help if needed is a huge peace of mind for me.

On a tour, you can choose to join in or be on you own. Plus, all the tickets, getting to and from places, hotels are taken care of for you & that eliminates some stress & planning. And you'll learn a ton from the tours/local guides. You will still have lots of FREE time to be on you own, or with people you meet. And you will have company for some meals, which I think would be nice.

Take a look at Thelma & Louise Sometimes there are women putting together small groups to specific locations. Other tips for finding "younger" tours - avoid school holiday dates, look for the more strenuous tours (for instance, I think the RS MyWay Alpine Tour tends to get more people in their 30's and 40's because the focus is on outdoor activities, not cultural ones). Also don't rule out the "older crowd." The people on tours like RS, which tend to be a little more physically demanding than others, are usually physically fit, well-traveled, interesting people who don't care how old or young anyone is.

And think seriously about just going on your own. If you are friendly and not shy, you'll find lots of opportunities to share experiences with other tourists (and sometimes locals) along the way. If you want to engage more with the locals, head for the British Isles, where English is the language - or better yet, Ireland. I did not meet one local in Ireland who wasn't eager to chat, giving all kinds of information, history, personal stories . . .

Hi, I hD to laugh when you referred to over 50 I get what your saying!!

I just turned 58. Haha I am a hair designer live in the city of Philadelphia my friends maybe the oldest is 32 now, my bffs are gay men 26 and 29.

You just might have a blast with someone whose age is just a number!!!

Bless your heart, this will be my first time back to Europe Alone.
If you wanna hang out in Italy and or Spain let me know.

Ciao**