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Original poster

Holiday alone

77 replies

Handbag101 · 24/08/2018 19:42

Long story short me and my husband of 17 haven't been getting along very well of late - both mid 40s - no children . Basically we have a holiday booked to Tenerife tomorrow for a week. 5 star, on the beach, breakfast and dinner so half board. Lovely spa and gym

Ive decided to go along and whilst excited I am also nervous. I think I might try and blog my week away just for a bit of contact with people.

Nervous about being alone and eating alone and what to do.... actually I plan on laying around the pool all day. Just downloaded some books on my kindle and then going to finish packing.

Travelled round the US when I was younger but am completely nervous at the thought of a week away.. Anyone else been away and had a great time.

Thanks MM

OP posts:
DisplayPurposesOnly · 24/08/2018 20:19

Sounds fab, you'll have a great time.

You'll find other people find you more approachable on your own. I'm introverted and like my own company - but I love the random conversations with passing strangers.

I take a book and a camera with me - you've always got something to do with one of those. Try to get a window seat in cafes, then you can people-watch if you're not reading.

ScreamingValenta · 24/08/2018 20:21

No advice to give myself, but this AMA might interest you, OP:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/AMA/3328269-i-holiday-alone-ama

SinglePringle · 24/08/2018 20:31

Done it many times. The first night ever was nerve wracking. I texted a mate and she reminded me that every woman there with a boring husband envied me!

Since then, I’ve given not a fuck. Great bikinis, stack of books, sun lounger, glass of wine with lunch, more books and sun lounger, swimming, beer with the sunset, snooze, shower, cocktail on balcony, dinner, wine, bed with loaded iPad, sleep, rise, power swim, shower, new bikini, breakfast, coffee on balcony...

Rinse and repeat for 10 days (my max alone before I start talking to the wall). I go to the same hotel for it. Small and intimate but with amazing service, pool, rooms and view of sea.

Absolute bliss. And you come back with a cracking tan!

Original poster
Handbag101 · 24/08/2018 20:32

Thanks Screaming. That's fab.

OP posts:
Original poster
Handbag101 · 24/08/2018 20:33

Thanks Single. That is exactly what I plan on doing. Plenty of use of the gym followed by a massage.

Thanks everyone. Feeling a bit more confident now.

OP posts:
ForgivenessIsDivine · 24/08/2018 20:38

Do you blog already? I'm not sure I would blog if I didn't already have a following. I am not a huge fan of blogging anyway.

I had a week alone earlier this summer.. I loved it!! I kept a diary. I stayed in a hostel so there were lots of other solo travellers so not quite the same.

I also travelled solo a lot in my 20's. Always kept a book by my side.

Original poster
Handbag101 · 24/08/2018 20:44

Hi Forgiveness. When I meant Blog, I just meant writing on here. LOL!!

OP posts:
ScreamingValenta · 24/08/2018 20:52

I'd be interested to read your updates, OP. In theory I should enjoy holidaying alone, as I'm quite a loner, but the idea makes me a little nervous.

DisplayPurposesOnly · 24/08/2018 21:13

Valenta, start small then: a weekend, possibly somewhere you've been before. Once you've done it once, you'll be grand.

ScreamingValenta · 24/08/2018 21:15

Yes, that's a good idea, Display - a weekend break sounds lovely, actually!

DisplayPurposesOnly · 24/08/2018 21:16

Report back Wink

ScreamingValenta · 24/08/2018 21:19

I shall!

Strugglingtodomybest · 24/08/2018 21:26

I quite often have a 3 or 4 day holiday on my own, where I lie in the sun reading and take very long walks. Love it!

Have fun op!

Original poster
Handbag101 · 25/08/2018 12:37

OK so through check in and now enjoying an ice cold beer and fish finger sandwich.

Already noticed quire a few people on their own doing the same.

OP posts:
MorrisDancingViv · 25/08/2018 12:42

I stayed at an ai on my own for four days once. It was fab - I could do exactly what I wanted plus I didn't feel odd having dinner alone as a lot of the hotel staff were eating alone too.

There was a group of British women in their 60s who noticed I was alone and insisted on joining me one evening, that was a nice night.

I'm jealous - I'd love to go away alone again!

bigbluebus · 25/08/2018 13:42

Sorry to hijack with a daft question here - but those of you who go alone to sunny climes and spend your days on a sun lounger, how do you put sun screen on your backs? Grin.

As I passed the travel agents window in town earlier I said to DH that I was very tempted to book a week in the sun for myself because i'm feeling bloody cold here yesterday and today and am very jealous of the photos coming up on Fakebook of a couple of lots of friends who are currrently away (separately) in warmer climes whilst I'm sat here shivering in my jeans and jumper! DH can't take any more time off work so can't go away with me.

ScreamingValenta · 25/08/2018 13:48

Ice cold beer and fish finger sandwich sounding good, OP!

freshstart24 · 25/08/2018 14:09

Good for you OP. With the right mindset I think it's possible to have a fabulous time holidaying alone. I've done it several times as part of diving trips as no one I know enjoys diving.... For me it has been an empowering experience to confirm that I'm fine on my own.

If you can, try to appreciate the chance to do what you want, when you want, how you want I.e. no need for compromise. I'm all for compromising but it's much harder to do when the person you are compromising for doesn't seem to deserve it.

Remember that many of the couples, families or groups you see will be struggling in their own way.

My tips include to consider making your main meal lunch rather than dinner as dinner can feel a bit more couple orientated.

As another poster said furnish yourself with a good book and a camera.

Not sure if trips or adventures are your thing. If they are, consider booking a few. I've met lots of friendly single people doing this, and have always had a great time.

Good luck OP, I'm cheering you on....

freshstart24 · 25/08/2018 14:18

Oops, reread the OP and have realised you have breakfast and dinner in the hotel so ignore my lunch comment Blush. That arrangement gives you the chance to get out and about for lunch if you fancy exploring though.

Original poster
Handbag101 · 26/08/2018 09:45

Thanks Freshstart. Such a lovely post. Thank you. So I made it here fine last night. Transfer easy. Went straight to my room. They've put in a room easy to find and near everything. Had breakfast this morning. Felt a bid odd at first but then started to enjoy it. Now lying out in the glorious sunshine. Good book and MN. Hitting the gym later. Then dinner and a couple of drinks.

OP posts:
freshstart24 · 26/08/2018 12:04

Sounds lovely handbag. It's chucking it down here in the UK, how wonderful to be soaking up some sunshine.

Glad you settled into dining solo.

Do you ever play games on your phone? I never had until I was introduced to Tetris. I can now while away silly amounts of time on it and I have convinced myself that it's good for my brain.

Hope the gym is good.

Original poster
Handbag101 · 26/08/2018 12:56

Hey Fresh. Funny you say about games on the phone. I downloaded a word game. Also got my kindle as well. Might take that to dinner tonight. Still feel a bit conscious but like you said most people are unfortunately battling demons of some kind.

Lovely and sunny here. About 26 degrees. Tomorrow is there a power walk and beach yoga so I might join in that.

Really appreciate your posts.

OP posts:
Awks · 26/08/2018 13:08

Enjoy every single minute - it sounds like a gift to be able to have space and clarity of thought in the sunshine. Pissing down here, by the way.

freshstart24 · 26/08/2018 16:16

I'd take the kindle to dinner. You may decide not to use it but good to have it just in case. I'd happily eat alone with a good book on the go. Enjoy your dinner, make sure you eat and drink exactly what works for you.

The activities tomorrow sounds great. I think you should sign up an go for it. But then this is your holiday, your way....

Still raining here.

hettie · 26/08/2018 16:46

Oh God, I'm so envious Envy... The most I've managed is a long weekend city break. I do love the kids and dh, but my god the silence and freedom was bliss. If so do it every year if I could