Go on holidays on my own??

tk123

Ok I'm 26 and single and most of my friends/family are in relationships so I dont really have anyone to go on hols with I went to San Francisco with my mum last year and well she doesn't have the energy I have so it didn't really work out. I'm just wondering if any of you guys have/would go on holidays alone?? I LOVE SF(lived there for a while) so I was thinking of going again this year - I know the place like the back of my hand so I'd have plenty to do etc...

blobert

Sure, why not.

I always meet lots of people travelling alone when I'm on holidays, a lot of them wouldn't have it any other way.

Imposter

I did it last year for the first time and I really enjoyed it. I'll definitely do it again but probably not this year. The advantages of doing going alone are that you meet other people in similar situations to yourself and you can go and do what you want, when you want.

ionapaul

Wow, I hated, really hated, travelling alone and doubt I will ever do it again. Lived in SF area (first Berkeley for some grad work then the city itself) for 4 years, agree it is lovely. So last year when my temporary work visa was coming to an end, I decided to fly from SF-Hong Kong-Singapore to visit those two cities and Malaysia over the course of two weeks. Not very long but that is how I like it. My girlfriend couldn't take time off work to go so I decided to go myself. Right in the middle of the SARS crisis, landed in Hong Kong maybe one week after the virus was reported, everyone wearing masks! Funny stuff, didn't bother me much as I have a strong grasp of statistics and those sorts of things (mad cow disease fears? we should be more scared crossing the road/using the bus/etc...) don't bother me much. Anyhow, although Hong Kong and surrounds, Singapore, and Malaysia were fun, I really didn't enjoy it on my own. I did meet some cool people and hung around with one person for a few days, it just wasn't much fun without someone to share it with...

Maybe that's me, but that is my experience. Funnily enough, I was back to SF a few months ago, all by myself! But I have so many friends there it doesn't count

ionapaul

edited - first repeat post on boards.ie!

BuffyBot

Prefer to travel on my own to be honest - much more enjoyable!

therecklessone

Seems to be a popular enough option from what I've heard, and I'm thinking of doing SE Asia-Sydney-Auckland-Coachella Festival next April/May myself.

Hope it works out...

secret_squirrel

I mooched around in LA on me own in march..was cool.

But had me wondering does anyone have any tips for meeting fellow single travellers?

I am MAN

My brother just took off this day last week to work in lanzarote by himself so far he has met lots of people and is having the time of his life, go for it, it's a life experience worth taking.

Haket

I think it really depends on your personality and your attitude to approaching strangers.

Some outgoing types will never have a probs, but those of us that dont LOOK that friendly (ahem) or are shy will find it more difficult to socialise.

Travelling around the world doing the backpack thingy is a little different IMO as you are easily identified as a lone traveller and have a certain bond/shared interest with fellow travellers, its a great ice-breaker.

ionapaul

Just to add one of my former roommates recently spent 1 year (and about $25,000) travelling the world alone, sort of like an upscale backpacker (did lots of expensive stuff, best scuba-diving wherever he went, some nice hotels). He had the time of his life and is writing a book about his experiences - he really visited dozens of countries! He is a very outgoing, pushy and annoying type so had no problem latching onto other travellers when he needed them! At the same time some of his best moments (he said) were on group tours, etc...in the various countries, like Contiki bus trips around New Zealand and Australia, and they do sound like a lot of fun

subway_ie

I really want to travel for a year during/after college, but I don't want to be tied down by anybody else having to go where they want to go. I'd probably have more freedom going on my own, even if there is less companionship. It's probably be a bit more difficult to travel on your own though? I was thinking a J1 (if they're still around in 2/3 years...) and maybe south-eastern asia and a bit of europe.

ionapaul

If you want the freedom to go wherever, whenever while on holiday, and change your plans at the last minute, whatever, then going by yourself sounds perfect. You lucky thing, your plans sound like fun If you want some advice from someone a little older, don't scrimp too much while travelling, by that I mean if you have to borrow money, max out a credit card or two, it will be worth it in the end (assuming you are fairly certain of getting a job once back in Ireland!). Although I am not sure I agree with how much money my former roommate spent (see above post), I do know if he had done it for half or less that amount, he wouldn't have had half the fun he did!

subway_ie

Originally posted by ionapaul
If you want the freedom to go wherever, whenever while on holiday, and change your plans at the last minute, whatever, then going by yourself sounds perfect. You lucky thing, your plans sound like fun If you want some advice from someone a little older, don't scrimp too much while travelling, by that I mean if you have to borrow money, max out a credit card or two, it will be worth it in the end (assuming you are fairly certain of getting a job once back in Ireland!)

The problem is, they're more dreams than plans right now. Need to start doing some serious saving from here on. There's also a high probability that when it comes closer to the time to make bookings and stuff, and I've got a few grand to spend I'll just think to myself "what about all the other, more useful things I could spend this on?" and probably pull out.

tk123

Travelling around the world doing the backpack thingy is a little different IMO as you are easily identified as a lone traveller and have a cehrtain bond/shared interest with fellow travellers, its a great ice-breaker.

You're right Haket - I could probably potter around by myself without talking to anyone!!! I think I'll look into those Adventure holidays places like ebookers do...Some of them look really good!!

tribble

I'm full sure I replied to this thread earlier... weird.

But, yeah - travelling alone is the only way to... fly (i deffo typed a reply this morning....

Did China for a month was weird (dancing on the top of an abandoned hotel in Beijing, at night, during a lightning storm, with some crazy Aussie who was under house arrest...)

No you don't have to be outgoing - personally I'm a scary looking shy guy (which goes down well in SE Asia) - but you do have to be confident in your own ability.

OH and buy two backpacker books (you will lose one) - this is very important if you don't speak the lingo, they also give you ideas and goals. They also keep you from going mad during those 36 hour train rides when you're surrounded by PSB officers and dying of a cold.

tribble

dark_knight_ire

i have been on two hols on my own, but have meet up with friends for a while out there. On your own you get to do what you want when you want and go where you wish. I'd have it no other way besides this year i'm takeing a few months out to go around the world and doing it on my own. i see it as the big adventure meeting irish people in pubs at every stop

lizbeth

I've never been on a holiday alone, tho I've travelled to meet friends by myself (1000+ mile drive, and flying).
Depending on some stuff that is going on personally, I am considering taking a holiday by myself, I could use a few days at the beach, definitely!

The only thing I worry about is safety, being a woman travelling on her own. But anytime I do go anywhere on my own, I try to be aware of what's going on around me and take precautions.

I agree with the "get to do what you want when you want" idea though, its a definite plus!

Dave!

This is the second dead thread I've bumped in this forum -- sorry, I don't normally post here, so I went through all the old threads and I'm bumping ones that interest me

Continue to post as per usual