I was due to go to States for 6 mths but my travelling 'friend' canx on me so didnt go. I am now tempted to go next year but i would be by myself, is this safe to do generally? I thought of going for 7 days in Sept to try out first (poss nashville) but would i meet people out there or would i spend the whole time by myself? I know these questions cant be answered factually be some opionions would be grateful!

Depending on where you go, you shouldn't have much of any problems. You could meet people, just make sure you're selective about who you trust; there are, unfortunately, bad people where ever you go. But, yah you should be okay by yourself.

Hi Lisa,

I'm a proud patriotic American so my judgement might be somewhat clouded,  but I feel you would be perfectly safe here on an extended visit.  The BBC and the movies might portray the US as a lawless land of unrelenting violence, but for vast portions of the country thats just not the case.  Are there some dangerous areas in certain big cities? Certainly. But I'm sure the same can be said for London, Manchester or Liverpool as well.  As long as you use a bit of common sense things should be fine.  You mentioned Nashville in particular.  I would think you would be even safer there than someplace like Los Angeles, Philadephia or Detroit. While a big city, Nashville still has a 'small town' friendliness to some degree. As a hub of the American music industry and a tourist draw, the cops work very hard to keep the visitors safe in particular.  As far as meeting people goes, it depends on you in part. Most of us Yanks are friendly by nature.  You could meet and make friends at the usual places like bars, pubs, and resturants, but also places like museums and churches.   Just my thoughts. Please don't let false media portrayals inhibit you from perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.