What advice would you give a young woman who will travel to France alone?

Question

I'm a 20 year old girl from Hong Kong. I'm planning to visit France for at least 3 weeks in summer. I plan to visit several different places, with Provence as my focus. I would say my French is slightly below "intermediate", and with a heavy Hong Kong accent, so it would be VERY obvious I'm not a native when I start speaking. I also plan to stay at cheaper places such as 2-star hotels or youth hostels.

What advice would you give me in order to have a safe and happy trip, as well as well-protected personal belongings?

P.S. Don't tell me "Don't go alone"! I wouldn't if I can find a companion...

Answer 1

an advice ??? I can give you one !!!!! don't walk "alone" the night in the strange neighbours !!! otherwise enjoy yourself !!!! i'm sure you will have fun and even make friends !!!

Answer 2

Hi,

Congratulations of going to France.  Here are my suggestions:

1.  Have a great time.

2.  Don't go off by yourself after dark (stay with the crowds).  This is good advice for a young woman traveling alone ANYWHERE.

3.  Remember; body language...it can do wonders to improve your communication abilities.

4.  Don't bring a lot of stuff.  There are laundromats.  If you plan on moving around (train etc) it is so much easier without large, heavy bags.

5.  Don't bring valuable stuff.  If it is your Grandma's wedding ring and you will be devastated to loose it...leave it at home. I have never had trouble with loosing my belongings in 2 or 3 star hotels (such as B&B).  Never stayed in a hostel....heard interesting things.....

6.  Remember, most people in touristy areas of France speak english.  They will also be used to speaking French with non-native speakers.

Answer 3

I think you need to make sure that you stay in places where you will meet good people and in busy places.

There are lot's of folks travelling around - the key is to be friendly and meet them in the right places. Hostels and hotels are great places.

Shame you're not going with anyone - but those types of trips can often have happy endings when meeting others that become lifetime companions.

Good Luck

Answer 4

Hello

I'm french and I live in Paris.  I wish you welcome to France.

For 3 weeks in France, I think it could be good to spend at least 1 week in Paris.

About safety, France is safe except if you go in some hard suburbs of great towns (Paris, Lyon, Marseille). If you take the train, if you travel during the day, there will be no problem. In great towns it can be sometimes a little bit frightened if you walk alone at night in some places or take the underground at night.

About your french "intermediate", don't worry, in France there are many people who don't speak very well french and many french people understand basic words in english when you speak slowly.

I would be happy to give you some others informations if you want.

You can write me private message and I will give you my email.

Answer 5

France is a great place to visit, even alone.  

Don't worry about the quality of your French--most French people will appreciate the effort (a few may smile or make a comment, but it's usually an attempt to be funny, not a put-down).  I've bicycled across southern France and stayed at 2-star hotels.  They were uniformly clean and pleasant, though occasionally noisy if I had a room on the street-side.  Don't expect air-conditioning.  Petty crime can be a problem in the big cities, so be careful with your purse and camera.

Answer 6

Go alone and enjoy your trip ! With your "thin" french, you'll be o.k., you'll see great places and nice people. Don't go alone during the night, even you want to have fun in clubs. Go, go and give a BIG KISS from me to France.

Answer 7

Just enjoy ur tour