Male traveling as solo

I've posted on several threads about solo travel and I believe I've seen postings from other male solo travelers.
Since my only RS experience was my first (and so far, only) trip in Jan/Feb, and I was the only solo, I can't speak
about trips where there are 'a number' of other men also traveling solo. Yet I'm pretty sure there must be.

We wish!! I’m a solo traveler. Not by choice. Lost my husband but not my enthusiasm for traveling. I always hope there will be more solo men traveling. It adds a certai J’en sais pas to the trip

I don't understand your comments. Is it the countries you traveled to that thought it was odd? Or fellow travelers? I have had people ask me why I prefer traveling solo before. I always say I like my own company and don't have to compromise on what I want to do. I travel with friends and family from time to time and compromise is always present.

Eryan, are you talking about RS trips or travelling alone in general? If you're talking in generalities, then, yes, I agree with you. In the early 80s I travelled alone internationally for my job with a multinational company. I was young then and got many strange looks from the locals, especially in South America. Anyhow, I hope times have changed since then. As far as RS goes though, as a single woman I've never felt unwelcome in any group, even when there were predominantly married couples in attendance.

I’ve never traveled with RS. It has nothing to do with cultural issues. It has to do with people out of their element clinging to one another for protection and endorsement. I travel as an independent person. I explore. If it’s a group I often go off the grid which seems to be considered odd. The women never go without the husband. The single women band together against the alien. I travel Totally alone. I have also traveled with a group. The more expensive and exotic the destination the more open and sophisticated the group. RS vs Butterfield and Robinson are two different worlds. Viking cruises is yet another distinct group. As a woman I have never felt there was anyplace I couldn’t go or anything I couldn’t access. I reject the entire notion.

I heartily disagree with your comments about a female solo traveler! This female solo traveler makes an effort to be always pleasant, kind and friendly, and I have enjoyed every one of the 3 RS trips I took!

I heartily disagree with your comments about a female solo traveler! This female solo traveler makes an effort to be always pleasant, kind and friendly, and I have enjoyed every one of the 3 RS trips I took!

I never said anything about people who travel alone. I am one of them.

They don’t travel
Alone because they’re scared and need support

You are just wonderfuk

Eryan, I see the same in comfort zones. I've frequently traveled solo and really enjoy the preparation and logistics, learning geography, language and culture. Of course, I've had to be very flexible at times, too, and realize that might be unacceptable to many. The main reason I tried my first (and only) RS trip was the group accesses. I went to Panama, was able to traverse the canal on a 90 motor yacht, return in the domed railcar all because of their preparations and contacts. I later went off on my own locally (I'll eventually post that info) and enjoyed that immensely. I'll look into your B&R, Viking groups. I also have considered Lonely Planet.

This is not a forum to attack or object to other people’s opinions or challenge their experiences. Every person is unique. I normally travel alone. Without a group. Macchu Picchu, The Galapagos etc. I like to go at my own pace. Group
Travel is very new to me.

I find this forum helpful. At times people do not always agree. I either learn from what they have to say or I can unsubscribe to the forum. Sometimes times I have an ahamoment and say I never thought of it that way or I think I certainly don't agree with that.

Take a RS tour and see if you have a different experience. RS has some interesting programs with free time built in on most. You can also go rogue if topic of the day not your cup of tea. I have done that on a few tours. As long as you let your Group Leader know you are doing so.

I have found , on the most part, RS travelers are a different breed. Social status, gender and physical appearance seems to disappear and people want to either share or listen to others experiences. I started RS on the younger end of the boomer gen and over the years have met some fascinating people.

I had booked my first RS trip. Ten days in Quebec the old city. Was greatly looking forward. Became quite ill suddenly and was forced to cancel. I chose it because it was one hotel. No moving around. Hotel had great amenities. In need of pampering. Plus an opportunity to practice my French....and meet others with similar interests. Was so disappointed that I missed out.

What a nice tip. Thank you. Do plan on doing this trip. Greater dIversity is a real plus.

True. My experience is that most people are relictant to go solo, period. Uncomfortable going alone I guess. I’ve travelled quite a bit, solo. Just tired of doing all the work and it tends to cost more (especially hotels). Great about RS is that they’ll give you a roommate. On my one trip so far the roomie was great, but we weren’t obligated to do everything together. I think there were only 4 true solos on that trip, one male. Have two more scheduled this year.

True. My experience is that most people are relictant to go solo, period. Uncomfortable going alone I guess. I’ve travelled quite a bit, solo. Just tired of doing all the work and it tends to cost more (especially hotels). Great about RS is that they’ll give you a roommate. On my one trip so far the roomie was great, but we weren’t obligated to do everything together. I think there were only 4 true solos on that trip, one male. Have two more scheduled this year.

I have questioned if I want to travel alone as a single male. My wife and I took two RS trips, Sedona, AZ and the Oregon coast; both great experiences. Now, traveling alone, I booked back to back trips to the Canadian maritimes and New England. Most of the people traveling were couples, mother/daughter or family groups. I enjoyed everyone's company, but when there was free time, I was on my own. There is a Zen expression, "The sound of one hand clapping". I have booked another RS trip, the debate at Cornell in October. I don't think that I will be faced with as much free time. Davis

In answer to ditodhunter, one of RS's most prolific poster, CT_PBW, once suggested asking people "What is your
passion?", or variations on that theme. I thought that was a brilliant suggestion.

Davis, I was interested in the Cornell debate program as well but the timing doesn’t work for me. That program is much more like the original Elderhostel (RS’s previous name) curriculum. Have you been to Cornell before? The campus is lovely, especially at sunset. The fall foliage ought be worth the trip itself.

I have a few suggestions for you to consider. If you have time before or after the trip, and if you are interested, take a winery tour. There should be many good restaurants in the area if you have a “meal on your own” but a very famous one is Moosewood. It serves vegetarian and natural food but even if you are not a vegetarian, you might like its offerings. The Statler Hotel, which is on campus and is run by the university’s hospitality or hotel school, serves good food as well. If you find yourself as the lone solo again, just tell people what you are interested in and see if people would like to join you. Take the initiative. I have found that more people would be happy to join someone than take the lead.

I went on a RS Canadian Maritime trip last summer. It was great to have seafood twice a day, every day, including some amazing local ones. I went mainly to see the Bay of Fundy. It was impressive but I wish we could have stayed to watch the tide return. I hope you enjoyed yours.

Thank you for the suggestions. I have traveled extensively throughout upstate NY but never below the finger lakes. I am really looking forward to the fall colors and fall weather. I live in the San Francisco bay area so our "fall weather" isn't much to write-home about., Davis