So I have to go to Toulouse fro work on the 2nd of December. Naturally I don't want to waste the fact that the company is paying for an expensive flight from NY to France, and I'd like to take an extra week to 10 days exploring. I usually go on planned tours with Topdeck and G adventures, but sadly, most Europe trips seem to only occur with these companies for that last week during Christmas and New Years. (Plus I'm also 41 now, so I can't go with Topdeck anymore.) Anyone have any suggestions on where a solo traveler should go and actually have fun even though he's alone? Wouldn't mind meeting people along the way, as opposed to just seeing the sights by myself.
Posted by
Green Bay
21107 posts
I am shocked, SHOCKED, to find that there are tour companies that engage in age discrimination.
In an earlier life, when my employer presented these opportunities, I used the "Look, give 3 more days and I can save the company $1000 on the airline ticket" argument. Airline pricing has changed a bit since then, but the line still works.
What is your wish list? Barcelona? Paris? mountains? All it takes is figuring out where you want to go and do it.
Posted by
OP
9 posts
My employer is fine with the extra time, as long as the price of the flight itself doesn't jump crazily. As for Topdeck and it's age limit? Yeah, it kinda sucks, but I did have many years of great travel with them, so I'm not gonna go crazy about it. I was nice to have a coach bus pick you up the the hotel doorstep though, and take you from city to city with a guide who new the day and nightlife of the place you were in! But, them's the breaks, and G adventures has picked up the slack nicely. The only problem with them is the no Europe tours till Christmas thing. :( As to where to go, I've been to most major European cities. I would actually love to do the whole Romania Dracula tour deal, but once again, finding December tours aint working so far!!
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
Since Paris is one end of your itinerary, I'd head south. Either the South of France or south toward Spain. Up north the days are too short for good touring - not to mention the likelihood of wet, cold, and/or gray days.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Rick has space left on a Barcelona-Madrid tour before your planned business travel, but not after. Of course, I'd encourage you to just enjoy the freedom of traveling solo, perhaps renting a car to travel around Albi, Dordogne, etc., and ending in Lyon. See an overview of sightseeing highlights at http://www.ricksteves.com/europe/france.
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Thanks Laura, Yes, I reviewed Rick's tours, but as you mentioned, they all seem to end the last week in Nov., and then not start up again until the last week of December. I'm thinking the solo travel/ car rental thing might be the only real choice I have here. I'm sure it will be fine, but my lazy self would certainly want to have my tour group and plans pre-set for me, hence my love for G and Topdeck. I guess I've just grown used to the fun I've had on thos tours!
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
I don't know from Topdeck or G Tours (I'm well over 41), but if you're willing to go solo Europe is your oyster. With ten days you could go most anywhere, if it were my trip I'd head to Spain or Italy or the Riviera that time of year. I guess you've been to Paris, but you might go back if it's been awhile and you haven't seen all you wanted to. Or the rental car in the Dordogne and Languedoc, near Toulouse. Or, what the hell, fly to Greece or Turkey on a budget airline. This is a good problem to have!
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
Sicily is about as far South as you can go! Why not? It's beautiful! I fell in love with it two years ago and can't wait to go back. If you want some info on private tours, PM me.
Posted by
Long Beach, USA
252 posts
''Anyone have any suggestions on where a solo traveler should go and actually have fun even though he's alone? ''
Anywhere is the answer. I mostly travel solo and I am in really good shape...and I find it difficult to find someone with same taste/budget/vacations days, etc. And most friends ''cannot'' leave theif husband/bf/gf. Anyway, just do it! You will probably meet more people if you do travel solo since you will be open to that.
Do you mind the cold weather? Scandinavia is beautiful at that time of year. Flights are often ''cheap'' now that Norwegian got into the game I find...I went to Oslo, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Prague, Bratislava, etc....last year at that time and it was lovely!