So question...for those of us who tour. When you're out in an unfamiliar town, do you go out on the town alone? Or do you have someone that you know before you get there to take you around? I mean like leisure actitivites, like to the mall, the strip...out to dinner! I mean really, going out to places where 'crowds' are alone can feel a bit intimidating even to the most confident of people (I consider myself confident enough to go in crowds, but its a bit boring sometimes).

Or do you just stay at the hotel the entire time (boring!)?

Do you find a man to go on a date with?

I love going to new places and always do my research before I set off so if all my bookings cancel  I've got plenty of things to do. I go to galleries and exhibitions and am happy going to the cinema two or three nights in a row - I like to explore the place I'm staying in and I think it makes me better company for clients, rather than someone who's just been sitting in a Travellodge for three days. I do some bookings too, obviously...

Because I live in a small town, when I go to larger places I get to go to restaurants that we don't have - I went out for Vietnamese twice in London last week (since we don't have it here) with two different regulars in tow, and I went on the Tate boat , went swimming, had icecream in Soho; I'm going to Bristol next month and am planning a trip to the zoo amongst other things. Going out drinking doesn't interest me though.

If I haven't been somewhere before and I know a local lady from here or another board, I have been known to contact them to see if they want to go for dinner or coffee or whatever - some do and some don't but I like meeting others, and I feel safer knowing that somebody isn't too far away in the event of any real disasters. I'll be interested to see what other replies you get.

Much the same as Amy. I do a lot of research before I go. I like to get out and about. I love art galleries. I have been to the theatre on my own - doesn't bother me at all. I always find out about the best restaurants and usually go for lunch (cheaper). Of course, I have to go shopping. Sometimes I go and get my nails done or a blowdry, or even a massage if the hotel has a spa. I usually take my gym gear but don't always feel like working out. I always pack a pair of comfy shoes as I walk everywhere. If I can, I try and book a hotel that has club facilities. This means I can go and chill out there in the evenings. I read a book or mags and have a few glasses of wine. All of this of course, if I don't have bookings. But I do ALWAYS ensure I have ME time or I would go around the twist!

Quote from: Amber on 17 June 2010, 07:38:22 am

don't always feel like working out and have a few glasses of wine.

Ms. Thing...you sound like me! few bottles of wine, and its been hard to get into the mood to workout since I been on the road now for an entire week. Mostly due to the fact that I dont have much an appetite when traveling (I believe I have some sort of traveling anxiety). And in order for me to workout hard, I have to have 4-5 meals a day. I'm averaging 2-3 meals per day, usually lunch and dinner and thats it.

Lol! When I'm at home I'm in the gym 3 or 4 times a week (usually classes tho as this motivates me). When I'm on tour I have all good intentions but very rarely ever make it to the gym. If the weather is nice I might go for a power walk if there is a nice park nearby. I need wine at the end of a long day on tour! Also, I try and use my bookings for work outs and be as energetic as possible lol!

I usually find a nice restaurant, ogle all the hot men wandering around, go shopping, and, as amber and amy said, use the downtime to find interesting things to and see. Lol, yesterday I had a lull, so I went to the lido (open air 1930 swimming pool for our internationals) and literally flaked. For hours. A regular rang, I ignored him...another, I told to call back in half an hour...And guess what? Perfect day. Yay!

I'm going to Bristol next month and am planning a trip to the zoo amongst other things.

Bristol Zoo is lovely. If you can find a member, they get given half-price vouchers to give to other people. At-Bristol is also good, if you like being a kid again.

I have been to the theatre on my own - doesn't bother me at all.

You mean you can go to the theatre with someone else? Most of my theatre-going is solo, partly because of different tastes, partly logistics, and partly because not everyone wanted to see Shockheaded Peter fifteen or so times over the years

the zoo is a great idea...they have 1 here downtown. Perhaps I should go. But honestly, I feel like taking a 'hike' up those mountains.

Another thing I notice is, escorts seem to ALWAYS mention staying in downtown in every city the tour. But I am so OVER downtowns. I like the view, but I get annoyed by downtown life. People everywhere, hard to park...so I tend to avoid the downtown areas in general, but does anyone think that working downtown gives a better oppurtunity to work?

For the benefit of those who don't speak American and like me two minutes ago, don't know what 'downtown' is, click here .

I still don't fully understand what you're asking Joey, but I usually choose places to stay based on the ease/anonymity of the accommodation itself (preferably serviced apartments with self check in), parking (unless I'm in London, when it's proximity to a Tube station) and general location - busy is good because nobody tends to notice comings and goings. I don't go less than four star unless I've got a word of mouth recommendation either - if I'm going to be busy and spending a lot of time there I can't stand being cooped up in a dump.

*makes note to look out for zoo members in Bristol  *