How should I plan a solo trip?

[garbagegirl]

Hello-
I am planning a trip to europe for the end of may. I have 2 weeks after I graduate and have to be back to finish classes for the summer.(What can I say, it's a convenient time)
Anyhow, I have been looking around for a few months now, but will have to really do some planning soon. I am planning on travelling solo, because I don't have any friends planning to go to europe anytime soon, and enjoy adventuring on my own.
I am really not into doing the backpacking, sleeping in a room with 8 people thing, its not really appealing.
I want to plan things out especially if I will be travelling alone -
I want to go to Paris mainly, but I was wondering if it seemed to crazy to spend a few days and get a pass to go to another place or something, I wanted to see Italy as well.. I was considering getting a package deal and consulting with STA travel since I am under 26 and my budget will be tight.
1- where should I realistically plan on going
2- what should I consider being a solo (female) traveller
3- what are some good companies to go with for cheaper airline travel and hotels
4- could I fly into paris, take a train elsewhere and fly out of paris? how should I plan all of this?!

[Eagle]

garbagegirl, Welcome! (interesting user name, BTW). A few comments on your travel questions.

I can relate somewhat to your desire to travel "solo", as that's the way I usuallly go (for several reasons). There are advantages & disadvantages to this, but I kind of like the freedom to see the sites that interest me the most and change plans "on the fly" if necessary. Solo travel also tends to encourage one to be a bit more outgoing, and the locals are more likely to approach a solo traveller than they would a couple.

Two of the points you mentioned seemed to be a bit inconsistent:

I am really not into doing the backpacking, sleeping in a room with 8 people thing

my budget will be tight

If you're working with a "tight budget", using Hostels is a good way to save money on lodgings. Could you indicate what daily amount you are budgeting for? The usual "benchmark" is to allow about US$100 per day for lodgings, food & incidentals (this amount doesn't include air fare or rail pass). It is possible to get by with a bit less, but this would depend on your lodging and dining choices. Keep in mind that some Hostels have private rooms or double rooms, and these might be a bit more appealing for you? Sleeping in Dorms is not really that unpleasant, although I tend to mix Hostels and budget Hotels, so that I have some nights with some privacy.

You indicated that you "want to go to Paris mainly" and that you "wanted to see Italy as well". It's difficult to recommend other locations without knowing which places you're most interested in seeing? Which cities in Italy are you considering?

To answer your other questions (in the same order):

1.) Again, where to go will depend on what you want to see. Realistically, given the short time frame of two weeks it's highly advisable to limit your trip to a smaller geographical area. By limiting the area, you keep the travel times between cities shorter and therefore have more time to spend sightseeing!

2.) I'm not sure exactly how to answer this question? Are you referring to the destinations? Being a solo female traveller likely won't have any bearing on your choices.

3.) It's difficult to suggest airline choices without knowing where you're located? You didn't indicate a country or city in your Profile. Some additional information would help. For Hotels listings, I'd suggest checking some Guidebooks as these usually have listings for Hotels in various price ranges. There has been quite an opinionated discussion here at times on which Guidebooks are the best; everyone seems to have favourites (I use Rick Steves books extensively when planning a trip).

4.) Yes, it's certainly possible to fly to Paris, and return home from another city. This method is called "open jaw flights" in the travel industry. These are often slightly more expensive than using one location, however when the time and cost of getting back to the starting airport is calculated, these often prove to be good value. I'd suggest that you speak with a travel agent in your area, to find out what flight options will be most cost effective from your airport.

how should I plan all of this?

You might find it helpful in your planning to read the Rick Steves Book Europe Through The Back Door. It provides a wealth of information on topics such as trip planning, travel by rail in Europe, money matters, safety and I believe there's a section related to safety for women travellers. It's an excellent pre-read before travelling in Europe (especially for the first time).

If you could provide more information, I'm sure the group here will be able to offer some great suggestions to help make your tirp a reality.

Cheers!

[garbagegirl]

Yes I realize I didn't make much sense. I am on a budget, but not extremely so. I've been saving so, I'm looking at flights, I found some flight&hotel packages for around 1000 which is good and priced youth pass for Eurail. I'm pretty good with money and don't eat much so I should spend hopefully less for daily things, but will be going to museums etc. I would like to go to paris and get a eurail pass to go to the surrounding countries like italy and switzerland.
I am more concerned about safety than anyhing else travelling by myself, a big reason why 10 to a room hostels are not appealing to me. I have no qualms with planning so that I can stay in a hostel or budget hotel, I'm just not comfortable with sleeping in a room full of strangers. I'm also not real sure what to expect about hostels over there, I am located in boston and we have one and I am not sure I would stay there myself!
I was wondering about whether or not it would be realistic to stay in paris several days and how much time I should plan for each place.
I feel like I want to go everywhere but I won't have much time in 2 weeks. I looked at eurail site for awhile looking at the BRitrail and debating on going to the uk. It's very confusing to try and plan where to go.
I will start looking for guidebooks, I haven't turned in my passport app yet but was thinking it would take 6 months, but it shouldnt take that long.

[me]

Hi, GG! or, with Paris mainly being where you want to go, perhaps Gigi would be a better spelling?

Eagle has good advice, especially regarding your budget issues.

you say 2 weeks. you'd lose a day for each transatlantic flight. even if you also had 3 full weekends, it'd still be just 14 days in Europe. time is also a big constraint.

if you really want to see Paris (i've never been to Paris) & some of Italy, too, an open jaw ticket would be your best bet. but, with your tight time constraint, it'll be hard to see much.

for a May trip, i'd suggest starting in Italy; fly from Italy to Paris to end the trip there - flying home from Paris. cheap flights are better than trains for longer distances.

- d

[me]

took a look at flights, <what can i say? i'm a little bored right now> from BOS there are non-stops to Milan & from Paris on Delta. that might be an option for you.

ask a travel agent.

[Eagle]

garbagegirl, again, it would help to have some idea of which destinations in Europe you're most interested in seeing (other than Paris). It's difficult to make any suggestions or plan travel routes without a list of cities.

I was wondering about whether or not it would be realistic to stay in paris several days

Normally I would suggest 4-5 days in Paris, but given the short length of your trip perhaps 3-4 days would work? As David mentioned, you'll need to allow for the fact that you'll lose the first day in flight times (on the way to Europe, you may arrive on the day following departure - on the trip home, you'll probably arrive the same day you departed Europe). However, this will depend on what sites you want to see in Paris? If you're planning on visiting the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay or other Museums in Paris, I would highly recommend a Paris Museum Pass (perhaps a three day Pass?). Although there is a charge for this, it's good value and helps one to avoid standing in queues!

Some comments on other places to visit. For a trip of only two weeks (and given your tight budget), IMO about four cities would probably be a good plan. I'd suggest saving the U.K. for another trip. I was there this fall, and with the exchange rate it's a very expensive place to visit! Here's a few places you might consider:

> Germany - probably best to stay in the south to minimize transportation times - Munich (see the city and visit Neuschwanstein Castle).

> Switzerland - this is also somewhat expensive, but I'm sure a short visit would be tolerable. This might be a good fit as it could be scheduled between Paris and Italy. One favourite destination is the Berner Oberland region (Interlaken and especially the small village of Gimmelwald).

> Italy - best to focus on northern Italy, again for ease of transportation (perhaps return home via Rome?). There are so many places to visit in Italy, it would be easy to spend the entire two weeks there! Some places to consider - Cinque Terre, Florence, Rome (you won't have time for any more - assume you will return).

Regarding your concerns about safety, this is certainly something to keep in mind, however don't be overly worried. In many ways, Europe is safer than many places in North America! You'll have to be highly vigilant regarding petty theft and pickpockets though. Wear a Money Belt! This is more of a problem in the larger cities, however it can happen anywhere. When I was in Italy last fall, I was speaking with some American tourists who had been victimized on the local trains in the Cinque Terre (they were out of the city, so "let their guard down" - one girl lost her Passport, not a pleasant experience!). I'll check my Guidebook, as I believe there's a section pertaining to safety for women.

I can understand your reluctance with the "communal living" aspect of Hostels. While there are some dodgy Hostels in Europe (and other places), most of them are quite decent. The chain Hostels (H.I.) tend to be well run and quite consistent. Some Hostels have the Dorm rooms configured by gender, while others have co-ed rooms (I've stayed in both and never had a problem). Some have gender-specific rooms but shared bathrooms. It's a good way to meet people but given your criteria for lodgings, budget Hotels are probably best. Again, check Guidebooks to get listings on reliable, clean and safe budget Hotels.

It's probably not realistic to spend too much time checking Rail passes until you have a list of destinations to work with. Once this is somewhat finalized, enter your Itinerary into Railsaver and the web site will suggest the most cost effective Rail pass.

Given the current situation with Passport applications (in both the U.S. and Canada), don't wait too long to submit your application. Although the end of May is still some way off, it's best to have the Passport in hand at the time you start putting money down for tickets, etc.

If you could provide a bit more information on which locations you want to visit, it would sure help!

[garbagegirl]

Thanks eagle-
I was originally going to take cruise b/c I would be able to do so for free,but my friendship with that person broke off and I really don't want to be in ports with tourists in hats and sandals!

I guess it is difficult for me to list destinations because I have no clue. Besides paris, I would like to visit florence,rome,venice (that may be a separate trip) but would be interested in spending
a short bit of time in switzerland,austria (vienna), which may be a better option than trying to fit in italy.

I scanned some guidebooks today at the store,but will get some over my break and also found some podcasts for travel.
Do you have any suggestions for interesting places to visit in the bordering countries?

[Eagle]

garbagegirl, I'll try to have a look at possible travel routes for you, and make some suggestions. It's getting late, so might not have time until tomorrow.

In the meantime, some items that might help with your planning, from the book Europe Through The Back Door (an excellent pre-read, but not usually a book to pack along):

- Itinerary Skills - Chapter 6 - Page 60

- Train & Railpass Skills - Chapter 11 - Page 117

- Outsmarting Thieves - Chapter 23 - Page 295

- The Woman Travelling Alone - Chapter 26 - Page 318

The above Chapter and Page numbers are from the 2006 edition, which is the most recent copy I have at hand. These may be different in other editions? You should be able to have a look at this at your local Library or Book store.

One additional aspect of "safety" would be to travel with a Cell phone. That way you'd be able to reassure family back home that you're not having any problems. I always travel with a Cell / mobile phone. There's lots of information here on the Boards if you think this might be something you're interested in.

Hopefully the others will have some suggestions also.

Cheers!

[Eagle]

garbagegirl, it's difficult to recommend destinations without having some idea of which areas you are most interested in? With only two weeks to work with, my preference would be four cities in that time frame (comments, anyone?).

If I were planning this trip for myself, I might consider something like this:

> Day 1 - Fly to Paris (you'll lose this day in flight times and time zone changes).

> Day 2-4 - Paris (3 days is a bare minimum, but if you plan carefully you should be able to cover lots of sights).

> Day 5 - Rail travel from Paris to Interlaken and Berner Oberland
for example: Dep. 08:24, Arv. 13:57 - Time 5H33M, one change Basel SNCF, 10 minute walk to Basel SBB for next train - TGV so reservations required! At Interlaken Ost (East) buy a one way ticket to whichever town you've chosen to stay in - this covers all modes of transportation for that journey).

> Day 6-7 - Berner Oberland (you could stay in either Gimmelwald, Murren or Lauterbrunnen, depending on your preference and what you can find for accomodation. Gimmelwald is a favourite here but Murren has more tourist facilities. The Pensione still closed in Gimmelwald AFAIK, however there are several B&B's (Esther's is good) and Walter's small Hotel Mittaghorn. Activities will depend on your budget - tour the Schilthorn (world's first revolving restaurant), hiking, Trummelbach Falls, or even Paragliding if your budget and nerves will allow - check a Guidebook for ideas).

> Day 8 - Rail travel from Interlaken to Florence
for example: Dep. 09:29, Arv. 15:44 - Time 6H15M, 2 changes in Spiez & Milan; train runs not every day - Reservations may be required.

> Day 9-10 - Florence - if you're planning to visit the Accademia or Uffizi Galleries, reservations are highly advisable!!! I believe you can book these on the Net now, but would have to check (comments, anyone?). With the reservations, you have to visit the Museum at the assigned time. One thing to keep in mind, many Museums in Europe now have "airport style" security, so be prepared for that. For example, the Borghese Gallery in Rome (reservations required!) requires visitors to check ALL bags, packs, purses, strollers, Cameras and just about anything else!

> Day 11 - Rail travel from Florence to Rome
for example: Dep. 09:30, Arv. 11:08 - Time 1H38M, no changes; train runs not every day - Reservations may be required.

> Days 11-14 - Rome! LOTS to see and do in Rome. As I mentioned on another Post, if you're planning to visit the Colosseum, it helps to buy a combo ticket on Palatine Hill in order to avoid the long queues. Once inside visitors have the choice of just using an audioguide or taking the "official" guided tour (I would highly recommend the guided tour, as when I was there last year the cost was only about €3.50 and the tour was awesome). Don't be fooled by the "scammers" out front of the Colosseum asking if visitors want an "english language tour" - the official guide warned about them, and it's possible the Police have now given them the boot?

> Day 14 or 15 - Return home from Rome using open jaw flight arrangement.

You'll have to decide whether you want to pre-book accomodations. For a trip at the end of May, I would definitely consider it as that's "shoulder season" and a lot of people travel at that time of year. Check Guidebooks for accomodation listings that suit your preferences.

For the rail trips shown, Railsaver suggested a 3 country, 5 day in 2 month Railpass at a cost of $444.00. I haven't checked to see whether using P-P tickets might be a better value than a Rail pass in this case? Keep in mind that having a Rail pass provides a slight discount on other transportation services (ie: the cable cars in Switzerland).

This sample Itinerary is only one of many ways that you could structure your trip. I thought I'd offer one suggestion to give you something to start with. I really don't like one night stops, so tried to plan in a way that would provide more time in each city (one night stops get VERY tiring).

Be very careful about petty theft anywhere in Europe, but especially the large cities. I found this especially prevalent in Paris and Rome (I'm a bit reluctant to mention which group is most often involved in this sort of thing, as some here on the Boards might be sensitive to the "stereotyping").

Hope this helps. Good luck with your planning!

[garbagegirl]

Now that I have some time to do research I think I have a better idea. I got the idea of going to visit paris,vienna instead of italy, since I am a musician and know vienna had alot of music history. I also have been thinking about going to amsterdam for a day, which didn't appeal at first, since everyone seems to only go there to smoke legal pot and I don't so I don't care!
As far as itineraries go, i looked up rail passes and will probably get a RT ticket from boston to paris/paris boston since I wont have much money. I can get a ticket aroun 300 bucks from STA and rail pass for 306. I have looked at the HI site, and the hostels do look ok.
My sister actually had a copy of Europe through the back door (2004) but never needed it so I'll be reading that.
My questions now are really about how much time in the 2 weeks I should give each place. Since paris is my main place, I am thinking 3-4 days there, and 2 in vienna and 1 in amsterdam then taking the train back to paris to fly out.

[WillTravel]

Maybe you can get an open-jaw ticket into Paris and out of Amsterdam (or Vienna or some other combination). That would help with travel time.

Amsterdam and its environs has a *lot* to see and do other than pot smoking. In particular, the art is copious and magnificent. I'm not saying Amsterdam should be your highest priority, but if it fits in well, it's very much worth it.

You have a two-week trip, but I only see 7 nights listed. Did you have plans for the other nights? I think Vienna could easily deserve more than two nights, particularly with your musical background.

[garbagegirl]

No, I'm jjust making some rough thoughts right now, I''m still researching things to see and do in those places, I am trying to account for the travel time though. I'll talk to the travel agent about open jaw, but it may not be an option. Other than music I am also very into art, so I am looking at the musuems. Unfortunately I have never heard much about amsterdam other than anne franc haus and 'dude you can get so messed up there'
I''ve also gotten podcasts on itunes about paris and those places and also found one about woman solo travellers.
I'm seeing only 5 or so hostels in paris that don't have great reviews. Any suggestions on low cost hotels?

[me]

i agree that an open jaw ticket might be best for you, unless an open jaw is unreasonably more expensive than round trip. perhaps you could get a connecting flight from AMS to BOS via Paris? ask STA.

at this time, i don't see any cheap Amsterdam - Paris flights, and Thalys train tix ain't cheap from what i hear.

to me Amsterdam & Vienna are both well worth visiting. [never been to Paris, can't offer any first hand opinions] the art in Amsterdam, at Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum is amazing! and with an interest in musical history, Vienna does deserve more time. Vienna also has it's share of great art treasures!

if you use budget flights for Paris - Vienna, and for Vienna - Amsterdam, you likely will not need a rail pass. and, if you get open jaw tix from/to Boston, you'd have no long, expensive train rides at all!

- d

PS - is that Woody Allen in your avatar? i've read that his last name at birth was Königsberg - the topic of another post i made today!

[WillTravel]

PONR liked the Appi Hotel - it is cheap and good quality. I considered it for our upcoming trip, but I couldn't get over the fact it's in the red light district and I am taking my daughter - although PONR had no problems in that respect. There are probably different places you can book it, but here's one link:
www.appi-hotel-paris.federal-hotel.com/page_en_1.html

Another Paris hotel I considered is this one: www.hotelsaintemarie.com/
The only thing that would discourage me (again for my daughter's sake) is a several-year-old review about a desk clerk who hit on a solo female traveler.

Both of these would be super-convenient.

Another one that is frequented by someone I know is the Hotel Tiquetonne, which is not far from the Sainte Marie (or the Appi, for that matter). You have to call and/or fax them, though. Look for the info here: www.eurocheapo.com/Paris

The Eurocheapo will have some other suggestions also.

If you check the Accorhotels.com site, there are often some deals with Ibis hotels where they are 49 Euros per night. These are plain, 2*, chain hotels, but generally pretty good. Just double-check the location before you book it.

One hostel in Paris that does have pretty good reviews is Le Village, although the above locations are more central.

Some central hostels with good reviews are the MIJE hostels in the Marais, Louvre area, and Latin Quarter.

[herrbert]

garbagegirl said:

Unfortunately I have never heard much about amsterdam other than anne franc haus and 'dude you can get so messed up there'

Well that's a shame, because Amsterdam has a lot more to offer, than the Red Light District, and Coffeeshops.

There are three major artmuseums in Amsterdam. My personal favourite is the Van Gogh Museum. The exhibition is shown is a very good way, and in Dutch and English. The collection also has a couple of the painters of the same period. (with special interest in work of Gaugin, as he was a friend? of van Gogh)

You also have the Stedelijk Museum (modern art), which is now temporary located near the Central Station, because the building is undergoing a renovation. At the moment only highlights of the normal collection is shown, but if everything goes according to plan, they will move back to the normal location somewhere in 2008.

The other major museum is also the biggest: the Rijksmuseum, which also is undergoing a complete facelift, but is still opened to the public, but the collection that is on display is somewhat smaller than normal. The renovation is already 5 years underway, but will take until 2010.

There are also some smaller museums. If you are an art-lover, than it might be good to keep an eye out for the exhibitions of the Hermitage aan de Amstel. Here they have exhibitions of pieces belonging to the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.

This might be a good link to discover more of the museums in Amsterdam: www.amsterdammuseums.nl

If you like music, than there are of course two good places to see popmusic, one is Paradiso, and the other one the Melkweg (Milky Way), both very near to the Leidscheplein. There is also a new bigger hall in the South-East of Amsterdam, at the same spot as the Arena (footballstadium), called the Heineken Music Hall (aka: HMH). But for atmosphere Paradiso is the best. And I should also not forget to mention the Westergasfabriek, just west of the center, near the Westerpark. (were in Summer there also will be gig in the park)

For classical music, there is the Concertgebouw and the Stopera.