Ladies! Solo travel...

What a lovely trip! I really enjoy traveling alone - I love just wandering around, getting a sense of a place, observing how people live there, having encounters with street musicians, visiting parks and gardens, hiking in the wild, and I'm an enthusiastic photographer. I'm really happy when I get to go anywhere by boat. I try to learn at least a little of the language, and enjoy using it in chance encounters. Sure, I also like to visit museums, but it's really all of the above that makes me particularly glad to be traveling. Have a wonderful trip!

Sounds like a wonderful trip for you! When I'm traveling by myself, I enjoy the usual things - seeing new museums & sites, walking around and enjoying the locale. But, I really enjoy parks, so my favorite thing is to find some type of park at each location to enjoy leisurely eating a picnic lunch in the middle of the day during the stay.

My favorite system is to have my hotel reservations, google maps, fun facts summary & train tickets clipped into an itinerary booklet, so I can just remove the top sheet for the next location's map, reservation, best gelato location, etc.

My favorite packed item may seem odd (my family laughs at this), but I take home a bar of soap or small shampoo from each hotel (if it's not a generic wrapper) and have them nicely displayed near my bathtub windows. They bring back many wonderful memories when I'm relaxing at home.

When dining alone in a cafe I write in my journal. I now take a lighter Moleskin or 2 of the soft sided notebooks; I put a pen and the book in a ziplock to prevent any liquids getting on the book. Helps to keep the 2 together. I also look at my tourbook; I have in the past recovered it so I avoid others knowing What I am reading. Years ago when I worked in the US and ate out on my own a lot I would. Bring a magazine to read.

I do use a packsafe purse that gives me peace of mind. The bag I have does have a pocket that fits my tourbook and map without going into the main part where my wallet and camera are, if my camera is not around my neck and under my coat.

I try to walk with purpose at night. I might stop for photos but when I get going I try to walk at a fair pace. Since you will have longer evenings it will be great.

Enjoy your trip.

Talk to people. I used to look around for other people who appeared to be solo and start a conversation on the assumption that they're alone too and would welcome it. I have found over the years that this is so true, and not only for other "loners" but also for couples and even groups.

I love my iPod. Sometimes I find walking tours to download. I have music, a couple of audio books, some podcasts. I sometimes like to listen to something while I'm dining, or I find appropriate music for where I am - maybe some Edith Piaf or Jacques Brel when I'm walking in Paris, flamenco guitar while wandering in Seville, you get the idea.

I travel alone most of the time. I usually have my iPad and camera with me, I journal using Pages on the iPad, but I find being hooked to electronics may inhibit people from starting a conversation.

As a solo traveler I find people very willing to have a conversation, if I start it.

As for walking around solo at night, I do it all the time, have never had a problem, but I stay on the "beaten track" late at night as much as possible.

Enjoy your trip.

What a neat trip - bucket list items are such a joy to check off.

I like to schedule myself for parts of a few days on walking tours or some kind of organized outing. It allows me to join a group and interact with folks (even if they're tourists like me) without a long term commitment to a group. I've met some lovely people that way and seen more than wondering about on my own. Some of my favorites: London Walks tour of Canterbury Tales, a day trip from Prague to Kutna Hora, a motorcycle tour of Hue, Vietnam. I also download walking tours to do on my own and have found some museums also offer the same (if not I rent the audio guide).

I tend to go-go-go and have often felt I didn't reflect and enjoy the spaces I was visiting. My new practice is to go-go-go, but spend at least an hour of my evening reflecting on the day, writing in my journal/blog, and winding down. I'm not a big night life person so it works for me and I do feel I've enjoyed my trips giving myself permission to slow down (so hard!).

My only other tip is to get a hotel that serves breakfast - it's another way to chat with people (even if it's just the hotel staff) and start your day off right.

Wonderful ideas and encouragement! Thanks so much. I am so excited. Keep them coming! Wray

Your trip sounds just wonderful!

I am a planner and sometimes a chicken when I am traveling solo, lol. I find I do better if I have a plan for each day, particularly something to do first thing in the AM. The rest of the day I am good with being more flexible but it is easier for me to get going if I have a specific destination in mind.

My favorite system is packing cubes as they help me stay organized if I am moving a lot and help me keep track of my belongings. I also try to put everything in the same place every time in my suitcase as well as my purse! I always try to put my hotel key (if it is one you keep) in the same location in my purse.

"but I find being hooked to electronics may inhibit people from starting a conversation"

I think this is an excellent point that Zoe makes, for two reasons. One, many of us instinctively reach for the phone/iPod etc. when we have some time to kill, however when traveling part of our goal is to interact with the locals or others, which is inhibited by always listening to something.

Secondly, and as pertains to a woman, or anyone, traveling solo, is that I think there can be an impression that someone is not paying full attention to their surroundings when plugged in, and that could potentially make one a target.

Your trip sounds lovely! I am 50 and I took to travelling solo 4 years ago and absolutely love it, probably wouldn't want a companion now even if one presented themselves. I feel empowered and enthusiastic in a way that's hard to capture in my "real life" at home, though I am by nature self-confident and assured so I go boldly about my business and have never had a problem. Just be alert and you'll be fine.

I research and plan for my must-sees on each trip, but that also allows for plenty of time to happily wander at will or get caught up in something interesting I hadn't planned on, plus time to sit in parks and watch the passing parade of humanity or relax at night in my room. I purposefully choose hotels based on location, services and amenities as this is a big part of getting away, for me.

I always bring a small knitting project--right now I am finishing a sweater I started while in Vienna and Budapest last summer, so that makes it a bit more special once finished. A journal to write in and a couple of books that I leave behind because I always find one or two I need at the Frankfurt airport. Because I have 2 cats that are very dear to me and I miss them terribly, I have a short video of them on my phone.

Wray,

I have not traveled solo to Europe (yet) but I want to share a story with you.

My mom took her first trip to Europe (solo) at the young age of 73!

She had always wanted to visit Europe as she loves art, architecture & history. Her trip started in Madrid, Spain and she felt comfortable there because she speaks Spanish fluently.

Long story short, she traveled all over Europe for 2 months!

• She only took public transportation & she traveled smart--small roller suitcase.
• She never carried a purse but a money belt under her clothes.

• She sewed pockets to the inside panels of her jackets where she kept cash for daily expenses.

• She walked with purpose where-ever she went & avoided staying out late at night.

• If she needed directions, she would ask hotel staff or tourist information offices.

Believe it or not, she did not have advance hotel reservations (except for the first couple of nights) and she did not carry a cell phone.

She would call me every few days (public phone w prepaid phone card) just to tell me that she was having the time of her life!

When my brothers & I picked her up at the airport ,upon her return, she was so happy and a changed woman.
She had a new haircut & when I asked her who'd cut her hair, her reply was; "I got a haircut in Paris!"

So Wray... You will be fine and I'm sure you will have a fantastic trip!

Priscilla reminded me, doing something "local" for yourself, like getting a haircut or styling, or some other personal care experience, can be so memorable.

All this information is wonderful and encouraging! I love it. Thanks so much or tack sa mycket! I love hearing about other people's experiences. I am a people watcher and will do a lot of that, maybe I'll add a haircut to the visit as well! I'm addicted to organization and packing and systems and plans (not too full days to allow for the unexpected or changes). I will need a purse as I am bringing my DSLR, but just one normal lens so it will be light. Please, the more information the better (and the more fun the planning becomes)! Wray

I'm of a similar age and I've travelled alone extensively, including an around the world trip.

I agree with taking a small wheelie suitcase. It might be noisy on cobblestones, but I find it much easier to manage than a backpack Mine expands in case of souvenir overload..

I also take a "carry on" - more like a computer bag, with a panel across the back so I can slip it over the handles of the suitcase and only have one thing to pull and worry about. This holds my electronics and anything I might need on the plane. I take a fabric purse/messenger bag with a shoulder strap long enough to wear cross body. It's large enough to be the only thing I carry around on my daily activities. I can even fit a small water bottle in mine. If the airline doesn't like the three items, I can stuff the purse into the carry on computer bag. Everything is sized so I can take everything with me into a bathroom stall at the airport or train station - no leaving anything out of sight!

I also take the small version of the pac safe portable safe - this depends on what kind of places you are staying in, but I often rent apartments with no safe available. This is an effective deterrent if you lock it to something immovable
http://www.pacsafe.com/travel-accessories-wallets/portable-safes.html

I ruthlessly edit my wallet before leaving home - I take 2 credit cards, 2 ATM cards (can't use the credit card for this with my accounts), my passport, my health insurance info and drivers' license. i wear a money belt and keep one credit and one atm card and my passport in the money belt, or the pac safe, if out and about. This is just back up. Wherever possible, I use my drivers' license for photo ID (eg. renting audio tours) and not my passport.

I email myself PDF copies of anything really important - like my passport, health insurance info. I also email myself phone numbers in case my credit cards get stolen - make sure you get a number you can call collect - toll free numbers don't usually work in Europe so get one with a real area code.

I leave my entire itinerary as far as I know it with friends and family.

Electronics - an Asus transformer PC - can be used as a tablet, has a usb port, and uses the same charging system as my cell phone and Kindle, so I only need one charger. I could read books on it but the Kindle is my favourite travel item. My cell phone works in Europe and I turn data roaming off.

I also have a small bag with bandaids, tylenol, scotch tape, a pen, and a package of duct tape (10 small sheets) that I got at the dollar store and some ziplock bags of varying sizes. I carry nail clippers and scissors if possible (depends on security rules). These have proven to be extremely useful and good not to have to go looking for them in an emergency.

And, finally - I like to do my laundry at the local laundromat and consider it part of my local experience. I've met a lot of nice, interesting people there and most of them have been locals doing their laundry - I've gotten some really helpful information from hanging out there and do not consider this a waste of my time.

I enjoy eating out at restaurants and never worry about doing this by myself.

Enjoy!

Shirley reminded me about this;

And, finally - I like to do my laundry at the local laundromat and
consider it part of my local experience.

One thing about laundromats is that they are not cheap by any means but I figured it's worth having nice clean clothes on my trip.

I traveled with my elderly mom (87) recently, & the day I chose to go to the laundromat, she crawled back into bed to watch TV. The laundromat was empty when I arrived, so I read all the instructions & started doing our laundry.
I stepped out of the laundromat to see if anything interesting was close by...and guess what I found?
A bakery across the street just a few steps away... yes! I purchased some amazing baked goods & my mom was thrilled when I returned to the hotel with clean clothes & pastries to share!

Shirley's point about laundry reminded me. I once had to buy a full-size box of detergent for one load. Now I always take enough laundry powder for the number of washes I will do - each measured amount in a separate ziplock bag and another one with some dryer sheets (they do make my suitcase smell nice).

Priscilla - loved the description of your mom's trip. Good for her and thanks for sharing!

Chani,

I also take a small amount of detergent on my trips, however, in the one I used in Padova, (new & modern)
the detergent was automatically dispensed during the wash cycle & there was no option to use my own.

Along the lines of the comments about including normal activities, I checked out fabric stores online and it seems there are two on the same block as my Stockholm Hotel. I think a little fabric shopping will be in order…about the only thing I enjoy shopping for as I am a quilter. And I have planned my mid-vacation laundromat visit already!

I am testing my packing technique on a trip to NC next week. Here's what I'm bringing, including what I am wearing: 2 prs pants, 1 pr of knit pants (laundry day, pj pants incase of fire, loungewear), 5 pr panties, 3 bras, 1 tank top, 2 long sleeve jerseys, 2 blouses, one warm overshirt, nice quilted reversible vest, 1 fleece top, 1 pr shoes, 4 socks, nice scarf, toiletries, nook, iPod, USphone, 1 older Sherpani Sojourn underseat bag in the suitcase. I can layer the fleece or over-shirt with the vest under my jacket-to be determined. Turns out this is just slightly under what I usually bring. My roller bag is less than 20" X 14 X 9 including wheels and handles. But it weighs 21 lbs…

I only have a tiny purse for this trip, but on international trips I use an older 200 metro (I think) pac safe, which holds my DSLR, nook, iPod, phone, money, electronic cords, eyedrops and pills, eye glasses. I'll also pack some laundry soap as recommended, and all my paperwork. Please let me know if you can think of anything I should delete or add. It is pretty cool in Umea in May… And, yes, I know I am crazy to be thinking about packing 4 months in advance…but I have a container and comfort addiction…and always an ongoing packing list! Thanks for all the great ideas!

Wray,

Packing list looks pretty good but here are my suggestions:

I pack for 7 days.

I always pack more tops than bottoms. So I will pack 7 tops and 2 pants (plus the pants & top I wear on the plane)

I always pack more underwear as they are small (more bottoms than tops here)

I also pack camis I can wear under tops for an extra layer.

I also pack 7 pairs of socks.-- my mom did not pack enough socks on our recent trip so I lend her some of mine & had to wash some in the sink.

I pack 2-3 pj pants/tops but no loungewear-- I change into pjs for comfort while in hotel room.

I wear my jacket on the plane.

My carry-on suitcase is the same size as yours but don't remember how much it weighed fully packed.

I don't travel with technology gadgets so can't help you there.

I'm a beginner quilter & don't have a "stash" yet... but I love fabrics.

I did not visit any fabric stores on our recent trip but I did buy some beautiful fabrics when we traveled to the south of France years ago. I took a duffel bag but then regretted carrying it around for the rest of our trip!

Will you have room in your suitcase for the fabric you plan to buy?

Laughing as I do NOT think it is too early to start thinking of packing! I would cut down your underwear to 3 and yes, I would spend the money for Ex Officio as they dry so quickly. I would also go with Smartwool socks. I took 5 pr for 8 weeks last fall and was actually to manage with 3 of the light Smartwool. (Just looked back and saw Priscilla recommended more, so you see you will get varying opinions! We all have to do what works for ourselves, lol.)

I'm not a quilter so don't know much about fabric other than it can get heavy (too many scarf purchases, lol!!). Can you mail home your fabric as you purchase it? Maybe take those light but strong mailing envelopes? It also sounds like an excellent way to connect with the local folks! I've purchased some cross stitch stuff in UK and had wonderful conversations! I know quilters love to talk too.

Definitely check out fabric stores if that's your interest. I'm not too keen on that stuff, but have gone to fabric and knitting stores to get souvenirs for my friends back home. Fat quarters do not take up a lot of space and I bought some in Norway for my quilting friends. Also have spent some good times in knitting stores finding unusual wool - since I don't know anything about this stuff, I am forced to talk to anyone who is willing in the place and it's been fun.

Re: packing list: excellent idea to test drive your packing and clothing list! Nothing worse than getting to Europe and finding out you absolutely hate wearing half your clothes (this happened to me). IMHO, I think you need to take two pairs of shoes (wear one pack one). Your feet will thank you. I'd suggest that you also test "usage" of your toiletries. I have found I can survive 3 weeks with 2 ounces of shampoo (yes, it's possible!) and that a bar of shaving soap (like the kind men use with the big brush and mug) works fantastic and nixes one liquid item from the 3-1-1 bag.

For great visual wardrobe ideas, see the Vivienne Files site. Though not my personal style, it does a great job illustrating the concepts of basic pieces combined into a multitude of outfits. The "4 by 4" section has tons of ideas.

Thanks everyone! I'm just going to read these posts over and over again. They are so helpful. At this point I think I am about 90% confident and 10% chicken!

My packing strategy is to pack for 8 days with a 2:1 ratio for tops to bottoms. That way I can do laundry for a week and have some clothes on while doing laundry.

Anything else we can do to reduce that 10%, just ask. The further into planning you go, sometimes the more questions there are.

I also find that the confidence/chicken ratio changes the closer I get to departure with the chicken part of the ratio increasing. Once I get to the airport I am fine, then when I get to the hotel the chicken comes out again so that is why I do make some definite plans for the first full day. Then when I get started, I am fine.

Ladies, This is where I am with two months of thinking under my belt and still two months to go... Suitcase will be my RS 22"(actually 23" so I'll have to check it), but it is 5 lb. lighter than my 20" bag (what was I thinking?) so my luggage will be 15 lb. I'll carry on the plane with a small day pack with one complete outfit change, my paperwork and any electronic support items that I need…just incase I never see my bag. However, I have a 3 hour connection wait in Heathrow so I don't expect this to be an issue. When I get to my destination airpot, I'll just put the backpack into the RS bag so I only have a suitcase and a purse. I also purchased this great, IMO, purse/camera bag as I am bringing my Canon DSLR: Kelley Moore's Posey 2 bag: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88x5YqreDTI Mine is yellow. The cross body Posey2 is what I will have with me each day with my camera, ipod, money, local info. I'll only use the day pack if I need food for a train ride. I'm not a back pack type of girl.

I have already printed the maps from train station to my hotels and TIs. I have a list of must or try to see places for each locale. I have flight, hotels and trains reserved/ticketed. I feel much more comfortable now with this solo adventure.

There is one item with which I am still struggling. In Umea, there is an area called Boggbole where an ancester lived and worked in the sawmill. The ruins of the sawmill is still there and the manor house is still in use, now as a conference center. The grounds are an arboretum. It is my understanding that the six miles from Umea to Boggpole can be accessed via bike trails along the river, thru the woods and fields. I was raised in the country and never felt safe there. I'm a city girl. I would never take this 12 mile ride thru the woods, etc on my own in the US as I wouldn't feel safe…I really want to do this in Sweden, but I'm just not sure. I can access the arboretum, sawmill, and hamlet by bus or taxi…so should I just let the bike ride go unless I come upon someone else in Umea, who might be interested? Or am I being a 61 year old wuss? Also, if I were going to ride it alone, I know my husband would be worried the entire time I was there, which I wouldn't want him to do…but it certainly would give me a feel for where they lived, which is why I am going…

I'm not sure if I was supposed to start a new thread or continue this one…so I am continuing this thread.

So, how am I doing so far? Suggestions? Opinions? Wray

Wray, you are doing great!

Perhaps you could hire a taxi to take you to the sawmill, etc., for a few hours. Your hotel might be able to help you. I've done this in Italy a couple of times, it's worked out very well.

I agree with Zoe both on the possibility of a taxi and checking with your hotel. You are going to have such a good time!

Zoe & Pam,

Thanks for the idea. I think I will do just that, check for a taxi hire or alternative when I'm there, and NOT feel guilty about avoiding the bike ride. Thanks.

Definitely do NOT feel guilty about avoiding it! I used to feel sort of guilty when I read replies on this forum about taking public transport to your hotel. Then a friend and I took the RER out to CDG in Paris to pick up a friend and we just looked at each other and both were thinking and said the same thing...taxi!

With the bike ride, if you don't have a comfort level with this at home I would purposely avoid it on an international trip! You will have a lot of new experiences doing this solo anyway and there is no sense in thinking you should do something that will just cause anxiety. Besides, you may need more time for the genealogy stuff anyway!

LOL, Pam. That's funny you should say that about the taxi. I had just decided that after 12 hours in flight/layover, I'll be pretty tired by the time I get to Arlanda IA. I have no issue with taking the express train from Arlanda to Stockholm Center as it will be fast and easy, but I wasn't looking forward to locating the subway, buying the tickets and riding for 3 stops, finding the hotel, etc. when I'll be so tired (I don't sleep on planes). I had just decided to take a taxi from the train station to my hotel when I saw your post. You are so helpful! I am still working on realizing that this is COMPLETELY my trip and I can do whatever I want (or not do whatever I don't want)…as in checking my bag, taking a taxi, and not feeling guilty about my choices! Thanks, Wray

I always research my options for getting to/from the airport or train station, and final decision rests on what time of day--I generally arrive mid-afternoon so public transport is used if not too tricky, but I always leave on the 6 am flight so at 3-4 am I am most assuredly taking a taxi.

Sounds like a great trip! I've gone to Europe about 20 times, was always the person that did all the planning but still haven't ventured forth on my own. This is inspiring!
I used to get new clothes for my trips and found that I'm comfortable in the same clothes I wear at home. Never get new shoes for the trip unless they are well broken in before you go.
I always take a silk long underwear top for extra warmth. It takes up no space in your luggage and reduces body bulk. I have a light weight down vest w/ 4 pockets (inside and out) that liberated me from schlepping items w/ straps.
My favorite thing to do is to sit at a sidewalk cafe w/ a great cup of coffee or glass of wine and just be in the moment. I find that existential lifestyle hard to do in the US with our frenetic pace.

I met a solo traveler in Epernay who said that is the only way he would
travel because he met more people that way. He said folks are more inclined to include you when you are sitting alone.
Have a great trip! Let us hear how it went!

The opportunity to meet and talk with people, and being at my own pace. At the same time I enjoy the RS tours and add pre/post days as possible to have some independent travel. Traveling solo has immensely increased my overall confidence and expanded my comfort zones in life. I am now 60, too. Favorite packing system appears to be a combo of rolling and folding, along with using mesh bags and ziplocks for organization purposes. Trying to just be a roller packer as it appears to leave more space in my luggage.

@ Christa: I think I'll have all options figured out before hand and see how I feel when I get off the train in the evening in Stockholm.
@Kat: I, too, enjoy coffee/wine at cafe and watching people. My camera helps me do that as well…
@Diane: I'm not quite to the point of how to pack the stuff in my suitcase, but I'm getting to that!

I'm feeling pretty excited about this trip…to say the least. A couple of days ago I had a brief, OMG moment of nerves, but they left quickly. And, I probably said this before, but the thing about being 60 versus 22 is that I have the financial standing to change plans, hotels, trains that I wouldn't have had at 22. So no worries. Now I just need to increase my daily steps in preparation and a little hill work… Thanks!

Much of this is covered by posts above already, but I got this through BuzzFeed travel and thought I'd share the link in case something inspires you :)

Wray, kudos to you for taking the solo international travel plunge!

It sounds like you have your packing situation pretty much figured out at this point, but thought I'd add a few things that you, or others, may find useful.

For shaving purposes, my liquid-free strategy is to use a razor that has shave gel/soap built into its cartridge (e.g. Gillette's Venus & Olay: http://www.gillettevenus.com/en-US/products/venus-olay-razor/).

I agree with others re: packing cubes. They really do make a big difference, as does the trick of rolling clothing rather than traditional folding. Throughout a trip, you can use the packing cubes as a way to separate clean and dirty clothing.

@CL: The information on your link initially caused me to panic re: No Night Trains … but I will have my own compartment so I don't think drunk men will be an issue, but it did cause a few initial shakes. LOL

@Nicole: Do you roll your clothes in the packing cubes? I use the cubes but I don't roll…

Thanks for everyone's help! Wray