Going on holidays alone?

LegacyUser

Hi. I am 24 year old guy and I want to go on holidays early next year. The problem is I dont have anyone to go with. I always wanted to travel about but always am relying on other people to go with me.

I dont have a girlfriend and most of mates wouldn't have the money to go on a holiday. I would really like to go on a holiday but the thoughts of going alone is a bit, well, sad? If I heard a mate of mine went on holidays alone I would think its a bit unusual.

What do you all think? Should I just not worry what people think and just go? Are holidays alone even any fun?

Thanks.

cafecolour

guest0000 wrote: »

Should I just not worry what people think and just go? Are holidays alone even any fun?

Yes and yes. Done it plenty of times.

If you want to meet people, with a little effort, you can meet people in hostels while you travel, and you can always do things like couchsurfing/hospitalityclub.

Loudova

Hey OP, I also think you should go for it! I've travelled alone before and I'm glad I did. It's completely understandable to feel apprehensive before you set off, but if you are concerned about being alone the whole time, that's an easy fix.

If you go backpacking anywhere in the world, the chances are very high that you are going to meet like-minded people who are interested in travelling as much as you and who have gone travelling on their own too. You get to meet people who actively want to explore the same countries as you rather than having to cajole friends at home into an experience they might not enjoy or be ready for. One way to meet people when travelling is to get involved in activities – go snorkelling (great fun!) or take a cooking class or something. You can also get chatting to people at backpacker hostels fairly easily.

You might even find that you prefer travelling alone - you have the flexibility to travel in your own time, seeing the sites that you want at a pace that suits you.

Don't miss out on seeing the world, OP - that really would be sad! Enjoy

LegacyUser

When I was 24 I headed off to Europe and then Oz on my own.... had no problem meeting people and it really improved my ability to talk to anyone.

I've headed off on my own to a couple of places for a week or two. Best thing to do if you're doing it for the first time is to do an activity trip - are you into skiing or surfing?

You're active during the day and can hang out with people you've met during the classes.

ICANN

Going away on your own is very popular especially backbacking or inter-railing. You'll always meet people in hostels etc.

karaokeman

I also say go for it.

Going on holidays by yourself allows you to truly make the most of the experience.

You can stay in the clubs as late as you want, go to see things your friends wouldn't be as interested in, see places none of your friends would have the appreciation for.

Thing is if you do anything when you go away (regardless of if your friends would also be interested) you will have something in common with every new person you meet along the way.

Everyone in every activity you take part in is as interested as you are. You might even make friends for life in the long run.

In life we don't regret the things we did, we regret the things we didn't do.

Keep that in mind and go out and give it your best:).

Dudess

What's sad is being an adult and worrying about what your mates think tbh. Just do what you want to do.
I know a number of people who do it regularly and they love it. I wouldn't myself as I'd feel lonely, but I envy them.

woodchuck

I’ve gone away on my own a few times and always have fun! I don’t think you should worry about what people will think. Like yourself I have people I could go away with (and have/do when it suits), but the practicalities of getting time off and finances don’t always match up. So rather than miss out, I just go alone! I used to worry that people would think it’s sad… but surprisingly a lot of reactions are actually very positive and people are always saying how ‘brave’ I am (??), except for my parents who just worry :P Regardless of peoples reaction though, just do what you want and don’t worry about what people will think.

Good suggestions have already been made about meeting other people while travelling if you want to do that. Even when you’re totally alone though it’s still great to be able to go at your own pace and do/see the things you really want to without worry about dragging someone else along who’s not interested.

Maybe start off small if you’re worried about spending a lot of money on a holiday that you won’t enjoy. A weekend city break or something would be a good way to test the waters. Personally I don’t think I’d be into a relaxing sun holiday on my own, but city breaks are always fun

LollieB

I went on my first holiday alone this year and had a fantastic time. I had the freedom to do exactly what I wanted & when I wanted, made the most of every single minute, even if it was lounging around doing nothing at times.

I found it a great boost for my confidence- forcing myself out of my comfort zone, talking to new people, finding places, eating alone etc. I did feel lonely at times which is normal. I also met countless others who were travelling alone, of all different age groups.

I couldn't recommend it enough.

R.D. aka MR.D

Don't worry about what anyone else would think.

I personally don't know anyone who would think it odd that some one would go on holiday on their own. But i can imagine they would be the kind of people that let fear rule their lives and rely on other people for their every move/decision.


People who judge other people usually have insecurities of their own.


Go for it! You'll enjoy it!

Firetrap

After what people have said here and you're still nervous about going it alone, how about seeing if you can go on an organised holiday. Not necessarily one of those where you spend hours on a bus but maybe something like a walking holiday or activity break.

MidnightQueen

Hey id say it would be great fun. I would love to go travelling in a few years on my own.

Dionysus

guest0000 wrote: »

Hi. I am 24 year old guy and I want to go on holidays early next year. The problem is I dont have anyone to go with. I always wanted to travel about but always am relying on other people to go with me.

I dont have a girlfriend and most of mates wouldn't have the money to go on a holiday. I would really like to go on a holiday but the thoughts of going alone is a bit, well, sad? If I heard a mate of mine went on holidays alone I would think its a bit unusual.

What do you all think? Should I just not worry what people think and just go? Are holidays alone even any fun?

Thanks.

Why would you care what people think? Seriously? I walked all 800km of the Camino Francés last year on my own. It was amazing. I don't know about a holiday being more 'fun' on your own but I certainly found it less constraining and more spiritually fulfilling than going with a group (and therefore on somebody else's schedule). I had concerns about it such as could I get the time off work, how much would it cost and could I physically do it. What people may or may not think never entered the equation.

Go travel somewhere. You'll be tied down by commitments soon enough.

girlonfire

Just to reiterate what other posters have said, Go for it OP!
I too have travelled alone and have had fantastic experiences. It's a great opportunity to get to know new people. You just have to put yourself out there a little more and you'll have a fantastic time.
Make the most of it and enjoy yourself

JustAThought

Totally agree!! Thou walking holidays tend to be full of much older people!! Not everyones B/G F can get time off work at the same time, or has the money to go, or te holidays saved; it's really very common especially when you re in your 20s!! I've done it loses of times all round heneorkd and so far always had great experiences. He mistakes I've made have been staying sometimes in hotels rather than hostels ; you rarely meet up with people in hotels as it is usually only couples but if you book into a hostel you will always team up with people as they are organised around being social. Irravelled around Australia and Thailand and half Europe: all the time teaming up with people and meeting new people ll the time. There can be odd day when your by yourself or feel abut blue, but the great times really compensate for that, and he alternative is staying at home; its really a no- brainer once you find your courage and do it for he first time!!
Cities are great, as are activity stuff ( if you re interested!)where were you thinking of going!?
As Mr Nike says...Just do it!!!

Wompa1

To be honest OP, I've travelled alone for work and holidays I think around 12 times in less than 2 years. As far as California and Australia even. I too have found it very easy to talk to and meet people while travelling but it depends on your personality.

BUT ...What I'd say is, it completely depends on what you want out of the holiday. I struggled in the likes of Australia because most people my age or younger over there were there to get drunk, high or f'kd for the most part. That's not what I'm into. Went to the Great Barrier Reef and anyone my age spent more time getting drunk than actually doing the diving and the like. I found myself befriending elderly, retired people and hanging out with them on the tours. I've long since realized that most people who go on holidays to have a good time mean they are going to get drunk every night. Live and let live I guess

ongarboy

Going alone means you can meet lots of new people. I went backpacking for a year around Oz with my cousin and found that the solo travellers always ended up making friends more easily with other solo travellers. Sometimes I envied them as the solo folk sometimes assumed that because me and my cousin were together, we were "sorted" for companionship when half the time we were tired of eachother's company and wanted to chat to new people!! Sure, we made lots of new friends but almost had to try a little harder than I think solo travellers had to do so I don't think you should have anything to worry about!

However, I'd caution going alone to very commercial or family oriented resorts/package holiday type places in the sun with self catering units as often it might be difficult meeting others if you are surrounded by groups/families/couples on romantic getaways etc. If you focus on the more adventure style or activity holidays and stay in hostels with shared dorms etc, I guarantee you'll meet lots of people.

OP, this summer I went on a trip of Spain moving from hostel to hostel - I was only there for 10 days, but I stayed in 4 different cities and met some absolutely fantastic people. Honestly, I had more fun on this holiday by myself than I ever have had while going with other people. I met more people, did what I wanted to do (if I wanted to walk 5 miles to see something then I could without someone else complaining).

Do it. Don't even give it a second thought.

LegacyUser

Hi OP,
I can't recommend it enough. I've done some trips in the past alone simply because my friends at the time weren't up for it or weren't able to go.

I don't think anyone mentioned this yet but check out
contiki (Hope thats not considered advertising, its relevant to topic though.)
I did one of their 3-week European tours and it was one of the best things I ever did. The majority of people are there "alone" so its very social. A lot of American/South African/Aussies/Kiwi join the tours and everyone was great fun. Some great sessions too

There's a few other companies like Contiki but that's the one I did. Check it out, there's tons of options and within the tour some stuff is organised and some of it allows you to just go do your own thing so you can work out what interests you by yourself.


I've also done some holidays alone, i.e. just organised things myself and I highly recommend it.
I couldn't do 2 weeks on the beach in Lanzarote by myself but I've taken tons of trips to go to events and concerts and stuff I wanted to see but couldn't find anyone else interested. My last one was to the Indy500. I love car racing but my friends don't, flights were cheap, why would I pass it up and regret it? And honestly the 1st time it felt strange but now I wouldn't think twice about it. When I was younger I wouldn't have gone and then regretted I missed out so now I'll just go.

It's a great way to see the world and stuff. And you can just do as you please. I found most people accepting of it but if someone does say something bad about going alone then that's their own problem. You're getting out there and doing stuff, what are they doing?

JustAThought

Y; a lot if Auzzies & SA's do Contikis but the rates are in sterling and are usually ex UK & bus based; but for craic & drinking iverdrive they are very popular.Some sleep on the busses so watch out for that! I did south east Asia with i think explore.com. I NEVER would have done 6 weeks by myself there or Vietnam or borneo or backpacked there " alone" but thatwas again a great experience. I did ring their offices in Australia to insist on finding out what the age profile of the rest of the group was, & whether I would bethe only single traveller thereas it would have been a disaster otherwise and i was booking at the last minute 3 days before the trip departed. I also checked that I wasn't the only " extra" person booking ; ie that I wasn't in one someone elses club event or family or 30thgetaway .. Again not what I personally wanted. ( i wasnt; it was amazing trip!)Some group sites do last minute specials thatareseriously reduced & worthwhile but really read The little print. Years back a pal of mines contiki Turkey hol was cancelled & they transferred the holiday to something similar it that she didn't fancy; they refused to refund her the cash . Dunno if they've changes their policies now ; they were really popular thou!!!
Solo travelling & hostel staying IMO is really great & the way to go!! I'd agree with the poster who recommended not to go on package/sun week breaks or family places; I made this mistake & really regretted it !!!!
Love the poster who wentto the Indy500!!!Classic example!!!

thomasm

Best Holidays I've had were travelled alone. Forces you to meet and interact with new people. Lots of travellers in similar situations so I'd say go for it.

Siuin

guest0000 wrote: »

Hi. I am 24 year old guy and I want to go on holidays early next year. The problem is I dont have anyone to go with. I always wanted to travel about but always am relying on other people to go with me.

I dont have a girlfriend and most of mates wouldn't have the money to go on a holiday. I would really like to go on a holiday but the thoughts of going alone is a bit, well, sad? If I heard a mate of mine went on holidays alone I would think its a bit unusual.

What do you all think? Should I just not worry what people think and just go? Are holidays alone even any fun?

Thanks.

I was in a situation where all my friends wanted to go to the usual boring package holiday places and I really wanted to go somewhere different, so I headed off on my own. My suggestion is that you take a month or two and go on a volunteering holiday- it makes it so much more fun and you meet lots of new people. I was 19 when I went to the Middle East on my own, and since then I've been going back every year to visit my boyfriend who I met over there. Screw what people think, get out there and enjoy life. I loved travelling on my own-- you're in a position where you're more open to chatting with new people you meet along the way and you decide where you want to go and what you want to do on your own terms.