I've travelled quite a bit, and definately prefer to travel alone. In one way travelling alone makes it easier to get in contact with the locals, in another way it makes it easier to just "feel the atmosphere" and avoid the "tourist label".
I actually feel much safer travelling alone, but that might be because I'm male and I know to watch my back. Have been to some pretty rough areas, and sometimes you need a certain ability to give people the impression that if anyone attacks you, you will show no mercy - don't know if it is possible to learn this, it seems like "magic" :wink: Maybe it is like this: Coming alone makes people think that you are pretty tough because you dare to walk in that area alone. Coming together in a pack of two or more equals "gang/brotherhood/crew" which easily translates to "war declaration"... But there are always interesting people to meet; illegal immigrants carrying illegal handguns, transsexual prostitutes, corrupt police, and a few other categories neither of which I'd tell my mother.
The atmosphere in Istanbul can be a bit pushy (i.e. not INFJ friendly), but the food is plain fantastic, and the Asian part of the city is perfect for quiet walks.
One city I heartily recommend is Riga in Latvia: People are not pushy, and if you want to be left alone nobody will bother you. However, if approached, they are nice and friendly.
If you're not used to travelling and want to feel safe, the Scandinavian countries are always a safe bet :tongue: