So Glenda...if you meet with her and decide you don't like her....what will you say to her to tell her she didn't check out....LOL...I think that would be a hard one.

Well, if it's not something you're interested in, maybe you shouldn't do it. It's crappy to have a trip ruined with the wrong roommate.

Well, meeting up would give you a better grasp on the situation, and whether or not it would work for you.

Personally, I don't ever want a roommate when I'm traveling, and willingly pay extra to avoid it. I'm a very restless sleeper, and I can't stand people being up and around while I'm trying to sleep.

Thinking I'll ask travel agent to give me her number, give her a call, maybe meet for lunch and then see.

That's what I did with the other gal, and it didn't work.

I'm so independent, set in my ways, especially with sleeping.

Already paid the extra bucks. Know I will get a refund on the $800.

Thinking, and more thinking needed.

Thanks for the input, gals.

If I were fortunate enough to go on a trip like this, I would not want a room mate. I'd love to have someone to hang with part of the time, if I wanted, or share meals with, maybe, but I'd want my own room.

I love solitude and privacy and for something as grand as seeing Ireland I'd want a little quiet time to myself each day to absorb it all.

If I'd already paid the extra money, I'd go ahead and room solo. You know you'll be happy alone, but a roommate is kind of a crap shoot. Even when you know the person, there can be all sorts of unpleasant surprises when rooming with her. Unpleasant for HER, in my case. LOL

Once when I was going to a waterlily symposium, a friend of mine that I usually traveled with, but couldn't make it this time, more or less set me up with another woman that she had met at a previous one. I had met her too, but hardly remembered her. I sure didn't mind paying the extra to stay by myself, and all I knew about this woman was that she was a dentist's wife. I was thinking...what does a shrimper's wife have in common with a dentist's wife?

Well, she called me and we talked, and we were so much alike....and she was hilariously funny to boot. I had a wonderful time and we became very close friends. She was so down to earth but eccentric, and a cat lover...not really a people person. Loved all kinds of plants and very knowledgable. She lived in Natchez, Mississippi, and knew a bunch of other eccentric people...and told wonderful stories about them.

But, I took a trip once with someone I did know, and tho we got along okay...it was not a pleasure for me. I tried to be very accomodating to her...just to get along, but she got on my nerves so bad. She was so moody and I couldn't relax around her.

Personally, I love to travel alone...but I guess it just depends on the person.

Hope if you decide to travel with her that you "click".

Maybe a phone call to the person to see if there's any connection, then lunch if you feel you would like to know her. I've met very sweet, likable people with a voice that is nerve grating or talks waay too loud.

I'd rather be alone than wish I were.
Suzi

I traveled around Gr Britain and Scotland for 5 weeks in 1986 by myself went on a lot of trips and pub walks etc. met a lot of people and was always glad to leave them when I went to my hotel.
I made all the decisions and picked the times etc.

Get your own room. Then you can sleep when you want to and no one will snore and keep you awake.

I think I would go single.......you can always meet her on the trip, and if all goes well, you can still hang out as you would with anyone youd meet. Have a great trip!

http://debfrompa.proboards.com/index.cgi?/

On the first 7 trips I took with strangers worked out, but at this point in my life the women I travel with want a secretary/companion to take care of them. And they want to go everywhere I go. I even talked to one of them before we agreed to go that I need time alone. She kept apologizing for wanting to be with me. I made the mistake of giving one of them my cell phone number and she called me 4 times in one day. I travel alone now. It cuts into my travel money but it's worth it. Next time I cruise I will have my ipod with speakers for music in my room and take a movie or two for my laptop if I get bored.

I wouldn't do it Glenda. She probably is a very nice lady, but that doesn't mean you & she will share the same ideas about traveling. I'd go single and then try to get to know her if you want some company.

When I did tours like that, I always went as a single. I could go to bed and get up when I wanted and liked the time of quiet away from the rest of the group even for that small amount of time.

Also the bathroom was always available when I needed it.

Even if she is a lovely lady at lunch, having lunch with someone is different altogether from having to room with them for a couple of weeks.

If you are used to being on your own, it will be difficult to share your time with someone 24 - 7, which is what will happen, believe me. If this person is not used to travelling, you'll end up being tour guide, porter, companion, and sitter. You won't get much time on your own. You will end up having to pass everything by her to see if she wants to go, do, see, etc.. You know how it is when you travel with a friend, let alone someone you don't know.

I'd stick with the single option. Then you can enjoy your trip the way you had planned to.

I think it is nice that you are meeting her to see if it would work. If it were me, I would stick to the single option.

A couple of thoughts popped into my mind.

How long is the trip? Do you think she needs a roommate in order to save money? I've gone on day trips with people on really tight budgets and it was uncomfortable at meal times because they only wanted to eat at fast food places or diners.

When I travel I make sure I have all the spending money I need before the trip so that I can relax and enjoy myself. That way I have more options- I can splurge or eat cheap. It could be difficult if your roommate also becomes attached at the hip. I'd probably go alone especially since you've already budgeted for it.

She could be a wonderful person. BUT not knowing her, I'd pass on it. Like everyone's said you can do other things together...rooming together is a whole different deal, you can't get away from her if needed.

I was going to say try it - but what if she latches onto you the whole time? Lay down the rules if you do meet. Make sure you have some "me" time.

I'd pass on meeting her and that would be it for me.

I know myself too well, like you do, Glenda.

I say go with your instincts and do not have a roommate.

If it were me, I would NOT want a roommate. It's possible she may want to tag along with you for sightseeing, meals, etc. If your personalities differ, this could be a vacation-ruiner!

Carol

Glenda, I think your mind was made up when you booked your trip--If you wanted a room mate you would've told the travel agent to try to find you someone! I'd want my own room!

Don't take a chance of spoiling your great trip!

Donna (^_^)

Hmmm,,,,its tough to make a decision on this. It would be great if you clicked and then had a future traveling friend as well. Meeting for lunch would at least give you some info-what she plans on touring, smoker yes-no, what she likes to do at night, types of restaurants and food she likes, etc. It would be fun to have someone to pal around with. What kind of accomodations do you have-a hotel room? Hmmm...$800 back would be nice...but is it worth it? Only you can decide....She's probably nervous a little too. I think I would have to at least meet her and tell her about me and what I plan on this trip.

You already paid for a single room. Why change it and get someone who might ruin the trip for you.

I also come down on staying single.... I like my quiet time and not sharing a bathroom... staying up & reading without bothering someone else... especially since you've already paid for it -- You've paid a lot of money to enjoy your trip... Even if you meet & kinda click -- that's no guarantee that you would enjoy your trip sharing the same room... I don't know how often you travel - and if you like her - maybe on the next trip...

Sounds like she wants to get a cheaper trip at your expense Glenda. You already have misgivings about having a roomate...any roomate so why tempt fate? You KNOW the trip will be enjoyable if you have single accomodations. Why take the chance of ruining a super cruise?

I think you are asking for trouble by even meeting the woman and you will regret it if you share a room with her but that's just my opinion.

Lori

Hey Ms Glender you planned on a nice room all for yourself stick to it and then you dont have to worry about snoring or coughing or if she is hot or cold ....That way you can have just what you want and do what you want.,Have a great trip I wish I could go with you I would Love to go to Ireland since my birthday is St Pats day!!!!! Have fun and look for me in your closet LOL hugs imabest

Stick to your original plan. The only 'up-sides' are a savings of $800 and the *possibility* of making a friend.

That $800 can't be a huge percentage of the cost of the tour.

If the woman does take the same tour, you will meet her anyway -- and possibly make a friend.

Tell your travel agent you're a light sleeper and need your own 'space' -- no feelings hurt.

I agree with most of the others. Room alone! There is nothing worse than having someone who wants to talk or use the TV when you want to sleep. Or maybe they snore !

Some of nicest people can make bad roommates. I don't think you'll be able to tell much from having lunch with her. Will she set her alarm and hit snooze 5 times, will she take long showers and over take the bathroom, will she expect to do everything with you, does she snore, will she use your lipstick, or rob you blind? Just because you two hit it off socially doesn't mean you know her. Heck I'm not sure I'd want to room with a friend, but a total stranger, no way.

I'd stick with the single.

I wouldn't mind a roommate, I mean how long is the trip? I can't imagine a one or two week trip where you couldn't get along with someone for that amount of time. Plus, how long are you really going to be in your room for? Long enough to sleep? If it was longer than that, though, I may just keep the single room. If she really got on your nerves you could just up and leave and go do things on your own.

I have to say, though, I told one woman at work who no one can stand that I wasn't looking for a traveling companion to Germany. She is rude, know-it-all and lazy. I couldn't imagine spending nearly a month traveling with her, she would want to do everything her way. I also couldn't imagine her sleeping in a youth hostel with me and the kids, going Volksmarching, doing all the walking we're going to be doing, taking only one carryon-a backpack, or eating picnic lunches for dinner to save a little money. I think she would think it beneath her. So, when she said she really wanted to go and if I was looking for someone to go with, I told her no, I'm just taking my kids. Later, though, another woman said she wanted to go and take her granddaughter and I said ok. I don't really care if I hurt the other one's feelings because she is really a hateful person.

"When in doubt, don't."

Cream

I like my 'personal space' too much to put up with a roommate at my age. Since you already paid, I would go solo.
Clare

She could be great, but I would never give up my own space if there was any possible way to avoid it!
Have a wonderful trip Ms. Glenda!

I too like my own space and even though I have never traveled overseas, I prefer to have my own room. That way when I wake up midnight and want to read I can. Also if I want to eat bymyself, or with whoever I can. And eat what I want to. The only downside if a person got real sick especially at night or had a health problem, it would be kind of nice to have immediate help if that person would do so. As I do not do good around sick ones I would be looking real fast for someelse.
Enjoy yourself and have fun.

Have been to both countries. You'll love them. If you want to go it alone and are okay with it then go that way. If your with a tour group then you'll meet people to spend time with. I love to go alone because then I can eat when I want, go see what I want ect. If you want company maybe you'll meet someone from that country and they can show you off the tourist map places. They are both safe countries to go off alone. Have fun.

Be sure to post pictures when you get back.

Nope...sleeping in the same room with someone I hardly know wouldn't be an option for me. I could hang out with them and sightsee..but not share my space. I like my privacy and solitude too much!

Since you have already paid for the single, I would just keep it. When I went to Italy with a tour group, I could not afford a single room and was matched up with someone close to my age. It was an eleven day trip and halfway through she started getting on my nerves. Mostly because she brought several suitcases and still washed clothes daily and hung them in the shower to dry. I had to move them every time I showered. I am not talking about undies, she washed dresses, skirts, etc. I got to be friends with two of her friends on the trip and I still keep in touch with one of them.

I think you're smart, Glenda, to at least meet her and see what happens.
You never know!!

Just emailed travel agent, who will also be with our group of 25, and told her, I'd rather keep my status "as is" single rooming.

Will be away 15 days total.
We are all traveling as a group.

Will be away 15 days total.
We are all traveling as a group.
......That's nice and I think you'll get all the "togetherness" you want!!

Good for you, Glenda. I like to have my privacy, and 15 days is a long time to have a roomate even if your personalities DO CLICK. I think roomates are like fish, after 3 days they both start stinking.