have you holidayed on your own and been bored?

tmq

I unexpectedly have a week/10 days to spare before I start a new job (which will be very busy). My GF has suggested I look up some cheap flights and go somewhere. The idea was tempting at first, especially as I'd love some sunshine and warmth... but I haven't travelled on my own for a long time (20 years), and I'm wandering if I'll be bored. There's only so much reading and relaxing you can do!

I'm in my early 40s, so think meeting people to talk to in bars, etc., would be difficult (I'd be wary of me if I met me!).

I don't have a lot of money, so couldn't really afford too many activities, tours, or staying in a big city like Paris/Barcelona/etc. I thought of going somewhere in ireland, but thats probably more expensive!

davo2001

Take your GF with you?

iusedtoknow

It could be a nice way to recharge - i've done it. Rented an apartment in a city and just wandered the streets,took photos, read, went to movies (most cities have english audio with local language subtitles)

I also travel for work a lot, and find myself with weekends to spare so I often do the above. Last year I had solo weekends in Amsterdam, Prague and Seville.

magicmushroom

Depends where you plan to go and what you plan on doing
Sitting by a pool for 10 days by yourself would indeed be boring.

Going to New York for a few days or somewhere like Rome wouldn't be, I don't think.

What kind of stuff are you in to? Suppose it depends on the budget too.
Even London for a few days could be fun, I wouldn't get bored there

Milly33

Well it depends are you a social person or like would you talk to other people.. if so go for it sure, bring a few books or something you were suppose to do and head away and relax.. Its only 10 days and you can do whatever you like!!

Amsterdam is a nice place to visit and Paris there is lots to do there and it doesn't cost a lot. Youd be surprised heading to either of these would be the same as staying in Ireland.

If you staying in Ireland you could always head camping or something. there is a nice place in Kerry it has a pub and restaurant there with a beach small area but nice..

tmq

Unfortunately the GF can't come... working.

Budget is an issue, which rules out a lot of the action packed places, so New York is definitely not an option!

syklops

Not holidayed on my own, but I go on a lot of business trips on my own and can be bored at times but only because I'll be staying in a premier Inn on the edge of an industrial estate often with no bar in sight and having the requirement of getting up early so no point in going into town.

Any time Ive been on a trip in a city I've usually found people to talk to. Often times people in a similar boat. I'd skip Paris and Barcelona if money is tight. How about Prague? If you avoid the tourist traps both food and accomodation is cheap and weather should be getting good now.

Milly33

Then pick somewhere in Europe or Ireland, but noting that we stayed in Ireland last year and spent what we would have in a weekend at home than a week abroad...

There is lots to see in Amsterdam and some are free...

Miaireland

I am in a similar situation as you and I am seriously considering a City Break. I had been thinking of London but given the exchange rate at the moment I will probably give it a miss.

One thing I have noticed with a city breaks in Europe is that you can get a good deal by staying at a hotel near/at the airport. They often only get over night guests so often offer good deals to people staying a few days. Handy if the city has good transport to the airport. Do a bit of research and see what cities have free/cheap museums/activities/festivals etc.

I am quite happy in my own company but to be honest it is easy enough to get chatting to people in bars. People tend to me more friendly/chatty when on holiday.

Larbre34

The world is your oyster, I would go to Edinburgh for a few days then take a cheap train fare up to the highlands and have a wander , your head will be ready for all the new job madness by the time you get back from that!

Plenty of cheap accom options available, try this

https://www.syha.org.uk/

tmq

Some good suggestions above. I'd be very sociable normally, but not to the point where I'd walk up to strangers. I thought of staying in a hostel even as a way of meeting travellers, but then remembered back to when I was backpacking in my 20s.... I don't want to be the "creepy old guy"!

magicmoves

Lisbon is a great spot, cheap and plenty to do. Do day trips to keep you busy and then go for a nice meal in the evening. If the weather is good you will always find something to do.

Miaireland

I second Amsterdam, it is a very interesting city. The Hague is also interesting as it Massttrict (sp). Holland is easy to get around with good transport links.

poeticmakaveli

One summer I went to florida on my own for 2 weeks! None of my friends were going away and I was split up with the girlfriend around 6 month and i had 2 weeks holiday from work so I said I'd go as I had been there a few times before! I still had a great time on my own and met loads of people! Only time I have been away on my own but it was a great experience! Everyone is different but if you are a chatty person and don't mind being on your own I can't see why it won't turn out well!

castaway_lady

Edinburgh! Its very safe and friendly.
Look up rabbies tours and do some daytrips with them. You don't need to go for the full 10days, why not just 4/5 in the middle.

Fagashlil

I went off to Tunisia for a week by myself a good few years ago, had to make some decisions and didn't want to hear from anyone, got a cheep and cheerful charter flight and a grand little hotel and off I went. Day sitting on a beach or by a pool chatting to random people and drinking far too many brandy cocktails and the best life advise for a 70 year old brittish woman! I brought a good few books, only started to get lonely/bored the last couple of nights. It was so good to be able to go by my schedule all day and not have to worry about anyone else!

Miaireland

If you are thinking off the UK take into account the exchange rate. It will eat into your spending power if you are on a limited budget.

tmq

Good to hear of others experiences. Scottish highlands sounds like a great "head clearing" idea, though I'm still tempted by the warmth and sunshine. I can also go for a shorter time, as suggested, and hedge my bets.

Idobai

Definitely recommend Edinburgh and London just to get out, lots of free museums and galleries and things if that's your thing. Went to oman alone before to do some diving and was very bored when I was above water... That might have something to do with the fact that I got a severe bout of gastro and there are no real pubs so to speak there!

kissmequick

What's gastro?

magicmushroom

kissmequick wrote: »

What's gastro?

Gastroenteritis - aka Stomach Flu