where shall I go?

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   mega1posted 11 years ago

   Help!  I am finally getting a passport - my first - and may possibly have to travel alone - a woman out there alone!  Any ideas for where I could go with minimal safety issues?  I want to get away from the U.S. for a few weeks and be somewhere where English is the second language.  I prefer somewhere warm, but will entertain suggestions for anywhere.  Give me some ideas, please!

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      aka-djposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Australia.
      
      Need I say more?

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         mega1posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         big place - any special suggestions - Sydney?  I am not sure, however, that I want to spend that much time on airplanes - from California it would take a long time, no?

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            aka-djposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Sydney, if you like the city kind of holiday.
            There certainly are a lot of options from there.
            
            Travel time is around 13hrs fro LA, if my memory seves me well.
            I have done it several times, but not recently.
            
            I'd be happy to help you out, if you chose to come down.

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               mega1posted 11 years agoin reply to this

               thanks, very much -aka-dj  - I am considering it - I have awhile before I have to make up my mind so I will be investigating all these ideas.   I definitely like what I've seen in Australian movies - and the people from there who I've met especially have great humor!  So thanks for the invite!

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         freecampingaussieposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         She said she wanted to visit a place where English is the second language ! We speak English as first language here - still a great place to visit but I would have said France - Greece etc !

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      angela martinez67posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      welcome to the Philippines then :-)  a lot of nice places to see, enjoy a simple and not so costly experience, and encounter warm and friendly people out here who can help you around. please feel free to mail me if you need some help and guide should you decide to visit manila, philippines. *huGs*

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         mega1posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Philippines sounds good - I have heard somewhere that people there like to tango and I like to watch the tango dancers very much.  Will look it up and see if it is too far for me.  I am somewhat limited in time away from my job and don't want to spend too much of it in airplanes!  Thanks for the suggestions and I will keep it in mind.

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      mirabeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      bali island is the best answer i'm thinking right now or you might wanna try cambodia..they got many artifact waiting for you there

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      Hollie Thomasposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Kefalonia is beautiful, English is widely spoken and it's lovely and hot. Or Barcelona, now there's a beautiful place.

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      rob_allenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      The Philippines. English is one of our official language so you will not have problem with communicating with the locals. The best place to visit is Palawan. Palawan is known to the world for its breath taking beauty. Aside from that, there are other islands that you can visit like Bohol, Cebu, and of course, Boracay

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      hinazilleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      The most beautiful place you can visit is Dominica  - i have moved here as my husband is a local here, but its a trip that anyone looking to relax away from the hustle of the cities and busy towns will love. Hot sulphur springs, cascading waterfalls, crystal blue waters, secret beaches, great local food - its a real haven. You can check out my latest hub to read more about it & look at some more gorgeous pictures of the views it offers.
      
      

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      Norwayboy-33posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi mam.
      How are you.
      My name is Per.
      Places you could visitt where they speak english are England-Australia-Canada-the south of Russia,phillipines and New-Zealand-Hawaii.
      There are also countries in Europe such as Italy-Greeze you can visitt.
      It,s cheap to visitt the countries around the Mediterreinion sea now a days.

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   JustMikeposted 11 years ago

   You know there used to be a jibber on here that all his hub were reviews of the countries and hostels he stayed at along the way I know I sure travelled with him in spirit I wonder how many others did as well.

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   Gordon Hamiltonposted 11 years ago

   If you want somewhere where English is the second language but many of the locals understand it, the streets are both safe and clean, there are no safety issues to worry about and there is something exciting and interesting to do 24/7/365, I doubt you can do better than Munich, Germany. It's a really beautiful city but has climate extremes. It can be like the Arctic in the Winter and like the Bahamas in the summer. Munich is famed for Oktoberfest but although I travel to Munich regularly and have done for many years, you may be surprised to learn that during Oktoberfest (late September/early October every year) is my least favourite time to visit. Too many drunken tourists!

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   mega1posted 11 years ago

   Yes, Gordon, I don't like drunks either.  I don't drink alcohol much anymore since it makes me sick (probably all in my head, but anyway)  I think I would like Munich.  Sounds like one would have to travel there in either spring or fall to avoid the weather temperatures. 
   
   This is interesting getting these suggestions - it makes me wonder what I really want to do - because thinking of traveling long distances is exhausting me.  Oh, I have led a sheltered life!
   
   Thanks for the ideas.  Now I am having a great time doing some armchair traveling!

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      Gordon Hamiltonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I hope you find somewhere that you want to go, mega1. You will find Munich very easy to get to from the US and the Airport has a super efficient direct rail link with the city centre. There are lots of great websites about Munich but I strongly recommend this one for the true picture of the city Muenchen.de. This link should take you straight to the English language version. (I hope!) If not, click on the British Union Flag towards the top left.
      
      Hope you find the place of your dreams and have a great time!

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   mega1posted 11 years ago

   just a thought - maybe I should get in one of those tours?  any suggestions for good tour companies?  As you can see I know next to nothing about travel

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      Rochelle Frankposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      My Mom and Dad traveled the world for 15 years going with tour groups-- The best thing for them was, you knew they would get you to places where you would have accommodations-- and you didn't have to figure all of that out. They loved it.  You are also with a 'group' and people tend to look out for each other. 
      You might also want to look at sites like Travelsmith.com or Magellans-- to find clothing and bags that are practical,comfortable and security oriented for travelers.
      HOpe you have a great time, when you get ready to go.

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         mega1posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         sounds good - I will check those out.  Now that I'm doing this, the world seems so HUGE! 

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   Hmrjmr1posted 11 years ago

   Hey Mega good to read you here, You might want to look into Belize as well. Great and friendly folks, English is standard, The water is the clearest on the planet. lots to do inland as well.

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      mega1posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hey!  long time no see!  nice to see you -  Belize - I had to look it up - sounds like a bit of heaven.  So here's where I've been so far - brief trips to Quebec and Mexico (very brief) and a week in Kauai and a lot of bumming around the U.S.  - here's where I'd like to go -  EVERYWHERE!  ! !
      
      Now I'm thinking the way to do it will be with a tour group.

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         Rochelle Frankposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I think that would be the way to go, at least to start. Many, or most tours give you some free-time options-- so it is not like following one person around all of the time. 
         
         I live in California Gold rush country and sometimes give  groups a tour of our local museum.  Many of them are with "TAUCK Tours"-- I have seen their  itinerary of the state and I think it gives a very diverse interesting tour in a short time. Their busses look deluxe. Not necessarily budget cheap, but I think they give good value.

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   Hmrjmr1posted 11 years ago

   Tour groups are a good way to go. Have fun!

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      mega1posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, yeah, I will!  But I can't go until I do a whole lot of talking, and obsessing about it!  FUN!

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         Rochelle Frankposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Getting prepared is half the fun.

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   hayjayposted 11 years ago

   Hello I have spent the last few years living in Southern Italy, and it is a very safe place for single women, as many of the American women I know there very frequently travel alone. I wrote a short hub on things to do in Southern Italy, but if you choose to make the trip I would certainly be willing to offer more opinions. Popular places to visit in Central to Southern Italy are Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Positano, the Amalfi coast, Bari, Matera, the amazing islands of Ischia and Capri, and other small hidden gems. The train system is very easy to use, and the people are very willing to answer questions and offer directions. The food is amazing, and the sites are some of the oldest architectural wonders still standing in this world. Also around the city of Naples, your odds of running into someone who is very fluent in English is great as there are several US and NATO military bases in the area, so there are plenty of Americans, Germans, and Brits all who speak English very proficiently.
   
   Regardless of where you decide to go, I hope you enjoy your trip, take loads of pictures, and have a very positive experience.

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      mega1posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I bet the food is fabulous in Southern Italy - and I am checking out the options there.  And I will definitely visit your hub.

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         hayjayposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         One thing I would like to add, Rome can seem a bit daunting and almost like a trip in and of itself. However, with a bit of planning you can see everything in one day, but it is certainly best done in two. With a good tour group I imagine that you can see the Coliseum, Palatine Hill (Where Romulus and Remus started Rome), the Pantheon, and Trevi fountain one day and the Bocca della Verita if you're interested; visiting the slew of visual pleasures that Vatican city has to offer the next day, like the Sistine Chapel, and Coppola, along with everything else that is hoarded into what is the smallest and richest country in the world (The Vatican).

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   vespawoolfposted 11 years ago

   Go to Switzerland! Many people speak English, the scenery is drop-dead-gorgeous and the food is fabulous. It's expensive, but you'd have the vacation of a lifetime.

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      hayjayposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I would have to disagree with the food being fabulous. I'd rather eat Greek food...and I'm not a fan of that either. Everything tastes like vinegar in Switzerland.

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    mega1posted 11 years ago

    Thanks so much for all your suggestions.  I am looking up all these places and finding some great deals and beauty.  I'm sure when I finally go somewhere I'll have a lot more to talk about.  I wish I could visit them all!

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    GmaGoldieposted 11 years ago

    Oh, please don't close this post. New Zealand! One of the few places in the world that I wish to return.
    
    Bon Voyage! Enjoy! I am so happy for you!

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    Global-Chicaposted 11 years ago

    Come to Portugal! It's a beautiful country, full of history and amazing sights. It's also very safe, warm and most people speak English as a second language really well. Portugal can also serve as a great gateway if you'd want to venture to neighboring Spain. Also France and Italy are a short flight away.

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    CorinneCanadaposted 11 years ago

    If you want something safe and exotic, you can't go wrong with South-East Asia. I went there a lot in my twenties, on my own and I had a great time, very safely. I loved the Philippines and Burma. Both safe and great people. Thailand is very very touristy so depends what you are into. But Thailand does have great islands, parties, easy traveling. If you are looking for authenticity, Burma (Myanmar) is the way to go.

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    e-ideannposted 11 years ago

    Maybe Yunnan Province in China is a perfect choice for you.

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    Patsybellposted 11 years ago

    My advice is to go to Journey Woman  http://www.journeywoman.com/ The Premier Travel Resource for Women. It's free and I always enjoy their newsletter.

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    ocbillposted 11 years ago

    I would also say Australia. My sister went there and never came back. she loves it. The more I read about it the more I want to go.  Although, it is not cheap.

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    pisean282311posted 11 years ago

    australia , africa and India are three best places for travel...

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    LaThingposted 11 years ago

    I am surprised no one suggested ENGLAND! It's only six hours plane ride, probably closest from the state. English is THE language
    Beautiful history! Don't spend too many days in London. Go to Scotland, and must visit the Lake District. Or you can go straight to Scotland. Lake district is close to Scotland, and very pretty. Very relaxing..... Must eat lunch at local Pubs. They are not just for drinks
    
    They do have per arranged tours there too. Look into it, I am sure you will enjoy it. Then next year take the world!

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    ShepherdLoverposted 11 years ago

    One of my favorites is Austria - I would spend some time in Vienna and then take the train to Salzburg.  There's so much history and culture in Vienna - a ton to do!  And I think Salzburg is one of the most beautiful places in the world.  I went most recently in the early fall and the weather was very temperate and comfortable.

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    mega1posted 11 years ago

    thanks for contributing your great and wonderful ideas.  Now what if I throw in "on a budget"?  does that change much? Of course it probably just does.  So I should have said that in the first place. anyhow.  now where?

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       Druid Dudeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Iran is beautiful this time of year.

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    TravelAboutposted 11 years ago

    mega1
    
    First Question - What is your budget?
    
    Second Question - How long do you wish to travel?
    
    Third Question - Have you ever been on a ship; If so, did you get seasick?
    
    It sounds to me like you might really enjoy cruising.  I like a cruise because I get to visit several places without packing, unpacking and changing hotels.  I also like the fact that there are activities day and night and you can do as much as you want or just relax in a lounge chair and read a good book.  You also take excusions when you dock in each place and there are large groups in all excursions so you would not be alone.  I have a hub on companion cruises offered on the more luxury lines.  Feel free to ask any me any more questions if you have any.  Wherever you go, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

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