merrittm

I am soooo jealous! Two months! Here are a couple of tips picked up as a solo female business traveler:
1) Use that door chain!
2) I agree with the duplicate photocopying of important docs, but why not scan your documents into an email to yourself. Then you can access your info at any internet cafe if you need it.
3) The doorman can be your best friend. If they become your buddies, they will look out for you, provide a smiling greeting, actually notice if you are lonely, can often be better than the concierge for local info - all of this for the price of a smile, a hello and a handshake.
4) All those people who say you don't need to know the language have probably never had anything untoward happen to them. A bit of each language is extremely helpful, even if it only gets you someone who speaks English! Don't be afraid to massacre any language - just try. I figure, if I think their accent is cute, they MUST think mine is!
5) Re: The packing light part really is important. I use zip-lock bags. They come as large as 2 gallons They squish your clothes down, keep them from wrinkling, you can see what you've got where and keep your dirty laundry separate from you clean stuff.
5)Touristy areas often attract people who target tourists! Duh. A purse that can be strapped across the body keeps your hand free, keeps your bag close to your body and keeps theives from tugging it off your shoulder (1st hand experience on this one)
6) Charades are invaluable.

7) Laugh out loud often. Everything really IS funny.

Somer56

Cathy-

I have been a single woman traveller every time I have frequented Europe and have had no problems. I did find it helps to wear a mock "wedding ring" in places at night or when you walk by yourself. It sounds silly, but it kept a group of men in Bologna from following me down an alley when I flashed it.
Have a great trip!

peeky

I may end up traveling alone to Europe if my friend back out and I think she is going to.

The muggers are that polite that they will stop if you show them a wedding ring? What is their incentive? They are afraid that a big husband will beat them up? The more I read about Europe the more complicated it becomes.

suze

Maybe some of the differences in opinion have to do not specifically with travel but with how you are used to doing things at home? For instance, I don't own a cell phone so wouldn't think of it as an essential in Europe (although I can see the value). I am single (rather than traveling alone with a family left behind) so rarely get lonely. Eating solo in restaurants is rarely awkward since I do this often in my daily life.

kamahinaohoku

Having traveled for many years by myself with few problems, occasionally you might need a little help. I doubt very much that you will ever need to use this strategy, and this is going to sound a bit odd, but it worked for a friend of mine. With apologies in advance to those people who are truly mentally ill...I mean no disrespect. Here goes:

Should you come in contact with a person who is really annoying you, (or intimidating you) start acting crazy. Have an animated conversation with a "non-existant" person, as if "they" were talking to you and telling you to do things.

Example: First, look at the annoying person and introduce him to "Tom"... When he says there's no one there, tell him that "Tom" gets insulted easily. Then really start talking to "Tom" - (You, speaking to "Tom&quot Now, Tom, I really don't think you should do that, after all he's just talking to me...so you don't like him, huh..Oh no, I think he'd really prefer to keep his legs attached.... Yes, I mean both of them... No, you're going to do what to him?... What? No, now don't talk that way to me, if you're going to do that to him, I'm going to leave you alone with him. etc, etc, etc.

People tend to stay away from other people having psychotic episodes.

suze

I cannot imagine any situation where that would be an appropriate or effective way to handle an <annoying person>. Paying attention and interacting with someone you wish would leave you alone is... well a crazy idea.

LakesideChick

Once again everyone, your insights and advice have been valuable, and what a great idea to scan and email myself my documents! Thanks again , Cathy

gard

Hi

Are you coming to Norway? If you do I would recommend that you come to the west coast and Stavanger. If you like a bit of walking and enjoy scenrry I would recommend that you check out http://gardkarlsen.com/kjerag.htm and http://gardkarlsen.com/preikestolen.htm. Both places gives amazing views over the Lyse fjord on nice summer days You will also find a bit on general information about Stavanger on my personal homepage gardkarlsen.com. Good luck with your planning

Regards
Gard