Women traveling alone

Salem, Oregon
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Women traveling alone
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A comment on another thread made me think about women traveling alone in the UK. It seems there are quite a few on this forum who do that.

I'd like to hear some comments from women about the joys, challenges, advantages and down sides of traveling alone in the UK. Where'd you go, what did you do? Oh, alright guys, you're welcome to join in. :)

I'll go first:

My first completely solo trip in England was last February. It was my 8th trip to England. I booked a thatched cottage in the Wiltshire countryside and rented a car for a week. Spent that time visiting villages and walking in the countryside. I loved it and was almost surprised at myself that I wasn't freaked out being alone in the dark, dark Wiltshire night (I left a light on). I was home by dark every night and ate 90% of my meals at home.

The biggest challenge was the driving, not having a navigator. But I managed with very detailed planning and made sure I didn't drive in the dark.

Boy, the meals cost was minimal! It's so different being alone and just cooking (or not) for yourself.

I know it's selfish, but I really relish being able to go at my own pace all day long. It made the week really special. I was glad to have a cell phone, though, as I kept in touch with the hubby about every other day.

Florida
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I'm glad you brought this up. I may find myself going solo one of these days as daughter is now married and will probably be vacationing with her hubby from now on. And mine has no interest in travel, so I'm interested in hearing how other ladies get along. Your week in Wiltshire sounds very peaceful, Britfan. Did you spend any time in London by yourself?

Calgary, Canada
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Both my trips were stopovers after business trips, so I was alone. It's so much cheaper to only have to buy 1 train ticket, 1 Tower admission, 1 dinner, a single room, etc. And I've seen so much more in my total few days than I would have if I had someone else with me, wanting to see different stuff, taking extra loo stops, etc.

I don't have to worry about losing my partner on a crowded tube.

It's a little sad to be away from hubby, but he's been there twice for work himself, without me. So he's seen the stuff he really wants to see.

Calgary, Alberta
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I love travelling alone!

When I planned my last trip everyone told me I was insane to go by myself... I think they partly expected me to "hook up" with someone there and I've heard many (including the lady at the B&B in Horley) say they thought I was "very brave" to go alone. Brave, my butt! It was almost desperation to finally go on a real vacation and be able to do what I wanted to do.

My plans changed unexpectedly several times (both by my choice, as well as not), and I could just go with what I wanted rather than having to discuss and debate with someone (i.e. taking the whole afternoon at the Tower rather than sticking to the "see all of London in less than a day" plan). I also found people in general to be much more sympathetic to a single woman travelling alone (i.e. when my plane was 3 hours late and I missed my train, the Eurostar clerk were adamant with the people ahead of me that "no changes, no refunds" means it... then changed mine for me with a bit of sniffling).

Now I'm planning my next trip, and I will be staying with friends for 1 week out of the 2 (I got a killer accomodation deal and invited people who otherwise would never be able to afford to go). However, I have made it quite clear that while we are staying together, we are NOT "on vacation" together. They're good enough friends to not take offense, and one of them has admitted that she wished she could do that with our 3rd travelling companion... but she compromises better than I do.

I say that any woman who is even thinking of travelling in the UK alone should absolutely do it! If you're thinking it, that means that the idea doesn't completely terrify you, right? So what's holding you back?

Seattle
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Of my 22 trips abroad, I've only traveled with friends twice. When I was a young girl, I always dreamed of traveling to foreign places and it never occurred to me that I needed a companion or that I should travel with a group. Maybe growing up in Chicago and roaming about on my own trained me for solo travel. And, if you think about it, you're not really alone. There are always people around.

I have learned though to only stay in hotels that don't have single rooms. After a few years of staying in teensy tiny rooms, I got smart. Single travelers may not pay a much as two people, but we still pay enough. And I like having an extra bed to throw things on and a room big enough to do some stretching exercises.

Also, when being seated for meals, I'm not afraid to decline the table offered to me because it's usually a table for two or in the middle of the room. I point out a table that meets my specifications and head on over. One needs to be a little bit assertive when traveling alone.

Nice, France
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I've been travelling alone, for business and pleasure, for over 20 years. I love travelling with friends and family as well, but travelling alone forces you to push your boundaries a bit, which is no bad thing. And I speak several languages (some better than others), which has obviously helped ease my way on the Continent. I learned certain security measures very early on though: no matter how tight my budget, get the best hotel I could afford in a good/safe part of town, and to never book a room that wasn't en suite. The only country where I encountered truly unwanted attention was in Greece, and once ducked into a bank after being pestered by a man in broad daylight in Syntagma Square in Athens. Otherwise, being a woman alone in Europe or the US has never been an issue, and I've met some wonderful people (some of whom are now long-term friends) along the way.

Boston
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I've been coming over to Europe for over 20 years now mostly on business and I make a conscious effort to tag days on the end to trips to explore independently.

Can't say being a woman has ever struck me as being an issue. As long as you apply common sense there is no danger to safety and its fairly apparrent the wrong type of bar or district to be in.

Personally, travelling alone I've found it easier to meet people and made some great friends.

When travelling with hubby, people tend to leave you to yourselves more.

Halifax, NS
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I love travelling alone! I've been doing it, for business and pleasure, for at least 30 years. And 23 of my 24 trips to London have been solo. The advantages are: doing what you want when you want if you want and easy to get single theatre tickets even for big hits. Disadvantages: eating alone (I always bring something to read) and no one to talk over the play you've just seen - although I've always found other singles to talk to during the intermission.

Actually, after all these years, I find it difficult to travel with friends. I guess I'm just used to being selfish!

London, United...
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I go get that "very brave" comment from people that MusketeerPlus2 mentioned. For some people, it would never occur to them to go somewhere alone.

I travel alone frequently for many reasons. First, most of my closest friends don't like to travel far. They think that going to the same place over and over again is fun. i like to see many different places. Also, it can be much easier to travel alone. When i want to go see something, I go. If I go with a group - you have to get consensus on what to do (which can take forever) and at what pace. Finally, sometimes I just need to get away from everything - that is usually when I hit the Caribbean to relax on a beach.

The first time I went on holiday alone (in 1999) was a little scary, especially walking into a restaurant and asking for a table for 1. I will admit that I am not 100% over that phobia yet though.

The things I don't like about traveling alone include the single supplement and nighttime activities. Hotel rooms are much cheaper when shared. Also, it would be nice to grab a drink at night with someone instead of going out by yourself. Hopefully when i come to London in January - there will be a TALF meet up.

Southcoast Mass
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I've been traveling alone for years.I have no significant other, so it's go alone or stay home. I've had my English history addiction for years and 6 years ago I went with my niece, her hubby and mother in law. We did a coach tour of England and Scotland highlands. That just whett my appetite for MORE! Ever since then I go it alone. I leave on this year's trip next Monday but I've come down with a cold, so things are dampered alittle. Lord I hope I feel better soon.

I research very carefully hotels, neighborhoods and have found a good balance, I think. I'm not real comfortable going out at night alone in London but think I'll chance a show and take a cab back to the hotel. I'm diabetic, so self catering keeps me in control of my food. I'll pack a light lunch and carry it with me.

I'm to a point that the next trip should be the countryside, which means renting a car and driving, which is big hurdle for me. I see the traffic in London and scares the daylights out of me, driving on the other side of the road...Yikes!! but like all things in this life, I must overcome this phobia to continue on my travel quests.

This trip is 1wk in London, with side trips and then take the train to Edinburgh for another week and then fly home. I'm so excited but also very sick with this cold, I'm hopeful it won't dampen things.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Florida
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wstport, I hope you do feel better soon. Monday is a few days away. I was always told a cold lasts a week to 10 days, so maybe you'll be on the tail end of it by the time you leave.

Listen, if I can drive in the UK, anybody can. The driving isn't nearly as bad as you think it will be. Your mind just sort of makes the shift from left to right fairly quickly. Navigating is the tough part. If I ever do it alone I'll be pulling off the road often to look at a map I'm sure.

Take it easy and rest up before you go. Lots of fluids and a trip to the doctor if you think it's an infection that can be helped with medication. Good luck.

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