| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 6/25/2009 4:56:41 AM | ^^^Yep, that's what I typed. "Everything".
It's great to travel with friends at times, but if you are the type that won't travel without someone else, you're gonna miss out on a lot - that was my point.
And not only traveling, but restaurants, movies, bars/clubs, coffee shops, bookstores, the park, the gym, the beach, whatever... all those things are just as good alone as with friends.
What else would "everything" mean? | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 6/25/2009 9:32:30 AM | okay, i can totally agree that no one shouldn't travel simply because they don't have a traveling partner(s). no need to miss out on anything if no one wants to go with you. BUT i wouldn't go as far as saying EVERYTHING! it sounds anti-social. i'd like to think that's not what you mean.
there are things that can be done alone, hell, anything can be done alone. but some of those things would be much more enjoyable with company, wouldn't you agree? like dining in at a restaurant, dancing, or even moving.
also, my mind tends to scrape along the gutter on a frequent basis. i can't think of ANYONE i've ever met in my entire life that would purposely choose masturbation over the affections of another person. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 6/25/2009 4:49:43 PM | | I am considering flying, which will be the first time in 20 years, SOLO, never did this, travel alone, two hours in air, to meet a long term dear friend I started talking to online and eventually on the phone, for 3 years. I think it could be a triumph for me, having overcome agoraphobia, but it could be a balloon burst as well. Has anyone done this? Met someone face to face who lives far away? 2 hours by plane isnt bad :) | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 6/25/2009 6:24:38 PM | | oh my lord how crude is that, gross | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 6/25/2009 7:36:16 PM |
okay, i can totally agree that no one shouldn't travel simply because they don't have a traveling partner(s). no need to miss out on anything if no one wants to go with you. BUT i wouldn't go as far as saying EVERYTHING! it sounds anti-social. i'd like to think that's not what you mean.
My point is there's nothing you HAVE to do with a chaperone. Most things are enjoyable either way, unless you are the type that can't go anywhere without company.
there are things that can be done alone, hell, anything can be done alone. but some of those things would be much more enjoyable with company, wouldn't you agree? like dining in at a restaurant, dancing, or even moving.
Depends on the company. I like eating alone way better than with someone I don't enjoy spending time with, and I do hit restaurants and movie theaters solo quite a bit - there are a couple friends that I enjoy hitting a restaurant with, tho. Dancing is a solo activity for me, so that one I don't get. Moving? As in someone to help you pack boxes? Strange, but ok.
also, my mind tends to scrape along the gutter on a frequent basis. i can't think of ANYONE i've ever met in my entire life that would purposely choose masturbation over the affections of another person.
Well one need not go without sex to be single, however being that this is a "travel" thread, I assumed you were referring to the topic of "travel" when responding to me, instead of being typically male and throwing the sex thing in there. But I should have known better.
However, sex alone is better than sex with certain people - again, it totally depends on the company. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 6/26/2009 7:39:17 PM |
International travel is on hold until I meet a great girl who wants to travel the world with me. Why would you want to waste any more of your life time? Go!! Do it.. She just might be out there in the world travelling too  | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 6/27/2009 4:44:31 PM | In 2008 I travelled India, stayed for four months. I had been worried about traveling alone.
All alone with a billion people.
Still, when I came back, I was frustrated because there was no way to really share what I saw, felt, did. It would be nice to have shared the experiences with someone who shared my home too.
But I'm going again in August, to meet with friends I met a year ago. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 6/28/2009 3:42:37 PM | | I went to Disneyland by myself. My mom had to cancel at the last minute and I thought WTH I may never get the chance to go again so I went. I had a blast! It was a bit lonely at times but for the most part it was a relief to do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it without having to consult with anyone. Very liberating! As I get older tho I find I enjoy time spent with others more than time alone (if the company is good). | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 6/28/2009 6:19:35 PM | | Since I don't know anyone who can afford to travel I've been travelling alone for the past 2 years and having the time of my life because I can meet so many people. I'm not shy so talking to new people comes easy. It would be great to find a "compatible" travel buddy but that's not always so easy as everyone has their own idea of what's fun. So I keep a positive attitude, do my homework on the places I'm going (for safety) and have fun! | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 6/30/2009 4:09:25 PM | | I would never miss out on the opportunity to travel just because there was no one around to share it with. I have spent time in Bangkok and Bali on holidays on my own and am off to Bali alone this October. Have to admit that I would prefer not to eat on my own but last trip to Bali I was asked several times to join others when they realised I was on my own. Great way to meet people. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 6/30/2009 8:18:20 PM | I guess when u go alone u meet new people in your journey's and develop new relationships ya never know who your having coffee with. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/1/2009 5:12:12 PM | | I have traveled all over the beautiful state of Florida by car alone and had the times of my life! I prefer it since I can do whatever I want when I want and never get annoyed. It's such an adventure. It's the best way to travel in my opinion. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/2/2009 4:36:19 PM | I've gone to southern Africa a couple of times by myself. I didn't know anyone who wanted to go or could afford to go. I certainly wasn't going to miss out just because I had to go alone. I booked onto a couple of safaris and met lots of new friends. Had a great time on each trip.
I want to do a 3 month self-drive tour of southern Africa, that is one trip I don't want to do alone. Hopefully I'll meet a guy that wants to do the same. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/2/2009 10:03:01 PM | I have been traveling alone for the last 5 years (without my relatives).
I think its a blast. I have a little route I take to Spain every other year. Goes something like this...
1.) Take only a backpack.
2.) Fly into Ibiza Spain (islands in the Mediterranean)
3.) Take in the sites, lay on the beach, Moped around the island, visit the gypsy flea market, party with a bunch of fun loving europeans
4.) Take the Ferry to Barcelona
5.) Check into a hotel on Las Ramblas (the place to be in Barcelona, shopping, site seeing: Must do's.
- Go to Sagrada Familia (Church designed by Gaudi)
- Go to Park Quell?? (Park designed by Gaudi)
- Go to Picasso's Home/Museum
- Go to the Harbor, do some serious Seafood dining
- Party on Las Ramblas until 4 in the morning!
6.) Take train south to Peniscola (1.5 hours Coastal views). Visit Papa Luna's Castle, was movie location of 'El Cid'
7.) Be a beach bum, once again party with more Europeans.
8.) Take train to Valencia
9.) Do the sites, disco's and shopping
10.) Take boat back to Ibiza from Valencia. Relax for a couple days
11.) Fly back to the USA and sleep for 1 week straight ;)
Things were fairly cheap. Some of the costs were as follows:
Ferry ride ~$50
Museums and site ~$10
Dining ~$25
Train ride ~$20
Flight ~$1500 rount trip
Hotel in Barcelona on Las Ramblas ~$100 per night
Beach Hotel on Ibiza 'Club Palma' internet rate ~$70
Beach Hotel in Peniscola ~$90
I have variations of this trip where I go to Madrid, Pamplona (run with the bulls), Zaragoza and North of Barcelona to Wine Country!
My advice for any travelers that go it alone:
Have a list of all phone contacts. Keep multiple copies in separate locations. This also applies to your photo copies of your passport. One on you and one in your backpack. Use Internet Cafe's to communicate to family members. Let them know the status of your trip. It will give them peace of mind. Create a temporary email account. Use it, instead of your regular email. This will prevent spy ware from getting at your personal info. I typically take a credit card, cash and travelers checks. Once again, I split up the items. I carry the credit card and cash, while placing the travelers checks in my backpack. If you get robbed/pick-pocketed, you'll still have a backup source for money. Make a copy of the travelers check numbers (and which ones you have used), thus if they are stolen, they can be quickly nulled by American Express.
Obviously, know your limits with alcohol. Partying with strangers can get you into some awkward situations, especially if your a woman! If you go to nightclubs, make sure you can obtain a taxi to and from your hotel. If your a lady, don't go out with valuables in your purse. Put your valuables in your front pocket! Trust me, locals will take advantage of friendly tourists.
Anyhow
I hope some of this info has helped anyone that travels or is thinking about traveling alone.
regards
rufus_fang | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/3/2009 11:54:06 AM | Good tips, thanks. I want to go to the Oregon Coast in September, by car, and can't find anyone to go with so I'm thinking of going it alone. Anyone have any more tips for this mid 60's single woman? I'm kinda nervous about it but I'm sick of staying home and not going anywhere.
Stamper 2 | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/3/2009 11:39:34 PM | Some times if I go to a completely new place, I will do numerous internet searches (Google, etc) about the area. I would recommend you see if the Oregon Coastal region has any social groups (in your case, check area churches, vfw's, historical societies, museums) that fit your personal tastes. Thus, you can email them about any tours or excursions that would be available for you. Many times, these organizations will welcome you with open arms. They can even recommend some nice little bed & breakfasts, restaurants, etc (things that aren't on the normal vacation guide).
regards | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/3/2009 11:45:31 PM | oh, I almost forgot. In your case if you are traveling alone by car, make sure you print out your route (Use Yahoo/Google Maps), hilite the directions you are going to take. Give/email a copy to a friend or relative. Every couple hundred miles give your friend a call and let them know how your trip is going.
regards | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/3/2009 11:50:37 PM | hey, its me again. I re-read your post and have another tip.
Since you are driving and may be alone, make sure you take your vehicle to a trusted auto mechanic. Let him know how far your planned destination is, thus he can perform a quick check for items that may go out in the middle of a desert - belts/oil change/radiator fluid/brakes/starter. Better yet, I would strongly recommend you rent a car and avoid all the car problem issues. Also, try to avoid driving in the late evening and night. These are the times most accidents occur (tired truckers, drunks, etc).
regards | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/6/2009 5:46:59 AM | | I agree, if you find your match for a travel companion, more power to both of you.... but if not, traveling alone, is a great way in putting yourself out there. Stay at a hostel, and meet people from all over. I have met someone anywhere I a have gone solo.... and then I have somewhere else to stay for free, cause they invite me to visit, normally I have never been to there town before... Traveling is the lifestyle I wish I could do full time, and go adventure the big world out there... slowly I will have seen most of it, and I hope to find my partner durning my travels..... | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/6/2009 7:02:37 AM | | I traveled a bit solo in Europe last year and not having someone with you to share experiances and to speak to can make it a very lonley experiance.. That being said though, you'll always meet people in hostels etc.. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/6/2009 4:27:36 PM | I've been addicted to travel as long as I can remember. Yes, it's nicer to travel with someone you can share experiences with, but if you've got the bug, it's way better to travel alone than not to travel at all.
There are a very few places where it might be a lot safer to have at least two people and a satellite phone, for safety reasons (I hear the jungles of Papua New Guinea are like that, although I've not yet been). But for most places that doesn't apply.
One place where many folks feel nervous about but is really fine for single travel is Japan. And while long ago it was very expensive, that's no longer the case. The standard first trip to Japan can be readily done in less than two weeks all in. If anyone would like a sample itinerary, I'd be happy to give suggestions. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/8/2009 11:25:41 PM | | Traveling alone can be good, it forces you to meet new people, interact with the locals, etc... and as you said, you can go on your own schedule. Sometimes I prefer going with a friend/significant other, sometimes by myself. Never thought to use it as a reason to go see Thunder From Down Under though :) | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/14/2009 6:26:32 PM | I still dont get all the people saying that they would rather be alone ?!
I watched the sun come up one morning in the mountains, words cant even describe it. When I die, that memory is gone. If I had shared it with someone she would remember it when I am gone, she could tell our kids about it and they would remember the story when we are both gone......
In the end we are the people who remember us, good or bad. I only hope that I have someone to remember me, remember that I was a man who tried and loved, broken but never without hope.
When I end up back in Alaska, it will be alone.
" May I lose my rage in the mountains, may the winds carry her name far away and grant me peace " | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/15/2009 12:07:01 AM | I still dont get all the people saying that they would rather be alone ?!
same thing went through my head when i read these posts. it's almost like some of them WANT to be single. but if that's the case, what the hell are they doing on a dating site? saying "here for the forums" don't cut it if your profile still says 'single.' i mean, to each their own, but i could never recommend anyone travel alone ALL THE TIME for various reasons. sometimes, sure, cuz there are advantages. but some people here make it seem like going it alone is the ONLY way to go. and let's face it, meeting people ain't hard to do. almost all of us do it everyday. but meeting GOOD people is a different story. people that we get along with and want in our lives. if people travel with that intention, then why are they STILL traveling alone? what would be the point of meeting all these people from all these different places then? i don't get it. enlighten me. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/15/2009 6:03:24 AM |
it's almost like some of them WANT to be single. but if that's the case, what the hell are they doing on a dating site?
I DO WANT to be single. It doesn't mean I want to live the life of a monk though. After all, this is a DATING site, nothing on this site says you have to want to get married to use it.
Besides, what does that have to do with traveling alone? Numerous people have already listed their various reasons for traveling alone. I don't need someone to hold my hand everywhere I go.
Let it go. | |
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