Yes! And I loved it.

Last year I went to Barcelona by myself and took a Spanish course geared to "older adults" while I was there. It was a great way to see the city, learn about its culture, improve my Spanish and meet like minded people. I had a great mix of time alone, and time with my classmates.

This year I going to walk the Camino de Santiago by myself. Again, I'm looking forward to meeting interesting people, experiencing the culture, and having time alone.

BTW, where are you located that it's going to be that hot? Probably not too far from me in Southern Oregon. I'm not ready for triple digits yet!

When I was single, I often spent weekends by myself when I was on business travel, if I happened to end up somewhere that interested me. Rome, Paris, Venice, Amsterdam, are a few I recall. Sometimes I met someone, which was fun, sometimes I was alone. I didn't mind being alone in cities with lots of things that interested me. But generally i didn't like traveling by myself ... A lot of traveling, for me, is about sharing the experiences and surprises and discoveries with someone else.

I love to travel alone. While MtnRd has a valid point, it's equally true that when you travel with someone, that's where your focus is. You meet more people and become aware of many more things when traveling alone.

terriks, I'm still so jealous. You're going to have such a wonderful time on the Camino.

I never really did any long trips, but I've done weekend trips or trips for concerts by myself. I would always let someone know where I was.

Wow, 111 degrees already.

Terriks, your up coming trip would be my idea of a dream vacation. I hope you take lots of pictures and share.

My husband and I do all our traveling together minus a few trips individually to see family. My one and only "me" time trip was only one night and local when I ran away from home on my ten speed after husband put one of my paintings on the roof of the van and it blew off on I95. It was a wonderful evening, I watched a bunch of movies, did my nails and didn't bother to get dressed. I would really enjoy a weekend in the heart of a city . Love to walk and explore.

In my young adult years and in my early career years, I traveled extensively both domestically and abroad on my own. I enjoyed it very much. I tend to be self-sufficient and low-maintenance on the road. I'm also pretty shrewd in terms of safety. Because I was solo, I ventured more into the communities I was in, engaging with others, whether it was on a train between towns or a local market. I've met some wonderful people because I reached out to them as a single traveler, when perhaps I would not have had I had a companion.

These days, I have a family who accompanies me on my travels. I enjoy sharing experiences with them, of course. But given the opportunity I wouldn't hesitate to travel solo again. I plan on doing so again some day and look forward to it.

I frequently travel solo. My DH doesn't like to travel, so I go places on my own and really enjoy it. As others have stated, you tend to meet more people that way.

Taking a few days away is a great idea, just enough time to explore a city.

I went to New Zealand and Australia for 3-4 weeks. Most of the trip was incredible.

Terriks, I really like your trip to Spain. I think you are open to so much more when you are on your own -- it's closer to experiencing living there than just being a tourist. At least, it was for me.

Come visit in LA! DH is going on a business trip, so I am free :-)

Lots of MCM stores to visit.

I don't think we'll be in the triple digits ... it has been unusually cool in LA this past month, but it will warm sooner rather than later!

I traveled to England alone for two weeks and loved every second of it. I went to visit a friend for a few days and then, wheee, I was on my own. I've done shorter ones too. I prefer to be along for things like, a trip to see a museum, as I can concentrate on what I want. It's a very freeing experience. My sis in law travels all over the world along. Has taken the QE2 over seven times. She loves it.

I love to travel alone. While it is true there's no one to reminisce with, that's not enough of a reason to stay home. I keep a journal and photos so I can stroll down memory lane when I need to reminisce.

Years ago, I spent six months in Europe alone, except for two weeks when I met up with my BFF. To this day, there's a phrase, from that trip, we say to each other that still makes us laugh.

I've also been to Japan, for two weeks, alone.

More recently, I had one week of a four week European trip alone. I usually spend at least one week a year in our vacation place alone. My husband doesn't like to or have the time to travel as much as I do, so my loving to go alone works out great.

Just do it, Rockybird!

I've been alone on business a lot, and like mtnrd, I do find it more fun and comfortable to travel with someone else. That being said, to take a spa and wellness retreat vacation alone wouldn't bother me at all...use it as an opportunity to be meditative, take a hike, practice yoga, walk the grounds, get a massage, a facial, a sauna, etc. That would certainly work well for me.

I've traveled alone quite a few times. One time I rented a cabin on a lake in New Hampshire. It was beautiful and peaceful but on that trip I got lonely. Traveling solo is best when you have activities planned, or you are there for a reason. I traveled a lot when I worked and always took a day or so to see the area. I drove down Big Sur alone, saw a lot of FL, DC and NYC among other places. I also rented a cottage on Cape Cod which turned out to be wonderful. I made a friend there who has stayed a friend over the years. I need to get back there!

Two years ago I went on a tour of Italy and again made a wonderful friend. We continue to travel together. Sometimes I like my alone time and other times I like a companion. I often enjoy just doing my own thing and not having to care about the other person. The only thing that is hard for me is dinners. However, I am getting better at going to restaurants alone, just not the finer ones.

Nope and so far I have not had the desire to. But that's just me! If you feel like it - do it!

Terrilynn - you crack me up!

I've never felt the need to travel alone. As dedtired mentioned in the above post, dinners would be extremely difficult as well as long evenings alone.

I would consider as Annie suggested, a spa weekend, or as terriks mentioned taking a course, something planned. But, just to sightsee alone......it wouldn't be fun for me.

I've done long spa weekends by myself, and loved it. I say go for it!

Terriks-my sister in law and brother in law just completed part of the Camino in Spain. Her son was tragically killed last year, and they spread his ashes there. It was an amazing spiritual journey, and I hope yours is also. How far are you walking?

"One time I rented a cabin on a lake in New Hampshire. It was beautiful and peaceful but on that trip I got lonely. Traveling solo is best when you have activities planned, or you are there for a reason."

Interesting delineation-I'm going to have to figure this out too, because my husband will not travel, or at least that's what he insists will be his policy (sigh). I don't think that is uncommon though, evidently many vibrant middle aged women like me find that when we're ready to spread our travel wings after child rearing and career obligations are done, our partners are tucking wings in and wanting to nest LOL. I'm also pretty picky about people I want to be with 24/7 on travels including sharing rooms, every meal, all day conversation etc. I do have my daughter who is a great travel companion, but she's a teacher so ironically once I retire from working in education and no longer have the academic-year rhythm constraints my travel buddy will still have hers!

Anyway, I have traveled on my own for business and a couple of times for relaxation. However the most recent pleasure trips were to my favorite get away island and I did find it pretty lonely--sitting by myself on the beach then going out solo for dinner then sitting alone in a cottage wasn't much fun. I bet being solo in a place with lots to do would be different. I very much want to explore some of the national parks though and I'm not sure I would want to do some activities there solo--this story really hit a nerve. I'm hoping once we are both retired my husband may want to accompany me for that kind of travel; he is hugely into nature, physical activity and is an ardent NPS volunteer.

"Last year I went to Barcelona by myself and took a Spanish course geared
to "older adults" while I was there. It was a great way to see the
city, learn about its culture, improve my Spanish and meet like minded
people."

Terriks - Can you share how you accessed/arranged your trip to Barcelona? Sounds idyllic!

Like others, I traveled frequently (or stayed home seldom) while working and usually tacked days on to my trips to tour by myself. One trip stands out: Toulouse, France, over Easter weekend. Everything was closed; limited dining options; and the rescue of Elian Gonzales was the only news. Worst.Trip.Ever.

I long to travel alone. I vacation mostly with my sister and a little bit with DH. Being a musician, he's on the road a lot and so it's hard to get him to leave the house when he doesn't have to. I know if I said I wanted to vacation alone, he would have his feelings hurt or he would be concerned for my safety.

Speaking of safety, Rocky, I wouldn't go to Marfa alone. It's just too remote. And really, overrated.

I haven't since I traveled for business and would tack on some kind of personal excursion, last of those trips a couple years ago in China. I would do it in a heartbeat but DH loves to travel so we go together. I haven't particularly enjoyed traveling with other people we know. Too many behaviors get on my nerves and most times we've done this I've thought I would have enjoyed it much more with only DH or even by myself.

I can only travel with friends when the understanding is clear that we are all free to split up when we want and meet up when we want (typically separate activities during the day and meet up for supper). I am much more active than most people on vacation and couldn't abide being forced to sit around the pool all day -- and I know my friends don't want to spend eight hours on garden tours!

I travel alone most of the time, now. I was traveling with a friend and her family, but the children are now adults, and everyone has gone their own way.

Just returned from Paris a couple of weeks ago, and I went to Aruba in January (because I desperately needed beach time). The longest trip was to Australia. I love it! I can set my own schedule, see what I want to see, eat where I want to eat, stay where I want to stay. I like having a location as a base, then taking day trips. I plan out the day trips before I leave, as well as any restaurant reservations.

My next trip will be to Orlando with my nephew for my family reunion.

I also spent a day on my own in Montreal. I went to the Notre Dame Basilica and the archeology museum. Had lunch on my own, no biggie. What a wonderful city and easy to explore.

I need more solo trips. I agree about others habits getting on your nerves. Sort of makes you twitch after awhile.

Robo, you are adorable. So sorry you had bad news. I hope better news follows soon. Thanks for the tip about Google Transit.

Thanks dedtired. It's a waiting game for sure!

One tip I have is for those women who are maybe a bit older and also more financially secure, if your husbands won't travel, consider sponsoring a young person you love to travel with you...maybe paying airfare or accommodation (depending on your financial ability of course). Young people love to travel and often also enjoy organizing the trip and researching activities. But of course many younger people lack the financial ability to travel extensively. Many of my friends travel annually with their parents. I have taken trips with my step-grandmother this way, I acted as security and bag carrier and she in turn gained a bit more independence. My husband and I also travel a lot with our inlaws and I will often propose activities/tours.

Of course this would only work with a young person you trust and enjoy! You might try something new, too: I have gotten my inlaws on some very idiosyncratic tours in the past...by invitation, not fiat. The oddest one was a nightime food tour of Chinatown in Bangkok. Don't think they loved all the food, but they came away with a lot of stories!

Since I live alone, I get my share of alone time, w/o needing to consider another person. With that said, I do not like traveling alone, and my almost 50 yo son is my best traveling companion. We have the same interests, don't like to get up at the crack of dawn, and late dinners are ok. I organize the trip, but he drives the rental car.

I wouldn't go on a whirlwind tour of NYC or anything like that myself, but I would go by myself on a group trip, meaning without someone else I knew being in the group. I've gone camping and backpacking by myself, for the peace and quiet but I would not do the backpacking by myself anymore, the one time I did it I realized it wasn't safe. Camping alone only in well traveled, major campgrounds. I have driven cross country alone more times than I can count, but not for "fun" just to get some place. I have traveled alone to get to see friends overseas, but not while I was there other than place to place. The vacationing that I like to do alone is renting a cabin or condo at the beach, that I could do alone quite happily if I liked the spot.

Two years ago I went with a group to Scotland and Great Britain. I knew several of my fellow travelers but most I didn't. I enjoyed it a lot when there were organized group activities, but when there weren't, not so much. I was too timid to venture out in London by myself.

Thank you for all the responses!!! I live alone, but except for conferences, I have always traveled with family and friends. I dont know why, but I think I will get lonely if I am on a trip and I dont know why! I hate the idea of spending money and time on a trip, and then being miserable, wishing I was home.

I was in Seattle a couple weeks ago with family. We each had our own room. I had so much fun, that I thought about going back this weekend (now supposed to be 114!). I just dont travel much and I keep thinking I need to get out and do it. I was thinking of going on a bike trip through Napa, but that doesnt sound like much fun without a so or friend. I also have been thinking of a bike trip through Europe.

terriks-your spain trip sounds amazing!!! I think that is the kind of thing I could do by myself.

Chispa- THAT sound awesome! I would love to, except I dont think I can travel this weekend after all because of my new little birdy that I just found on craigslist this past weekend. I have a vet apt. for her Sat. and I hate to leave her alone so soon. She was kept in a tiny tiny cage.

Robo- LOVE those pics! I remember when you went last year! Your pics were awesome! That balcony shot is amazing!!!

Little rescue bird.

I'm not sure what you're looking for except escape from the heat (yikes!) in the PNW, but before I was a widow, I loved taking weekend or longer trips on my own. One criteria for me was to be next to (walk out your door) salt water...mostly Puget Sound around here, or the Oregon Coast, which I prefer to the WA coast, except for some more remote areas up north. I always felt like it restored my soul to hear the waves, watch the wildlife, read and sleep to my heart's content and watch the sunset with a glass of wine, or two.

There is plenty to do in Seattle, but I'm not wild about navigating on my own in a strange city. I always want a car so I can go where and when I want, but you can get around Seattle without one, if you prefer.

If you want a soul restoring experience, I'm going to post one of my favorite places. It's on Hood Canal, part of Puget Sound, about 1.5 hours S of Seattle - an easy drive. It's small, NW upscale - rustic and casual, in the middle of nowhere, in the neighborhood where the Nordstrom family and Bill Gates own summer homes... There is a glass enclosed salt water pool and spa tub, a small spa for massages and other services. You can rent paddle boards and kayaks...the water there has very little wave action. There is a nearby golf course and lots of trails to hike. The restaurant is quite good with NW cuisine. You need a water view room, however, for the full experience.
Alderbrook resort

I haven't done anything very adventurous on my own, vacation-wise. The first time I traveled alone was a spa weekend in Maine when I turned 40. At the time I had 3 little kids and that is what I asked DH for -- a weekend ALONE. I think I went Fri-Sun, and by Sat afternoon I was talking to anyone who even glanced in my direction. I was desperate for conversation! (And I am not generally that outgoing.) I also did a similar trip for my 50th birthday, except I went for 4 nights and spent one day with my DS who had just started college. I really enjoyed the alone time more that time -- I think because we had had such a hectic year until that point. That was more of an "adventure" for me because I was in an area that was entirely new to me, about 5 hours' drive from home.

This summer, I am getting a week alone at our beach house...really just Mon-Fri...and SO looking forward to it. It's obviously different "vacationing alone" at your own house. I am not sure if I'd enjoy traveling to a new place, staying in a hotel, etc., for a whole week. I'd be willing to try it, though! There is something appealing about not having to consider anyone else's food needs, energy level, shopping tastes, etc...

I live with 5 people and 2 dogs most of the time, so alone time always sounds great to me. I am sure if I lived alone, I'd feel differently.

Deililah,

I knew that I wanted to go to Barcelona, and I had Googled Spanish classes in Spain before, and noticed that many of the schools had special courses for older adults. When my mother told me that she and her boyfriend were going on a cruise leaving from Barcelona, and it coincided with one of the two sessions that the "mature" class was given last year, I saw it as a sign that I had to go!

The name of the school that I went to was International House. In addition to Barcelona, they have schools in a number of other Spanish cities, and in other countries too. I decided to go about 6 weeks before the course started. The school has some apartments for students to share, but by the time I booked the class, they were full. That ended up being a good thing for me, as I instead opted for a homestay. I stayed with a wonderful Spanish woman, a few years younger than me. I had a room with a private bath, and she provided breakfast and dinner, and so much more! She even took me to her gym for a Body Pump class.

The cost for the class and my lodging for two weeks was about $1000. In addition to the language classes, we had optional cultural activities every day but Sunday, all provided in the tuition, which included a visit to La Sagrada Familia, Museu de Nacional de Art de Catalunya, a Flamenco show, a Saturday trip in a very nice motor coach to a walled city a couple of hours away, tours with our teacher around the city, and the last day an excellent lunch at the well known 4 Gats restaurant, which was a hangout for artists like Picasso and Gaudi.

Now that I'm widowed, I travel alone. So far, I've travelled alone to Paris twice and have another trip this fall. That said, DH and I made many friends in Paris over the years. I don't hang out with them everyday, sometimes only a few times a week.

I will spend one of my weeks in France in the Basque region, sharing a country house with a couple from Paris. I hope I won't feel like the "third wheel."

I've never been interested in organized tours, but I've gotten to know several travel friends who host tours and am seriously considering one. The downside is that for the price of a tour week (usually $3500), I can spend a month in Paris.

Paris is easy to do solo as singles don't "stand out" due to the cafe scene. It's quite common to see individuals dining alone. There are also many museums and gardens. Paris city museums are free; it is the national museums that have an entry fee.

I could do London alone. It's another easy city to visit. Rome and Florence, I also know quite well, but I'm not sure I'd do those alone since I don't speak Italian (outside of ordering food).

I know my way around New York, but I'm not sure if I want to go alone.

When I was working, I travelled alone quite a bit -- Chicago, San Francisco, Austin, New York.

Between my divorce from my first husband and marrying my second husband, I spent eight years alone as a single mom. I took my son anywhere we wanted to go and we spent many vacations in the Caribbean or California.

rockybird, I know someone who has traveled alone for many years. Right now she is in Tibet on a tour (she didn't know anyone in the group before she left). She has really enjoyed Backroads cycling and Sierra Club trips. After hearing her recommendations I am waiting until my kids are old enough that we can all do a Backroads trip together!

You've received a lot of great feedback.

I have more than twice as much vacation as DH in addition to my frequent business travel. We take a trip plus a weekend or two together and I take a trip or more without him. Those are a mix of solo and ladies trips. I often will get my own room when traveling with others.

I like to get a fridge in my hotel room and eat out of Whole Foods on a lot of my solo trips. Good down time. Then I treat myself to one of my favorite restaurants for a decedent meal when I'm in places I visit often. I don't mind eating out alone, but just munching on yummies alone in my room is really nice....and often fewer calories.

Ive done some minor trips alone-- extensions of business trips, a week at the beach, a day or overnight in a city. I really don't need the company of others for the times when I am lounging on the beach, shopping or museuming. I think the key is to plan your trip around the things you very much enjoy alone.

I used to rent a house on the beach where I could take my dog. My sister and niece would come down for an overnight.. sometimes I would allow a bf to come for a night or two. I loved those getaways but I don't really think of them as vacations.

I have been looking at options for a trip -- not yet sure of the timing but I am considering a cooking school in mexico that offers a lot of solo time as well as a trip to Cuba. The problem with these kinds of solo trips is that you are at least loosely connected with a group. I am not sure if I'll enjoy that.

Rocky, are we going to have to start calling you the crazy bird lady? ;-)

Poor little thing with that plucked patch on her tummy. I know she is going to have a great life now that she is under your care. I hope the Vet declares her healthy and simply in need of love and proper care.

Come visit in LA any time!

Oh poor little birdy-girl, bless her heart. So glad you saved her, Rocky. :-)

Thank you everyone for the responses! I need to just bite the bullet and take a trip alone! You all have given me some encouragement to try it.

LOL Chispa! I am the crazy bird lady! I wont deny it! I may not be keeping this one, but at least I can make sure I get her a good home.

I like travelling on my own. I've done week or two week long trips that have been essentially road trips where I plan to meet up with friends or family for a few of the days - but spending at least half the time exploring before and after connecting with them.

I want to do that once again this fall, since I'll be retired.

I like travelling on my own. I've done week or two week long trips that have been essentially road trips where I plan to meet up with friends or family for a few of the days

I've done that too. And I've gone to visit my son while he was teaching in South Korea and then in China. He was working during the day, so I explored on my own, and loved it! I found both countries comfortable and easy to get around. Well, except for the metro stops where it was hard to determine which exit I should take to end up on the right corner of the street!

Rockybird, I love your birds and from one animal rescuer to another, thank you for taking the little girl in until you can find a home for her.....or until you become a foster fail and keep her!

Robo - thanks for the Google Transit recommendation. Christopher Elliott posted a list of Top 10 Travel Apps on his website a few months ago. I posted this on previous thread but someone might find this list helpful.

Gate Guru is one -

......"GateGuru is a personal airport assistant. It has maps of the terminals at most of the world’s major airports. It has lists of the restaurants and other services available in each terminal, as well as reviews. It will also tell you where in the airport stores and services are located."

http://elliott.org/blog/top-10-smartphone-travel-apps-2016/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+elliottorg+%28Elliott%29

The Duolingo app is really good to start learning a language. They give the basics. It was enough for me to get through Florence and Milan, although I ran into a lot of English-speaking folks in both places.

Rocky: be glad that you didn't book a trip to Seattle this weekend. The forecast is for 80s on Saturday & 90s on Sunday. Wouldn't be a lot more comfortable than where you live. wanted to say how much I admire you for taking in these birds. Must be a lot of work but they sure are cute.