| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/15/2006 8:38:49 PM | I really want to travel somewhere but i'm having a hard time finding someone to go with.
I'm hoping to do something different, i don't want to lay on a beach and get a sunburn, i want to do something like, explore the amazon, hike the Grand Canyon, maybe climb Mt. St. Helens or go to the first camp on Everest. I'm just not sure how to do a trip like this alone...
Anyone who has done any travelling alone, I would really like to hear from you!! Thanks guys!!
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/15/2006 9:04:52 PM | | dont worry too much, do your research on the internet before you go (which i think you probaly already had - gears you ll need etc..), there re also organised tour or one on one guide that you can hire if you needed professional help (not as in people going crazy - as in professional climbers, people who are familiar with the weather conditions..etc), and who knows, you might even meet some fellow climbers once you got there! have fun and take care, oh and take some photos too! cheers! | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/15/2006 9:14:23 PM | | It really depends on how much travel savy you already have. If you haven't travelled much, an organized tour might be better in locals that require some experience. But if you've already travelled to places beyond the beach package situation, and feel comfortable with your travel knowledge base, then go for it. I had done a short trip to Dublin by myself, so I knew I could do the alone part, but when I was heading off to Africa, I chose a tour - there are lots that do not charge a single supplement. If that part of the world interests you - Drifters is a great company. Travelling alone just requires a sense of adventure and a personality. I also got a LOT of advice from friends that had done single trips. A wedding band to slip on came in really handy! | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/15/2006 10:09:47 PM |
Anyone who has done any travelling alone, I would really like to hear from you!! Thanks guys!!
I went to Ireland this summer alone and had a great time. It would have been better with company, but I could not find anyone else to go with me. I went alone and enjoyed it. As an attractive female, I am quite sure someone will try to become friends with you. 
You should ask me what I think in about 2 months as I have two trips planned, both by myself. I am going to Athens for 2 days, then cruise the Aegean stopping at a few places for 4 days (including Turkey & Crete), then back to Athens for another day.
A week after I return I fly to Argentina and start an 18 day cruise all over Southern South America ending in Santiago, Chile. I have never even taken a cruise before, nor traveled very much internationally, so I am looking forward to it. I've found most of the poeple I know have no interest in going places I would like to, so I am sort of forced to go alone.
Ireland was great. Hopefully Greece, Turkey, Urguay, Argentina, the Falkland Islands and Chile will be just as much fun! (yeah I'm bragging because I am pumped up!!) wooo hooo! | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/15/2006 11:19:47 PM | Thanks for everyone's help!!
I have one other concern... I'm young, and i'm single (although i do have my mom's wedding ring) and travelling into a country i'm not familiar with kinda worries me and i know my family would worry about that as well. its Dangerous and i don't want to be put in a bad situation. | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/16/2006 1:38:18 AM | There are a few other threads (about traveling alone) on this site, to which I have contributed waaay too heavily. Others had things to say also, so you might want to check them out.
Hate to be sexist (I AM from the Gloria Steinem (sp?) generation), but as an attractive female traveling alone, you do need to fall back on some attitudes:
1) Walk like you know where you are going.
2) A good one is vintage "Miss Manners": "How DARE you!!" It doesn't even matter if you know the language; said with indignation, it covers them all.
3) Half the time this works; others seem to find it a "come-on"--cry your eyes out. Actually, this has rarely worked for me, although each time, it was more than genuine.
4) Run REALLY, REALLY fast.
5) Remember that, at heart, everyone has a good on. Although sometimes you have to learn where to find it.
6) Learn to laugh at stuff.
7) Keep a journal so that your grandchildren can discover how adventurous you are. (And remember how courageous you can be!)
In the 60's we had an expression: "Life is a trip". One you might want to go on!
That being said, I have traveled by myself since the early 70's and at no time have I ever been hurt. Put in danger . . . oh, yeah.
This chick know how to have fun!!! | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/16/2006 2:43:13 AM | Hey :)
Im 21 now and did a year of backpacking around western europe by myself also when I was 19 and now again except I am living in Germany for maybe a year then do eastern europe....I came over here just with a plane ticket, now found a job at an irish pub and the rest is history, take an english translation dictionary to any countries you go as it helps you make friends if you just make an effort to speak the language. You will be suprised how often it is that newly found friends will help you along your journey! Safety is always as huge issue but dont let it take over the trip, just be level headed and think twice at nighttimes. Have a great time!
Ciao
Holly | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/16/2006 4:54:04 AM | Hi there _
came to this forum by chance. You have same dilema as I had. I love travelling but first found it to tough even to think of travelling Solo. But then I decided can't wait. I put some ads for travelling companion - no romance just to be company - finally went on my own.
what can i tell you just do it. I went to Paris/Greece. Look at bright side, you make your own schedule - no one to argue with to decide where to go.
One suggestion, if you go to place where they do not speak English, learn some expresions. they will come handy.
In France, people hate speking English. In Greece they are accomodating. Sorry Sorry my experince is limited to these 2 countires. Look at metro system online to familiarise your self. Will save you some time. Arrange for transport from airport to Hotel before you go there. take water bottle with you till you find there. sounds silly. lol
have fun.
dave | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/16/2006 5:05:00 AM | | I travelled through NZ and Australia on my own, and now have some of the most incredible, amazing memories! If you do your research and book a hostel in the first place you stay (backpackers), you'd be amazed how quickly you may find a travel companion if you wish. Having said that... doing it on your own means you don't have to accomodate anyone else's interests. Sometimes I had company, sometimes I didn't. It was all fantastic! | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/16/2006 9:34:14 AM | Thank you to everyone for all you're help... I'm kinda starting to feel like maybe i will give it a try on my own!! I don't know a lot about travelling so all of this means alot to me!!
Again, thanks for all your help!! And if anyone has any suggestions on good travel destinations i would like to hear them!!! I want to do something different, see mother nature!!
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/16/2006 1:35:26 PM | do it! travel single!!! I truly believe that every woman should have at least the experience of travelling alone as a single woman. I've travelled all over single and loved it--i found it to be very empowering and very rewarding.
If you're not someone who has a big travel history, you might want to look at taking it easy on yourself. deciding on where to go, what to do, etc. has a lot to do with your own personal concepts of safety and your own fears. If you are shaking and quaking, you'll be a target. Confidence as a single female traveller is something you can build on, or you might be the type who doesn't worry too much and just does it. You might want to check out the website www.journeywoman.com as it is the best resource out there for good tips for female travellers. talk to friends, etc. If you are a bit hesitant, you might want to look at doing something that is adventurous and somewhat independent but still under the general guide and help of a small tour. I'm a HUGE fan of GAP (great adventure people) for price, value, ecotourism, etc. they do it well--it would give you the experience of travelling in a budget, adventure style while giving you some confidence knowing that you've got someone to lean on if you feel you need it. a nice blend. I've been travelling with my parents since i was 1 all over the world and they were somewhat adventurous too, so I had really good exposure before I started travelling alone about 10 years ago.
good luck and enjoy | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/16/2006 5:18:17 PM | TRAVEL ALONE!!! i did 6 months auz and south east asia then a month in europe.... its so much better!
i did travel with afriend for about a month and i found that we just stuck to our selves. when your alone you can just sit down(at a hostel) and start chatting with people cause most epople are in the same boat. and if you have no ties to the person you end up traveling with back home.... you can ditch them if they get on your nerves! haha sounds bad but i have seen quite a few couples break up and friends leave each other.
for agirl it might be a little different. depending on where you go ie 3rd world countries, just meet up with a decent guy. i had 5 swedish girls fallowing me through south east asia. i wasnt "with" any of them so i kinda got tagged as gay... not that theres anything wrong with that but didnt help to much! haha. message me for questions i love chatting about traveling! oh the stories! | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/16/2006 6:15:12 PM | I've traveled alone most of my life.......I grew up in an airline family and really thought nothing of just getting on a plane (or hitchiking waaaaaay back when) and going. When I was in the military I would jump a MAC flight and just travel whenever I could. My last alone trip was to Florida a few months ago, before that was Thailand last year, my next one should be China in January (job willing). That said..do be careful.....I REALLY don't want to pick up a milk carton and see you on it. I would say the same advice said here before, and the same thing as if you were going to NYC or Miami for the first time...act as if you know what you are doing even if you don't, a little "tude" goes a long way.
Hey, if you decide to make it the Grand Canyon hike give me a shout, I live in Nevada and might be able to call a friend to show you the trails or go myself (and I haven't been there yet) if you get out this way, Bill | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/16/2006 6:53:09 PM | I just got back from Los Angeles and Vegas and I did it alone, but on the 4th day, I was ready to go home. The worse part is at night, when I was alone, didn't like it and miss having that someone special someone with me.
Check out single sights/cruises that cater to singles, lots of them out there. Using your search engine, type in:" Singles" and you will get a match and most tours will match you with someone. | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/17/2006 9:09:29 AM | | Hi there albertagypsy. Echoing the sediments of previous respondents, travelling solo is without question the best way to see this big beautiful glorious globe. It is however a bit of a misnomer to suggest you would in fact be alone unless you plan to travel to off limit places like the Democratic Republic of Congo or Tchad. With a little on-line research(Lonely Planets Thorn Tree , a backpackers/travellers one stop shopping website) you will be able to hook up with like-minded free spirited kindred souls who share the same passionate lust for travel as you do. Travelling to third world destinations, you will gain perspectives on other cultures and lifestyles and in the process, learn about oneself, what makes one tick, what it means to be truly happy, material wealth vs emotional intellectual wealth. You will learn more about life, love and the human condition while travelling than you would learn taking formal courses in anthropology or psychology even at the best most recognized institutions. You'll learn independence and have the most profound of experiences when you see rural farmers and tribal people barely eeking out an existence yet have the time to smile and wave to you and say welcome. I personally have spent time in the Peruvian Amazon, parts of the middle East like Yemen and Egypt, scuba dived in the Coral Sea beyond the Great Barrier Reef, caged dived with Great Whites, mountain climbed in Western Canada, Nepal and South America, mountain biked East Africa, and so much more. Without question, you will have quite literally the time of your life. | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/17/2006 10:16:21 PM | | Try short trips. I just got back from Vegas and Lax and Phoenix and was gone for 4 days. If you like it, then you can g for longer. I found at night is the hardest being alone, as you miss your sweartheart. I liked Las Vegas. Lots of police/security presence. | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/17/2006 10:50:25 PM | THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! YOU ALL TOTALLY ROCK!! 
Sooo... here's some of the stuff i'm thinking:
base-jumping, hiking part of Everest, skydiving, bungee-jumping, and other crazy stuff...
WHAT ARE SOME CRAZY STUFF YOU DID ON A TRIP BY YOURSELF?? | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/18/2006 5:58:09 AM | | AG, unless you are a "qualified" skydiver, meaning you have at least (off the top of my head) 200 or more logged dives, base jumping is out of the question. I have been to the Everest region in Nepal(it s called Sagarmartha NP ), you will need a permit just to trek to base camp. Beyond base camp, you need special permits and beucoup dineros to climb to advanced base camp or camp 1. You can email reputable climbing companies like Mountain Madness or go to Everest.com and see if there is an applicable link. Also, the time of year comes into play( probably spring and fall seasons). There are many mountains in Nepal you can economically climb that doesnt require much technical skill like Mera Peak and Island Peak. Aconcogua is a trekkers peak in Argentina/Chile that doesnt require any technical skill but you will need specialized gear to accommodate the cold conditions. You may also need crampons, double plastic boots and a Ice axe. In Nepal, you can rent all gear including clothing for peanuts. Bungee-jumping..my advice is go to New Zealand for this. Apparently it has several of the highest bungee jumping platforms in the world. Myself, I have bungeed in Cairns, Australia which was pretty cool in itself. I get the impression your travel emphasis is on Asia. Decide on the countries you would like to visit and then post questions under that country in LP's Thorn Tree website. Travellers who have been recently there will answer all your questions. When I was in the amazon, I partaked in a Yage ceremony, yage being a hallucinogen that tribal shamans ingest for various reasons. This can be arranged as there are several websites that will set this up for you. Any other questions, advice, you can email me directly. | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/18/2006 5:47:08 PM | | Wicked response Miss Comradre with that reply to travelling solo as a Femme Fatal,,,,I also believe with respect to that,,,karma does wonders,,,,act accordingly to your environment and you shall reap all of the rewards you 'sow' desire,,, | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/19/2006 10:32:24 AM | | Id like to do the same.....Hmm. I should...Ive just got to do it. | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/19/2006 3:48:11 PM | In June, 2006, I travelled alone from Saskatoon, SK to Ottawa, Ont. It would have been nice to have someone along to share many of the beautiful sceneries, stop overs at campsites, etc... But I could not find anyone who was interested in travelling.
I September, 2006, I went to Edmonton, Alberta. Again, I travelled alone. What happened to all the girls who like to travel? | |
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Sigi
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Joined: 5/26/2005
Msg: 22 | |
| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/20/2006 6:59:26 AM | Beside all the tips above...you can also google 'tips for women travelling alone'.
Enjoy!
ps. I have enjoyed many travels by myself. | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/22/2006 2:22:09 PM | | I did a solo trip to australlia....I would recommend it to anyone...not that expensive as u might think.... | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/22/2006 5:52:48 PM | | im also curious about this.. was thinking of a tour that still allows for independent time | |
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| Travelling Alone
Posted: 10/25/2006 10:15:51 PM | I love travelling alone and I have never felt any real sense of danger. The closest I came to trouble was being crowded by a couple pick-pockets in Peru - but I sensed what they were up to and used body language to make it clear that I was onto them - and they let me pass. Other than that, I have always found myself well looked after by the people I met along the way.Sometimes men can be a bit overbearing, but if you can deal with them at home you can deal with them on the road.
If you are going somewhere exotic, I recommend thoroughly researching your destination so you know what to watch for and know where not to go. But there are sketchy places in you town too. The internet has tonnes of information. The Lonely Planet has a good website and so does Boots n All. Check them out to hear stories about other travellers experiences.
I also have found a wealth of information on here even by talking to people who have been to places I am going. But of course you need to pick a spot to go first. :)
Oh also if you are going somewhere where english is a second language, try to learn a bit of the country's language before you go.
As for tours, I recommend just taking day tours here and there as opposed to being tugged around on a tour companys timeline. They intellectualise the experience and dont give you enough time to really absorb the country itself - PLUS - all you meet is tourists rather than the locals who point you to the cool places off the beaten track. | |
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