Terrified about upcoming "single" holiday tour

LegacyUser

So I really love to travel and most often I travel alone to America, Asia, Europe and day trips in Ireland. I don't have many friends but I don't let it stop me travelling as there are many advantages to going solo such as meeting interesting people, having a flexible plan to the week and suiting yourself. However, I am planning a trip for 2 weeks next year to South America and I booked it with a travel tour company that specialize in organizing the sights, hotels etc and that was the main drawing point- that I wouldn't have to spend months sorting out all this myself.
Thing is, although I am well able to make small talk with strangers on holiday, I have never spent longer than a few hours with the same people on tours/trips and this one is a group of 20 people, sharing long bus journeys, having dinner together, sightseeing so its important we get on and I'm very worried my poor social skills (I'm male and 36 and have given up on that side of my life altogether, I just make a fool of myself in social situations so I don't do them anymore) will make me hate this tour or even worse, lots of people will already know each other and ill be the token "sad and single" male, which fills me with dread. Do you think I should cancel this trip and try go it alone or just grin and bear the social exchanges for the sake of a smoother trip? I'm completely torn!

WIZWEB

Just be yourself. People can like it or lump it. You're paying for a holiday. Enjoy it! You may or may not make new friends. Several people will be in a similar situation to you possibly travelling alone and concerned what others think of them. Just concentrate on enjoying the experience.

bp

I did an organised trip (2) like the above, one being for 100 days. I was with ny partner but of the group of 20 there were three couples, the rest were individuals.

Had an amazing time and made great friends who I still see almost 10 years later. The group is so big you can float from person to person.

Enjoy

Rachiee

You'll be fine you'll naturally get chatting to people you are sat next to at dinner out on the bus, but it won't be weird cod everyone will be in the same situation. there'll be loads of other single people traveling alone, some will be looking to meet people make friends some won't enjoy the trip it sounds amazing !!

December2012

I'm sure there'll be lots of others in the same position as you, they'll want to chat but enjoy time on their own too. Don't stress.

amdublin

The good thing about this is it gives you lots of subject matter. Talk about what you saw yesterday, what you're looking forward to etc. There will be many different people and groups and dynamics on the tour. I know a fella (single) who goes on these tours with his (single) brother and their parents - as they like a family holiday where they see and do things and meet other people.

sashafierce

This post has been deleted.

Rubberchikken

you sound like you'll be well ableto chat with those around you. don't stress things like that. there're be plenty to talk about and when you need some alone time, i'll bet nobody will take a blind bit of notice if you stick in earbuds and zone out.
it sounds like a great holiday so hope you have a great time.

ongarboy

OP, I would classify myself as quite shy, introverted and quiet. However, I haven't let it stop me going on holidays or excursions as part of such group itineraries lasting an am or pm activity or spread out over weeks. I've found that most people on such tours will let you contribute as much or as little as you like or feel comfortable with. (particularly if the age profile of such groups is late 20s onwards so less of that party lifestyle, lets get pissed type groups unless of course booze cruises are part of your itinerary) If you find yourself next to someone on a bus or opposite others at dinner or part of a walking tour etc, be yourself and don't feel like you have to put on an act to pretend you're someone you're not. There will be plenty of chatterboxes or attention seekers who will be happy for the attention of the group to be drawn away from you and onto themselves.

I suggest don't cancel and trying it this one time and you might surprise yourself at how it wasn't so daunting and turned out to be fun - especially if you unexpectedly connect with one or two other solo travellers. I notice many couples or pairs of friends are delighted to hang out with a third person to share some of the holiday experience with as sometimes just hanging out exclusively with your other half or mate gets a bit repetitive. I went on a 3 month Oz Experience trip with my cousin down under and we loved meeting new people - some of who were initially reticent to "intrude" on our space until we reassured them they absolutely weren't. Of course, if the trip turns out to be a disaster, that will be unfortunate but the saving grace is that you've learned that they are definitely not your cup of tea so that going forward, you will know not to put yourself in such a position again. I'm hoping that would not be the case for you once you tried this though.

magneticimpulse

You will have a great time. Most likely you will meet very similar people to yourself. I did a similar tour this year and met very friendly people. 20 people is big enough to no get bored stuck talking to the same person but small enough to get to know everyone. Your only regret is if you don't go on the holiday and see South America. Enjoy it, definitely the best trip ive had in the world so far

LegacyUser

Hi OP!

About 6 weeks ago, I went on an organised trip for 3 weeks. Really enjoyed it and met some cool people.

Some of the people I got on with, some I didn't (stayed away from them). Its like a social experiment - drop a load of people who don't know each other (maybe a couple do), and see what happens.

You just need to roll along, and let the control go.

One thing I found that saved me was I had my own room. It was sometimes my saving grace. My place to go to when I needed time to myself. I would also advise an mp3 player or something, so that you can zone out IF you need to. But just keep open, keep smiling, and keep rollin with what ever comes along ;-)

leebrod

Dont Cancel.
You will most likely find that there are others who are travelling solo in the same situation. I too am shy, especially in groups.. I can get totally lost when in a group ...Dont let that stop you. Enjoy the holiday.

zoobizoo

The great thing about these type of trips is that you are sitting beside someone on the bus / train and chatting to them mainly.

As you all have something in common, ie the trip, you will have lots to talk about.

You will probably also all have travel tales to discuss...

You'll gravitate towards those you get on best with. And seriously, you never know who you will meet.

Sounds like a great trip - enjoy.

Now I'm all jealous.