Can you help me decide?


(New York, U.S.A.)

I am a single black AMERICAN woman who normally does Contiki tours. Unfortunately I have aged out and no longer can travel with Contiki. I saw a company called, "Ace The Himalya" (a company based in Nepal not America) which is doing a trip to Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan for 21 days. However, I can only travel in July and in July this trip becomes private.

I have some concerns:
a. How safe is it as an american female to travel with only a driver/guide/no tour group.
b. How do I combat the loneliness? Do you think I will be lonely or bored?
c. Is this choice of a trip wise? No, I am not doing backpacking or trekking. This is strictly sightseeing and staying 3 days at Chitwan.

Answer:

It's perfectly safe to travel without a group but if you're going to choose a driver and guide, make sure you get someone through a good personal recommendation. I suggest posting on expat forums or regular travel forums. I've listed a few of them on Best Travel Forums.

As for feeling lonely, you'll be traveling in some tourist areas so even if you're not backpacking or trekking, you're bound to find other travelers with whom you can share a meal or an evening. Just don't be shy - after all, a great part of travel is made up of the people we meet.

As for being American, that shouldn't be a worry. You won't be any less safe because you're from the US than if you were from any other Western country. However, travel should provide you with a wonderful experience so make sure you adhere to your own comfort level, not anyone else's. Just do what you're most comfortable with.

A final word - there are plenty of tour agencies out of the UK that cater to the slightly older traveler. I'm not sure how old you are - you didn't say - but you could try such agencies as explore.co.uk, with average ages into the 30s and 40s. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Comments for
Can you help me decide?

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Always alternatives
by: gwen@algarveexperiences.com

Hiya

I agree with the advice posted. There's nothing like a personal recommendation when you are considering the options.

I've been finding that as many women get a bit older they lose interest in organized tours and want experiences that provide safety but also the flexibility to create a travel experience customized to their own needs. This isn't meant as a promotion opportunity, but I've begun providing retreats and culinary experiences specifically for women, like you, who are seeking something different.

I encourage you to do some web research on keywords like 'solo travel' 'women's solo travel' etc. I know from being on Twitter of at least 2 bloggers who have websites specifically dedicated to supporting women traveling solo. I'm not sure what the protocols are on this site for mentioning websites, etc. so I'm refraining from that. But I know they won't be difficult to find.

All the best. Have a fantastic trip, whatever choices you make.

Ed. Note:

Gwen, your advice is always fantastic and the protocol is... whatever helps the reader. So feel free to provide additional relevant resources anytime! :-)

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