Thoughts on traveling alone?

[seasaidhlinne]

I am saving for a trip to Scotland and it is a long ways off mind you(Between student loans and real life) and I want to have all my family research thoroughly done as I want to find the resting place of my great great uncle who died around the age of 6-10 shortly before my family immigrated so I want clear information and would love to find some family connections. So the areas I would likely do would be Inverness and Edinburgh(where I think I have physical family I WOULD love to come into contact with)

However I started thinking about traveling alone and as a young female it carries extra risks, but has everyone ever solo tripped to Scotland? What was your experience?

I mean I suppose I could find a travel companion, but I just feel very drawn to do this alone, but part of me knows it's a stupid IDEA. I just like to take my time when I go places I could spend a totally of 8 hours in one museum just taking it all in, and I like to wander at will....

One option I thought was if I could connect with members here from the area so I would "Know" someone.
(The offer also extends if anyone ever drops by into my beautiful Nova Scotia I'd show you around, and feed you!)
This is a bit off, this trip like I said just wanted to see what others experiences were

[Carlo]

Well I travelled around Scotland on my own before.
As far as I can say Scotland is as safe as any other western european country (Only know these). I never had any problems but then I'm no young lady.
Edinburgh, Inverness and even Glasgow nowadays seem to be much safer than one might expect, but then our local friends might give you an update on that.

[Father Bill]

We wandered around Glasgow (wife & I) and got into one rough looking section in the evening. Glad I was with her, but like any major city, there are parts you're wiser to avoid at night. Otherwise, like all cities, they're pretty good.

[seasaidhlinne]

I would love to connect with a local!
Inverness would be my main local
The idea of traveling with someone else bothers me but I wouldn't mind meeting up with a local....I LOVE seeing beyond the normal touristy stuff.....
Than there is part of me that knows I'm going to want to hike, and bike and all that and I should find someone to go with me......

But in experience even traveling around my local area as a young woman is iffy the only difference is I "know" where to avoid and "whom" to avoid locally....

That being said when my friend was a live (He died three years ago) I used to go with him and alone to distribute much needed items to some of the rougher parts of several areas.... and continued going alone after he died ...the only difference was they knew who I was so I was welcome and even some of the rougher gang-like people had respect for me. So I know my way around 'the rougher crowd', but always had a protector even among their ranks. And I know that in travel I would like incorporate some volunteer activity in there.....

and I can see myself stumbling into areas I ought not.....

And I MOST def. WILL not consider my sister as a travel companion.
THAT would be the worst trip ever.

[Jordan]

Not being a girl I can't really speak. However I traveled alone in the opposite direction(San Francisco) earlier this year and I pretty much tried to avoid dodgy areas or people who looked dodgy (whether that fair or not) and dark alleyways etc at night.

I would imagine that most places are pretty safe if you stay in public and don't go wandering off with anyone.

Just my tuppence.

[EagleJCS]

If you'd like to incorporate some volunteer work on your journey, may I suggest contacting the British Scout Association? They may even be able and/or willing to help you make some contacts/find a local guide/place to stay. They'd definitely know about the hiking/biking, etc.

[neloon]

A' Sheasaidh,
I echo Jordan's comments.
By reputation, Inverness would be very safe but, of course, no guarantees. Inverness itself is a bit boring in my view.
Edinburgh should also be fine - maybe "Phil" could give local advice. Aberdeen is, of course, wonderful but probably not on your itinerary (?Castle Fraser, about 10 miles from here - not really truly Clan Fraser territory.)
http://www.whichcastle.com/aberdeens...stlefraser.htm

Now, you mentioned cycling - not great in the Highlands because
(a) the Highlands are, well, hilly. Though not so much around Inverness,
(b) the roads are bendy and the locals drive like maniacs,
(c) overseas tourists can be on the wrong(!) side of the road.

If you think I can be of any help, please ask, maybe by PM.

Ailean

[CDNSushi]

If the thought of traveling alone doesn't appeal to you, allow me to suggest a very old, provincial Japanese custom. Actually, it's not even widely or commonly known in Japan -- I've been told that it's a "local" thing to the prefecture where I live, (Yamanashi).

It's called a "mujinkai." What it is, is a gathering of people, bound by a common goal, who each contribute financially on a regular basis to make it happen. So if, for example, I wanted to visit Scotland, I would set a tentative itinerary, and then invite people to join me... This could be friends, family, old schoolmates, co-workers, members of some club or organization, or even complete strangers, as you see fit. In this case, perhaps a group of kilted individuals. But in general, anywhere between 4 to 12 people, or whatever you deem appropriate. (Many companies start to give discounts for flights and whatnot once you've exceeded 10, so that might be something to look into). Once a month, on a given date, (like the fourth Saturday of every month), the group meets for a pub night, and has a great time drinking, eating, carousing, and enjoying each other's company, and ALSO contributes a pre-determined amount of money into the kitty. (There is an appointed treasurer). It could be like $100, or $200, or whatever the group decides on. Then, once enough money has been collected, the entire group goes on their trip to Scotland, with all expenses for flight, hotels, food, tours, etc., taken care of.

[KenB]

Perhaps make a few inquiries of the Universities or colleges in the areas you wish to visit. Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen all have very well renowned universities. Check with student services and see if they can suggest accommodation, research facilities, etc.
Check also with the Gaelic College of Cape Breton as they may have contacts or interchange programs you could piggyback on for your trip to Scotland.
There are also volunteer opportunities at Quarrier's (largest charity in Scotland) http://www.quarriers.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/
Good luck!

[tulloch]

Going alone makes one very flexible. Just be sensible and don't drink too much. I will be going this summer with my daughter and will wander off alone most days while she, poor thing, has to rehearse with the band. I will let you know more.