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Married Mother of Six Alone
in Italy...
The first time I ever
travelled alone, without husband or six kids, was both a
freeing and terrifying experience. I could walk around in
my hotel room naked, I could use the shower whenever I wanted,
I could enjoy a breakfast of take-out cappucchino and hot
rolls on the balcony of my hotel. I could read, eat, sleep,
stay in, go out, whenever I felt like it without checking
other's wishes and schedules. So many women say, "Oh, I
could never do that. I'd be too frightened to travel alone,
what if ...?" My reply is, "What if we never did any of
the things that we really want to do because of fear?" (or
is it lack of confidence?) That very first time, I was alone
in Italy for only four days until my husband and children
arrived. By the time they got there I was relaxed and happy
to see them. But those four days gave me the confidence
to travel back to Italy alone many times since then for
longer and more exciting vacations. My travel tip would
be, even if you're married, try a bit of solo travel. It's
not as terrifying as you imagine it to be. In fact, it's
great fun!
Maria,Weston, Ontario |
| Solo
Dining at the Museum
I am a woman in
my 50s who started travelling alone about four years ago.
I just finished reading an article on your site regarding
what women should do in the evenings. One author suggested
eating a bigger meal in the middle of the day and snacking,
etc., at dinner time. I wholeheartedly concur with this
suggestion, especially since I try to go to a theatre performance
or concert on most evenings. I would also add that a great
place to eat that bigger meal is in the dining room of a
museum. I have found, in England and in Italy, that most
museums have lovely dining rooms that serve hot meals well
into the afternoon. I usually plan to spend the day at the
museum, have coffee and a snack during the late morning
and then finish my visit with a late lunch. I have found
the food excellent and reasonably priced. Moreover, on more
than one occasion someone has sat down with me and entered
into conversation. However, if no one joins me, I have reading
material picked up during the museum tour to keep me company.
Katharine Terrie, New Hampshire, USA |
| Traveling
alone has its rewards
I met a young couple
from England at a camp in Africa fourteen years ago and
we're still close friends ... miles apart (she in England
and I in California and 30 years as well. I at 75 and she
at 42!! A few years later, I spent a month alone in Cheshire
at his little house and used her car. Neither were there.
From her, I've been enriched with her friends in England
who treat me like a favorite aunt. Once, when in Vic Falls,
I started talking to a lady when we flew over the Falls.
Later, I had made a reservation at the Victoria Falls Hotel
for dinner by myself. When I arrived, I spotted her and
she and a lady she had met during the day and we three shared
a dinner...and GAMBLING at the hotel. It was an absolutely
delightful evening We had all made reservations for one
... again our ages and homes were far apart. The next day
the waiter asked me where my friends were. I said I didn't
know and that I really had only just met them that day and
we probably wouldn't meet again. He laughed and said he
thought we were old friends!! We felt like it that evening.
These are just two of the rewards I've had when traveling
alone.
Helen, Glendale, California
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Women's words
For years, my husband
and I have advocated separate vacations. But, as hard as
we try, the kids keep finding us.
(Source: Erma Bombeck, with Bil Keane, 1971) |
| Solo
experience in Venice...
I
am a 58 year old woman who traveled solo to Venice and had
a great time. I stayed at a B&B right around the corner
from St Maria Del Salute Church and attended the mass honoring
St Mary for saving the Venitians from the plague in the
1500's. I had lunch and dinner in the bars and the bartenders
were all very friendly and it was fun to watch the locals
as they met in the evenings with their friends. When I needed
directions, everyone was super nice and once when I got
lost, I just kept on walking and finally came full circle
from where I'd started. A great vacation indeed!
I
stayed at the B&B, Locanda
Ca' Zose located in a restored 17th century
building. It was right next to St Maria Del Salute Church
in the Dorsoduro district (close to the vaporetta stop).
It is modern, clean and the complimentary breakfast is very
good. The en-suite bathrooms has tiled floors, heated towel
rods, thick towels, a bidet and complimentary amenities.
I felt very comfortable and safe there. Highly recommended!
P.S. There
are a few floors in this B&B. The female proprietor
carried my luggage up the stairs on check in and down on
checkout. Address: 193/B (Calle del Bastion), Venice 30123,
Italy near the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, just 100 meters
from the local waterbus stop of Salute (you can see S. Mark
Square across the water) Rates: 95 euro per night. Website:
http://www.hotelcazose.it/inglese/home.htm
Maryann, Texas, USA
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| More
solo travel motivation...
If you need further
motivation to try solo travel, here are a few more links
you might like to follow...
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| Keeping
yourself safe and happy...
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