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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Solo travel- is it that odd?

84 replies

WanderLust893 · 10/01/2026 19:35

I’ve always loved travelling and would have loved to go backpacking in my younger years but didn’t have the confidence. I’m now in my fourties and married with kids in older primary/younger high school. My husband enjoys fairly adventurous, independent family holidays but says he finds city breaks abroad stressful with all the travel etc. I am an introvert and although I could probably persuade a friend to go I don’t relish the idea of spending an extended period of time with someone other than immediate family. I’m considering going away by myself for a couple of budget long weekends- off peak, staying in basic accommodation. I particularly fancy Eastern Europe.
I mentioned this to a friend and she said it’s a very strange thing to do. She said if her or her husband suggested this the other would assume they were cheating or up to something else dodgy. I know it’s quite unusual but is it really that strange? My husband would have no particular desire to come and it would mean not having to rope in family to look after the kids. I would obviously take all necessary safety precautions as a solo female.

OP posts:
2026new · 10/01/2026 20:04

The thing is @WanderLust893I am rather worried you might find it addictive
wandering around a foreign city stopping where you like, eating where you like and what you like

oocooloo · 10/01/2026 20:02

OP, I think you are great to think of doing this. Look on it as an adventure and a test of your independence. The first time being away alone can be a bit daunting, but believe me when you do it once, you will not look back!

I'm in my late 60s and go away on my own about twice a year. I do travel with himself but he has mobility problems and therefore cannot gad about as I like to, but it's a compromise.

A couple of things that may help you on your way. Find a place where there is very easy access from the airport to the city by public transport. That makes it less expensive and is a good lesson in finding your way around and figuring out tickets and so on. The airport websites will have that information. Stay in a hotel not air b and b. I only say that because at least in a hotel there will be someone at reception who can offer advice, information and help if you need it. Stay in a busy spot in the centre near everything so you can walk around easily. Don't laugh at this, but bring a door wedge, you know the rubber things you put under the door to keep them open? But in this case you put it there to keep it closed! It's just a bit of added security that I use so no one can come in without me knowing!

Where are you thinking of going?

Katieweasel · 10/01/2026 19:57

I do exactly this every year. Last year florence, this year Verona

MrsTerryPratchett · 10/01/2026 19:53

Get on some FB groups. I LOVE travelling and DH’s comfort zone is different to mine so he stays at home. We do every combination of family, just DD and me, just DD and him, me and friends, him and friends, DD and school, solo.

And when I travel I often ‘adopt’ solo travellers who want to be adopted. I leave alone those who don’t LOL.

tfu · 10/01/2026 19:48

im just back from ten days solo in Vietnam and have travelled solo many times. There’s only one problem - it ruins going on trips with other people! Go and enjoy!

PhantomAfternoonTea · 10/01/2026 19:48

I don't think it's strange but then I'm single so solo travel is my default option. I have some friends who would never, ever do it and tbh I feel a bit sorry for them that they're so unadventurous. Go and have a lovely time!

tumbletoast · 10/01/2026 19:47

I think your friend's reaction is strange. She sounds very insecure.

suburberphobe · 10/01/2026 19:45

I mentioned this to a friend and she said it’s a very strange thing to do.

Travelling around on your own? She's the one who is strange.

Solo travelling is fabulous. I've done it many times and makes you independent and ready to take on the world.

Better that than all these awful men you read about on here that women are in relationships with.

Just google some solo women travel. It will inspire you.

Do you want to lie on your death bed thinking "I wanted to see the world but had no-one to go with"

Go for it OP.

Followthesunshine · 10/01/2026 19:41

Its unusual (but only because people don't have confidence to do it) but definitely not strange at all! I am in a long term committed happy relationship and I go abroad alone for long weekends because I have different interests to my partner and we are not joined at the hip. In fact I think it shows how much trust there is in your relationship and not much between your friend and her husband. Don't let what your friend says stop you! To be clear I love going on holiday with my partner but I also really enjoy my solo trips too

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