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Share your favorite solo travel
destinations with others. Sharon’s note: I appreciate your recommendations and your feedback on the tours and companies I post. The comments and recommendations presented on this page are submitted by your fellow solo travelers.
I
went to Sydney, Australia for my R&R leave and it was the
absolutely wonderful, especially after being deployed for eight months.
If you can deal with the long plane ride and love a big city, then
Sydney is the place to go. It's such a diverse city that there is really
something for everyone. _____________________
I like to get actual traveler feedback on destinations, which I then compare to the U.S. State Department doom-and-gloom warnings. Two sites have helped me. One is www.virtualtourist.com, comprised of reviews and suggestions by travelers and people who live in various locations around the world. Another is www.tripadvisor.com, which is a tad more commercial but I found several restaurant recommendations to be very accurate. Sharon's note: Another site with recommendations and reviews by actual travelers is www.WikiTravel.org. As a favor to other travelers, share your knowledge and post your own travel reviews after each trip. _______________________
When I travel I always try to stay in inexpensive hotels. Just came back from Tokyo and stayed at a budget hotel, web site is http://newkoyo.com It cost me $25.00 per night for a private room with the bathroom down the hall. It is a 15 min walk from the closest station. For expensive Tokyo, this was worth the price. Took the keisei limited express train to Tokyo. This is the cheapest way to get from Narita airport to the city of Tokyo. Cost is about $9.50 or 1000 yen. _____________________
I have taken three singles' cruises with www.vacationstogo.com. They have lots of experience and are great fun. I would recommend them to anyone. Most of their cruises are to the Caribbean and are set up for younger and older groups. Sharon's note: Vacationstogo.com is included in my booklet, 145 Resources for Solo Travelers, which is available on the Travel Tips page at this site. I appreciate the feedback on this and all other companies listed. ____________________ All
my friends thought I was crazy to go to Viet Nam, and certifiable
to go alone. Turned out to be a wonderful trip. All the
people I met in hotel, restaurants, etc. were extremely friendly and
helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Hanoi, a truly beautiful city with lakes and trees and flowers everywhere. My modes of transportation varied wildly: For two days I sat on a pedestal behind a fellow on a bicycle, there were times I had to get off and walk if the hill was too steep. My bike-riding guide took me to many places of interest. I also rode on the back of motor scooters, the main mode of transportation in Viet Nam. When I walked around the city I had to steel myself to venture across a street, there were very few signals and hundreds of motorbikes zipping by. The natives would simply start walking across the street not even noticing the bikes coming their way. I stood there for quite a while, then grabbed onto the arm of a woman that was crossing and closed my eyes, it was one of the most frightening things I've ever done. I hired a car, driver and guide to take a trip outside the city and again had a wonderful time. My guide was so informative and nice. We went to a village where they make ceramics. I particularly wanted to go there because I was involved in making ceramics at home. Turns out the guide's brother lived in that village. He took us to him humble house where we had tea. Later we stopped in front of a lean-to, where they told me we were having lunch. I was frightened, the place looked too humble and I was uncertain of what to order. There was a man cooking over a two-burner stove. I ordered something vegetarian because I was afraid I might be served a dog! But they assured me they did not serve dog in that restaurant. My meal turned out to be one of the tastiest of the trip and my guide insisted on paying for my lunch! The few natives eating there cast looks at me, I'm sure I was the first gringo to eat there ever!! I could go on and on about my many adventures in Hanoi. I stayed at the De Syloia Hotel Hanoi and hired my car and driver through a small local tourist agency in Hanoi. They were the ones I used for my tour to Halong Bay, a trip that shouldn't be missed. The price was quite reasonable. Everything in Viet Nam was reasonable. I had a jacket, pants and blouse made for US$44. As I said the people were so helpful and friendly. The last day I was there I felt ill, the desk clerk at my hotel took me by the hand and walked with me to a hole-in-the-wall "pharmacy" to get something to make me feel better. The waiters at a restaurant where I had dinner all gathered around my table and we talked all during my meal, they walked me out to the street and begged me to come back again. I decided years ago not to stay home if I had no one to travel with, and have been taking trips alone for at least the last 30 years! _______________________
I have traveled alone to beautiful Corpus Christi,
Texas . As long as you don't go during spring break, the beaches
are mostly deserted during the week, with wonderful warm, crystal
clear water.
My last trip I stayed on the beach at the Days Inn, I
took a taxi to the hotel and did not rent a car for the whole week.
It's on a peninsula and you have about a mile of beach in either
direction. There are great restaurants and cafe's and the aquarium all
within walking distance. There was plenty to do -- and plenty of
nothing to do, which I enjoyed.
_______________________ I traveled to Rome and found this hotel to be very convenient: Hotel Domus Aurea Via Volturno, 30-32-34 Rome 00185 Phone: 06-4782-6012 Completely renovated, clean, breakfast included and walking distance from Termini train station, which you can get to on the Leonardo Express Train from the airport. I traveled alone and never felt threatened or lost. Everyone is extremely helpful. I walked to every tourist site and took the subway to Vatican City.
I booked
the trip through Expedia for a Delta flight that left Sunday evening and
arrived in Rome Monday morning with 4 nights at the hotel for $920
including all taxes and fees.
Here is the link directly to the hotel's website http://www.hoteldomusaurea.com/ The pictures show the rooftop breakfast room which is incredible. _____________________ When traveling alone, volunteering can be
an option to meet other travelers _____________________
I'm a middle aged women with no French language skills who traveled solo to Paris for the first time in May. I highly recommend Fat Tire Bike Tours www.FatTireBikeToursParis.com for their tours with knowledgeable friendly guides. I also went to their office every two days for email access. I took the 7 hr. Monet tour as well as the Versailles tour. Both were easy rides with a nice group of people. It was a wonderful opportunity to leave the city for a few hours, try out the trains with other fun loving travelers and see some spectacular scenery. Marlene - Vancouver, Canada _______________________
I want to share a wonderful tour experience. Last year, I
took a tour of Italy with a company called Shop Around Tours. They
specialize in shopping tours, so it's not surprising that most of the
clients are women. They match up solo travelers looking for roommates and
the people were very nice, all ages and from all over the country. The
tour itself was, for a shopper, the greatest experience. They took
us to outlets where I bought bags at Gucci and Prada that I could never
have afforded back in the U.S. The hotels were all very nice four-stars
places right in the city centers with restaurants nearby, and a few group
meals were included. Unlike most group tours, they actually gave you free
time in each city. It was the best of both worlds - I was able to do what
I wanted, but when I preferred to have some company, there was no shortage
of people from the group to have dinner with. If you're a shopper, I'd
highly recommend this company. Their website is ____________________
I often travel alone. I like adventures which allow the traveler to enjoy the people and culture of the country. (I avoid bus tours or tour groups.) IMAGING IN ITALY (www.imaging-in-italy.com) offered a unique opportunity to see the historic sites of Rome, Italy through the eyes of a National Geographic photographer. You don't have to be an experienced photographer to enjoy the program. The group is intentionally kept small so that Mr. Boccaccio can personally provide one-on-one tutoring to each member of the group to capture some great photographs (and great memories!) during the one week session. Beyond the photography course, we were treated to some wonderful Italian dining experiences --- we dined where the locals dined. But, what I remember most is the warm hospitality of the people. I enjoyed it so much that I plan to return! Bonnie (Michigan) ____________________ I often have trouble getting friends to commit to a destination, price, or time off for a trip I want to take. If I waited to find companions, I'd be staying home way too much! Last December I took a wonderful Uniworld river cruise that featured the festive Christmas markets in towns all along the Danube River from Nuremberg to Vienna. It was very comfortable traveling solo since there were only about 80 guests on board. It was easy to make friends and dining was open seating so you could move around each meal to meet everyone. The ship, the River Duchess, was only 4 months old and the cabins were roomy and comfortable, all with windows. The crew was top-notch and provided a warm, pampering atmosphere. I'd highly recommend this type of trip for any solo travelers. Susan (Note from Sharon: Uniworld offers guaranteed room share pricing for certain categories. Visit www.uniworld.com.) ____________________ I've just returned from Tucson, Arizona, where I stayed at the El Conquistador Hilton, rented a Sebring convertible and rode around. It's beautiful there! Lots of galleries and museums. People are very friendly and the hotel was great. The property was very comfortable and relaxed with lots to do. Carol ______________________ This site is for people over 50: www.walkingtheworld.com. It is not a singles site. They do add on a fee for singles, but if you sign up early they will offer to find a roommate so you'll avoid the supplement. Phillip ____________________
I recently took my first solo trip ever, and
I chose the train. I traveled from Los Angeles to Seattle on the
Coast
Starlight run by Amtrak. I left L.A. at 10:00 AM on Thursday and
arrived in Seattle at 9:00 PM on Friday. I booked a sleeper, but hardly
had time to sleep because there's so much to see and experience. Highlights:
the dining car...each table seats 4, and you are seated wherever there's
an opening, so I ate every meal with new people; the Lounge/Dome
car...comfortable club chairs, a bar and snack shop, wine and cheese
tasting every afternoon at 4:00; gorgeous scenery; a movie theatre with
two showings of current movies. I took several books to read on my trip,
and only read 13 pages of one book because there was so much to do, so
many people to talk to (train travelers are fascinating), so much to
see. I was never lonely, nor did I feel alone. I spent 3 days in
Seattle, a wonderful and easy city to explore on your own, then returned
on the train to Los Angeles. The trip was exhilarating,
empowering, and gave me a new start on life. - Doreen
____________________ I traveled solo to St. Georges, Grenada West Indies and had a wonderful time. I stayed at the Flamboyant Hotel on a mountain cliff overlooking St. Anne's Beach. The staff there was very attentive and looked out for me as a single traveler. It was an all inclusive property and they always had a table ready for me when I went to dine. The manager made me feel very welcome. I hired a driver who took me to clubs and other activities. I felt very safe there and would like to return. - Evelyn ____________________ I just returned from a solo trip to Paris for 17days; everywhere people where friendly and helpful. I came back with a completely different perspective on world events. Traveling alone has it advantages and disadvantages, but you can stay as long as you want to at any place. I enjoy your news letter. Keep up the good work. ____________________
In April 2003 I stayed at the Yellow Submarine Hostel in Budapest,
Hungary, http://www.yellowsubmarinehostel.com/
I cannot tell you how helpful the staff there was, it was that great.
Not only was their English great (thank goodness for that, cause my
Hungarian is about 2-3 words), but they were fast with helping on any
little issues like local transport or finding a budget place to eat.
They do laundry and have an internet computer available for a small fee.
They also book caving tours for you, and more.
Debra from San Francisco
____________________ I am a single female who traveled alone to Italy. I recommend:
Hotel Brotsky in Rome was friendly and cheap and
perfectly located on Via del Corso 509. Check out the view from the rooftop terrace (complete with tables &
chairs)! Single room w/ VERY SMALL but complete private bathroom was Euro 50. Breakfast, if you want
it, is 5 Euros extra. ____________________ I recently stayed at a wonderful bed and breakfast in Vancouver called
the Manor Guest House. It's a very elegant Edwardian mansion close to
downtown in a very safe neighborhood. For an unbelievable $48 (U.S.) I had
a beautifully furnished room with a private bath, breakfast, and excellent
guidance from Brenda and Marilyn who really know their business. ____________________
My usual rate is $57 for the Harris Room or Rosi's Room, but your readers traveling alone would have a flat rate of $47 plus tax IF they mention your website, TravelAloneAndLoveIt.com. Kathleen A Panek ____________________ My favorite vacation as a single person is at the summer "camps" offered by AMUUSE (Adult Midwest Unitarian Universalists Enrichment). Three weeklong camps are offered each summer for the low cost of $450 which includes everything; housing, food, activities. Some sites we use are fairly rustic and one brings his/her own sheets or sleeping bag. For description go to www.AMUUSE.org. ____________________
My name is Jackie and I have traveled solo to
Turks and Caicos and Belize for the last seven years. I am planning my
4th trip to Belize this May. I have never felt so welcome in a country
than I have in Belize; the people are the best that I have ever
met. They are very helpful and it is very safe there. I have met a lot
of travelers from around the world in Belize, especially singles.
When I began to travel solo, I went to Club Med;
not to knock them, but you could only do Club Med so many times, I felt
that I have to explore on my own, that is how I ended up in Belize. I
also had a big problem with the single supplement, so while I was
searching, I found that a lot of places offer suites and rooms for up to
four people for the same price.
I stay at Banana Beach Resort and they could not
be more accommodating to my needs, especially safety. There is
plenty to do on the island and also on the mainland - all that could be
arranged through the Resort. You just need to go with the flow and have
an open mind and you will have the best vacation of your life. You will
meet people -- singles, families and locals, that you will keep contact
with.
Contact me if you would like more info on
traveling to Belize.
Jackie www.belizeanparadise.com
____________________ I'd like to recommend three major cities in Canada as ideal destinations for the single traveler. All are relatively easy to get to from most points in the U.S., all have excellent public transit systems, and all are extremely safe. The exchange rate is excellent, although prices are often higher. Even in winter, Vancouver rarely gets really cold, while Montreal and Toronto have systems of interior walkways so you don't have to spend much time outdoors unless you want to. I particularly like Montreal because it's so European yet close to home. Museums, great restaurants, shopping bargains - I could go on and on. Ken Sharon's note: I agree that Canadian cities are
ideal travel destinations. I would add Victoria, on Vancouver Island, and
Calgary to your recommendations. Begin your research at http://www.travelcanada.ca/.
I'm Italian !
I live with my family in nothern Lazio - Monti della Tolfa , the
ancient Etruscan land and I organize home cooking courses and wine
tasting ( on my site cookitaly.it there are also a lot of recipes we
prepare during the courses)
We organize other activities as biking, archeological tours, climbing,
trekking, pottery, horse riding and walking.
We offer activity holidays without single supplement, and transfer to
and from the Rome airport.
Regards,
Assuntina Antonacci :-)
Fontana del papa - 00059 Tolfa telefax +39 +766 93455 mobile 328 9463763 www.fontanadelpapa.it - Untouched and off the beaten track - Monti della Tolfa nothern Lazio - Rome (Where I live)
www.cookitaly.it
- Cooking and wine tasting in Etruscan land (with so many recipes)
http://digilander.libero.it/cleas - ...something more about me!
and very interesting information on Etruria by Mary
Jane Cryan www.elegantetruria.com
____________________ Casa Luna Bed & Breakfast is a great way to see Tucson, Arizona. The innkeepers help you plan your day and find great places to eat. As a single person, you can do your own thing but still have someone to share your travels with at the end of the day. Visit www.Casa-Luna.com or call 888-482-7925. Elizabeth ____________________ I have traveled with Smartours, a New York City company with great prices but no fancy brochures. I'm a 57 year old woman traveling alone and have taken Smartours to South Africa & Zimbabwe, Kenya & Tanzania, and Italy. I can't say enough good things about the accommodations, food, guides and organization. I have taken other tours with cut-rate companies and been disappointed. That is why I'm so happy to share this information with you. Visit www.smarTours.com or call 800-337-7773. Karen Sharon's note: Smartours does reduce their single supplement on some departures for certain tours. They offer a guaranteed share price for tours to South Africa. They will also try to find a roommate for those wishing to avoid the single supplement. If they are unable to find a roommate for you, you will be notified 60 days prior to departure and given the option to cancel with no financial penalty. If you're in western Michigan, stay at The Shack Country Inn in Jugville, between White Cloud & Freemont. It's a secluded, log-structure lodge on a lake. They have paddle boats for no added charge. Rooms are furnished with log furniture and some rooms offer jacuzzis. Meals are included and guests are served banana spits each night. They even tap and make their own maple syrup. It's a friendly, homey place! Their website is www.theshackbedandbreakfast.com. Becky I am writing to let you know about a wonderful solo
travel experience. I contacted Tari's, a Unique Cafe and Inn, which is in
Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Berkeley Springs is a spa town,
with many spas, day spas, and a state park where you can get a massage and
Roman Bath. I'm told it is 90 minutes from Baltimore and DC. I
drove down from Philadelphia in about 3 hours. I had eaten at Tari's
once before and was very impressed with the food. I visted the web
site www.tariscafe.com
and found a nice deal--$159 for two nights lodging, dinner for two and
lunch for two. I called and with zero hesitation a terrific guy
named Mike offered to give me two lunches for one and two dinners for one,
as well as the room for two nights--all for $159. When I checked in it was as though the staff had waited
for me. Knowing I had traveled alone, each person introduced
him/herself and called me by name. In addition to outstanding
service, I enjoyed great entertainment in the Tavern (free) and absolutely
wonderful food. Lunch included appetizer or dessert and a non-alcoholic
beverage; dinners included appetizer, salad, entree, dessert and beverage.
I was particularly impressed by the crab cakes; the large portions meant I
always had a midnight snack. Tari's has wonderful coffee and several
out-of-the-ordinary beers on tap. Tari's Tavern is an inviting spot, with funky decor
accented by local art, some made by one of the bartenders. The
restaurant is non-smoking and equally appealing, with more local art and
friendly service. It reflects the spirit of the town, known for its
spas and galleries. I parked my car out back when I arrived and
walked everywhere as the town is small and Tari's is in the heart of it. I was truly impressed by the entire experience and would
recommend Tari's Cafe and Inn at Berkeley Springs for a solo traveler
seeking a very good value. Amy Outdoor Travel Adventures, in San Diego, CA, is run by Roseann and Wendy. They give terrific service and can recommend interesting, fun trips. Their phone number is 877-682-5433 and their website is www.otadventures.com. I've gone solo to NYC. Due to the large number of people there
are also a lot of singles. Go to a play, restaurant, park, movie, walk
-- all solo! Overseas Adventure Travel offers extremely interesting tours all
over the world. What makes them so solo-friendly is that they take only
small groups of 16 or less and charge no single supplement if you are
willing to share a room. They are relatively inexpensive; the costs are
all-inclusive (airfare, all meals, all activities -- no extra cost for
excursions). They take you to places that are off the beaten track, visiting
local homes, schools, etc., as well as the major tourist highlights. The
guides are always natives of the country you are visiting who are well-educated
and speak excellent English. Visit www.oattravel.com
or call 800-221-0814. Diane J. A good Chicago-area travel agent is Tammy Kovar of Beverly
Hills Travel & Cruises, in Lockport, IL. Phone 815-836-9950, ext.
14; E-mail: tkovar@singlestravelintl.com.
Tammy has been in the business for 13 years. S.W. Sumner Winship is a highly recommended travel agent in San Francisco.
He is at Paulo Travel, 2321 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94114-1688.
Phone 415-863-2556; E-mail: brasil@paulotravel.com. Found your website and love it -- want to share a good experience, the
Highland House B&B, Mariposa, California (near Yosemite) offers $10
off for solo travelers! I've "done" many B&Bs and
never found this before. Rates start at $85. Visit www.highlandhousebandb.com.
Linda M. In Europe, I truly enjoy renting a car and staying in "out-of-town" hotels. They are safer, relaxing and less expensive. They are usually smaller places with small parlors where guests can have a drink or tea together. Nancy H. AAA publishes travel books and wonderful maps for the Caribbean, Europe and Mexico. The guides are simple and just help you get around. Nancy H. Best Western (800-528-1234) has a great international hotel registry.
All facilities are not big hotels, but often small B&B type places,
only organized as part of the chain. In Europe, one can often get rooms
for one and not pay for two. Nancy H. I travel solo a lot even though I'm married. Most recently I flew to Norfolk, rented a car and drove to Williamsburg. I stayed at this B&B which is directly across from William and Mary college and three blocks from Colonial Williamsburg Historic District. My room was beautifully appointed with a 4-poster bed and a private bath with claw-footed tub. Breakfast was a delight! Another couple and I dined on the glassed porch as we got acquainted. Glenda, Atlanta, GA
In Sydney, Australia, buy a weekly pass good for unlimited transportation on buses, ferries and local trains for just AU$29 (US$15) at the machine on the Quay. LP London, England is my favorite solo international destination. It is so easy to navigate with a map and the tube system. I always find new things to do, as well as some old favorites. My other favorite solo spot is San Diego, California. I love the Pacific Beach area and I felt very safe walking there alone at night. I go whale watching for around $20 just about every time. There is the zoo, Sea World, Wild Animal Park, good shopping, Coronado, the shuttle to Mexico, the weather... I could go on and on. There are lots of less expensive hotels all along Mission Bay Blvd, along Pacific Beach. Leah Believe it or not, Las Vegas is one of the best solo travel spots. I have traveled solo there six times in the last 10 years and it was great. There are police everywhere so you feel safe. Always go where there are lots of people and take shuttles and cabs. The trolley is a good way to meet new people. It costs about $2 and runs to each hotel on the strip. I've met people from all over the world. Lucy I've stayed at youth hostels in San Diego, Ft Lauderdale and Honolulu. Honolulu was the most memorable and only a block from the beach for $15. Chris |
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