Originally Posted by
frugalone
I recently took my fifth solo trip to London. The first three trips were in the 1980s, and I had pen pals I met up with and stayed with, so I don't exactly count that as completely solo.
Last year, and this year, I stayed by myself in a self-catering flat. I did go on a couple of day trips and tours, which was very nice. For the most part, though, I was alone. Last year, I definitely wanted to go by myself, since it was the first time I was seeing London in 30 years. I met up with a pen pal for an afternoon (in addition to a tour).
However, I was lonely at times. I felt, however, that that was the price I paid for being able to write at length in my journal at night, go where I wanted without consulting anyone else, etc. This year, I came down with a bad cold the first day I was in London. I really began to question whether or not I wanted to be there in the first place (I felt like utter crap for a few days), and then I began to wonder if I'd be better off with a friend. While the landlady and landlord of my B&B were very kind, it's not the same as being with a friend.
Also, I was there during a terrorist attack. Thankfully I wasn't anywhere near it when it happened. It definitely affected my mind, though. This whole trip could have been better.
So I've been wondering if I want to do a solo trip again. My friend offered to go with me if I go next year. I am not sure if she's serious, and I have a lot of questions to ask her about her travel style. On the plus side, she and I have been roomies during various short (four-day) trips, and close friends for more than 20 years.
Has anyone here done the solo thing, then changed their mind? What do you think?