lone traveller to paris

[gloria jean]

as a friend i was due to have a few days in Paris with is now unable to go I am thinking of going on my own . Would value any tips for safety ( i am a female over 50years) or would you not think it a good idea at all - have a few days in which to cancel without charge -

[sn�gs]

Look at the positives: no waiting around for anyone else... free to do what you like when you like... a chance to meet new people...

'Common Sense' will ensure you have a great time!

[gloria jean]

yes thanks - I fully appreciate that but bit concerned about going out in the evening for a meal etc - dont want to appear like a loose woman if you know what i mean - daytime can sight see but abit scared to sit in a hotel bar or the likes on my own !

[caththecrazy]

If you are a fairly confident person and I'm assuming you are or you wouldn't even be thinking of going alone I'd say go for it.

My nanny went there when she was in her 60's alone - for some reason my g'dad would never go- but it was a long time ago.

If you know where you want to go and decide about what time you will be returning to the hotel each night , let them reception know so if you dont return by a certain time they can be aware and if you know you're going to be delayed call them.

Just take enough cash out with you for the one day and don't go talking to any strange men!!!!!

Don't do anything you wouldn't do in England - sure you'll be fine

[gloria jean]

thanks for your replies - and thats a very good tip about informing reception. Learnt the hard way not long ago whilst in town with too much money / bank cards/ mobile phone in one bag that was snathched !

[jno]

it's as safe as any big city - which is pretty safe. Don't put all your blingiest jewellery on, get a hotel in a touristy area where there'll be plenty of people around, and just walk confidently. (If you look scared people may suspect you are hiding something expensive.) It's worth planning outings in advance so you'll know where you're going, what metro to catch etc. There's really no great risk but it's always good to feel safe.

[caththecrazy]

When I've been on my own in a restaurant I've taken a book to read - so you can avoid anyone trying to catch your eye.

[frankofile]

Go for it. I recently travelled through Paris on my way to Avignon, and felt perfectly safe. Keep to the main streets and look confident. Brilliant food and a great time

[spudqueen]

Go and have a great time. I was in Paris earlier this year, and though I was with a friend I don't think I would have felt frightened on my own at all.

[naomi24]

Oh, beautiful Paris! Go for it girl! I love Paris, and to be there with no one else to consider is a dream!

If you're concerned about safety, then go sightseeing during the day - perfectly safe - and at night, eat at your hotel, or at a restaurant near to your hotel - and after a day's sightseeing, that's not a bad choice anyway.

Muster up your confidence, Gloria - and enjoy!!

[grasscarp]

In my job I sometimes get sent to other countries by myself. I never venture out alone at night. I wander about during the day, if there is a free day, but at night I eat in my room and watch tv - either room service or something I have purchased occasionally. I am probably about same age as you. I dont want to spoil your break, but personally I dont feel happy with being a lone female in a foreign country at night.

[Naomicorlett]

I always have a holiday alone. The tips you have been given are very good. I prefer not to take a bag out with me but wear a money belt under my clothes. and just have ticket and a little cash in my pocket. It's lovely travelling alone. ( Do I fancy a coffee? oh yes I do .Well I will have one here at this lovely cafe and people watch. ) Have a wonderful time.

[KARL]

Would you go out alone where you live or in the nearest large town or city ? If so, then there should be no greater reason to hesitate anywhere else in Europe, just so long as you employ the same common sense approach as where you are used to going.

[sitges]

All good advice. Any big city is a haven for pick pockets so make sure you wear a neck of fanny money belt that is under your clothes. Don't take more then you are going to spend each day in cash and only one credit card. I've been in Paris several times over the past 15 years and have always felt safe. However I don't carry a large camera or anything that makes me look like a tourist. Make sure you do not take a large purse out with you particularly at night. The best thing to take is a small back pack so that when you layer your clothes for the day, you have someplace to put the things you take off and someplace to put things you buy. This also makes you look like you know where you are going and what you are doing and not like the average tourist. I realize however, that you are not as apt to look like a tourist like an american does when they travel overseas.
Go an have fun and just be vigilent of what is going on around you.