I read many of the posts on the helpline and most all start with WE are, or I am, and then go on to ask their questions. Then I also read the travel partner helpline and posters are looking for someone to meet up with or travel with. Many of those say their partner does not want to go to Europe for one reason or another. I also posted on looking for a travel partner and found some great people who I still e-mail but did not find anyone able to do my trip and dates. Even though I'm married, my wife can't do all the walking, mountain altitudes and overall strenuous tour that I do. Also she would rather to go to the beach. For me, the beach is a weekend trip, hiking in the rockies is a vacation, travelling to Europe is a vacation and an adventure. I think many others on this site go alone rather than not go but I am not sure. For me, the decision is go alone, or not go. I go. How about you?
Posted by
Alameda, CA, USA
80 posts
Traveling alone is so much fun because in essence you are not traveling alone! You are traveling with the entire world.
On my Alps (First) hiking expedition, I befriended 4 young adults. We shared life adventures, travel tips, and so much insight about our own countries and our perception of their countries.
On my Alps (Jungfrau) I befriended a young French man who had a peculiar (and somewhat interesting) personality.
During my Rome Night Walk tour, I befriended an English woman and we had an engaging talk about European men vs. US men over Chinese food.
The list can go on. But what I love about solo traveling is the people you meet. You never have the same kind of conversation twice. Your mind is constantly being stimulated. You are constantly learning.
Showing interest (body language, asking questions) in people, having a "pleasant" face, and being an extrovert (though I do have my down time at night) are traits I had found helpful.
ps. I had so much fun doing solo traveling, I hesitate to bring along friends/families on my next outing ;) And yes! I do feel bad!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
If I don't find someone who wants to travel when/where I do, I go alone. Personally, I wouldn't look for a travel partner from a website, but if family or friends aren't available or interested, I just go anyway.
Posted by
Tulsa, OK
276 posts
I sometimes enjoy sharing travel experiences with friends or family,but, call me selfish, I much prefer traveling on my own. It's so nice to avoid the whole,"What do you want to do?", "I don't know, what do you want to do?"thing. Also, you never know if the other person is really enjoying the museum, etc as much as you are, or if they are just being polite. I can't enjoy myself if I think my companion is just humoring me. Traveling alone is the way to go!
Posted by
Winnipeg
590 posts
I love traveling with my husband, but he only likes road trips through Canada/USA. We both love hiking, and we take many trips together. However he didn't like Europe as he hated the plane ride to get there and being "ou of his element". I go without him now and I love going by myself. My husband is the only one that I can be around 24/7 and not get on my nerves. Going about on my own I meet different people wherever I go.
I like the idea of the travel partner helpline, however I would onlylike to travel with someone partway of my journey. That way I can meet different people. I am a huge advocate of couchurfing as when I traveled by myself I met so many great people who live in the cities that I traveled to.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
780 posts
I will go.
My first trip abroad was to London for a week and I had a blast. I got to do what I wanted, when I wanted and even found "Bridget Joneses" flat in Southwark. My husband would not have liked looking for stuff like that. I went shopping in designer shops, ate lunches in parks while reading cheap magazines, and spent an hour buying toiletries in Boots. lol.
My second trip abroad my husband went with me, again to London for a week. He is British and was not interested in anything but saying hi to his family. He did not want to shop, he did not want to do anything or see anything since he has seen it all before. He likes to relax on vacation and not shop or walk around looking at historical sites.
I had fun but not as much as my first trip. My favorite way to travel now is going to be solo.
I plan on Italy and France alone next year. I am looking forward to it.