This is not the first time I have traveled to Europe (France)solo but I am feeing nervous about the whole thing.
Do you solo travelers feel that way.
I am staying at hostels and hope I would meet people there.
I am going biking about 10 days in Provence. I will be gone 32 days and have been thinking of changing my flight time to come back a week sooner? Maybe that is nerves getting to me.
Should I just stick out my 32 days?
thanks
I think it's perfectly natural to feel nervous. I travel solo most of the time and love it, but I also get nerves before a trip. I think it would be a little odd if I didn't to be honest. I personally wouldn't change the flight. You'll probably get over there and will soon be having a whale of a time and will be annoyed at having to cut it short.
I was really nervous before my recent solo trip, too, the worst being right when I arrived at the airport to leave on the trip. Once I got started on it, it was great! I wished I could stay longer in the end. I would stick to the 32 days. Have fun!
The nice thing about traveling solo is you only have to please yourself. You can travel at the pace that is comfortable for you, eat what and when you like, and never have to worry about losing your friends in a crowd.
Just plan on having fun. You will meet people. Hostels are good for that. I haven't met any long-term friends when staying solo at a hostel, but I always meet people and have interesting conversations. If anything, traveling solo gives you more opportunity to learn about people from other countries.
I felt the same way before I left on my 5 week trip through Europe, but I had the time of my life. I stayed in hostels and met some great people. I also met people through couchsurfing and if you get a chance take a look at their website: www.couchsurfing.com
I know I am plugging this thing, but it was great! You don't need to stay at strangers places, I didn't. I met them for drinks and they showed me around their city and were my personal tour guide. Everyone I met was very friendly and outgoing and made me feel very welcome.
Have a great time on your trip!!
Why don't you go back and read the responses you got to this exact same question you posted three months ago.......better yet, print them out and carry them with you so when you get nervous you can read them.
Thanks Frank. I do I find my other posting as there were good responses.
I am down to the wire right now, leave 23rd and I keep going from can't wait to go to just the opposite.
I know once I get there I should be ok. Also my daughter is getting married in 2 weeks so that probably has me distracted. thanks
I meant how do I find the other posting I made?
That was about 2 months ago.
I tried the search box but was not getting good results.
Here's a link to it:
Former Post
I am a solo traveller, and I love being away from home alone for weeks. I love the independence and sense of accomplishment. In three weeks, I'll be leaving for 70 days in Europe.
Why do you think you're nervous, if this is not your first trip? Safety, money, accommodation, transportation, meeting or not meeting people? If you can find out why you might be nervous, and then compare this with your previous trip.
Stick to your 32 days.
I've traveled solo to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. As I recall, I was particularly nervous about both Africa and the Middle East because of the very different cultures. It helped to identify the source of this nervousness--language barriers, rejection as an American, vulnerability as a solo traveler, etc. Once identifying those I considered what I needed to respond to those and to relieve any risks or threats. You may find such a process helpful. As others have said, nervousness is natural. Sometimes it is an inner warning to take thoughtful precautions. It becomes a hindrance when it paralyzes and we act out of fear rather than thoughtful consideration. I suggest you don't "just stick out" the thirty-two days. Instead, I suggest you find ways to maximize your enjoyment of the thirty-two days. Also, have you considered that possibly your nervousness about the trip may actually be some displaced nervousness about your daughter's wedding? May both the wedding and your travels be joyful occasions. Best wishes.
Have a great time, Stew.
Thanks Dwayne
My daughters wedding is in 2 weeks and I leave for europe 3 days later so I think that might be part of what I am going through. Once I get there I think I should be ok. I have been planning and waiting so long now the time is close.
I think Dwayne made some really valuable points. I'm sure you're right that your daughter's wedding is contributing to your nervousness, perfectly understandably.
I hope you go for the whole 32 days and really enjoy yourself- I bet you have a great time. And let us know how it was when you return!
Best wishes, Maggie