What are the best places to go for a first solo trip? Travel tips from The Women’s Travel Group.
My first solo trip was to Geneva, Switzerland. I was 15 going to a French speaking school near the Chateau de Chillon on Lake Geneva. In those days, Americans, especially teens, were exotic. With the 3 other Americans I met at the Institut, we acted fearless and, truth be told, naughty. (There is a doctor somewhere in Italy who, as a teen, gave me a first grown up kiss).
If this is your first solo trip or your first travel in a 100 years, you will not be fearless or naughty. You will likely be nervous and overwhelmed with details. Where should you go and why? One clear answer is stay in the United States. The negative here is haunting ‘memories’ of when you traveled with a partner or lost friend. In addition, there is a good possibility you will be surrounded by families and couples on the plane.
English speaking countries are easier. You can communicate with hotel staff (maybe?). Street signs are in English (sort of as in Ireland they will double in Gaelic). Museum signage is in English (again sort of, UK English is different from US English- listen to your car GPS when changed to UK English). Menus are in English, kind of? Try ordering a salad with rocket or beef cheeks? Rocket is arugula in England not a flying object. If you choose an English speaking area, just be aware, all is not your mother tongue.
One city stays are easier for a first solo trip. No packing and unpacking when you are tired. You nest. Benefits of one hotel stays are you learn the neighborhood, shops, where to buy the great snack chips or bottle of wine. A good idea for one city stays is to add an extra night at the end. You are now a veteran, ready to explore the antique market around the corner in Dublin or the ancient tea room in Edinburgh. You’ll be ready to speak to strangers as a bonus.
Shorter flights vs. intercontinental trips. You will be tired no matter what. Stress before a first trip is normal; stress equals fatigue equals stress. Why spend on business class; a seat cannot get into your head. On my first flight to Geneva (Swissair), there were no movies, and we wore skirts and stockings. There was good food, flavored with mists of cigarette and cigar smoke. What was special was the entire experience of adventure. The smoke dissipated; the wonderful memories did not. PS Swissair dissipated also; it closed in 2002.
Finally, the top ten: London, Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice, and just about every part of Italy. Italy is always a good first trip choice: food-wine-fashion-gelato-history-scenery-religion-shoes and more shoes. PS we still have a room left on our Tuscany trip, April 28-May 5. Live like an Italian experience: cook and eat and visit.
Try your first solo trip with The Women’s Travel Group. We are in communication from before booking, through booking, while traveling and even after you return. When I returned from Geneva, here is what I got: a good scolding from my parents. The punishment was worth that kiss. Contact us here. Call us we are on the phone M-F 9-5 Eastern Time. 646 309 5607. We were all firsties once.
