This might be your helpiest posting yet, Laurie. I've loved all your pictures, from food to footwear, but what I really love is it's all about owning your own choices. You've worked hard to get where you are -- financially as well as emotionally -- so if you want to travel instead of buying a new car, more power to you.

I've been whining about not being able to remodel our upstairs bathroom (three words: avocado green fixtures) in the nine years we've lived here, but it really comes down to my money, such as it is, being busy elsewhere. Thanks for the perspective.

Thank you for posting where you got the tickets. I think that will inspire, if not a lot, at least 2 readers to get moving on their travel itinerary.

I love that you take pictures of other people's clothes. Not only do I think that it's not weird, I'm SO happy you posted them because that is one of the best reasons to people watch. Plus now i know what to wear to Rome to fit in. ;)

Jill -- I had one of those moments a few months ago where I was listening to the a.m. radio traffic report as I sat on the freeway in bumper-to-bumper morning drive. And on the radio they were reporting a fatality on the 405. And all I could think about was the person who died -- did he or she know it was going to be the very last commute, ever? Did he or she die having lived a good, full life? And dude, let us not discount the role of PMS in this scenario, but I was sitting n traffic sniffling and carrying on.

I'm not someone who can just live life and never give a care to anyone else, I'm not a "screw you and your little dog, too" kind of person, just not built that way. It's hard not to worry about others' and their take on your choices in life -- especially when people are so fond of giving unsolicited advice & feedback. But there comes a point where enough is enough. Do what you can while you can, you know? Because the commute can end unexpectedly.

by coincidence, I just got back from a trip to Europe too (partly business, so the airfare was covered by somebody else). It is great to go off-season, and I have all my pictures with my one warm coat too -- you're not the only one!

Here's to the sisterhood of travelling!

I've heard from reliable sources that Banff is mostly outdoors, so if nature is still attacking you, you may want to see it virtually :-)

Oh. I don't do "outdoors" .... hehehehehe

For the first time since having my boys, I am wishing they were grown enough for me to take a trip like this by myself. Oh, wait - they are grown enough. I wish I wouldn't feel so guilty. But I would, because truth be told, I love spending time with them and exploring things with them, and I know I'd miss them like crazy, and wish they were with me. Maybe we can arrange something so I can leave a day or two before they do? Then I get the adventurous-me time, and son-time, too. Hmmmm... you are an inspiration!

Just thought I'd pass along a couple of additional travel sites for you to check out for future solo (or not so solo) trips ... sidestep.com and travelzoo.com. Travelzoo is great if you're planning to travel soon. They have really good last-minute deals. Sidestep is good because it pulls the best deals from a lot of different sites. Happy Traveling!

Three cheers for traveling alone. I love to travel alone but now that I'm married and have a kid it's sort of expected i take them along ;) It's so wonderful to go at your own pace.

When I was about 20 I went to Europe by myself. Rome was okay but I really liked Barcelona for some reason (when you're looking for another destination).
Thanks for sharing your adventures (and cheap travel sites!)

Thank you for taking us all on a great trip!

*sigh* why must I wait 3 more weeks for spring break....?

Great post Laurie!! I've always said "You're not going to be on your deathbed wishing you hadn't traveled to Switzerland or spent that money in that restaurant in Italy." You're just not. So go. Git.

Thanks for the reminder!

I use go-today.com. Maybe not the cheapest, but I tried their 5 day trip (plane & hotel) to Hong Kong right after everyone stopped going there because of SARS so it was really cheap and I got hooked on the go-today 5 day trip. I've done Florence, Italy (not Florence Arizona or Florence Oregon), London and this fall probably Paris this way (unless Rome is cheaper). Decent prices, some great deals and 5 days of fun in a new city.

Sweet girl, we are completely NOT TIRED OF HEARING ABOUT YOUR TRIP! Please tell us more!

When I wandered off to London by myself, I used Travelocity. I get email alerts from them for some of my fave cities. I often forget about Cheap Tickets, my aunt's fave spot for bargains.

On my trip I too tried to do the carry-on only but it just wasn't going to work if I planned to buy anything while I was away. But my black wool coat was wonderful as it went with everything and kept me warm. And I, like you, like to blend wherever I go.

I've been thinking it's time for me to take another solo trip this year. The only question is where.

Little Voice In Meg's Head: See? See? I told ya so!"

Meg: *looking for travel sites*

The trip sounds lovely. And I thought I should mention that Banff isn't all outdoors. One can stay here: http://www.fairmont.com/banffsprings and experience the wonder that is Banff through the windows and in the shops (very nice local art). Just saying.

Liza {who's sure Mother Nature is trying to kill her off. This year's attempt? An allergy to the sun}

Oh, please keep telling us about Rome, travel et al - your perspective is invigorating to the soul. I have always wanted to see Banff...time to go :)

That's it! I love my life, but I "just want to walk outside" of it for a bit.

That is exactly it. Boy, Laurie, you are smart.

Now I have something huge to mull over.

What is it about this post that just makes me want to kiss you? In a friend way, of course. You rock!

Rave on about Rome all you want! I love your writing about knitting and life in general but these tips on cool travel are inspiring : )

I also want to travel but will most likely have to go alone. Your blog inspires me to get up and GO!

Just wanted to let you know that I've posted about your blog on my blog! I've listed you as one of my Top Ten Blogs!! Thanks for the good reading.

Laurie, this was one of my favorite posts ever--you make me want to go somewhere alone...and I am married. Hmmmm...

Laurie, this was one of my favorite posts ever--you make me want to go somewhere alone...and I am married. Hmmmm...

Laurie, this was one of my favorite posts ever--you make me want to go somewhere alone...and I am married. Hmmmm...

I hope to someday have this great adventure too... except I'd want to go to Ireland.

I really wanted to tell you that it is NOT only in L.A. that folks wear their pajamas to Starbucks. The East Coast has the same issue. I really rolled my eyes when someone also had their SLIPPERS on, not their flip-flops, with the pajamas. I think she must have missed the PJs-as-clothes memo and thought PJs in their natural habitat were good for the outside world too! :)

Oops sorry--did you get enough of the SAME comment from me? I kept hitting "post" because I got the little pop-up that said "due to trying to curb malicious content, please try your comment again later". It works!

I'm so happy you had that amazing Rome experience, Laurie. My friend and I are going in May. Seeing your pictures and hearing your stories has made me really excited about the journey.....Bring on the pasta!:)

PLEASE blab on and on about your trip, for now, it is the main way I travel - vicariously. I love to hear about people's travels and I love your pics of what Rome is wearing and I LOVE those Naot boots, they are freaking adorable.

Laurie,

You are so inspirational! I've been reading your blog for about 6 months now and have never commented. Am so happy you had a great time in Rome.

One of the reasons I keep coming back to your blog is your amazing writing skills and your ability to continually grow and try new things. And how brave of you to share with all of us your thoughts, feelings, adventures, etc.

Thanks for sharing your words and your life with all of us. Reading your blog is like reading a really good novel. =)

Hi Laurie

Loving all of your pictures and posts about your trip. I'm glad you had a great time. I got all excited when you said "Banff" that's only a few (well, more than I few, but I don't drive so I don't know for sure) hours away from me. It's super pretty country. If you ever make it there, you need to hit Lake Louise. I've only been there once, the water is the most amazing colour!

You'll love Banff. But go in the summer.
It doesn't matter, there's really no slow season there.

I swear, every time I start feeling like there is nothing but lame in life you manage to post something utterly inspiring. Love the pictures of Rome!

I'm with ya! What better way to see something new than on your own, with a gps or a map, a list of shops to hit, places to go, places to eat and no timetable other than your flight?
I love your pictures, especially the scenery ones where I can SEE the city - I felt I experienced the Parthenon (is that was it was???!!). What a wonderful gift you've given us!!

I went to a convention out your way (Anaheim) and hit a bead store (my obsession), ate at great places (one on a pier in Newport Beach, one at a fancy smancy mall in Laguna Hils (I think). I borrowed the book in the hotel room that talked about the city, with maps and all, and WENT. And I had a blast. I ran up more miles in 2-1/2 days than I did at home in a week.
Take little steps at home, explore and see new things. Start by looking-up your favorite yarn shop, mapquest it (or whatever), call ahead of time to see the hours, and GO.
You're right when you say that when faced with death or dying, people don't say "I wish I worked more, or "my commute was a wonderful experience." Try to live with few regrets.
Sorry so preachy, but your writing is inspiring! I hope you push people to change, to expand their little worlds and live a little.
I can't wait until you go on you're next trip! Take LOTS of pictures and share with us your travels.

I love, love, love those boots! So much that I had to favorites that page. I've only lurked for years. Your book is hysterical and I wish we could hang out. Alas, I am in Indiana. Thanks for all of your perspectives. I admire and bow down.

This sounds like it was a wonderful adventure!

I'd never travelled alone until I worked at my current job - now I have to travel a fair amount by myself, and I've really come to relish it. Outside of (obviously) my work commitments, I get to do my own thing (often just walking, people watching and eating delicious food) and it's lovely. I'd encourage anyone to try it, even just a baby trip to try it out.

And I have to agree with you about the "affording it" question - Obviously, some people are on tighter budgets than others, but I really believe that you do find the money for the things that are important to you. And if you can't, it probably means you need to sit down and make sure you're spending your time and money where it is most important.

Well, I've been to Rome three times, always with family or friends, and you made me want to go back...right now! It's my most favorite city in the world. Thanks to you, I may just go back by myself and enjoy it all the more.

Great post, Laurie. All websites that I love to use for my travel!

One thing I found extremely helpful was going to the information offices when I landed in a town at the last minute. I did/do this a lot in Europe because, who doesn't want to hop on the next train to Budapest! The information centers always have last minute rooms available at great prices (because they are just trying to get the hotels full).

Can't wait to hear about your next journey... you better be careful, you've now been bitten by the solo journey bug... it is one that is hard, if not impossible, to shake. :-) I'm married and we both still take half a day to wander on our own... you just see things differently on your own... and it's so much fun to share the days stories over a glass of wine.

Ciao, bella!

your "how can people afford this" section was greaet! we prioritized a trip to San Frqancisco, and I can see myself printing out your blog and handing it out to the naysayers. so glad you had a good trip. and my hubby's crush is growing since Rome is one of his dream destinations...

Love you, love your blog.

Love to travel too. Went to Italy a couple years ago on my student budget (I am a med student, we're talking 200K in debt) but I regret not one second. I too had a day all to myself where I did no history lessons or tours or art-gazing. Just food, wine, walking, talking to locals. It was a dream

Sidenote...my three sisters and I planned to take my mom to Italy this summer. She's never been (neither have any of my sisters). Recently my oldest sister decided the dollar sucks too much to go abroad and they have hijacked our trip into an excursion to northern CA. Now, I'm sorry, California is lovely. But holy mercy, Italy it is not. How can I convince them that even though the dollar is seriously in the basement...IT'S SO AWESOME TO TRAVEL THAT IT'S WORTH IT!??! Argh. All it would take is one day out of the US and in a whole new culture and they would understand.

Phew.

Love your Italy stories. Please please don't make this the end of it! You are making me remember just how lovely my trip was.

I adore your blabbering. Actually I think of it as sharing. And I love when you share your stories. So yay Laurie! You just keep going the way you go.

www.lastminute.com is also good for finding inexpensive packages. They have more if you live in Europe, but I think they're expanding in the US. If you want someplace inexpensive and warm, albeit with a lot of scary bathrooms, go to Costa Rica. It's gorgeous and somewhat like camping, but with beaches and cute guys who speak Spanish. Women there are heavier and they all wear bikinis!

Laurie, I need to find a best friend like you to travel with. It's so much fun and I don't mind people looking at me like I'm made of money (I most definitely am not). Getting away is how I stay sane!

love those boots!

Thank you!!!! I want to go to Italy soooo bad and I've been wanting to go to Italy so bad and I can't find anyone to go with me. I think I'll go this fall all by myself.

Thank you!

Gwen

You sure have come a long way from when I first starting reading your blog even though I could relate really well. Wow! I love the travel stuff. You are indeed your own person now. Good for you!

I just have to say that, although the people are gorgeous, those shoes are just butt-ugly (unless, of course, you own a pair - then I'm sure they're great!)

And the picture of you in your Target sunglasses -- so glamorous!!

One of these days I will get out and travel (kinda hard since I have a kidlet and I am a single mom, so I have a few years to plan) but your trip looks like it was great.

What seems weird to me is mentioning Banff in the same post, like it's such an exotic local.. like Rome!

I live near Banff, it's lovely here. You should come and see, it gets quite warm in the summer but I think the best time to visit is the fall. After the summer tourists, before the winter ski bums show up and you can wear your knits without having to hide them beneath a parka.

I have always traveled alone. I have helped many friends with the getting tickets thing, or just what to do when I get off the airplane thing. I have never been afraid to ask for help. I was told that all the bus drivers speak English in other countries. No they don't. I am very glad you have empowered yourself and that you have found out you CAN do it! I have gotten in my car and driven to lots of places. I have been lost, I have had car trouble, I have you name it, it's happened. But here I am-safe and sound. Enjoy! I am rooting for you!

Laurie, I love your description of the travel deals. My family and I travel this way all the time. Best score ever: 2 adults and 2 children RT Denver - London for $700. Yes, we went in rainy October. Yes, the kids missed a week of school. Yes, sitting next to my 6-year-old daughter at "Beauty and the Beast" performed on London's version of Broadway nearly made me teary-eyed (last minute 1/2 price tickets). Yes, it was all GRAND.

People always ask how we do it. I say we're opportunistic travelers. Instead of saying: We want to go to X in June, we say, Wow! That's a great deal! Let's go!

You keep up the great work and thanks for letting the rest of us live vicariously through your travels.

Oh, and next time Italy calls, go to Tuscany - it's to die for!

I KNEW I recognized those glasses!! I bought the exact same pair just the day before you posted your pics! Showed my hubby and he said, "she's got your sunglasses". Doncha love them?

Post as much as you want about Rome, it is wonderful stuff to read.

Molly

Talk it up baby! Some of us won't get to go on that trip anytime soon and have fun living thru you vicariously. And it makes me happy to see you happy.

Banff was one of my favorite vacations. 3 girlfriends and I went on a 5 day pack trip. We rode horseback 8 hrs a day and rode from lodge to lodge in the back country. Beauty abounds! There were glaciers we rode right up to ... in July. Great food every day, at night lots of adult beverages around the roaring campfire. I WILL return, I promised myself! Oh, and did I mention the cowboys?

You have inspired me!
I'm Grad- eerrr, finishing college soon, and I'll have a gap where I can go somewhere without needing to take off work. (duh, no job!) I want to go... anywhere. Just not here. But right now I have like, $4.96, two sticks of gum and a bobby pin. And I don't think the airlines accept 'bobby pin' as a form of payment.

Hi Laurie! I traveled to Rome back in 2002 and absolutely loved it...I wish I could have gone with you!! There's something in the water there...the men are so deliciously beautiful (well, everyone's beautiful in Rome). Italy is by far my favorite European country...I'm glad you discovered it and had such a great time!!

Okay, I haven't quite finished reading the thing yet, but I've got a few comments about the fashion stuff.

Here in France, the look is similar to the look in Italy. Lots of winter boots. You can even see some really ho-ish ones. I've also noticed a lot of women wearing tights that are footless (somewhat like the stretch pants of the late-eighties and early nineties) with skirts and booties or some kind of slip-on shoe. Lots of layering goes on here, in general.

The trick to jeans looking not-so-American is that no one outside the US seems to wear what is sometimes called the "Mom jean" - which is basically tapered legs. Straight legs are pretty much what people wear - men and women, for that matter. You don't see too many men in loose-fitting jeans, unless they're like my husband and have rugby thighs that don't fit well in the skinny leg jeans. I have seen a few guys in those tight-tight tapered leg rock star jeans recently. Not a style I love, but there you are.

Euro tennies: They're basically tennis shoes that are not bulky. So, forget wearing your bulky running shoe variety. Camper, Adidas, Converse are popular. You won't see any clunky New Balance around here. My brother-in-law is very fashion conscious, and what I've seen of him and his trendy friends is that the tennis shoes must be "original". You don't want to be walking down the street in the same shoes as everyone else, apparently. He and his girlfriend were happy to buy some new shoes in the US when visiting there, because of this originality issue. They shied away from the bulky kind and preferred the slimmer tennies. That shows you they are available there, though.

I have been that silly-looking tourist in the past. It was in the summer. I think the thing that gives us away more than anything else is that we are willing to wear shorts. Many Europeans will not wear shorts around town. It doesn't matter how hot it gets, they will be walking around the downtown area in jeans and a shirt and skirt layered over the jeans. My suggestion, if you want to go with style that might fit in a little better without having a heat stroke, try a nice linen dress or some linen pants. I know. Linen wrinkles. It's so light and airy, though.

I did it at 20 and while it is a really scarey thing to start, traveling by yourself and for yourself is energising and thrilling and terrifying.

Of course according to my family I am perpetually on holiday b/c I still live 'overseas'(18 years later)!!!!!

shoes and travelling: what cracked me up was everyone on travel sites said "NO ONE in London wears jeans and tennis shoes! NO ONE! You will stick out like a sore thumb! You will SCREAM American tourist!"

Well, excuse me, but jeans and walking shoes is ME, so I said "whatever" and went.

AND GUESS WHAT EVERYONE WAS WEARING IN LONDON?

Yeah.

Jeans and tennis shoes or walking-boots thingees.
I rolled my eyes at those travel-forum snobs and had a GREAT time with my London friends (who were ALSO wearing jeans and tennis shoes).

Love love love the Naot Boots.
Have you seen Oxygen shoes? I'm completely in love with them!

I live in England and I do wear sweats, but over here we usually don't leave the house in them. I think thats the main difference.

We also don't really wear fur as there is a high chance of having red paint thrown at you by protesters. And rightly so, if you ask me, which you didn't, but whatevs!

Great post and I'll have to check out CheapTickets! Love that feature you wrote about.

You need to check out http://www.tangodiva.com/
it's for females that travel alone. Cool website.

I'm so glad you had a fabulous trip. I'm a single woman of roughly the same age as you Laurie and I always go travelling by myself. It gives me flexibility to do and see what I want to do. I joined some day tours if I felt the need for company.

Thanks for the fashion tips. We're still in summer here so you've given me some good ideas for when winter hits here (Brisbane, Australia). I got a pair of oversized sunnies recently for nothing (free when I bought a recent Madison mag).

I highly suspect the only way anything worthwhile gets accomplished in life, travel included, is to just do it, and figure out how on the way.

Rome's on my list.

I used to travel a lot for work and nearly always went on my own - even though it was for work it usually only involved a couple of meetings wherever I was and the rest of the time I had free and had to do all the travelly scary stuff on my own - it was always, always awesome - I never minded that I was alone - it was better that way - I didn't have to take anyone else into account - and I knew that if I felt the need for some contact I had friends and family jsut a phone call away - my Mum never travelled anywhere and it was great to be able to share things with her like walking down the Corso Vitorrio Emanuelle II in Milan one evening as the sun was setting and describing to her over the phone what I was seeing as the angel on top of the Duomo came into view lit by the last of the suns rays - sometimes you jsut need to get away by yourself and immerse yourself in a different place - good for you for doing this - keep it up!
*rushes off to look for cheap flights anywhere*

Oh and while on honeymoon I got my husband to pose with the girl he'd just bought t-shirts from so I could get a photo of her hairstyle to copy later!!

My husband travels for business, and I travel with him. There are some bad to it - I don't get to choose where we go - but all in all, it's like traveling by myself with a paid hotel room. I can do whatever I want during the day, and frequently eat dinner by myself, because he's working late. I've seen Rome, Beijing, Shanghai and Sydney that way.

I also love to travel by myself. It's not frightening, it's liberating! I can go where I want, eat what I want, when I want And I've found that one pair of nice black jeans, one pair of washable black dress pants and sturdy but good-looking black shoes will take you about everywhere. No white tennis shoes, no t-shirts with "funny" sayings - I blend right in.

It also helps to learn how to be polite in the local language - hello, please, thank you, nice to meet you. Oh, and "Where is a yarn store?"

Oh gee, we have to read about travel to far off places jammed with tips on how to?
OK!!!
This may inspire me to get my passport! I have to find my real birth certificate first, the one I have was rejected because apparently it was issued by the hosptial and not the government (picky, picky!).

Forgot to say: I'm not tired *at all* of hearing about the trip! You keep writing what you want, I'll keep reading. You rock!

And... the other day, I needed to run to the grocery store to pick up *2* things. Quick trip. So, I grabbed my coat and keys, zipped to the store, and when I walked in, I realized: I was in my jammie pants. In public. In a store. Thank goodness they weren't my fluffy polarfleece ones with the polar bear print, but they were obviously pajamas. Gold and dark blue plaid. And I am so *not* a skinny teen, who can pull the pajamas in public thing off. Oops. I just stood up straight and walked through like I did it on purpose.

More pictures of people and details of your trip please, it's almost as good as being there ourselves (might just run out to Starbucks in my PJs to get a capuccino to sit in front of the computer with).

Yay Naot shoes! So comfy and "Eurostyle-y".
I really hope that chic mommy has some Chanel
burp cloths at the ready.

I remember when I was planning to move overseas for the first time for my job.. that many people said something like this to me..

"Are you going by yourself?" "Yes, I am- since, I'm not married and I'm moving for a job in a foreign country." "But, won't you be afraid to fly by yourself?" (meaning that person would be afraid) "Can't you get someone to fly there with you?" *My response to that one? (and I heard it many times) was that I didn't know anyone that had enough money nor would they want to just fly on a plane 1/2 way across the world .. just to make sure that I made it to my new location and then fly back to America.

I have since moved to many new countries and each time by myself.. not knowing a soul and it has always worked out just fine.

So, yeah for you and all of the other travelers who 'take a trip' instead of waiting for the perfect time. OR trying to find someone to fly on the plane with you-- so, you won't have to fly by yourself.. (I also reminded them that there would be many, many people on the plane!)

Oh, I forgot to mention.. that when I did live in Italy.. I always got a kick and a chuckle out of all the FUR COATS WORN to the market on MARKET DAY.. picking up fish, dirty veggies, and the such.

AND, fur coats w/ babies? All the babies that I've ever known were sticky, messy, drooled, and were often wet. Maybe when you wear a fur coat.. babies know to be much cleaner?

Don't forget about weekly travel deals from Travelzoo! I'm going to Paris in 2 months with my mother in law because there was a $599 special (from Newark, so it will cost slightly more because we're coming from California). We did upgrade our hotel, but still our package is only like $740 per person! Hot diggity. Paris here I come!

Laurie, I just have to tell you how inspiring your own journey has been over the past couple of years. It's been such a treat to read, and the story of your trip is another welcome example. So from another crab who "gets lonely, gets scared, is prone to being maudlin, is not superhuman, has an overactive imagination and a tendency to be um, a little thin-skinned"... you are one awesome lady, and I salute you.

Also? I LOVE those Naot boots! I've never tried Zappos, but you have tempted me...

Oh, ALL the Naot shoes are awesome! I foresee much damage to my credit card in the near future...

Well I don't know abt everybody else, but I'm enjoying your trip pics and commentary!!! I plan to get to Europe someday, and I can live vicariously thru your pics in the meantime. Actually I would love to take a road trip and stop at all the unusual sites along the way (hey LOOK! Its the biggest ball of twine!) Plus my 9 y/o son feels completely abused as a child since he has yet to see snow. We live in FL, what does he want?!?

Traveling alone doesn't mean lonely or pitiful! I've never been married and have gone places by myself several times. It can be a lot of fun and I think it's great that you went and then came back to tell everyone about it. I just wish I'd thought to ask people to take pictures of me at the Grand Canyon and in Amsterdam!

I'm sitting in a seminar given by a man from California. He just said "the internetS" and I immediately thought of you!

Looks like you had an amazing trip - way to go on travelng by yourself! I took a last-minute zoo trip to London two years ago and it was AWESOME.

I am married to a man who is married to his job, and rarely takes time off. I love to travel, so I will sometimes go with a tour company once in a while to satisfy my travel lust. I'll add on a couple of days before the tour starts and after it ends to just bum around by myself. I know tours are not for everyone, but if you pick a good company it can be a great way to get from place to place and be shown around when you are on your own. Plus you can pick and choose times to be alone or to be with others if you get lonely. Unfortunately if you are on a strict budget, it is not always the absolute cheapest way to go, however. But if you can save up for it like I do, it's a great way to go!

And I get 100% what you say about spending priorities. My mom likes to moan about the fact that I go on these occasional trips and how she wishes she could afford to go, too, but she CAN manage to spend $80+ a week on Bingo!! What a great trip she could have if she would even just cut that amount in half for a year! Makes it hard to feel sorry for her on this subject.

First of all, even after a year and a half, the first words out of my mouth on any given day are "When I went to London...." So just keep talking about your trip!

My friend Malinda and I (she is also a CAP reader) are heading to Eastern Europe next fall...I can't wait! Yes, I could be making changes to my new house...but I'd rather travel too. To each his own. :)

One last thing....my parents go to Banff every year and love it! Of course, they love to hike and that is quite outdoorsy. They send me a million pictures each time they go...it is definitely on the list...

Ok, off to check out cheaptickets.com to see how Prague, Berlin, and Krakow size up....

Thanks for sharing your Roman holiday with us! I luv the cat poop and knitting stories ('cause I'm a knitter with cats, of course), but I could read Laurie travel stories all day :)
PS Rome! So lovely!

Go you! Ideally, I would like to go somewhere with a few people, each do our own thing during the day and then meet for dinner in the evening to share our stories. Maybe someday.

Laurie, you are my hero!!

Your gorgeous account of your trip makes me want to go on a solo trip, too. How to explain that to my husband?

Love your awesome pictures, even those of people's clothes. It's good to know what the Romans are wearing. They put us to shame, don't they? Fabulous! Thanks!

I was single til age 42 and I'm trying to remember some of my trips alone. I know I went to London for a week (returning from Africa, long story; I guess I sort of traveled there alone, too, but had colleagues once I arrived) WITH AN AMERICAN TEEN-AGER ACQUAINTANCE - we both wanted to do London on the way back to the US, so we hooked up (I was 31). I can NOT believe I did that. But it was fun! We stayed in a student hostel and got around just fine. Other than that, I went to Muskegon, Michigan alone once but the lodge (religious camp) I stayed at required you to sit with other people for meals - ehn, not so fun, although I think they meant well. I did go to the beach alone though, and just read all day with no one whining about it. I used to drive to the upper peninsula of Michigan alone to stay with friends. It was fun buying a pasty (meat pie) and eating it on the beach on the UPPER coast of Lake Michigan.

I've always wanted to visit a museum alone - reading what *I* want to read and *not* reading what I don't want to.

Well, Hot Damn! Good for you.

Hi Laurie! Good for you, going to Rome on your own. I just got back from London with two girlfriends, and yes, traveling in the winter is great. Just take a hat, gloves and scarf in addition to that coat. And moisturizer. Your cheeks will thank you.

In London everyone wears dark, not stonewashed jeans or black pants. Sketchers were everywhere as were knee boots. I wore a black wool pea coat and black loafers with a slight heel. Switched between black slacks and dark jeans and felt fine.

I really wasn't trying hard to blend in, it just happened that what I like coincided with most of the tourists and Central Londoners I encountered.

Also, if anyone's worried about theft, you can pick up a money belt at Target for 7-8 bucks. Well worth it for a litle more peace of mind. I kept my operating cash in a little wallet that fit in my front jeans pocket. No worries whatsoever.

My hubby and I started a vacation savings account when we got married. We each put $25 a week into it, so every year or two we can go on a nice vacation!

If you have traveled with a partner before, it's so much easier to travel alone. You've already learned how to pack, how to deal with airports and transportation, and how to find your way. I was worried that I couldn't find my way even with a partner. You can, you will.
In the time since Mr. Satan went away about 6 years ago, I paid the bills, got thru the divorce, put two children thru college, paid off a car, bought two used cars, bought a house, bought land, bought a used RV, and I DID IT BY MYSELF.
Two years ago I went to Ireland with a cousin. Just last month, I began planning another trip there. Two of my potential travel partners have backed out, and I said, well I'll just go alone.
Alone but not lonely.

Thank you so much for encouraging people to travel alone. In 1997 (after a nasty break-up) I travelled alone to literally backpack across North-Western Spain. (75 miles on foot) It was by far the hardest, scariest thing that I have done, but is the BEST memory I have from the late 90s. I met people from all over the world and had a fantastic time.

Travel truly is one of the best ways to spend money with no regrets.

As someone who has done an absolute boatload of traveling alone, (albeit not yet to a foreign country, unless Hawaii and the Caribbean count), may I first commend you and secondly, welcome you to our exclusive, ultra-chic, excellently-solo-adventurous club!

Thanks for taking us on your virtual Roman vacation -- it looked completely fabulous, and I, too, think I'd love to go in the wintertime to avoid the heat and masses of summer tourists. That rocks that you got to see and be blessed by the (tee-tiny) Pope.

I can't believe it's been two years since you went to Paris -- time flies! And I can't tell you how FREAKIN' proud I am of you right now. :-)

I think you open yourself up to bigger and better things every time you expand your horizons and your comfort zone. Kudos! Can't wait to see what the rest of 2008 brings you!

Oh! I have had chills and goosies every time I read these Rome posts! I loved Rome so much when I went a few years ago, but mostly I am just beyond inspired to travel somewhere, anywhere, all by myself.

I will, I will, I will... I am going to set a date, make a plan, and make it happen. Thank you, Laurie!!

i have a question. i have been itching for a trip SOMEWHERE ANYWHERE for a whole year now and i've even got the vacation days saved up for it.

anyway, how did you find a good hotel? i am brave enough to travel alone, but i would want to stay some place that felt safe. so i guess that would up the price of the hotel? to stay some place a bit nicer, but that helped me with peace of mind? how did you go about finding a hotel and did you feel comfortable there?

thanks, laurie! this was an awesomely helpful post.

Noelle--

While I am very flexible and adventurous with flights, picking where to sleep is a whole 'nother ballgame. I fully admit that when it comes to hotels I AM PRISSY. I am not a camper, roughing-it, pee-down-the-hallway-in-a-shared-closet kind of gal. I will not be staying in a hut or in a tent. Personally, I do not want to feel the rustic appeal of bedbugs or scabies or the creeping crotch funk.

There will be people who try to tell me I'm wrong and explain emphatically that I cannot experience a place like the locals do if I insist at staying at a clean, lovely hotel. To these people I say: enjoy your scabies! Live long and prosper, ye of crotch funk! I will be sleeping on clean sheets and watching BBC news before bed, thankyouverymuch.

Picking a hotel requires a little research. And yes, I spent more money on the hotel than I did on airfare (my entire trip cost me $1600, including meals and tickets and room and so on, but my hotel included breakfast and for lunch I usually ate something inexpensive like pizza or a sandwich.) (I also bought nothing on this trip, not even a keychain, see "euro strong, dollar sucking" but I did book a day tour, that was another $75 and well worth every dime.)

Be sure your hotel is centrally located to the stuff you want to see and do, and be sure it's in your price range. Check out the most recent guidebooks at the public library or buy a few at your bookstore and start looking for hotels. (I love the entire Rough Guide series of books the best.) Plot your hotel on a map so you don't get a surprise when you arrive -- discovering you're staying on the runway at the airport, for example, or tucked away 25 minutes outside of town.

Once you have it narrowed down, cross check the hotel with www.TripAdvisor.com. Real travelers just like you and me can comment on their experiences at a hotel. Sometimes travelers also upload their own candid pictures of where they stayed so you get to actually see the rooms, and not just from pictures on the hotel's official website. I LOVE TripAdvisor.com! It's the very best place I have found for real, honest reviews of hotels. I've left reviews there before, and I have always found that I can get a good idea of the feel of a hotel before arriving just from reading all the reviews.

Good luck! Hope that helps!

For cheap airfare, you can alos look in the newspaper Sunday travel section for tiny little box ads placed by consolidators. Tickets can be very cheap that way.

As for clean and utterly safe and pleasant in Rome, there are convents all over the city renting out rooms so the nuns can support themselves. Some have curfews, but they are inexpensive, clean and they don't care if you're Catholic or not. If you're an unmarried couple, they aren't going to rent to you and there aren't many double or matrimoniale beds, but otherwise ... There's one with a roof garden and an espresso machine.

Oh my gosh, look at you, giving US a pep talk! I love it! Thank you for your tips and things you've learned while traveling! I love your pics, too, you can post more, I won't mind. heh

Brava! I lived in Rome for three months at age 22. Getting to and from there by myself, finding a place to live, locating translation partners in a bookstore and sightseeing alone all made for a defining life experience. All in 1988, pre-Internet! I love Italy, to which I must return soon!!!

I recently took a trip to Europe (Edinburgh, Dublin, Paris, London, Amsterdam) as a girl going alone. I had a fantastic time. Glad to hear you did also!

Laurie, I just bought your wonderful book and am loving every second of reading it. When my 9-year-old daughter sees me with it, she laughs and says, "Mom, you're reading that funny book again!" Thank you for being the person you are. Although this is your story, many of your moments resonate with me -- as well as with a multitude of other women, I'm sure. And to top it off, I'm a "used-to-be-knitter." I just may take it up again!!

It's perfectly normal to take photos of unsuspecting strangers because of what they're wearing. Scott Schumann over at The Sartorialist does it all the time. Granted--he asks permission from most of them. Minor detail. :) Thanks for the tips and the great photos!

hmmm...sounds like another book title "How to Travel with a Lintroller and Portable bar", maybe you're ready to put pen to paper again???

Have you ever thought about getting a job in the travel industry (good discounts I bet)?

You are still my travel hero!

It's not just L.A. ... it's happening in the O.C. too! I live in Corona del Mar (an upscale beach village in Newport), and the other day I kept seeing people walking around in their pajamas, with Starbucks in hand. In fact, I saw all this RIGHT AFTER I asked my daughter why she was outside on our front deck with a robe on and did she want to look like a weirdo?

It's true... you can often tell an American by their footwear. I am an American living in the UK and when I'm out and about in places likely to have a high density of tourists, I like to see how many American ones I can spot. I know it's not entirely nice, but it amuses me. And baseball caps. Americans, leave the baseball cap at home!!

I'm glad you shared that, Laurie! You are exactly right about other people's perceptions. In fact, it's a good thing to come out from "inside your own box" as my sister says so we can get fresh perspectives on other points of view.

Thanks for the reminder! Just because I, we, read some words in black and white doesn't mean we are getting the whole story. I'm still working on it. ;) I, also, am trying to be less prone to being judgy. It's such a freeing and happy feeling - that is, when I get it right!

I loved yesterday's picture of you in your grey berret. In my attempt to make one, I used some super bulky yarn. My cats love their new bed!

I got some more approproate yarn last night, and hopefully #2 won't look like a shopping bag on my head.

Can I just say that you are AWESOME?

That is all.

Have a great weekend!

Leeny-- I deleted my long blah blah blah, I don't mean to sound preachy. Or defensive. I think when I started this website I had no clue that anyone would read it so I never felt a responsibility to tell people every single detail of my life, I mean, who would? Right?

Then, as things grew and people developed pictures of who they assumed I was, sometimes they were right and sometimes not so much. But it seemed wrong to constantly be defending myself whenever someone had an impression of me that I thought was not just off-base but off-planet. I knew if I did that I would spend all my time explaining who I am and that's just boring, and also unproductive. Besides, I'm never going to share every detail of my life, because that's private. So people can draw the conclusions they want and it's my job to just do my thing to the best of my ability. I am still working on it, it's a balance. I know who I am and that has to be good enough.

It's been a weird few years, I tell you what. Weird but great.

Also, Leeny, thank you so much for letting me share that with you. Thank you.

I am still working up the courage to compose an email to you, Laurie, explaining how much your blog means to me...but in the meantime, let me just add this perspective. Please believe that I am way enthused about how much you enjoyed your trip, and pleased that you have clearly inspired so many people.

But I HATE to travel. Hate it. Don't like it at all. I've seen a lot of terrific places in Europe and America, most of them due to someone else's insistence, and I have enjoyed maybe one or two trips out of the many many I have taken. I even lived in London for several months and I hated that. I like HOME, and that's sort of the only place I like to be.

I used to beat myself up about this, in part because people seem to think you're some sort of freak if you admit this fact to them (one acquaintance, actually an old friend of the family, stared at me blankly and said "WHY??" in a very loud voice), in part because I am surrounded by people who like to travel and always drag me with them, in part because there's no good way to explain to yourself why you hate to travel without admitting you're completely agoraphobic. Maybe I am agoraphobic, but either way I have finally come to terms with this aspect of me.

I love hearing about other people's trips, and I loved hearing about yours, but I get pretty upset when, in the midst of someone saying what a terrific time they had, they insist that I should go with them the next time. I'm not entirely sure why I'm posting this, other than adding a different perspective, but maybe it's something about all you adventurous types who read and comment on this blog being kind to your non-travel-inclined friends (if you have any - I've found us to be rare). Or maybe not. Maybe I just needed to explain.

Viva Rome, and viva home, equally. :)

Liza, I don't know if you'll read down this far, but having a sun allergy isn't all bad. When I was 28, I developed an extreme sensitivity to sunlight because of a bad reaction to a tetanus shot. Despite the inconvenience, the subsequent years of slathering on sunscreen, wearing hats (I like Tilley hats unless you're much cleverer at knitting than I am), and otherwise avoiding the sun have paid off. Now that I'm 50, people tell me I look much younger (and seem to mean it).

Oh, ha ha! I just e'd you and then came back for more of your readers travel adventures. You weren't preachy or defensive. I actually have alot in common with you as far as feelings and positivity but there is a big difference - you are way more talented! heh.

You're welcome. And thank YOU! :)

A couple of years ago (New Years 2005) I decided that my resolution was to go someplace that REQUIRED a passport - meaning that I had to leave the continent.
I was shy and introverted with hermit like tendencies as well, but knew that I needed to get over those anxieties and just GO SOMEWHERE. So, on a whim I booked a trip to Ireland. The reason I chose Ireland? They speak english, and the airfare was cheaper than to England.
Did I mention that I went alone as well?
It was definitely frightening, and I almost cancelled the flight countless times - especially the day that I left the states. I thought I was going to give myself an anxiety attack or something. I made it to Ireland and had one of the best times of my life. It was so empowering to go out by myself like that.
Since then, I have become addicted to travel and have made trips to Cologne Germany, Paris France, and Venice and Florence Italy. I can not imagine a life without travel, but I have a budget to stick to so it has to be cheap as well. Like you, I go wherever I find cheap airfare to.
So, I've signed up for a ton of bargain travel newsletters. My favorites:
Travelzoo.com - sends out a weekly email newsletter of the "top 20 travel deals on the internet". This ones awesome. Last year I got airfare to Cologne Germany through them for $98 each way!!!
Shermanstravel.com - like above, they send out a weekly email of the "top 25 deals" and often has a lot of the same ones as travelzoo.
Airfarewatchdog.com - by far my favorite. When signing up for the email newsletter you tell if what your nearest airport is and they email you the best airfares (both domestic & international) for your home airport as well as surrounding airports. You also choose the frequency that you want to receive the emails: weekly, a couple times a week, or daily for the obsessive types (such as myself). Theyre great if you want to go wherever the cheap airfare will take you - I'm about to book roundtrip airfare from San Francisco to London for $450.
Heres their page on the deals from LAX & its surrounding airports:
http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/tabid/76/AirportId/131/Default.aspx

Such fun reading this - I suspect you and I would vote differently on some issues, but I also think you'd make a fun, fun friend and maybe even a traveling partner. Anyone who is as real as you are and loves cats is okay by me!

Kat, I hear you!!

Do you know I refuse to go on a cruise? I will never ever go on a cruise. I don't like big boats and I am notoriously hermitlike and the idea of being trapped on a floating germtrap with 5000 strangers literally makes me want to eat my arm.

Now, you imagine telling this to friends who are both INSISTING you join them on a cruise. First you back off nicely and then you get defensive and before long you're all, "Listen there is nothing wrong with me! I just do. not. want. to. go. OK???" and then everyone gets real silent.

Yup. That's me, Ye Olde Partykiller.

But I just am not getting on a cruise. Ain't happening.

Part of what I am figuring out right now in my life is that no one else's experiences, choices and predilections fit me to a "T" and mine don't fit anyone else. That's why I say you have to find what suits you. I'm so glad you posted this.

Also, for the record, I equally do not like SUSHI. There, I said it. hehehehehehe

Good for you Laurie.
1) Whole-heartedly agree on Rome not being scary and pickpockety as anticipated. It IS delicious and friendly. 2) Deairies - take your tennis shoes if you want - lots of people in Europe wear them and besides, I've found being polite is far more important than what's on your feet. I'm taking mine next time, and I'm a Diva all the way.

No, please, keep talking about it! I just recently started reading your most excellent blog and the timing is uncanny because I've been trying to work up the courage to travel solo to Europe. I need to hear you say at least eight more times that I can do it.

Oh yea, I agree with the rest who say thanks for the websites and will head off to Puerto Rico in the summer.

Also, I definitely want to go to Rome, after going to Paris, that is.

You had a great time in Italy and have proof to show. That is a long way of this healing process that fortunately, you are going out of. Yay for Laurie!!!

So, where is CAP heading next since Banff is sorta out of the question??? I wouldn't go there myself either because I also not an outdoorsy type girl but much rather go to Rome, hehe.

zoom: you can do it, you can do it... hehehehehe. Really, you can.

One word of unsolicited advice: If you do decide to do it, and you're a little anxiety-filled and scared of your own decision, tell as few people ahead of time about your plans as possible. Or only share your plans with trusted folks who you know will support you. The last thing you need to hear is someone telling you you're off your rocker and then giving you the list of reasons why you shouldn't do what you're already a little panicked about. Trust me on this one ;)

Janet, bonuses around here are given out in March. If this year is a good year (fingers crossed) who knows where I may be this spring!!hehehehee

I am so not doing anything good-girl with my bonus like saving it or putting it towards retirement. I am getting on an airplane to somewhere.

But not a cruise. LOL

I think its really cool that you went alone. I agree with all your pros for doing so. I can totally see me doing it sometime.
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences!

Do you think the U.S. government will be happy that I'm taking the $600 they're giving me and speading it overseas??

I don't think so either :)

Have rebate, will travel

....or "spending"....how bout that....

Stephanie, I forgot about the rebate!!!

OMG, I HAVE those Naot boots! I Love them. Really. Love them. I stalked them for months and they never went on sale, so I just bought them. They are perfect for travel, and so comfortable.
Amen on the Naot boots!

Shoes! Clothes! Yes. This is helping me visualize my trip in November. I was in Rome last time when it was HOT and all of my pictures have my red sweaty face and shorts! Okay I also had the linen dress, but I could not think of what people would be wearing in the cold-ish weather. Jeans and boots sound like a great combo. However, I am not going to worry about whether I have Euro jeans, or mom jeans. Might have to get some of those Euro tennies though.

After wanting to go to London for many years, I saved money over 12 months and went last fall. My husband doesn't like to travel and most of my previous trips were to Stitches conferences for a weekend.

I spent a week and loved it. I was a little worried about sticking out as a "tourist" but since most people travel in a pair or a group, a single person appears to be a local at first glance. I had several people stop me and ask for directions. Use the internet and the guidebooks to advance plan. I did find the Rick Steves book really helpful. I can't wait to go back.

YEA! for you! You can post all you want about your trip. Love hearing about it and seeing your photos. We love celebrating and re-living the trip with you.

I smell your third book! Right after you write the one about your goal lists!

I've been to Banff with my parents a couple of times when I was younger. We went in the summer time (and slept in a tent. In bear country. Luckily, saw no bears.) I love driving through the mountains, you see all these little waterfalls, tons of elk and dahl sheep, and deer. I really liked going to the top of Sulfer Mountain in a gondola, they had a wooden sidewalk that was quite long where you could walk over to the next peak. So many Asian tourists, it's so cute how they got even more excited than me when chipmunks would come right up to you and look cute for food. Lake Louise and Lake Moraine are both gorgeous, all the minerals in the water make it a true aquamarine colour. Beautiful. I've only been through the mountains once in the winter time and that was amazing, too. I was moving to BC at the time so there were no fun tourist stops on the way, but all the waterfalls were frozen and they were so gorgeous. There were even people ice-climbing some of them but that's something I'd watch, not do. There was so much to see even right beside the roads. I hope you do go there, it's very worth the trip. It's number one on my list of places I want to travel to again in the near future.

Go Laurie Go!! I am so happy that you did this all by yourself. I am so proud of you! Yes, Banff is gorgeous - you really should go. Maybe take the train from Vancouver to Banff - simply exquisite. I have been several times, and hope to go back this summer and take all 60 kids....

Steph

I've never understood the whole reluctance people have to traveling alone. I spent a week alone, in a tent, in Haida Gwaii, a week in Ohio, and another couple of weeks randomly scattered through Washington, the BC interior and Alberta. Time of my life.

I will also be moving at the end of this year to Scotland. I've never been but I've decided to move. Just because I can.

I have been asked the money question too. My answer is always "How can I afford not to? I can always make more money, I can't make more time"

We may not like to think about it but our time is finite.

Banff, AB is amazing. I love it in June. It's warm in the day, a slight nip at night, and it's still quiet. I have the luxury of living 2 hours away so I visit often.

I look forward to visiting Banff, UK in '09!

Keep it up!

Ah, more beautiful pics of Rome, I loved them! The pics of the people when you travel are just the best, IMO. I'm not a great history buff so that stuff makes me kind of sleepy, but people watching, that is the most fun! Thanks for sharing! I must be wanting to travel again because I read your post with great interest, but with four young kids, ain't no world travelling happening for me anytime soon. But I will tuck these tips away for someday.

After reading this post, I immediately started looking up flights to Egypt for my I-Just-Graduated-Going-Crazy trip, vowing I would take this trip even if no one would go with me and no matter what anyone said. (Then I realized that on top of summer airfare being expensive, it's too hot to go to the desert! So, my go-crazy trip will be put off until the winter after graduation, but still! this post inspired me to say hey, why can't I go see the pyramids in the near future?)

It sounds like the perfect trip. Peaceful and just there.

Just wanted to add to everyone's comments and say thanks for giving us a virtual vacation! I love reading your blog and thank you every time!

Sweetie, events have conspired so that my hubby and I can take our first ever week long trip to anywhere and actually afford NOT to camp! And this was so inspiring that, while he's out on his daily bicycle ride, I'm planning our May trip to London!

Or maybe Rome, if I can find a competitive rate. I'm so excited!

Thank you thank you!

OK...scratch that. Dublin is the same price. We're definitely going to Dublin!

I was so happy to read about your trip that I got all misty-eyed! Then I read your post about your previous trip to Paris and full on CRIED with laughter! You rock!

FYI on the credit cards for international travel: some of them charge an extra fee for each foreign transaction! I hate to sound like I'm stumping for a company, but we found that Capitol One had the best rates for foreign transactions (it wasn't perfect but much better than some other cards). I'm no expert, but check out the small print on your card policy before you go, it can make a real difference if you're putting hotel stays, etc. on your card while you are abroad.

Thanks again Laurie for such great blogging!

I'm so glad you enjoyed your solo trip! My first real travelling happened when I was 19, taking the train across Canada to a new job (in Banff! I love it there in the early autumn), and I absolutely loved it. There's nothing like wandering through a city on your own, at your own pace, stopping for whatever reason takes your fancy. It really gives you a chance to soak up the sights, sounds and feel of a place.
Here's to many more wonderful explorations!

you need to get the weekly email of Travelzoo's Top 20 cheapest deals-they are fantastic!! I have dreams of one day actually TAKING on of the cheap trips but alas, 3 small kids is temporarily not allowing that-TEMPORARILY I SAY!! but the deals really are great-I get the email just for daydreaming's sake!!!

you are brave, adorable, and even though i'm much older than you (turning 50 this year - don't scream! oh no, that was me) reading your honest, funny blog has made me feel the possibilities of life. Thanks.

So glad you had such a fab vacation ... thanks for sharing all the helpful travel tips!

As you can read from your comments we-- your adoring readers--- LOVE to read about your travels!!! You rock! And! you are also a wondedrful inspiration for all women out there. We all need to reinvent ourselves (married or not), take chances, carpe diem, and live our passions. Also, we love the knitting and the cats... the poop- not so much!

Stumbled across your blog through Pretty Random Thoughts and so glad I did! What an amazing experience and you did a fantastic job of recapping the Rome trip for all of us delurkers. Makes me want to go so bad.

Fantastic few posts!!! I've enjoyed them all so much. I love to travel but I've always done it with a good friend. You've got me thinking I can and should do it on my own. Thank you so much for the "Yes you can" portion of your post. I too and a big baby and scared and I'm not going to let it stop me anymore. I've also pulled (more like HAULED) my ass out of debt and have a nice savings going (for a condo) but taking a few bucks to see the world is also a big priority for me (maybe even the biggest). Thanks for reminding of this fact and encouraging me to get out there and do it!!!

you are a glam rock star babe in your uber-gigantic sunglasses. only someone famous could look so so chic in sunglasses that damned hugemongous.

i see a future for you in "travel for one" books. seriously. get paid to travel. do we live in a fantastic world or what?!

Just finished your book. LOVED it!! I nearly cleared the subway car (from people thinking I'd lost my mind), I was laughing so hard. I don't know if What's-His-Name ever found his "creativity" (what exactly is that a euphemism for, I wonder), but you definitely found yours. You keep it up, girl!

You are my new hero. I would love to travel alone, and would describe myself the way you did. You have given this knit chick hope :) Malto bene! You rock!

Your trip sounds awesome!! Thanks for all the great tips. I'm trying to convince my man to head out to Spain winter '08/09. This all sounds like I could help convince him ;-)

I agree - it's all about the priorities. We (me, the DH and 3 DDs) spent 2 blissful weeks in London this past July. We could have spent the money on other things, but this was the best thing we could have done. We lived in a townhouse next to the Thames (it's a week-by-week rental) and did real-life things like go to the supermarket and all sorts of touristy stuff like watch the changing of the Guard. It was absolutely awesome and I can't wait to do it again.

I went to Maine over the weekend with Miss B. It was only about 100 miles; I drove, and we stayed with my folks. What a dull adventure, you are thinking, but I was at a spinning retreat. I can't offhand recall a better birthday -- and, ahem, I've had a few.

The chances of my getting to go anywhere alone for more than about ten minutes are, to put it mildly, remote, due to family circumstances. I've compensated by being open to the experience, no matter how geographically close to home.

Pssst....
You know what I just did?
I reserved a few seats on a plane for me (and the two little ones) to see the start of the Iditarod in Anchorage this weekend!
Year after year I think we should go, but hubster has to work....this year I thought screw it. I'm going! My 8 year old is reading Balto books and she's into it, so WHY NOT?
And, three days ago my parents just thought the same thing about Ireland. Screw it-we're going! They bought tickets for a trip in May.
Rome and Banff are both on the list for me! My girlfriend got married (eloped, actually) in Banff. It's beautiful! Your encouragement (even though I don't even know you!) is driving me to plan more trips-with or without hubster. Thanks! :)