Anyone done a RTW trip solo
Mar 18, 09, 2:48 pm
#31
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Brighton England
Programs: AA Plat, various hotels
Posts: 1,220
Ive done 3 on my own and will do another next winter.
It all started many years ago when i had to do some business trips to various european destinations. After the first trip, where i was met, chauffered and wined and dined, increasingly i had to fend for myself. I realised how much i was enjoying the travel challenge. At this point i had never holidayed alone, but having separated from my partner, i did a 5 day solo trip to Boston in the U.S to see how i would find it. Well i loved it, you get to do exactly what you want without worrying what others may think.
As has been pointed out already, eating is the only problem.
I never stay too long in one destination, i'd rather leave thinking i'd like to go back, than start getting bored in one place.
I also try to go to places with plenty of activity, cities such as Tokyo will keep you entertained for weeks.
Choosing the right flights with the right timings and better aircraft types will also enhance the experience.
Having not done a trip this winter as the money needed to be spent on house improvements and a new car, i'm just itching to get away alone again.
It all started many years ago when i had to do some business trips to various european destinations. After the first trip, where i was met, chauffered and wined and dined, increasingly i had to fend for myself. I realised how much i was enjoying the travel challenge. At this point i had never holidayed alone, but having separated from my partner, i did a 5 day solo trip to Boston in the U.S to see how i would find it. Well i loved it, you get to do exactly what you want without worrying what others may think.
As has been pointed out already, eating is the only problem.
I never stay too long in one destination, i'd rather leave thinking i'd like to go back, than start getting bored in one place.
I also try to go to places with plenty of activity, cities such as Tokyo will keep you entertained for weeks.
Choosing the right flights with the right timings and better aircraft types will also enhance the experience.
Having not done a trip this winter as the money needed to be spent on house improvements and a new car, i'm just itching to get away alone again.
Mar 19, 09, 5:17 pm
#32
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wellington, Melbourne
Programs: AirNZ Gold Elite, Qantas Bronze, United Mileage Plus, Virgin Blue Velocity, Accor Advantage Plus,
Posts: 503
Originally Posted by Bitterroot
I still go all the way around solo 4 times a year. I'm pushing 70 and have been doing this since the late 80's -- it's now quite a pile of paper tickets, e-receipts, and log entries.
And I've never been bored or gotten tired of it. But you have to like traveling!
And I've never been bored or gotten tired of it. But you have to like traveling!
Mar 19, 09, 9:58 pm
#33
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: People's Republic of HotTubistan
Posts: 1,408
If you do the twice-annual circuit consistently, I think you'll discover two things: first, there will be countries, cities, airlines, and hotels that you'll want to include again on subsequent trips...a kind of homecoming in various seaports: nice to be greeted by name, and taken in again. Second -- and this may be partly getting older, and/or partly a function of having done the circuit so often: you'll find the discomfort that some people feel at dining alone disappears, and you'll be comfortable going anywhere you want, and doing exactly what you want. Seniority has it's credibility, and it makes travel much easier -- plus, you'll always know what you're doing, with no rookie mistakes.
Mar 20, 09, 9:10 pm
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1M
Posts: 28,962
Originally Posted by Bitterroot
If you do the twice-annual circuit consistently, I think you'll discover two things: first, there will be countries, cities, airlines, and hotels that you'll want to include again on subsequent trips...a kind of homecoming in various seaports: nice to be greeted by name, and taken in again. Second -- and this may be partly getting older, and/or partly a function of having done the circuit so often: you'll find the discomfort that some people feel at dining alone disappears, and you'll be comfortable going anywhere you want, and doing exactly what you want. Seniority has it's credibility, and it makes travel much easier -- plus, you'll always know what you're doing, with no rookie mistakes.
