The joys of traveling solo—Part Une
May 8, 2009
Here I am, standing in front of the Mediterranean Sea with lovely Villefranche-sur-Mer in the background. I sure can see myself taking up permanent residence in Paradise....
Here's the view out of one set (yes, there were THREE sets!) of French doors at my INCREDIBLE rented "Riviera Experience" apartment, the Waterfront Penthouse, in Villefranche. Can you imagine waking up to a view like this every morning? Tres magnifique, I must say!
For some folks, as the old song by Three Dog Night goes, “one is the loneliest number.” They can’t stomach the idea of dining alone and think that going to a movie theater or party without a “plus-one” (famously played out on an episode of “Sex and the City”) will brand them as permanent losers.
How sad. They’ll never understand the visceral joy many of us find in traveling solo.
In fact, I’m such a passionate believer in it that I wrote a first-person piece last month for the Chicago Tribune Travel section’s special Europe edition on “traveling solo in Europe” (don’t hate me, Chicago Sun-Times friends!).
I again experienced this fabulous freedom during my recent return trip to the super-charming village of Villefranche-sur-Mer on the Côte D’Azur—better known to many Americans as the “French Riviera.” Talk about a fabulous place for a chica to get away by herself. I’ll chat more later about this fab week-long adventure… but in the meantime, here are a couple photos to make you drool. Is this place paradise OR WHAT?
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8 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
Kimberlee | May 12, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Love it. I’m planning a travel to Italy and France in a month or so and my friend Carol told me about you. I always travel solo and find complete joy in doing so, however I have never gone to Europe solo.. but I am looking very much forward to it. Any tips?
2.
Lisa Lenoir | May 14, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Yay! Maureen. Tout the good life in the South of France. Look forward to staying at that sweet inn soon.
3.
Susan Maier | May 14, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Maureen, how the heck are you girl? Susan still here at The Chicago Ritz!
Had a reception at the hotel the other night and met two meeting planners from Boeing and I ask how you were doing and they said you were back in Europe. I know the country would lure you back and now I can vicariously live through you via UrbanTravelGirl.
I miss you and hope that you are so happy and congrats on your 40th!
Much love,
Susan
4.
Avis Weathersbee | May 26, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Waiting to see more pics! The ones you posted make me want to start boning up on my French. Cheers! (And thanks for the lovely pics of those herbs growing on the balcony there for my blog.)
5.
urbantravelgirl | May 27, 2009 at 12:05 am
Avis,
So glad I’ve inspired you to return to “le francais!” Maybe I can get you to take a class at the Alliance Francaise de Chicago…. Yes, I plan to add more pics and more stories from my wonderful recent trip at some point soon. I’ll bet the Mediabistro course Wednesday night will have me all inspired! Maureen
6.
UrbanTravelGirl | May 31, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Ciao, Kimberlee! Good for you for heading to Europe on your own… I tell you, it’s the way to do it! (Although I DO love traveling with girlfriends and family — but this is just different.)
As far as tips, I could type for the next week! But just remember that common sense translates in any language — even those you don’t speak. While I’m ALL for adventure, you don’t want to end up in any situations you can’t get out of.
Be SURE to learn at least the BASIC polite phrases in both Italian and French before you go (hello, goodbye, thank you, excuse me, I’m sorry, etc.) — and be sure to pack a good language phrasebook. I swear by the pocket-size Berlitz ones, as they have the same layout regardless of language. So you always know where to find the “Making Friends” or “Shops and Services” section in each one!
Check in with someone regularly… even if just via SMS/text or a quick phone call. My parents worry a lot, but even at age 40 I’m required to do a daily “I’m-still-alive” check-in call. It’s a good idea for SOMEONE — a sibling, a friend back home — to have an idea of what you’re planning and who you’re planning it with… not that you’ll have any problems, but it’s nice to know that someone knows what you’re up to.
While it’s fun to travel alone, look for at least a few activities that’ll give you a chance to meet and chat with others. That could be an English-language church service on Sunday morning (something I generally build into trips b/c it gives you a chance to chat with other expats about their lives in the country you’re visiting). Or perhaps a walking tour of some cool ‘hood in Paris, or a wine-tasting session where you’re not the only person. If you’re so inclined, sign up for a weeklong language class. You’ll meet cool folks from around the world, some of whom might become good pals. (That’s happened to me in Italian classes in Rome and Florence.)
As I said, I could go on and on. If you’ve got other specific questions, please send them along and I’ll answer!
Maureen
7.
LaShawn Williams | June 14, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I have absolutely NO problem traveling solo Having lived alone for 14 yrs. now, I’m just USED to being/doing things alone. For me, it seems like the only way to go; every time I consult one of my girls about taking a trip, they can’t because of the kids, hubby, or some other reason. Not to frown at that, but it just isn’t MY life, so I just keep it moving. If you wait on people, you’ll never go anywhere/do anything.
8.
urbantravelgirl | June 14, 2009 at 6:31 pm
LaShawn,
AMEN, girl!!! (But we know we’re preaching to the choir on this.) Rather than waiting on other folks to get their money straight, vacation days approved, significant others’ OK, blah, blah, blah, you could be online booking your OWN thing. Then you can send your girls’ photos of your trip while YOU’RE away, making them wish they’d gotten it goether to join you!
Speaking of traveling solo, check out TangoDiva ((http://www.tangodiva.com), another cool blog/Web site written by another globe-trotting diva, Teresa Williamson Rodriguez. I interviewed her for that Chicago Tribune Travel piece and have found plenty of inspiration on her site!
UrbanTravelGirl Maureen
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