Traveling alone = foolish?

sitstill

So I asked my mate to come to Boston with me as I had got really cheap flights. He said he couldn't afford it etc

So I booked it anyway and now I'm feeling nervous about it.

I'll be there for 6 days.

Is it foolish to be going away alone? I'm nervous about being in an accident or something.

Does anyone here like to travel solo - any tips for me?

BuffyBot

I do it all the time

Frankly, I prefer not having to live with someone elses agenda :P. So no, you're not foolish and travelling solo can be a lot of fun. Try not be nervous. Make sure you have good travel insurance, and leave contact details of where you're staying, when you're due back etc with friends/relatives.

You can also keep contact details for someone at home written in your phone and/or on a piece of paper in your wallet etc just in case. You can also register your visit with the local consulate by going here: https://dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=40332

The biggest tip - just have fun! Research, research, research. Find a list of what you want to do, where you want to see etc and have it all ready so you don't feel bored/lost. Boston has lots of culture, and lots of bars too

flikflak

Ah yeah I went to Sydney on my own for 5 days and had a great time. I saw what I wanted, when I wanted and for how long I wanted.

Good advice above - make a plan for your days then you wont be mooching around wondering what to do.

Boston is a great city. I loved walking the Freedom Trail. Also made a trip down to Cape Cod which was lovely.

Most of my traveling has been alone. My friends have never really been free to come with me when I went abroad. Australia, and Asia were the most fun. I can't say what they would have been like if my mates had come along, but I enjoyed myself thoroughly.

I haven't had any major problems while traveling. There are some inconveniences like being on a beach, and no one to watch your stuff if you want to swim, but its also a good way to meet people.

Just be aware of your surroundings. be wary of strangers being overly friendly with you, but its important to keep an open mind. Just relax, and don't carry too many valuables with you. Never bring out your credit cards or large amounts of money with you from evening time onwards. Stash some money as a backup in your boots, and have a copy of your passport with you instead of the real thing. Also keep your friends or family updated as to where you are.

Other than that, you'll have a blast. Don't be shy, and go out and meet people. They'll be happy to meet you, and most will admire that you're willing to travel alone. Most people can't imagine themselves doing so...

spurious

I travel alone all the time, in fact most of the time I prefer my own company.

In Boston, get a ferry over to Provincetown on Cape Cod for a day - sublime combination of kitsch and high end designer. You often run into 'big stars' there, just hanging out.

It's 80% gay in summer too, which means it's fab! Some fantastic live shows there, many from Broadway but not at Broadway prices.

sitstill

Thanks for the advice everyone, you've made me feel a little less nervous about it all.

Thanks Spurious for the heads-up re Provincetown :-)

BuffyBot

you've made me feel a little nervous about it all.

Ooops

We failed then

sitstill

BuffyBot wrote: »

Ooops

We failed then

Oops I meant a little less nervous! :-)

lol.. don't worry. Once you get there you wont feel nervous. Its just the tension of the unknown. I felt the same when i went to Moscow, and thats a far more dangerous city.. and nothing went wrong. Been back three times all on my own, and its been fun each time.

Tiriel

You wouldn't feel foolish wandering into town by yourself on a Saturday so just go and have a brilliant time. You'll meet lots of others in similar position and have a great trip!!:D

Surfdude100

Yeah, for sure. You are going to meet so many people and it is so much easier when you are on your own! Have fun and don't worry about it!

Outkast_IRE

Traveling alone would be grand id say, you jump to your own beat no need to worry about anyone else. Im thinking of doing the overland bus to oz the long 8 month one and i wouldnt mind doing it by myself sure you will always meet friendly people just be positive about it

Poochie05

I'm just back from 3 weeks holiday on my own in California and it all worked out great. As someone above said, you probably wouldn't think twice about heading into town on your own! I found I got more out of it as I was more likely to interact with people (I was best buddies with most of the hotel staff ) and got to do everything I wanted to without compromise. My tip would be to plan as much as possible beforehand. Day trips and excursions are a good way to see somewhere in a group without being stuck with the group forever. Also make the effort and get out, even if it's just that you check your email in the bar rather than staying in your room. Enjoy!

R.Shackleford

i was over in boston for a few months 2 years ago..the whole irish thing goes along way over there!!you will have no problem meeting and chating with people! they hang off the accent with the usual "my great great grandads dog was irish!" women will love you too!