However, as comfortable as I was in my private room, I felt lonely. After a little shopping to cheer

Europe (163) Austria (37) Belgium (27) Bosnia (11) Bulgaria (1) Croatia (4) Czech Republic (47) Denmark (16) Finland (5) France (156) Paris (57) Germany atlantis hotel reno (108) Great Britain (47) England (70) Scotland (19) Wales (3) Greece (116) Crete (9) Hungary (41) Iceland (4) Ireland (58) Italy (221) Luxembourg atlantis hotel reno (1) Malta (5) Morocco (10) Norway (5) Poland (1) Romania (4) Russia (12) Slovakia (2) Slovenia (3) Spain (45) Barcelona (19) Madrid (18) Sweden (4) Switzerland (10) The Netherlands (34) Amsterdam (55) Turkey atlantis hotel reno (36) Ukraine (1) Eastern Europe (4) Western Europe (3) North America (6) USA (128) California (13) Florida (5) Hawaii (28) New York City (66) Roadtripping atlantis hotel reno USA (8) Canada (4) Alberta (1) Montreal (2) Puerto Rico (12) Middle East Egypt (11) Israel (42) Asia & Pacific Australia (73) China (6) New Zealand (22) Thailand (21) Vietnam (16) LG Headquarters (105) Latin America (7) Belize & Guatemala (12) Belize (5) Guatemala (13) Brazil (4) Buenos Aires (34) Chile (2) Costa Rica (43) Dominica (7) Ecuador (1) El Salvador (4) Honduras (32) Mexico (39) Yucatan Peninsula (13) Nicaragua (8) Panama (8)
Travelling alone can be scary. In fact, it is something my grandmother has strong feelings about if she had her way, I would never be allowed to cross the street without a police officer, a medic and several family members present. However, it is also one of the most gratifying ways to travel a way to discover your strengths, your weaknesses and how well you can guess what certain menu items contain (when in doubt, always ask).
So, for the first time ever, I pulled up my socks, put on my backpack and prepared myself to travel completely alone to Salamanca. Traditionally I have stayed in hostels, liking the atmosphere and being able to cook (usually tuna and pasta). However, I got spectacularly lost within 5 minutes of my arrival, so I found the nearest atlantis hotel reno place recommended in my guidebook. Right on the Plaza Mayor, the Pensi n Los Angeles is a budget atlantis hotel reno travellers friend. At 18 per night, I had my own room with bathroom, fresh towels, and a welcome drink of fresh orange juice.
atlantis hotel reno However, as comfortable as I was in my private room, I felt lonely. After a little shopping to cheer myself up (Bershka, H M and Zara being too convenient on the Calle Toro off the Plaza Mayor), I sat down in El Alcaravan just past the Casa de Las Conchas (delicious coffee and free Wi-Fi to boot!) and planned my itinerary. Here is what I came up with to make the most of my solo trip Salamanca and combat any pesky feelings of loneliness:
1) Research! Make use of your resources. Ask around. If you don't speak Spanish, atlantis hotel reno don t worry - Salamanca is a center for language exchange and more than likely you will run across an English-speaker quickly. There is also free hourly internet at the library at the Casa de Las Conchas. For me, the employees at the Pensi n Los Angeles were very helpful within a short conversation I had places to go for dinner, live music, and cheap drinks. For interested parties, I recommend Leonardo de Luxe just off the Plaza Mayor for a massive bocadillo atlantis hotel reno (sandwich), fries and any drink for only 5. O Hara s, on Calle de Zamora, is a good place for live music, popular with students, and if you want some traditional Spanish tapas (similar to appetizers) that come with beer or wine for 1 or 2 euros, go to the Van Dyke neighborhood and wander. Remember, the first step is always the hardest once you get yourself to one destination, it becomes easier.
2) Explore! Salamanca is a great place for some solo sight-seeing. Grab a map from the tourist atlantis hotel reno information office located in the Plaza Mayor and practice those rusty navigational skills. The cathedral is wonderful, airy, and free: a delightful conglomeration of old and new (the Catedral Nueva being constructed in the 16th century). For those weary of cathedrals, get a new perspective by climbing the lofty towers (entry 3.80), looking down on the central nave of the Catedral Nueva and getting an excellent view of Salamanca. I also enjoyed wandering through the cobble-stone streets, visiting the Parque de La Alamedilla, and marveling at buildings such as the University of Salamanca and the Convent of San Esteban. atlantis hotel reno Take comical pictures of yourself exploring, atlantis hotel reno it s a great way to entertain yourself and make memories! I have an attractive self-taken photo of myself staring at the university gate for hours trying to find that darned frog (ask around, it s a popular local legend).
3) Find a friend! Salamanca is a student town, filled with lively people of all ages who never mind one more joining the group. Check out Erasmus events online (an exchange program for EU students), atlantis hotel reno and also check out Couchsurfing events in the area. I was able to find companions for tapas, drinks and a free concert using these resources. Also, be brave. atlantis hotel reno If you are somewhere alone and would like some company, talk to people. I found this difficult, but after having a mental pep-talk and a quick sip of Alhambra, I approached a group of people and was quickly atlantis hotel reno welcomed.
After an initial slow start, I had a great time, and enjoyed a sense of freedom and independence I have never felt before. I learned a very important lesson being alone is different than being lonely.
For 52 years, we have published the world s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.