I really want to make my first trip overseas this summer. I think it would be awesome to go alone, but I'm not sure how safe it is for a single female. I had mentioned traveling solo before to my mom, but of course she was able to convince me that I'm likely to be kidnapped, raped, and sold into the sex trade. So if you've traveled alone, tell me about it. Where did you go? What did you do? Tell me the high points and low points of your trip. Did anything scary happen? Would you do it again?
I'm really good at meeting people, and random people usually approach me, too. So I don't feel like I'd be lonely traveling alone.
Anywho, TIA!
Re: Talk me into traveling solo.
My BFF took a week-long solo trip to Italy after calling off her engagement. She did one of the bus tour-type things, so while she didn't go with anyone she knew, she was traveling with other people. She had a blast and met an awesome mother and son from Australia, who she became friends with, and then subsequently visited in Australia a year later. So she got two trips out of the deal!
I googled:
http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/women-shouldnt-be-afraid-to-travel-alone/
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/deals/inside/2006-07-26-safe-womens-travel_x.htm
I studied abroad in Italy when I was in college, and traveled almost every weekend. Sometimes with friends, sometimes alone. If a 20-year-old college student can spend a weekend in Amsterdam (which is really beautiful) alone, you'll be fine!
I would absolutely travel alone again. I've traveled alone since then, and can't wait to go! I already made a list of destinations.
I think a travel group would be a good compramise.
Thank you for these! These articles are great; just what I needed!
Thank you for the suggestion! I have never heard of Contiki, but I'm looking at the web site and I'm really excited! I think I might go to London and Paris; I had already been thinking of going to London anyway, so Paris would just be an amazing bonus. I'm pretty sure I'm doing this!
An XBF of mine went on Contiki when he was younger. He told me some pretty juicy hook up stories that he had on his trips
I've done a few small trips (I lived in Germany, so I did a few small trips to France and Switzerland) and also a few days alone in Hawaii before I met my family on another island.
I LOVE traveling alone. I love my own schedule, exploring what I want, etc. London or Paris are pretty safe cities with plenty to do, so I say just go for it! (obviously do you research about where to stay, etc.)
In that case, this trip is definite!
I would totally do it!! I think it would be a great experience especially if you are independent and are comfortable doing things on your own.
Also, if you are serious about traveling, the ladies on the travel board are super helpful!