Holidaying alone

The Young Wan

Title says it all

I've had quite a stressful year (this week coming I have two exams for my MA, then I have a dissertation to hand in which is due in August.) After the year, I feel like I deserve a break.

I've been eyeing up Lanzarote or the Algarve, I haven't been away to the sun in three years and I really liked both of them when I was there previously. I'm thinking to go in October of this year.

My issue is, I can't find someone to bring with me. I'm single, so no OH to lump along. My friends are all working, busy, can't afford it, etc. My closest friend is due a skin graft on her face from a pretty severe burn, so she can't really hack the sun.

The gist of that (long winded) story is, has anyone ever been on holiday alone? Would you recommend it?

sullivlo

The Young Wan wrote: »

Title says it all

I've had quite a stressful year (this week coming I have two exams for my MA, then I have a dissertation to hand in which is due in August.) After the year, I feel like I deserve a break.

I've been eyeing up Lanzarote or the Algarve, I haven't been away to the sun in three years and I really liked both of them when I was there previously. I'm thinking to go in October of this year.

My issue is, I can't find someone to bring with me. I'm single, so no OH to lump along. My friends are all working, busy, can't afford it, etc. My closest friend is due a skin graft on her face from a pretty severe burn, so she can't really hack the sun.

The gist of that (long winded) story is, has anyone ever been on holiday alone? Would you recommend it?

Yeah, I pretty much exclusively holiday alone. It's a very liberating experience.

Just make sure to bring a kindle with loads of books to keep yourself entertained.

The Young Wan

sullivlo wrote: »

Yeah, I pretty much exclusively holiday alone. It's a very liberating experience.

Just make sure to bring a kindle with loads of books to keep yourself entertained.

Oh don't worry about me and books. We're never too far apart.

sullivlo

The Young Wan wrote: »

Oh don't worry about me and books. We're never too far apart.

There are a few ropey moments. But overall it's a great way to relax.

The thing is though you can always strike up a conversation with strangers if you're lonely.

Kommander Kaputnik

Im going on a trip for a few days on my own, within Europe, in July. I.CANNOT.WAIT!

Ive only travelled on my own, again within Europe, once before but still loved it. Everything was at my pace and my liking. Id say go for it!

Congrats on all your hard work

Spanish Eyes

Go for it. What is the worst that can happen realistically?

You will be bored, feel lonely? Get books, ipad and wifi.

I think you will be surprised at how invisible you really are. Everyone else is only concerned about themselves! The voice of experience on travelling alone here!

Often you will strike up a convo with someone, that is great.

Select your destination with care though. No family friendly places with screaming kids, no Stag/Hens/no young wans/no Muslim countries. Don't worry, there are plenty of places left over!!

Lisbon would be a great bet IMO, and I've done it alone. A few days in L and then up the coast to Estoril/Cascais. Lovely really and so easy to do. Nice in South of France is another.

Enjoy the moment and best of luck.

The Young Wan

Kommander Kaputnik wrote: »

Im going on a trip for a few days on my own, within Europe, in July. I.CANNOT.WAIT!

Ive only travelled on my own, again within Europe, once before but still loved it. Everything was at my pace and my liking. Id say go for it!

Congrats on all your hard work

Why thank you Kommandant.

Yeah if I went I might start off small and go on a couple days city break or to a sun destination I knew of from previous trips.

The Young Wan

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Go for it. What is the worst that can happen realistically?

You will be bored, feel lonely? Get books, ipad and wifi.

I think you will be surprised at how invisible you really are. Everyone else is only concerned about themselves! The voice of experience on travelling alone here!

Often you will strike up a convo with someone, that is great.

Select your destination with care though. No family friendly places with screaming kids, no Stag/Hens/no young wans/no Muslim countries. Don't worry, there are plenty of places left over!!

Lisbon would be a great bet IMO, and I've done it alone. A few days in L and then up the coast to Estoril/Cascais. Lovely really and so easy to do. Nice in South of France is another.

Enjoy the moment and best of luck.

Ara I'm only a young wan myself 😉

I've never been to Lisbon, actually!

ted1

I've changed jobs recently and have to travel a bit Aftica/Asia /Caribbean etc and as they are great destinations I tend to take a day or two leave while I'm there. I find it quite liberating ands great opportunity to explore places . I do some sports that makes it possible to meet up with locals so it's great.do my advice is to find a hobby then look up a local forum and organise to meet locals

ted1

The Young Wan wrote: »

Ara I'm only a young wan myself 😉

I've never been to Lisbon, actually!

Lisbon is a fantastic place , if you go then be sure to take a trip to ericeria . A small surfing village close by

Keane2baMused

There are groups on meet for people in similar situations like yourself and want to travel

The Young Wan

Keane2baMused wrote: »

There are groups on meet for people in similar situations like yourself and want to travel

I'm intrigued. What's meet?

ted1

The Young Wan wrote: »

I'm intrigued. What's meet?

http://www.meetup.com

pinkypinky

Oh definitely go for it...make sure you've always got internet access and books, and enjoy doing exactly what you want to do.

Addle

I miss holidaying alone.
A good compromise is the solo friendly holidays with the travel department (other tour operators available!). You meet a varied group of people. I've had much more social holidays than I expected with it, and the security of an escorted tour.
I'm hoping to go to India with them in September.
My oh would rather go to Ibiza!

cee_jay

I'm currently in Rome by myself for a few days. I do a weekend away alone quite frequently as if I was waiting for others, I'd never get to see all the places I want to see. Plus I find its a great way to recharge the batteries and take time for yourself.
I went to America for 6 weeks by myself a few years ago. I was booked on a Coast to Coast trip with a travel company for 3 weeks of that. It is still the best holiday I've ever had and don't think it'll ever be topped. I am still in contact with the other people I met on the trip too.

Keane2baMused

The Young Wan wrote: »

I'm intrigued. What's meet?

Sorry I meant to say The Meetup, it's a site set up and there are groups people can join for every activity, hobby you could think of including singles travelling, also just for socialising and making new friends!

There is an app for it which is handy

Milly33

Oh it sounds like heaven OP...Feck it go for it you will be your own boss and you can work to your own schedule...

Have been thinking of doing something similiar but more or a weekend than anything... Looked into maybe going away to a spa or a cottage weekend just with me.... It is hard to take time to yourself sometimes so take it and run...

sullivlo

I went to Australia alone for 6 weeks.

I've been to Sweden, Denmark, Rome, Bologna, Paris, Bremen, Seville, Greece... All alone.

It really is the most liberating experience. Not having to worry about keeping to anyone else's schedule, or going to a museum that you have no interest in...

I'm going to book something this week for the end of the summer. Alone! Undecided between Madrid and Prague.

DoozerT6

OP do you spend a lot of time alone as it is? If so, it might be better to organise something through a group holiday scheme.

I went on a luxurious solo holiday last year and although it was beautiful, I do kind of regret a) not selecting the destination more carefully - MUCH too hot and humid for my personal comfort, and b) I was alone for the entire trip. Everybody else there was with families or partners, there were no singletons like myself there. People were definitely doing their own things. I spent a lot of time in my air-conditioned room, both to get out of the very oppressive humidity and because I kind of had nothing else to do. I would, by my nature, need someone else to encourage me to do things (although I did go on an organised excursion while I was there), so in retrospect, that being my first solo holiday, I should have gone as part of an age-appropriate group holiday and almost be obliged to become involved in whatever was planned for that day. While I wasn't bored per se because where I was staying was absolutely lovely, I definitely felt lonely at times. There is only so long you can sit in the shade and read a book tbh.

From my own personal experience, if I were holidaying 'alone' again, I would go with a group. Being totally solo probably didn't suit my already slightly introverted personality. Once I'm comfortable with others though, I'm the life and soul

If you feel that you could talk to the wall and make friends with them, then go solo-solo!

dearg lady

Have done 3 weeks alone, tough at times, but overall a positive experience. I'd love to do a city break myself. If not this year then deffo next year

I'd advise going somewhere new, rather than somewhere you've been before, more things to do to keep you busy. Hostels (if you can stand them!) are generally much better than hotels for getting chatting to people if that's what you'd like.

notsoyoungwan

I holiday alone quite a bit. I'm a bit of a loner in general, love my own company. I've gone on short breaks within Ireland, and then went further afield, mostly to European countries, but have also gone to the States on my own. I wouldn't go for very long, mostly a week at a time. But I've always enjoyed it and would not hesitate to head off again. I tend to be a little bit conservative and safety-conscious in general so don't really venture too much off the beaten track, but nonetheless I've had a ball everywhere I've been.

KikiDee

I'm planning my first solo trip for later this year and I cannot wait!!! Do it youngwan, you deserve it

The Young Wan

notsoyoungwan wrote: »

I holiday alone quite a bit. I'm a bit of a loner in general, love my own company. I've gone on short breaks within Ireland, and then went further afield, mostly to European countries, but have also gone to the States on my own. I wouldn't go for very long, mostly a week at a time. But I've always enjoyed it and would not hesitate to head off again. I tend to be a little bit conservative and safety-conscious in general so don't really venture too much off the beaten track, but nonetheless I've had a ball everywhere I've been.

Loving the name 😉 Yeah with every time I think about it, I'm more sure I want to go. And I think I have a place in mind.

KikiDee wrote: »

I'm planning my first solo trip for later this year and I cannot wait!!! Do it youngwan, you deserve it

I do deserve it!

I think I might head to Belfast for a couple of days when I get freedom. Always wanted to do the Titanic museum, so it'd be a good time to go.

KikiDee

The Young Wan wrote: »

Loving the name 😉 Yeah with every time I think about it, I'm more sure I want to go. And I think I have a place in mind.



I do deserve it!

I think I might head to Belfast for a couple of days when I get freedom. Always wanted to do the Titanic museum, so it'd be a good time to go.

My sister was there earlier this year and loved it.

Milly33

I must say I found Belfast very boring....Didn't think people were too friendly..

If you want to stay in Ireland West is Best and its so true.. Or Kerry side...

We recently took a few mini moons and I must say Warsaw and Bologna are two places that seemed great to just walk around and chill.. There is lots to do there. Some lovely Churches in Bologna and it is cheap

Parchment

I travel alone a lot but not to beachy-resort holidays like you mentioned (algarve). I think that would be a lot harder to do. When i travel i spend pretty much all day walking/exploring and come home, flop into bed and then up again the next day.

Its really nice to do what YOU do and not have to compromise.

chuckles30

I'd highly recommend the Titanic Experience and the Titanic Boat Yard beside it. As it happens, I did Belfast solo. I thought it was lovely.

cee_jay wrote: »

I went to America for 6 weeks by myself a few years ago. I was booked on a Coast to Coast trip with a travel company for 3 weeks of that. It is still the best holiday I've ever had and don't think it'll ever be topped. I am still in contact with the other people I met on the trip too.

What travel company did you use? My company have just brought in the option of taking unpaid leave and I'm seriously thinking about it for 2017/18 as I have to plan financially for it and I would love to go to the States.

miamee

I've been on lots of trips by myself and actually really enjoy it. At first it was out of necessity, same as you OP, no one available or no one wanted to go to the same kinds of places as me. It was a case of staying at home alone or making the most of my time off alone

The one thing I find awkward (though not always) is dinner time, I prefer to have dinner out early rather than be in a packed restaurant by myself but other than that, no worries at all. And that's not even a worry, I never starved :pac:

cee_jay

chuckles30 wrote: »

What travel company did you use? My company have just brought in the option of taking unpaid leave and I'm seriously thinking about it for 2017/18 as I have to plan financially for it and I would love to go to the States.

I went with Trek America and would highly recommend them.

jimbobaloobob

The Young Wan wrote: »

Title says it all


The gist of that (long winded) story is, has anyone ever been on holiday alone? Would you recommend it?

Go for it best thing you'll do.
Carpe diem!!

anewme

cee_jay wrote: »

I went with Trek America and would highly recommend them.

As I'm a bit old for Trek America I'm heading off with their grown up version 😉grand American adventures in two weeks to do a tour of the national parks over 2 weeks! Can't wait!


With the small group travel you can mix with the group or take your own time.

A friend goes with travel department she's been to Italy and Russia with them, it's a but more coach trip style than some if the adventure travel companies.

I also did a beach holiday to Carribean last year where the whole month was for solo travellers and that was fab!!

metaoblivia

Just got back from a trip on my own through Denmark, Norway and Sweden. I loved it!
Traveling with company is fun and has its own merits, but traveling on your own is great too. The way I see it, I'm not going to miss out on an adventure just because I don't have someone to go with.

dellas1979

I was in my early 30s, and like yourself OP, I wanted to go on a holiday (but everyone loved up, couldn't go etc).

Also, sun holidays don't suit me (get bored).

So, I try and go on holidays that interest me. I've had, in the last few years, the most brilliant, mad, interesting, mind blowing holidays :-) I've also been on solo group ones.

And I've met the coolest people. And like-minded people.

I have to say, if I kept saying "I cant..." to myself (which I did), I'd never have done it.

Last year, I literally just woke up one morning and said "I want to go to....China." And off I went.

Turns out, on one of me adventures, I met a girl, who is now a very good friend of mine. And once or twice a year, we meet up in a different city. And explore (just back from one of these adventures).

Give yourself that break you deserve (be it quiet or an adventure) and be kind to yourself.

sillysocks

I haven't holidayed alone as such but last year I went along with my husband while he was doing a course in Holland (beach side which was great). He was gone from 7 every morning and not back til maybe 8/9 some evenings.

It was so nice being able to do my own thing and do what I wanted when I wanted. Even in the mornings getting up when I felt ready and just leaving the hotel without having to wait for someone else to be ready! Same for choosing places to eat, when to eat, where to go etc.

So based on that I'd recommend it, a great sense of freedom and being in control of your own days!

jimbobaloobob

Back in 2001 I headed off to Argentina solo wasn't a popular destination then especially after their economic collapse. Ended up wandering for 5 weeks meeting amazing people experiencing off the beaten track things. ( visiting the slums in buenos Aires having dinner with a strange family all part of the fun)
Since then I've travelled nz solo on a bike with a tent and many other parts of Europe wild camping and riding a bike.
Solo travel is unique to your personality so go for it if it's in you.

BetsyEllen

Do it OP.
Once you choose somewhere safe, let family know where you are staying and give them a call/text each day to say you're OK and have a bit of common sense about you then you will be fine.

I'm off to Italy myself in a couple of months, my first ever solo trip.
Like you I'm single so I decided to take the plunge and go alone.

You may not have the chance to do something like this in a couple of years so you'd be mad not to do it now!

jimbobaloobob

Now we are all awaiting to hear if you do it!

The Young Wan

You've all made a very compelling argument!

I'm looking into places to go to, maybe Belfast, Galway, or a little further afield. I'm not ruling out a sun break, and I'm thinking a five day go in October.

lisasimpson

Keane2baMused wrote: »

Sorry I meant to say The Meetup, it's a site set up and there are groups people can join for every activity, hobby you could think of including singles travelling, also just for socialising and making new friends!

There is an app for it which is handy

there is also a Girl Crew travel group.... haven't done one of their trips myself but eying up the Iceland trip planned. Its also a page where people ask for advise on a destination and plan trips if you fancy the company

Mudmask

I love to travel alone. I haven't had much chance this year but in a few weeks I am going abroad to visit friends and intend to have a couple of days wandering around a new city on my own first. I find the time alone so relaxing, though I have started to stay in hostels just for a small bit more interaction on longer trips. My first solo trip wasn't planned it was spontaneous, booked 12 hours pre-flight, and I haven't looked back. I'd say definitely give it a go, maybe start small, a weekend as some have said, and see how you find it

I did my first solo trip last year, wanted to try it without going to far out of my comfort zone first, so I went to London for four days.
It was great, did exactly what I wanted to do, when I wanted to do it!
Am planning another one for this autumn, am thinking Lisbon. I like to have interesting things to do during the days.
I'm not ruling out sometime going to a sun resort, but as I get bored lying around I'd probably only go for 5 days or so.
Do it OP.
It's great & you will be so happy you did!

mrsdewinter

I've holidayed solo and while it can be enjoyable to set your own pace, it can be lonely at mealtimes and at the end of the day when you want to recall stuff that happened.
Also, city breaks are exhausting: figuring out where you're going while staying safe...
On the other hand, travelling with strangers can mean very little time to truly relax.
I went on a hiking holiday with Exodus a few years ago, and that was structured extremely well - 1 hike a day, even though we were 'cooped up' in a shack in the mountains for 5 days, at the end we had a couple of nights in a city nearby where we could run off the leash.
Depends on your circs - you may be wrecked after college - but at that time, it was what I needed...

BetsyEllen

So OP, have we swayed you to give the solo travelling a bash?
Would love to hear what you decide and where you book!

I was booked into a single room of a hotel in Rome for a week but after Mudmask saying they go with hostels for longer trips, I spur of the moment booked a hostel so I'm kind of nervous (yet excited) about that now...

Keep us updated, this is a good thread - love to hear about everyone's experiences

jennyhayes123

I would love to go away for a few days on my own to recharge the batteries, do what I want, if I want, when I want. Not to worry about anyone else. I am married with 4 kids and just need some me time. When I will get around to doing it is another story

Sunshineboo

I'm seriously considering holidaying alone this year, probably in September. Most of my friends are in relationships and my other friends will not be holidaying this year.

I am slightly worried about the safety aspect and dining alone etc (I was thinking of heading to Barcelona). I think it would be great for me to do something out of my comfort zone though!

Sound Bite

I'm considering a solo holiday too as all my friends are coupled up! I don't want to go alone but no other choice!

I'm concerned about safety, dining alone etc.

Has anyone any recommendations of tour companies etc they used for previous trips etc or recommendations for somewhere suitable. Europe mainly I guess.

Birdsong

Just back from a 10 days holidays in the States, it was really lovely. Had different activities lined up for each day. Just keep your wits about you and find out where not to go, don't take unnecessary risks and you'll be fine.

For dining, I went places where I could read my book, or looked at Netflix on the tablet.

anewme

I'm also back from the states where I did the west coast into San Francisco and out of Vegas and visited Yosemite, Zion, Bryce, Death Valley, monument Valley. I went solo but as part of a small group(there ended up being 5, but there could be up to 13) it was an epic epic road trip I'm back this week and I'm still catching up on sleep. The national parks were amazing. The group dynamic was good, there was also a fair bit of free time, to do your own thing.

There are also solo tours with the likes of intrepid, Exodus, G adventures. I've been with these and they are all excellent.

I like the group idea because you have one thing in common- you all want to be there, it's not like sineone has been dragged along as a favour. But it's not a"coach"!trip by any means.

Would recommend and am going to start looking at my next one now!

chuckles30

I'm resurrecting this thread from earlier this year to fill you in on my experience & maybe give confidence to some of the other ladies here.

Similar to the OP here, I'm single, so no OH & friends are all partnered up etc etc. I felt I needed a nice relaxing holiday, so I bit the bullet and booked 10 days in the Costa Del Sol for myself on my own.

Initially I felt a bit strange saying to people I was going on my own in case they would think I was some kind of saddo/billy no mates, but to be honest, no one paid any heed - if anything a few people seemed jealous as the idea of proper 'me time' sounded like heaven to them. So after telling a couple of people, I got over that.

So off I headed - I've often flown on my own with work/visiting family etc, so didn't feel at all strange going through the airport on my own. I had my shuttle service booked, so no issues with getting to the hotel on the other side. Then the hotel had some issue with my room (overbooked IMO) but they had upgraded me to their sister hotel on a half board basis (I'd only booked b&b) & organised a taxi for me, but as it was all organised, so no issue there. Got to my hotel, checked in and into the room. It was only about 10.30 at night, so I didn't want to go straight to bed - I needed to relax, so I headed off exploring the hotel/resort. I had a little walk around, found the pool, various seating areas & the bar. I got myself a drink, found myself a table outside and sat down reading my book. Again, no one paid a blind bit of heed to me. Same trend continued throughout my holiday to be honest. I brought a sarong with me when going to dinner/breakfast/pool/bar etc, so that when I left my seat to go to get food/drink/go to the loo etc, my seat was still there when I came back. (Oh and even if someone fecks off with a sarong, which didn't happen, it's no biggie). I'm not into mad night life, so I was happy to go to the hotel bar and have my couple of drinks and stay there if the entertainment was good or go off any find myself a quiet corner inside/outside and read my book if I wasn't interested in the entertainment on any given night.

I was very happy to sit around and catch up on some books I hadn't got around to reading and relax most of the time. I was free to get up and go for a walk if I wanted to do that. I could go eat when I wanted, get up when I wanted, go to bed when I wanted. So I have to say, for me, it was great and just what I needed. Yes, I'm sure people in the resort copped after a couple of days that I was on my own, the same as I noticed that some couples were together, who were parents to what children etc etc.

So I suppose for anyone thinking about it, I would say, go for it. Just do it.

TLDR - I went to Costa Del Sol for 10 days on my own - had a great time - if you're thinking about doing it, go for it. I'll be doing it again.

anewme

Im at that stage again thinking for next year.....where can I go?