Travelling Solo

[Klecker51]

I'm just beginning to plan a backpacking trip to Europe (with an emphasis on Rome and Greece) this summer, and I'll be travelling alone.  Most people talk of "travelling companions," so I was wondering if anyone has ventured solo.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

['Guest']

Hey, Homer!  

Wait, is that why you want to go to Greece & Italy?  To see where Homer lived?   ;D

If these two lands are your main target, you might be best to schedule the trip in fall or spring.  I hear Southern Italy and, especially, Greece gets very hot in the Summer.  I'm from Texas, I know that heat & humidity can do you in!  

Both of these have adopted the Euro, so changing cash souldn't be so hard.  (Lira & Drachma can overwhelm with all those zeros!)  

Solo travel can be fun!  It gets you into cantact with locals.  Traveling with a companion reduces the need to interact with people.  If you're alone, sher lonelyness will get you to talk to strangers.  

[procrastinator]

I will also be travelling solo in May and part of June. I need any advise people can give. Also any advise on how to reassure my overprotective family would be GREATLY appriciated!  

[Kim]

I think the best way to reassure a worrying family is to be organized. Show them that you've done the research, have organized where you plan on going, how you will be getting there etc.

If they have email, remind them that you will be able to email them to keep them updated. If not, set up certain times that you will call them.

If you have internet at home, show them the hostels you plan on staying in so they can see the photos and be reassured that you won't be sleeping on a park bench!

Travelling solo can be the greatest thing. The key is to stay in hostels that have common rooms, group activities etc. You'll meet a ton of people that way and it really enriches the experience.

Stay away from budget hotels as you won't meet people and it's really isolating.

Kim

[nitsansh]

Kim said:

Travelling solo can be the greatest thing. The key is to stay in hostels that have common rooms, group activities etc. You'll meet a ton of people that way and it really enriches the experience.

Stay away from budget hotels as you won't meet people and it's really isolating.

I totally agree with that!!

[[e-mail]]

Last year I travelled alone  to China, Mongolia,Siberia,Uzbekhistan.Turkey and Greece.I'm 59 and although it was a challenge(just keeping to a 30 liter pack,with temperatures from -24'C to +34"C) I'm off again this year to Russia,Romania and Hungary-quite a doddle!
A hint for the packing:I always have a light cotton Sarong.It does duty as scarf,stole, dressing gown,sleep sheet or pillowcase,towel,dress-up swisher over slacks for an evening at the opera .
As an extra safety precaution, I've sewn velcro into the openings of my trouser pockets.You'd really notice someone prying them apart!
I've sent all my particulars-photocopy of passport, tickets, itinerary to my Hot Mail folder. In an emergency, I can print them out  at an embassy or available computer.
For my pack,I have a metal mesh "cage"(small) put out by PacSafe and bought from Paddy Pallins here in Australia.I can lock it onto things and it can't be slashed.Since my pack is "carry-on" size,I use the mesh only on trains,buses.etc.
Of all the things you pack, your sense of humour is the most valuable.
Prepare as much as you can and then GO!