Want to go to US but have no-one to go with

LegacyUser

Don't know if this post should be in the travel forum or not but here goes anyway. I am a single guy in my mid-thirties who has never travelled much in his life. Various reasons; couldn't afford it, too busy with career, education etc.
I suppose if I'm honest I just prefer working to resting so I don't take holidays, I just take time off from work to do other work. Now though it is bothering me because I am getting left out of conversations and having to tell lies when the subject of foreign locations comes up.
I have always wanted to go to the states, specifically Los Angeles. I just have a daft dream about walking up Mulholland Drive or personally inspecting the Hollywood sign.
Sounds silly I know (I bet there are some people are reading this who have done those things and think it is no big deal).
However my problem is I have only three close friends, none of whom can go (Two are married and the other goes everywhere with his girlfriend).
I know there are online travel clubs that you can join but it would feel a bit strange travelling to another country with people you have never met before.
I think that is my only choice at the moment though. What do others think?
I should say I am not thinking of going away for a year or anything. I am working so it would have to only be a week at most.

looksee

You are seriously over thinking this! You want a holiday, you fancy going to the States. Well go! Have a plan, work out what you want to do and go on your own. At least then you get to decide where you are going an what you are going to do. Be willing to chat to people along the way (within reason ) but people go on holiday alone and have a great time, its only a week as you say, go for it.

woodchuck

I agree with looksee... just go it alone! I've been away on my own plenty of times (including the states) and I always have a great time

If you really want a group to go with though check out the travel forum, there are always similar threads on there.

LegacyUser

GO!
I was in the same situation when I was 20, nobody was able to or wanted to go to the US when I was in a position to go, so I took a deep breath, booked my tickets and had an amazing time travelling across the country. I got to see what I wanted, go where I wanted, and hooked up with some old friends in San Fran when I wanted to party! In general, I found Americans to be really friendly and welcoming, especially when they realised I was on my own. I've traveled alone a few times since, instead of waiting around. I have lots of stories and experiences, and nobody's ever thought I was odd for going on my own.
My husband had wanted to go traveling when he was younger but, like you, was too busy/no friends willing to go with him, and waited for the right time...The first time he went further than the UK was at 28 when he met me and I was determined to make up for his lost time!
The hardest part of your trip will be booking the tickets, promise!

ancapailldorcha

OP, I moved to England last year. Before moving, I signed up to Couchsurfing. I met people from there and now they're my best mates.
Just a thought, usual precautions about meeting people online and all that apply.

saa

If you go to LA and have a packed itinerary you won't even be thinking about anyone else, if its your thing go to disney land have an outrageously good time, stroll about the venice boardwalk, go see silly celebrity attractions gwan gwan gwan, you deserve it

L.Jenkins

I went to the US at 19 for 3 months on my own and had a blast. Trust me, you should go and you'll definately love LA. If you do go and intend on driving. Then I would suggest either going to Las Vegas of San Fran.

Gannicus

Dude I am Going to Boston for Paddy's Day and it's on my own for the same reasons you are thinking about going alone.

Do it. You'll be your own boss at the end of it all and can do what you want at your pace.