My mother has family in Spain and I was seriously considering going there for about 7-10 days. Although I personally wouldn't mind traveling alone, I can't help wonder if this is a smart/safe idea for a 22y.o. female to discover and travel around a country like Spain *alone*. While they live in Madrid, I also wanted to visit other cities and possibly go to Portugal. Has anyone had much experience traveling alone internationaly? Thoughts? Opinions? Advice?

I wouldn't go alone, Cassiopeia, just as a safety precaution...Just my personal opinion. I never travel alone, even nationally. It just isn't a good idea. Don't you have a friend you can take with you? I'm a bit nervous about even going to the airport alone...

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It's a BOY!!

I've gone alone on day trips, etc...but usually I had a "safe" place to come back home to at night. where someone would notice if I didn't show up. It's also nice to have an auto in such situations, so you feel like you can "get outta dodge" if you need to.

Ideally, I'd sign up for some tours (I am sure there are tour companies) and not go too far off of the beaten path. Nor would I stay out too late.

If you are on public transit, some systems are very safe (I was on the Berlin Underground at midnight and felt fine), but others are dicey. Ask the local WOMEN what they do.

Of course, maybe you can co-opt your family on taking you to some cool places. Isn't that what family is for??? Good luck, either way.

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Life is too short not to love and be loved....preferably multiple times in one night.

I think men talk to women so they can sleep with them and women sleep with men so they can talk to them. ~ Jay McInerney

Thanks, Cherrypie. Everyone that I would want to travel with probably couldn't b/c of work, school, or no money. Plus, I enjoy spending time alone so the alone alone part doesn't bother me. The only times I've traveled alone were when I eventually met a friend, family member, etc at the destination. The issue of safety is the only thing keeping me back.

Thanks for the great ideas, Osuche. I'll look into tours and talk to my mom's family more about traveling around Spain and safety issues.

Cassiopeia, thanks for starting a great thread. I'm gonna be doing some long distance traveling soon, and these are things I hadn't even considered. Even though there will be someone to meet me at the final destination, there's still lots of distace twist here and there. I'll gladly take any advice that pixies offer.....this is my first time traveling abroad too, so anything i need to know that may seem like a given to you guys, is alllllll virgin territory to me. And this thread makes me realize that. Fill me and Cassiopeia in on stuff we need to know.

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~~lost in you~~

I'm with Kathy in this situation, I'll be traveling abroad (alone till I get there) too, soon....

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It's a BOY!!

Take a cell phone with you.. and listen to osuche.
There is no reason for you not to get out and see the world.

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I am here for only a short time on this earth. My goal is to make everyone I see smile if only for a moment.

You can rent an international tri-band phone from many places in the US. I agree this is a good idea...do an internet search and see what is available in your area. Please note that traditional US cell phones will NOT work in Europe -- they use a different system (as does Japan, for some reason...makes it so I sometimes have to have 3 phones...but that's another matter).

Buy guidebooks in English, and take along a pocket-sized language book for the local language. It's amazing how helpful the locals will be, if you try and meet them partway by learning a few basic words.

Depending on where you go, the men might be a little more aggressive than you are used to. I experienced this in Italy, although I don't remember Spain being particularly bad. I mention this because (depending ont he local customs) a man whistling at you or walking behind you saying something suggestively might not be as threatening in Italy as it is in the US...it's culturally more "normal." Ask your family some questions, and use your instincts....they are seldom wrong.

I recommend you take some pepper spray also. Pack it in your checked luggage, because security screening WILL take it if it is on a carry-on....but it should assist while on the mainland.

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Life is too short not to love and be loved....preferably multiple times in one night.

I think men talk to women so they can sleep with them and women sleep with men so they can talk to them. ~ Jay McInerney

As someone who has been around a fair bit let me say this.

Cell phones do not work in all areas. Get a phone card that bills to your home account. You can get one before you leave.
Do not carry MACE or Pepper spray as in some areas this is not legal to have. Such as Australia.
Be aware of beggars and pickpockets. In Euro most bank cash machines have a beggar parked by them I found.

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Half of a set :halo: