starting to get really scared about my flight in 20 days

First time flying by myself and to make matters worse looking at the seat allocation thingy on the Virgin website it looks like the flight is PACKED...I've chosen a seat near the back though so hopefully will only be sitting next to one other person rather than being sandwiched anywhere. Its not just the flight I' worried about its generally finding my way around the airport and being away from home for so long. Any tips about solo travel?

Oh I'll just add. I'll be visiting family but they are older than me and I'm just worried about really wanting to go for a drink or dinner and having no one to go with and being lonely over in NY. Any woman have experience of solo travelling in USA and whether they felt safe say sitting in a restaurant or bar by themselves.

Hi Lisa,

You really don't have anything to worry about. I've travelled alone to the USA many times in the past, and even if flights and full or empty it's been fine.

Key thing is that you get say down, get comfy and get your headset on - watch some movies, have a nap and chill out.

I've also found lots of nice people who I've sat next to in the past and made conversation with.

Luke

I've sat plenty of times in the USA on my own as a solo woman in restaurants. I've never had any problems. I don't know that I'd much want to sit in a bar on my own, but then I wouldn't want to in the UK either . Large US (and European ) cities are used to women travelling alone these days. Just be sensible about where you venture.
DL

I've done a lot of solo travel and whilst it was a little daunting at first, I enjoyed the excitement. Try not to worry too much about it and think of the positives, the holiday, the trip and all the exciting things that your be doing. I too have sat next to lots of nice people and soon got chatting.

As for the airport, just give yourself plenty of time to get though the formalities and give you enough time so your not rushing. Keep an eye out on the boards, for your flight so you know where to go and leave plenty of time to walk to the gate once the gate number is shown, no need to rush.

You don't really say what it is that's scaring you about your first flight, but try to relax and soak up all the experiences that you will have.

NY is a safe city and I don't think you need to worry. I'm heading out there myself in 19 days time and so looking forward to it, though I won't be doing this trip on my own.

I quite like traveling on my own as you can do what you want when you want to without worrying about anyone else. I also find it more relXing going through an airport alone as you can wander the shopps alone and quietly make your own way to the gate/clubhouse/bar in your own time

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm pretty scared about flying as it is but with it being the first time by myself even more worked up. You have all been very reassuring though.

I often travel in the US by myself and I find that in the evening if I want a meal out that it is a good idea to sit and eat at the bar. It is less noticeable that you are alone and the bartenders if they have time will chat to you. It is a much more acceptable thing to do over here than in the UK.

New York is great so be brave and enjoy yourself

Sunshine 8D

I just recently flew long haul to the US solo, I too was a bit nervous about it. I found that it was absolutely brilliant on the way back because I got chatting with an interesting scientist guy and it made the time fly by. It was less fun on the way out when I was sitting with a couple who didn't even talk to each other!? A good book and an Ipod will make it all fly by too.

I often travel in the US by myself and I find that in the evening if I want a meal out that it is a good idea to sit and eat at the bar. It is less noticeable that you are alone and the bartenders if they have time will chat to you. It is a much more acceptable thing to do over here than in the UK.

New York is great so be brave and enjoy yourself

Sunshine 8D

My friends keep saying 'everyone sits by themselves in New York' too .