Pete - My husband and I also loved to travel. True, it probably is easier to travel with other women, but most of the women I know are married and not really interested in traveling without their mates. (I understand that!)... There is some talk about a DS get together in March in Vegas.. if you're interested I can keep you posted on that. Other than that I'm stumped.
I am planning a trip in August to Switzerland, Italy and France - with a female friend of mine and next spring I'm talking my youngest son (17) to Germany.
I think I would like to experience traveling alone. A bit scary, but if I'm to find myself in all of this perhaps necessary? I do know that Europe is a lot easier to travel by oneself. The hotel rooms are all set up for single rates. If you have two in a room, they just charge you double.
Have you looked into any travel clubs in your area? My husband and I were scuba divers and I know there is a dive shop nearby that runs trips. If you are a "single" they will room you with someone of the same sex. Since most travel isn't about sleeping, and if you keep an open mind I guess this could work. Never roomed with someone I don't know.
I'd be interested in hearing other's suggestions, ideas and/or warnings on this also.
ps. I am going to New Orleans in July as a part of a youth group (I am chaperone) affiliated with Habitat for Humanity. There are also charity groups that run trips to Costa Rica, etc... all for humanitarian reasons. I've been thinking this may be the way to go - or at least get started on traveling alone (but as part of a group).
Linda

My girlfriend just came back from the Norwegian Epic ship. They have a new concept - a ''studio suite'' , (real small , and looks like a closet), but you only pay for a single fare.I could get another girlfriend to go with me, but I hate sharing a room - they are small enough anyway. The studio cabin allows use of a sep. lounge for all of the other studio people, you get a key, and they have sandwiches, a bar, etc. if you want to hang out in there. Of course you have full run of the ship too. She has been on a zillion cruises, and said that this was great. The ship is one of the mega ones with all kinds of things going on - even a bowling alley. I never thought about men traveling alone - guess it's just as awkward. The only thing I don't like about the ship is that the emphasis is on the ship - like floating cities. My friend likes to just hang on the ship, but I like to SEE COUNTRIES!!!! and tour! To each his own. Also Caravan tours, and I'm sure others have escorted tours - to me , if you are with a group, it's not so lonely. Good luck!!!!

I have looked into the Epic format and seems like a doable deal. Kind of changed my mind after the ships being stranded at sea or in the rough seas. Dave

Linda - let me know about Costa Rica - for a while, we were looking to retire there - I hear it's now ''Little America'' - and people run around looking for American conveniences - when they are in another country - oy vey. I have been many places, but I really want to travel more, and as Pete says - it's hard to afford to pay for a double cabin/room. Anyone for Greece???? Never been.

yeah - never liked Spam!!!!! That was....as they say in fishing terms, just a fluke Dave!!!!

Frank and I travel quite a bit. We took yearly trips to Europe and travel throughout the States. It was one of the things we most enjoyed!

I have not taken a trip since his passing. It has only been 7 months.

I am not sure I am up to taking one alone! I have never done that! I do want to go to the beach this summer and am hoping some girlfriend (co workers) will be interested in a roadtrip!

I have heard Costa Rica is great....I have freinds (ladies) who did a cruise around Italy and Greece and they LOVED it! Very laid back trip and they all said they would go again.

I too was wondering...how do I travel alone? I thought of trips that were geared to say a photography workshops, or painting or skiing or bicycling, bird watchers travel all of the place as a group. Maybe joining a group you think you maybe interested in. Just brainstorming here. I hope to purchase an RV and explore Canada next year......hope I enjoy it, with my dog.

I want to travel to GET AWAY from this ball of fur - not with her - she goes to ''camp'' when I'm gone and has a good time. RV's and Me - NOT!!! Many people love it - they rent the RV - in case they end up NOT loving it. Actually I never went camping, RV'ing but I don't think it's for me!!! Sounds like you have a plan, which as Martha Stewart would say ''is a good thing''.

Pete,

About three weeks ago I commented on a post about my traveling experiences, both in the early months and more recently. I have taken several road trips, but no cruises yet. Not sure they appeal to me all that much. Some of my trips were to a destination where friends awaited; others were purposely taken alone. Disney World was one of those alone trips (I live in Ohio). I had been there several times with hubby; then with a friend after his passing. But there was something that kept gnawing at me to take that journey alone. I guess I needed to test the waters of my independence. Disney World is probably my most favorite place. I enjoy the solitude of the Resort as well as the people and rides of the Park. I had a blast.

Below may help explain the draw of traveling with others and alone (although I doubt that men have the same issue about needing a GPS, so you can chuckle if you like).....

'...After his passing, I had a huge fear that I would never get out of town again! OK, maybe that's a stretch, but I have no sense of direction and was terrified to travel alonealmost to the point of being paranoid. To think that I was bound to a radius of 50 miles or so from my house scared me to death. I engaged in some self-talk and said, 'Self, this just isn't going to fly. I must take action.' So not quite two months after his death, I FORCED myself to take a 3-hour road trip to spend a weekend with my cousins at a state park. It was an annual getaway for all of us, but you would think that I was going to Outer Mongolia with all the precautions I took. I was almost hyperventilating by the time I reached the lodge, but it was worth every bead of sweat.

'I discovered several things from that first venture out into the world alone: (1) I did not want but NEEDED a GPS, even though I had printed out directions; (2) it was dangerous to read a map while driving at night; (3) I could look people in the eye and ask questions; (4) don't let myself get too tired while driving; (5) stop as often as needed; and (6) best of all, use the time in the car to 'enjoy the journey.' It was the VERY BEST thing I could have done for myself after my loss. Through that first shaky road trip, a new me began to emerge. I refuse to look back but want to keep moving forward. This approach may not be the answer for everyone, but I know it helped deliver me from the frightened almost panicky lady that stood in front of my husband's casket.'

Pete, it is freeing to know that you are not dependent upon others to enjoy trips, surroundings, and experiences. Of course, I would prefer that my husband was by my side, just as he was since I was 17 and a new bride. But, since that could no longer be, I wanted to continue living life to the best of my ability. I enjoy the journey and the final destination, and I guess that's the long and the short of it. When I rode the rides at Disney World alone, I was really surprised how little that concerned me. I would have never known that had I not taken that first step to try it out. I much prefer being in a crowd of people alone than being at home alone. And, along the way I have met some wonderful fellow travelers. Destin, Florida also was beautiful, Myrtle Beach, and so on. There are so many wonderful places to enjoy. Yes, it's very different taking in the sights alone, but it can be a good experience.

When I went to the Philly Gathering last year, I took in some of the sights around that area before hitting the highway to go home. It only takes a few times of getting used to being the odd man out before you can smile with the rest of 'gang' and enjoy the surroundings. Same thing when I went to the Alabama Gathering. I met a DS friend in Chattanooga, enjoyed the historical site, and then headed on toward the Gathering. There are so many ways to arrange having fun...just be creative! I don't know if this has helped or just made you raise your eyebrows a bit, but it has worked for this person and her wanderings. Blessings to you, Pete, and I apologize for the length of my reply. TJ

I love travel and have done it in many forms--alone, with family, with Mike. Traveling alone is fun because you learn so much about yourself, and you can do exactly what you want to when you want to. The worst part may be when it's time to eat dinner. I find that changing things up a bit--for example, eating at a bar rather than at a table--makes it less lonely. I'm not an extrovert so I can tolerate long periods with just my own company. I enjoy reading and people watching. People are generally very kind, so that helps the loneliness factor. One time I went to Turkey and Greece solo and had a wonderful time. Last January I rented a house in a little town in Puerto Rico for a month, and people came to visit for various periods of time. I'm currently planning a trip to Santa Fe in my head. The anticipation is often just as wonderful as the travel itself. Don't be afraid--just do it! It's exhilarating!

Wow TJ!! Outstanding post! Traveling alone isn't so bad at all as I've just returned from a Christmas trip to Texas. I'm also thinking about doing the cruise thing. Again, thanks for the great posting!

Do you have a brother, son, or grandson. perhaps you can take a trip with them.

I've also wondered about traveling without my husband. There are so many places I want to see and I don't think because I'm alone I shouldn't go......especially now that I KNOW how short life can be.

I've been on line and found agencies that arrange trips for women traveling alone..... Haven't checked for the same kind of thing for men, but I'd be surprised if there isn't something out there. I considering a trip with them to Savannah this summer... that's close enough for me to drive so I can leave if it don't like it.

I can't stand the thoughts of sharing a room with a total stranger.... I'm way to introverted for that! I'll spring for the extra money.

I've also be in contact with a company that arranges quilting trips to find out if they have women travel alone.... I got a response from them today.

My theory is that if you can find other people who travel alone, they would be interested in meeting each other and maybe making new friends. ...who knows you might find a travel buddy.

Now I just have to work up the courage to take the leap.

Go on the internet and see what you can find.

I am planning a couple of trips next year. The first will be in March to Germany, where my daughter and family will be moving to. I will tag along and help watch the girls while they get settled in. The second trip will be in May to our favorite place...Playa Del Carmen Mexico with our son Jeff. I figured that after returning from Germany I will need something to look forward to. The week in Playa will be spent with friends we have made down there. It was our dream that was close to realization to retire there. In November, back to Germany to celebrate the twins 2nd birthday. I may have to win the lottery! Dar

Pete,
Great question!! I have wondered the same thing. Bob and I always loved to travel together.... we would love to cruise or go to Hawaii... or Europe, Egypt... we just loved exploring. We would prefer to do the 'local' things, rather than the 'touristy' things!! What great memories I will always cherish.

Now, I wonder if I will be able to continue. I admire those who have gone on trips on their own. I must admit, I highly doubt I would ever feel comfortable to do that on my own.

Perhaps we could get a group cruise or something. I would enjoy something like that.

I did join on-line, just yesterday a 'Travel Club'. I have no idea what to expect, but it's in So. Cal. and I see you are in NO. Cal, right. Maybe they'll have good trips, you could participate in.

Looking forward to hearing other's ideas.

Happy travels, LInda