Do any of you travel alone?

My husband is not a traveler. I've thought about traveling by myself but, as yet, haven't done it. I keep thinking I'm outgoing enough that I could fit in but I can also keep to myself with my book or whatever. My "girlfriends" either have husbands that also enjoy traveling so, of course, they go together or they are like my husband and prefer staying home.

Any ideas or suggestions? I do know enough to take a short trip first, like a 2 day bus trip or some such but just wondered if any of you women have just up and gone by yourself?

One of my concerns is when I get home I'll have no one to remember and rehash the trip with and that could really be a bummer.

Thanks!

Plainswoman, joining an organized travel group might be worth a try. I would book a vacation, and often the hotels offer day bus trips with some theme. I found that singles are immediately integrated in the group.

I have done 1 day organized trips in North America only twice in my life so far. When I went to Europe we did a 10-day pkg. tour with hotel & bus but did our own stuff for 2 days prior to the tour and for 10 days after the tour (on our own in Paris, Belgium and Amsterdam).

I admit that I felt abit confined being on a bus tour in North America. But it was a faster way for me get around since I don't drive.

However I have done about 5 trips alone in North America in the last 25 years. Longest was 4 days long. (Trips were: Washington D.C., Cape Cod area including Nantucket Island, Chicago, Montreal) For myself, it was greatly desired the city that I was vacationing in, had an extensive subway system to jump around. Some of these trips were tacked on after a work-related conference.

I don't like being confined to a group of strangers and set itinerary for more than 1 day, when I know the language already.

I suppose it helps that I lived Toronto (and now VAncouver) which I used the subway and public transit system extensively for many years.

This was all before I met my partner.

But now....I just returned from beautiful 52 kms. bike ride by myself locally. I often ride alone. At this time, my partner is currently in touring and attending a conference in Europe. Today's bike trip also is a trip..for me.

Don't let fear stop you. The whole world awaits you to explore.

Don't be a stranger. You can always come here and rehash it with us! One thing for sure, you'd find us keen to share your adventures. Where do you want to go?

Thanks for your encouragement ladies. I was sure there would be some here that have done single traveling and would say "go for it".

The U.S. and Canada to begin with Lola. I've visited almost all the states in the continental U.S. and I've been to Canada a number of times but usually with children in tow. I'm looking forward to doing some traveling w/o having to stop where there's a motel with a pool and pizza delivery. No children to consider would be a big plus at this age!

Plains, I know a gal (50 years-old) who never married. She recently went on a bus trip in Canada and met her husband! I know you aren't looking to meet a mate, but she swears it's a wonderful way to travel because you have the safety an d camaraderie of the group. I'd try an overnight trip to a place not to far away just to see if you enjoy yourself. If it works, then try a three day trip and keep going from their based on how you feel and how much you enjoy yourself. It's worth a try.

Sounds like it could be fun but it could also be a disaster if you pick up a pest...

The good thing about bus trips is there are always other people to connect with. I'm guessing it's the same with cruises.

In 2004 I took a 2-week driving trip to northern California. I've also done shorter trips by myself to various places. A bus tour doesn't appeal to me much but works for other folks.

When I'm driving and staying by myself, I prefer smaller AYH hostels to motels because I feel that people are looking out for each other. Plus, in the evening, you get to hang out in a common room and compare travel notes with everyone else.

What are AYH hostels and where do I find them? Sounds like something I might check into.

AYH stands for American Youth Hostel but you don't have to be a youth. Just Google AYH. There are also elder hostels, some of which have programs.

In small-to-midsized hostels there's a sense of community. Communal kitchen, communal living room, and everyone is so friendly.

Interesting, I'll have to check them out. I knew of youth hostels overseas but not here in the US and I didn't realize anyone but young people could use them.

Thanks meredithbead!

I have wanted to go to Sicily for my whole life. And my husband wasn't really interested. Well meaning people told me it wasn't a safe place for women to travel alone over there, but this just made me want to go more. So at the age of 50 I flew by myself to Rome and took a short 1 hour flight from there to Palermo and spent a week in a little town called Cefalu' for a week. I had an absolute blast. I never had any problems because i was a single woman. I discovered that half the population of Sicily are women and they don't all have escorts! I found warm friendly people everywhere on that Island. I encourage you to take a trip by yourself. You don't have to do anything you don't want! it's a great way to travel!

Great stuff Madelaine. I haven't done any non-North American trip by myself yet. I personally know several women who did it solo for a few months in Europe..when they were in their late 20's, etc. The train system in various European countries is much more extensive and much better for route planning options, than North America which helps.

Meredith: I've never tried hostels nor has my partner when he travelled solo. (Or maybe he's tried it once..)

I only like sharing a room with multiple beds with family members. I must admit I'm not keen to share a hostel room with a pile of other strangers. I don't sleep well, when other people snore even gently.

I realize there are hostels with your own private rm.

I must sound old.