Travel mate

connie,

One option you might consider would be to try a tour with ETBD. These are all small groups with interesting people (no more than 28), the Guides are incredible, and there's usually other solo travellers which will provide "travel mates" for day touring if you want.

You could also try travelling on your own. I've been using that travel method for the past several years, and it's actually worked out quite well. Lately I've been combining an ETBD tour along with about an equal amount of time on my own, and it's been a fantastic combination.

Based on my observations of friends and relatives, I've found that sometimes even the best of friends may not travel well together. The same holds true if you find a "travel mate".

If you do decide to go with someone else, it would be a good idea to build-in some "individual time" each day so that both of you have some time on your own.

Good luck and happy travels!

Ken,
Can u tell me what ETBD is? Thanks for your suggestions.

ETBD--Europe Through The Back Door....basically the company that runs this website.

connie,

Frank II is absolutely correct.

If you want to have a look at the ETBD tours, click the Tab at the top of this page.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I really would like to go alone, however, I am terrible at reading maps/train schedules, etc. I know they say it is easy, but it isn't for me. Also, I never stayed anywhere alone overnight. I know during the day I would love being alone - would keep very busy. I also thought 2 people would be less expensive. I feel I might be forced into a tour and I feel I would hate that. Your thoughts.

Hi Connie,

regarding the tour: unless you pay the single supplement, you will be rooming with another woman. So, you won't have to worry about sleeping alone. Also, on the tour, they have taken care of all of the travel details so you won't have to worry about that. They also cover half of your meals, so you won't have to worry about those. They also provide you with some cultural education while you ride the bus. They are also extremely helpful and will help you with any other details that you would like them too.

I went on a tour last year and made really great friends that I stay in touch with. Next time I go to Europe, it will likely be with them.

Nothing to really hate about a Rick Steves tour. If you go to the tour section of this website you can view some of the scrapbooks that people have submitted from last year's tours.

Go for it! You won't regret it.

Hi, Connie.

Some of that could depend on the style of travel you like to do.

The Let's Go books have a great line in them (they are geared mostly toward younger hostelers) "You're only as alone as you want to be." And I've found this totally true myself.

I went there by myself, but through people I met at the hostels/pensions/hotels, etc wound up traveling for short periods with a big group from Canada, with a 50 yr old Australian man who retired early, an Israeli soldier on his year off, it was quite fun. Eventually I wound up running into some of them in other cities as well.

I guess what I'm saying is - don't be afraid to find travel partners once your over there.

Go alone and enjoy it. You'll be surprised by how many people you meet who are traveling alone. I can't tell you how nice it is to be able to take as long as you want to look at something you are really interested in or how nice to be able to move along if you're not interested. You'll find plenty of people to talk to along the way.

I go alone about once a year since Herself is bored to tears by some of the things I want to do. It's not bad at all, you meet people who tag along for a bit.

I've seen places that have lists of people wanting travel mates -- to me this could wind up being what I've heard the horror of internet dating is like. You'd probably be better off to go alone -- and then find somebody in person -- or not. Solo travel isn't that bad.

One hint: call home every couple of days in the interest of marital politeness.

Two is cheaper than one. In reference to my earlier post, when my wife doesn't go, I sometimes go with a long-time buddy; we split the cost of a car, gas, and a hotel room. When I go solo, I shoulder both of these costs alone and the price does go up, but only in these three areas.

If somebody tags along with me for a couple of days, he/she/they chip in for part of the gas. I don't think I'd even remotely consider sharing a hotel room with a stranger of either gender.

I don't enjoy full-blown tours for a variety of reasons and think they are outrageously expensive. A day excursion might be an exception, probably not, but that's just me.

I'm not a fan of public transportation since I like a car to poke into the nooks and crannies, but can figure out a train schedule if I have to -- studying what the 'train-nuts' post here, however, is slowly swaying me to their point a view -- sadly, so much, that I'm going to give it a whirl on my next solo trip -- if I don't chicken out.

connie,

You might find it helpful to have a look at the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door, as it provides lots of information on a variety of topics to "teach" travellers how to travel easily in Europe (including a section on Rail skills).

If you research and plan your trip well, you shouldn't have too many significant problems. Of course, there's always the potential for a few minor unexpected issues, but those happen to most of us.

One other aspect with the ETBD tours is that these provide a generous amount of "free time", which allows tour members to explore a bit on their own. The Guides are always available to help with transportation or sightseeing suggestions.

Cheers!

I want to second the suggestion that you go on a ETBD tour or some other similar tour for at least part of the time. What you can do is do the tour for the first week and then travel solo on your own for a few days before going home. If you get lonely on your own, take a day tour. You'll meet some other tourists that you can chat with. Once you've done your first trip with solo travel, then you can go on a second trip with more solo travel Before you know it, you'll be the expert all your friend will be wanting to travel with.

Pam

I generally travel alone although I've taken 3 tours over the last 25 yrs. After each of the first 2 tours, I said I'd never do another. The last tour which was last fall was with ETBD & it was great. I will do a tour with them again as it was a great mix of time to myself & someone else to do the work of getting me around. I greatly recommend them. Also, although I had great roommates, I'll pay the single supplement next time (to save them from my snoring).

Hi Connie,

I would also recommend taking a Rick Steves ETBD Tour. It's a nice mix of group and free time. I'm single and I'm taking my second tour this summer. There is a nice mix of people and age ranges (I'm in my 30s and there is usually people from their 20s up to their 70s on the tour). It takes care of all the "detail" stuff (trains, hotels, etc.) so you can just enjoy yourself. If taking a tour is not an option for you, there is also a website called www.travelchums.com where you might find someone to travel with. You also might start asking your friends if they know anyone who likes to travel, or check with people at your church, any groups you belong to. BUT I would really try to "interview" potential travel partners before you go. You definately want someone with a similar travel style. GOOD LUCK! :)

Connie, I do not travel wth my husband and take tours. I have gone alone and with a girl friend. One my first tour, I met another single traveler and we took our next trip together. I am still friends with tour members I met years ago. Next year, my friend and I are meeting two other women we met on our Ireland tour and will head to France. ETBD tours are great for single travelers and you meet the nicest people! Enjoy!

Connie, go to this website's "Graffiti Wall" section--it's listed at the top of this screen in the tan area. Under the "Help!" section (the top, middle), there's a topic "European Travel Partners Wanted". Post your request there. Have fun anyway you are able to go.

Connie, I discovered Rick's tours when I was looking for a way to continue traveling to Europe after my divorce. I tack on a couple days before and sometimes after the tour and that way I have the best of both worlds-I have time with other people and have time to explore by myself also. I was worried I might not like tours, but the RS tours have lots of free time built in for independent exploring and you make friends quickly.

I appreciate your suggestions. I really would like to go without being on a tour, but might have to give in.