monkey00 Posted March 8, 2005 Share Posted March 8, 2005 All my life i've lived in the city, even my college is too. i'm 20 years old and living with my parents. I've never lived anywhere else but here. This semester i actually took off cause im transferring to another college. so now im mostly just working. i've considered planning a trip to europe sometime down these few months.....as it would be a great opportunity to see the world. I guess the problem is, i dont have the independence to go travel the world alone like others might. as all i know is the city some things that have came up in my mind is, what if i get lost there? finding my way around? transportation? how/where to exchange american for euros? food, place to live....etc. (sure probably a hotel everyday for who knows how long i plan to stay) I've been on family trips as a kid to other states and countries, but going alone is different. I feel that if i dont take this opportunity to go out and see the world, i will regret it later in the future. i know im still young, but i feel like there's still so much i havent accomplished. anyone have been through this stage and have any tips for me about going out into a new world solo?? Link to post Share on other sites
CurlyIam Posted March 8, 2005 Share Posted March 8, 2005 It depends if you like being alone and doing things alone. Europe is huge it depends on which country you decide to visit and on your character. I won't guarantee you you'll love either. But discovering stuff, being put in unusual/difficult/unpleasing situations is part of life. And.... much more probable if you go to a foreign country. I think you should be aware of that. On the other hand, since you're still in your 20's I think that chances are for you to love it. Visit Florence in summer. Lots of little groups of foreigners, all mingling and partying and getting to know the others. Italians are quite special, so it could be a safe place to start visiting. Again, do it only if you're prepared for evens like having your luggage/passport/wallet stollen - it CAN happen, not finding a certain place you are looking, hating the administration - some countries are Very beaurocratic... that's REAL!!! If you're welling to take those risks... incredible things can happen to you!!! You can meet people!!!! I'd love to take this trip if I were you, it will be one great experience!!! It will change you in so many ways, you won't believe it!!!! Link to post Share on other sites
moimeme Posted March 8, 2005 Share Posted March 8, 2005 Take a tour if you're fearful of doing it alone. Once you've been there and seen for yourself it's not that scary, you'll be ready to strike out on your own. Link to post Share on other sites
Author monkey00 Posted March 11, 2005 Author Share Posted March 11, 2005 Originally posted by CurlyIam I'd love to take this trip if I were you, it will be one great experience!!! It will change you in so many ways, you won't believe it!!!! have you done something similar to this curly, anything you can say about your trip and how it changed you? I think for me, at this point in my life, i demand more personal growth. I think that's why i want to do something new and go on this trip. The majority of people there will know at least some english i hope, if not...then ill try london. Take a tour if you're fearful of doing it alone. Once you've been there and seen for yourself it's not that scary, you'll be ready to strike out on your own. Thanks for pointing that out, i completely forgot about tours. I think im willing to go with that, besides what better way to enjoy your trip than getting educated on your surroundings! Hopefully i can get a friend or 2 to join me on this adventure. Link to post Share on other sites
CurlyIam Posted March 11, 2005 Share Posted March 11, 2005 I have been on a vacation in Europe with friends. Three weeks. We were a big group so we kinda used to stick together... At the end of my second week I got the hang of it and dared to meet, talk, drink and dance with foreigners... The sensation of liberty you get... woow, nothing can ever compare to that. In my case it's like I was getting back to a place I knew, yet that I've never been to. IT's just people. It's amazing. In all shapes and colours, diverse, some opening up, some talking about things around them.. It may sound silly but you get to know eachother a whole lot better after being between people from another civilisation. And then it's the exploring. I love discovering new places, visiting houses and looking at sculptures. I think I'm quite visual. IT creates a certain atmosphere. And to that you add the flavour of the locals... local food, local drink, local smells... Wow, fiesta!! One year ago, I left all alone with a scholarship to France. Made some new friends, read tones of books, visited a LOT of castles and... was alone wih myself a lot. I thought about me, I took time for me, I experienced things I liked... Very personal. IT's different 'cause I chose to live in another country (France for the moment). The simple fact of taking all the responsabilities that go with being on your own make you mature, trust me. You get wiser. And get to appreciate a lot more the way you used to live. I think that this kind of experiences make you appreciate how you are, the way you live, make one be aware of himself. Sorry for rambling ... Link to post Share on other sites
Author monkey00 Posted March 13, 2005 Author Share Posted March 13, 2005 no need to apologize! you gave me a lot of good feedback about traveling to a foreign country with friends and being alone. I'm certain this trip will no doubt enhance personal growth and would teach me a lot of things about myself and life. Can curly or anyone else recommend a good site to buy affordable plain tickets at? i know expedia.com is a common site, but any other recommendations? Link to post Share on other sites
CurlyIam Posted March 13, 2005 Share Posted March 13, 2005 We cannot post them here, the links are to be erased - they are commercial links. Anyway, I'll post them then send you a PM: opodo, lastminute, ebookers, kelkoo.... Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites
JoL Posted March 13, 2005 Share Posted March 13, 2005 Hey! I went to europe on my own in July of 2004. Im female and 22...i went on a tour..contiki! It was lots of fun, ive even made friends in my home city (sydney) who i see every week! It's the best way to experience europe when you dont know the language and have a budget to stick to. Also, it's the best way to do it on your own. We had lots of people in my group were lone travellers, the best thing is- everyone is aged between 18-35 and you make SO many friends! It was the best experience of my life, i would do it again (and am planning on going back on my own or with friends and doing my own tour) in a heartbeat! Dont feel scared! if it makes you feel better know this- i have just finished university and am starting a job in april, i live at home and have never gone anywhere for more than 3 days without my parents before europe! But i got through it fine and LOVED it! Link to post Share on other sites
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