travelling for 35yrs and over?

Question

i want to just take off and travel have brought up 2 kids and now just wanna see some of the world i am a novice traveller not have a lot of money don't mind roughing it but security is an issue as i would be a lone traveller

Answer 1

Europe is an excellent place to start. Generally speaking it's much safer to travel alone there than it is in the U.S., and you're almost guaranteed to meet -- and perhaps befriend -- fellow travelers. There are many, many hostels for travelers of all ages, and investing in a Eurail pass is a great way to see a lot of the continent.

Paris is a big favorite of mine, for all the obvious reasons and more. If you can afford to stay there for a week, it's often far less expensive to rent an apartment, rather than stay in a hotel. You have to clean up after yourself, true, but you'll most likely get a larger room, plus have the added advantage of a kitchen and perhaps even a washer/dryer combo. For around $20 US you can purchase a carte orange -- a weekly pass that gets you unlimited rides on the excellent Paris Metro. I read once that nowhere in the main part of Paris is more than 500 meters from a metro stop.

A large number of restaurants and bistros offer prix fixe (fixed price) menus, meaning you can get an appetizer, main course, and dessert (and sometimes wine!) for a single price -- some as low as 20 euros. Also, if you're really saving money, you could totally subsist on the street vendors selling crepes, because man, those are amazing.

Also, anyone who says that the French/Parisians are rude is completely ignorant; as long as you don't go into every store acting like the fabled "Ugly American" (i.e. assuming everyone speaks English, generally acting like an entitled jerk), then you'll find that the French are actually quite welcoming. Most of them do speak English, but it helps to make even a lame effort at communicating with them in French. They'll appreciate your respect for the language, and chances are good that they'll switch over to English for you immediately. Of course, if you think the whole "Freedom fries" hoo-hah from a couple years ago was a good idea, you're well beyond help.

Anyway, Paris is a magical city that defies description. It certainly is the trip of a lifetime. Whatever place you choose, I'm sure you'll have a lovely time. Good luck, and enjoy your freedom!

Answer 2

I am (way) over 35 and have traveled on my own in Italy, Spain and the UK. Rarely had any safety issues. Do some reading in a good guide they will have safety tips. An alternative to travelling alone is to do a tour and there is safety in groups...I've done two tours one in Spain that was pretty expensive and one in Italy that was more reasonable. There ae a lot of affordable accommodation options -- especially in Spain. However, the UK is a good place for your first trip because there isn't as much of a language issue.

Answer 3

Have you ever been to Disney World without kids? It is amazing.

Are you from the US? I would suggest doing a little research on every state and choose something you want to see, then just hop in a car, or on a bus and go!

By the way, I envy your freedom! Make the most of it!