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[Dulciana]

What would people here think about flying to the Far East and back, alone?   Would you do it, the way things are just now?   I've been invited for a specific purpose and I don't know what to do.  Hubby doesn't think it'd be safe for me to go alone.   

[limpy]

I've travelled to New Zealand my myself a couple of times that was fine - but that was in Business class where things are much easier, less queueing and waiting for luggage, better food & wine as well! It depend where in the Far East, I would feel happy about going to Singapore but I couldn't comment on anywhere else as I haven't been 

[bramble]

If I was being met at the airport by someone I knew, then yes. Far more wary now of arriving and having to deal with onward travel on my own.

Bramble

[milly]

Yes without doubt.
My daughter lives in far east so I have to go. The first time alone is a bit scary, but it doesnt need to be, its all regimented for you really. I would be more concerned trying to travel across London, underground etc.

Once you are at the airport, relax, enjoy the shops, look out for your boarding details, find seat, relax ,watch a film and then get off, and hopefully be met by someone.

I think we have to get on with these things and not let recent, historiical events distract us frim living.

[Dulciana]

Thanks so much, Bramble and Limpy.  I would certainly be met when I got there.  The worry is the flight and the airports and who might be of ill-intent around these places.   Oh, this is a very difficult one.   If I go, Hubby and daughter will be worried.  If I don't go, I could be kicking myself.  (Chance to give a concert in another country.)  I really don't know what to do.  And I'm not expecting anyone to be able to give me an answer.  It just helps to share it with all you helpful people here............

And thanks Milly - food for thought........

My Dad's been to the Far East, alone, from the UK, lots of times.  He was fine. But that was then. 

[Ju Ju]

Is there no possibility for DH or friend to come with you on this trip?

[Dulciana]

Hmm......I hadn't thought of that, Ju Ju.  Thanks.......maybe.........
Dulciana

[grumpyjane]

I would go! In fact I´m already packing my bag 

Seriously, if we worried all the time about what might happen we´d never do anything. The chances of anything bad happening are actually very small, you have more chance of being run over in UK.

In 2011, aged 54, I embarked alone on a 5 month trip round South America. Most of it was unplanned, I just went with the flow. In Venezuela, one of the most dangerous countries in the world apparently, I met the man who is now my partner, and now I live here! The power of love... 

So if anything happens, it will be something good. Ok, make your plans, maybe take someone with you and enjoy it. There will always be someone to help you if you get stuck.

J x

[littleminnie]

Take your OH and some time on at the end and make a holiday of it?

[Ju Ju]

Perhaps Dulciana's DH should go with her to make sure there's no hanky panky, grumpyjane?

I may be flying to the USA to see my son on my own later this year. Even though I have done this trip a lot with DH and there are no real unknowns, I will find it a challenge to do it on my own, so I understand your fears Dulciana. My niece travelled round the world on her own, including the Far East and South America on her own, so I feel a right wuss.

[milly]

I try to accept that airports are very safe places now, high security etc, and an enclosed area with everyone with a purpose...not really bothered about anyone else, just focussing on their own travel plans.

Having done this regulary for 10 years, it is more challenging as I get older,and I do think menopause, post menopause ,makes me more anxious which infuriates me as its unnecessary

When my husband travels with me, I do switch off somehow, but he irritates me when he takes charge as if im helpless..lol..he cant win!

[babyjane]

No, but that's just me and my anxiety.  My husband is going on a long haul trip next year to visit family and we already know that I will not be able to cope with it so our son is going with him.

Hope you reach a place of peace about this Dulciana x

[limpy]

If I go, Hubby and daughter will be worried.

Mmmm - Not sure if I'm remembering this correctly but is this the same Hubby who initially didn't think you should do the Poulenc........................

[Dorothy]

If it's terrorism you are concerned about, just remember that people have been killed in schools, universities, shops, restaurants, offices and concert halls.  Nowhere is guaranteed safe.  And more people die ever year in car accidents than plane crashes or from a terrorist attack.

I've no experience of travelling in the Far East, but I did travel to NZ on my own which I was terrified about doing as the furthest I'd ever travelled on my own before had been two hours by train within the UK!  But it was fine.  Airport staff are usually helpful toward inexperienced travellers.  Just make sure you check the rules regarding what you can take/how much - I noticed staff were much less friendly toward people who kept breaking the rules!  If you're unsure of anything, just ask - I found a smile and an 'I'm sorry, I'm not used to travelling, please can you help' worked wonders!  I would also check dress/behaviour standards etc for the countries you are visiting/travelling through - it helps if you can avoid anything that would seem to show disrespect to their culture - after all, most of us feel more helpful toward those who don't offend us!

I had 2 changeovers on the way out and 3 on the way back.  In each airport, I found someone who could point me in the right direction (it also helps to chat to passengers near you on the flight, as you are bound to be near someone who is an experienced traveller). 

[Dulciana]

If I go, Hubby and daughter will be worried.

Mmmm - Not sure if I'm remembering this correctly but is this the same Hubby who initially didn't think you should do the Poulenc........................

The same......!