| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/15/2009 8:50:33 AM | The topic here is travelling alone, not having travel companions. If you want to go somewhere, whether it be another state, the movies, another country, a cruise or dinner the point is that no one should let the fact that there's no one to go with stop them from experiencing the PLACE they want to travel to.
Traveling is about experiencing the place you're going to. It's nice if you're with someone, but no one should forego a trip altogether just because no one else can go. There are also perks to NOT traveling with someone else - cost, convenience, ability to go where you want and do what you want without having to agree with someone else about it.
The discussion of what people are doing on a dating site has nothing to do with traveling alone, which is the topic. Lord knows there are plenty of threads all over the place discussing what people think others should be doing here. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/15/2009 3:36:14 PM | Hear Hear! Lol...
But I completely agree with the above. Travelling is all about experiencing the new, the undiscovered, things perhaps outside of your own comfort zone. When travelling with good friends, their partner or family, people tend to stay in that comfort zone and all the limitations that imposes.
I also agree that this being a dating site has little to do with the topic. Besides, just because you have relationships (romantic or otherwise) does not mean that you shouldn't enjoy your own company and the things you experience when you are alone. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/15/2009 9:49:01 PM | | Travelled alone and like it a lot! You are so right - you get to do what you want & when. There are times when it does get a little lonely however on extended trips - that's when I like the idea of a companion - preferably a romantic one! | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/17/2009 12:27:23 AM | When travelling, wherever that destination is, you'll always end up asking yourself was it worth it? That depends. Was it something you have always dreamed about doing or was it a spur of the moment thing. Travelling alone is fine sometimes. No matter where you go, you are going to run into people eventually. I really prefer travelling with someone else, but a the moment that is not the case.
The # 1 goal about travelling alone, is to make as many friends as you can. It seems like a hard task, but really its easy if you put your mind to it. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/17/2009 5:02:55 AM | i prefer to travel alone.
i've done the shared thing a couple of times. it doesn't work for me.
on one trip, to singapore, it was a disaster and ruined the relationship. we each had different agendas and would have been better off going our own ways during the day then meeting up later back at the hotel.
as it was i couldn't wait for the holiday to end.
now i nearly always travel solo, especially on long trips.
i always meet exciting, fun people and have a great time.
i've also stayed in vegas for a few days by myself when waiting for friends to arrive from l.a.
was having to much of a good time to get lonely! | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/19/2009 12:40:36 AM | Initially traveling alone is like camping in the wild with no cellphones, no work related things, no close relatives whining about the daily itinerary, no waiting for others. It allows me to spiritually connect with 'myself'. At times it pushes me to my limits. Should I or shouldn't I? Whose to encourage me to repel a cliff? No one, but myself. Understanding yourself, is easier if you are alone to make all the decisions and mistakes. Things slow down to your pace. Not the worlds. Everyone should travel alone, at least once in their lifetime.
regards | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/19/2009 1:08:58 AM |
The # 1 goal about travelling alone, is to make as many friends as you can. It seems like a hard task, but really its easy if you put your mind to it.
I cant' agree with this post at all. I've travelled alone a lot and my goal has never been to go somewhere to try to make friends.
I travel to get away, to be alone, to do soul searching, to explore the world, experience new things, to push myself out of my comfort zone and to grow.
If I just wanted to be with other people, I would travel with other people...I travel alone because I enjoy the time alone. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/19/2009 6:58:10 PM | I frequently travel alone, but would rather travel with others. Last January I returned to Kauai, my favorite destination. Two couples were planning to go along, but they both backed out because one person from each couple lost their jobs.
I already have reservations for my next three trips and as of now, nobody plans to go along. This economy has dampened a lot of traveler's hopes. I have always traveled with friends, both male and female, or family, and never dates (traveling with a "date" implies more than just dating, yet something less than marraige... and I am just not that type of guy).
I am going to Vegas in September, Florida in March, and Gatlinburg in July. Anyone interested in joining me? Although the Vegas trip will be in a hotel room with no room to spare, there will be plenty of room for the right person/people for the Florida and Gatlinburg trips because I'll be staying in timeshare codos. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/20/2009 9:29:32 PM | I just returned from an awesome trip to Italy. I did an Independent Tour Package.
I flew into Rome; stayed there for two days then took the Euro Rail to Florence. Stayed in Florence for two days then took the Euro Rail to Venice and stayed there for two days. I was not bound to any schedule or tour group. I went alone and made my plans and did what I wanted when I wanted. It was the BEST  trip I have ever taken, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. The people, the food, the history was absolutely breath-taking.
I'm already planning my next trip to Italy in about two maybe three years; however, my sister and girlfriend will be going this time. They are just as excited as I am about these Independent Tour Packages; can hardly wait.
Ciao A ;o) | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/21/2009 1:56:34 PM | i went to lanzarote for a week and practically went alone.
i was actually with a geoup of 50 somethings but they bored me to tears going on about their childrens weddings so i disappeared on all sorts of excursions - sometimes for 12 - 13 hours at a time, i even spent the day on Fuertaventura | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/21/2009 2:50:29 PM | | I prefer to travel with someone, its just more fun then. You have someone to talk to, share your experiences with, discuss what you have seen ect. There is advantages when travelling alone, but frankly, been doing that enough and find that going with someone or a group, is much more fun. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/21/2009 3:01:34 PM | Hey OP that is awesome that you had a great time in Vegas by yourself!
I went to Vegas by myself for 10 days about two years ago and did not enjoy it that much. But like you I learned more about myself and for that it was an excellent trip.
When I saw 'Into the Wild' it really made me reflect on how I felt about the trip...'Happiness is only real if shared'.
On the other hand, I have backpacked in Mexico solo and that was extremely enjoyable and fulfilling. I guess it is just a personality thing; I would not suggest going to Vegas alone. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/22/2009 5:58:39 PM | I travelled alone a lot throughout Europe and lived there for 10 years, too.
It was adventurous and exciting when I was younger, but now in my 40's it is rather a drag. I'd rather stay home and watch TV.
While travelling, I have been in a lot of single hotel rooms , gone to bars alone, etc. I think it is harder for a man, but maybe I am wrong. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/22/2009 6:02:19 PM | | By the way, I was thinking of travelling in Europe again this summer , but so far have not found a travel partner. I am pretty expert on the whole metro-bus-tram-train -and -pensione -cheap hotel -bread-cheese-picnic budget travel thing, and know my way around several major cities there...my major inspiration was the book by James Michener called The Drifters | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/23/2009 8:34:11 PM | Most of my traveling was alone-you meet the best people that way. Hang out with local and get the best info/inside scoop on things to see/go.
Why does this title have a question mark since there is no question? | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/30/2009 2:48:29 PM | Presently a fair percent of my "travel" is alone... at least portions of it are. Since my "travels" last several month and I hope to soon make that several years I often find myself making hops between locations where I have never been and with out crew mates. If you have looked at my INFO or just the screen name you will know I like sailing and often single-hand between ports/ anchorages or islands, which are sometimes different countries.
This is a great way to meet not only fellow sailors/ cruisers but the locals. It seems to be far easier to meet new and make longer lasting friendships this way than one can "at home" or when you are with someone. I do know some people just can't seem to do this... have no idea why it is so easy.
While I do love having company/ guest along much of the time, traveling alone does have many benefits not possible when traveling with a companion. Of course it does have some disadvantages to but those can also be interesting in and of themselves. I don't like being a hermit for long.... so the "alone" typically does not last very long unless I want it to. Just saying "hello" in the native way often changes "alone" to with friends. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 7/30/2009 2:50:38 PM | Enjoy the balance between travelling & sharing with someone special & navigating solo, adventuring using your own wits !!
~sc~ | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 8/2/2009 8:42:29 PM | Interesting thread in that so many seem to share the same enthusiasm for solo travel. I too have learned to do it and enjoy it as well. One day, I *would* like to have that person with me that gets the same enjoyment out of it as I do...but...in the mean time... :)
I love to hike and be outdoors. I've visited the Pacific NW coast, Colorado, California, taken random weekend trips and still want to get to Europe. I haven't been able to convince myself to go there on my own yet...lol. I'd like to camp more, but feel that solo camping may be an issue w/safety (ladies? anyone doing this?).
I've seen some good tips on this thread too. Things I do prior to taking a trip...*lots* of research, and I always let family know my intinerary.
So, a question for everyone....when traveling solo, do you go to restaurants by yourself too?
Cheers! | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 8/10/2009 5:28:01 PM | I want to see as much of the world as possible, what the budget allows :-)
I've traveled with people but going alone is great. Like everyone else has already said you get to do what you what, when you want. I just got back from a week in New York City!!! I was alone and I had a blast.
I feel when you travel alone you have a better chance of blending in and feeling like a native. I usually end up giving other tourists directions while I'm away. I like to take local transport - bus, subway, train, whatever.. and I have no problem going to restaurants alone. A girl has got to eat, and food is part of the fun. Experiencing different things, I never try to go to a restaurant I have at home unless its 2am and I've been out dancing and I'm starving.. then sometimes MCd's does have its perks.
Why is it easier for a single girl to go to a bar in Europe then in the United States? I had more fun in clubs in Europe then NYC, just because I'm alone doesn't mean I want a one night stand. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 8/10/2009 11:12:54 PM | I actually would much rather share my experiences with someone else.
I think if I traveled on my own I'd end up not enjoying it as much as I would with a companion. | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 8/11/2009 6:09:21 PM | I don't do it all the time but the most relaxing thing about traveling alone is not having to deal with anyone else, focusing on completely treating your self  | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 8/11/2009 9:35:46 PM | | Hmm... like in a therapeutic sort of way? | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 8/12/2009 4:19:23 AM | in reply to verity......
food is part of the travelling experience. no matter where you are you will always find something on the menu you have never seen offered "back home".
for example when i was in singapore i tried all the back street food markets and restaurants.....yummy prawns!
i enjoy discovering new cuisine and find this a great way to get to know the locals even if you haven't travelled far away from home.
if you are in a foreign country always be alert and always become aware of the social customs of that country......
happy tasting and travelling...... | |
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| Traveling Alone?
Posted: 8/12/2009 10:28:43 AM | Daffie,
I agree that food is part of the experience and is what prompted my question. I can see that traveling solo and the more casual dining experiences as being easier. It's the more formal restaurants that I wonder if people still frequent on their own.
Would you have a dinner at a nice, "sit down" type of restaurant on your own? That's the one thing that I struggle with. While I enjoy solo travel, I enjoy the company of someone over dinner too much to enjoy *that* aspect on my own. I think dining out has such a social aspect to it, especially here in Dallas, that I've gotten used to it.
Cheers! | |
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