A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:My parents have offered me an amazing deal, but i'm not sure if I should do it.. They asked if I wanted to go to paris for the weekend by myself, as an independent experience and to see Paris as i've always talked about.Sure it'd be incredible and I've heard about paris being amazing, but would going by myself at only 19 being a good idea? I am responsible and have a lot of common sense, I mean they must think i'm smart enough and trust me to go there by myself.I know it's two days, I'm just wondering whether you guys think it's better to walk around and experience Paris by yourself? Or to go with someone else? Both my mum and sister have been by themselves before and my mum quotes 'the experience going it alone is an adventure and it's best had while young'.Opinion? Reply to this Question
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female
reader, Anonymous 123  +, writes (23 January 2012):
 I'm telling you from first hand experience... GO!! I've been to Paris alone, and it was AMAZING!! Sure you might feel you would want to share such a romantic city with someone special, but dont wait. If you're getting the chance, take it.
Trust me OP, one of the most liberating things in life is exploring a new city, all on your own. I did the touristy stuff of course...Louvre, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, cruise on the Siene river....but what was more fun was just exploring the city on foot. The little cafe's are to die for, I had the best crème brûlée and macaroons in a delightful little cafe.
I can talk about this endlessly...but the bottom line is, JUST GO!! Look up a hotel that's near to the city centre, that way all the major sights will be close by. Be safe, dont stay out alone for too long in the evening, always ask older people for directions and just to be sure you're not misled, ask 3 different people. Dont ever open a map and pore into in on the subway, always pretend to know where you're going and most importantly, HAVE FUN!!
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (23 January 2012): Paris is a special place to visit, so much to see and do, traffic terrible so i would not advise driving yourself if you don't have to, it can get quite stressfull if you just want to have fun.Yes going alone when traveling is such an adventure and a sort of survival instinct often kicks in...but this is that 'be smart' move...alone is not about been vunerable it's about been savvy and trusting YOU! and what feels right been aware...but thats just the same as your home town...it's life!Have a great time and remember the whole world is waiting for you to see it :)
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A
female
reader, Honeypie  +, writes (22 January 2012):
 I'm not really one for travelling alone, but I think if you plan ahead it can be quite an experience.
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A
female
reader, So_Very_Confused +, writes (22 January 2012):
 GO! I went when I was 21 and even if I was in a group I veered off and did my own thing... so much better on those days.... btw it was over 30 years ago and the days I remember the most are the ones I was alone.
GO! enjoy.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (22 January 2012): Watch out for pickpockets my uncle had his passport and wallet stolen when someone accidently bumped into him. He didn't realize what had happened until hours later!
Other than that, be sensible and you should be fine. Enjoy paris, it's beautiful x
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (22 January 2012): lol I've seen Taken as well, and it is based on many many true stories of things that actually happen. BUT think back to that movie, remember how naive and stupid they were? They lied about where they were going, and such. Sooo the moral of the story isnt NEVER GO ANYWHERE ALONE. lol it is: BE SMART.What should you do? If you want a friend to enjoy the experience with, yes, invite someone lol. It's always safer to have a friend with you, true. At the same time,even if you go alone, you will be safe if you use your head. Always make sure someone knows where you are and is expecting you to make a call or something at a certain time, lock your door.. barricade it with a chair if it makes you feel better : P Don't accept rides from strangers XDD lol (You see where i'm going with this... just be smart.)
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A
male
reader, Kyle007 +, writes (22 January 2012):
Fine, outside the reference to the movie, I do believe you should follow the advice to go with someone the first time.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (22 January 2012): Oh my god, sorry but trust a non-European to believe the storyline of taken!! Haha please don't worry Paris will be beautiful and you will have a wonderful time. It could ignite a spark in you to travel more and you're obviously sensible and mature or you parents would not have suggested it. Your only a few hours from the UK and the 2 days will fly by!
Xx
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A
female
reader, Battista +, writes (22 January 2012):
OP you should go for it. Your mum is right. I'm sure after two days you will be looking forward to another trip!
I've been to lots of cities on my own (as a young woman), and I never had any trouble. You just have to use common sense, as chigirl says, and make sure you have a phone with you. If you were worried then you could plan an itinerary before you go and let your parents have a copy so they know vaguely where you are. You could arrange to call them at agreed times if you want to make sure you keep in contact.
I honestly think, though, that you will have a great time. I know lots of people your age who have gone abroad alone for study and never come to any harm. It's a great learning experience and will broaden your horizons. Take up your parents' generous offer and really make the most of it!
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A
female
reader, chigirl  +, writes (22 January 2012):
 *sew
PS. I've seen "Taken". It's a movie. People should start living in the real world rather than think everything they see on TV is true. Lock the door after you and don't be an idiot and you'll be fine. Don't leave your drink unsupervised, don't go clubbing alone perhaps (although I did go clubbing alone in Moscow too, but I stayed sober), don't go home to strangers houses etc. Common sense stuff. You're not safer with a girl friend than you are on your own, and if the other person you bring with you doesn't have common sense you'll be safer on your own. Ive had friends drag me into a lot of bad situations I'd never end up in if I was alone.
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female
reader, chigirl +, writes (22 January 2012):
Go alone. Just use common sense. You're not a child, people at 19 are in most countries considered adult.
I went to live in Moscow for a year when I was 17. I lived with a host family I had never met before, didn't really speak the language, had no friends there, and wandered along the street on my own numerous times. Sure, walking down certain streets and back alleys was a bad idea, but I survived.
Don't swe cushions under your own arms. Go. Live. Explore. Be an adult. Your parents wouldn't want to send you there alone if they thought you were a mere child.
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A
male
reader, Kyle007 +, writes (22 January 2012):
Have you seen the movie "Taken"? See it or google the synopsis.
For your own safety it would be best to go with someone if just for the first time.
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