Hi everyone! So I'm off to Australia in September (follow-up on a trip I was going to take last year, but didn't!).

I'm used to traveling alone for Business - but I've traveled by myself for pleasure. I'm not too worried about logistics or safety, more about the length on time I'll be by myself!

I'm fairly social, and think I'll be able to keep myself busy most of the time with sightseeing. But I'd welcome any thoughts on ways meet people while traveling in a non-hanging-out-at-a-bar-by-myself or conference-goer kind of way

I don't mind small tours, so I'm going to check that out as an option too. I'll likely spend most of my time in Melbourne and Sydney (and I'll be posting to the Australia, etc board to get more information about that. This post is really about how to travel by my little ol' lonesome.)

Thanks for your thoughts in advance. Any single girl travelers out there who want to give advice - I'd welcome it!

Hi KJ -
Did you see this essay on solo travel that Ellen wrote for SlowTrav? She polled several of us who travel on our own, and did a great job writing up our ideas and recommendations.

This is great stuff Actually this is helpful...I'm looking forward to the trip, and I agree that the only thing standing in the way is a positive attitude!

Do the sort of activities that you enjoy most and find clubs or settings where others are doing the same thing.For me it is running so I try to meet local runners through races or clubs.when I travel alone it is usually something like a major race or epic climb like Kilimanjaro so i know that worst case even if I am alone it will be in interesting circumstances.RR

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Originally posted by Colleen:
Did you see this essay on solo travel that Ellen wrote for SlowTrav?

I never read that essay before; it is excellent, full of great advice.

I travelled alone twice in my life, both when I was in my 20s. First time to Israel, self-touring. I experienced so many of the downsides that were enumerated by Ellen in her article, and without realizing it I tried to focus more on the upsides - made for a memorable trip, but one that I think I would have enjoyed more sharing. The eating alone thing was a biggie for me, too, as eating is a social thing as well as nourishment.

Second time, I took an organized bicycle trip in western Massachussetts. Didn't know anyone when I started, made a dozen new friends by the end.

I think that if I were to travel alone today, I would definitely research my areas of interest, and, as you were saying, network with others from this board.

Good luck, KJ, on your upcoming trip, and do tell us how you fared.

Terry

quote:

I'd welcome any thoughts on ways to meet people while traveling in a non-hanging-out-at-a-bar-by-myself or conference-goer kind of way

Good point, Robert and Terry.

So tell us KJ, what are some of your interests?

quote:

Originally posted by Colleen:
...did a great job writing up our ideas and recommendations.

Apologies to Ellen - she took our comments ... and added so much more! I think this is an excellent, insightful article, and compares very favorably to anything on the same topic that I've read in a travel magazine.

I agree with the suggestions to do what you like and meet people that way. I've traveled alone several times and I always end up talking to people in museums and art galleries for some reason. Group trips are a good idea. I find that when I'm traveling alone, I am actually more talkative than I would be normally, and I get to meet more of the locals rather than just associating with my traveling companions. So I'll strike up a conversation in a line or on the bus, whereas I probably wouldn't otherwise. And more often, people will strike up conversations with me. So I think that's actually one of the plusses... sorry if I have echoed something in Ellen's article... I am going to read it now!

That's for all the ideas and thoughts

I'm a museum/art buff, especially theatre - and love festivals and markets, so I'm definitely checking those things out.

Thinking about it - I agree with you Suzanne, I do tend to be more chatty w/ strangers away from home. Isn't that odd? You would think I would be more so at home!

I may try to schedule a few tours (small groups if I can find it). I do like learning more about a place - and I'm always happier with some sort of agenda of actives. I'm a planner in the end although I go off the grid occasionally!

I'm starting my research on Sydney and Melbourne now - I bet I"ll find some fun things to do

PS - I was totally inspired by Teachick's Italy story too. She's got a great attitude that I will endeavor to emulate!