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Original poster

Holidaying alone

10 replies

SquiggPig · 13/12/2018 07:53

I keep seeing a male friend of mine posting photos of himself on holiday on Facebook.
He always goes alone as he doesn't have much family and few friends.
It got me thinking. I have wanted to go on holiday for years, but aside from several Center Parcs holidays with my adult children, it's been about 10 years since I went away.

I too don't have anyone to go with, but am ok with going alone.
I have a medical condition which means I don't have great mobility, although I can walk ( I don't need assistance) and I tire easily.

Would anyone like to share their wisdom or experiences on this please.

OP posts:
DisplayPurposesOnly · 13/12/2018 08:00

If you're happy with your own company, holidaying alone is a breeze Smile

Start small if you're unsure - a long weekend, possibly to somewhere you've been before. You don't have to launch into a fortnight long haul!

Have a plan on how to spend your day (ie your destination presumably has things you want to do so have a broad plan). Take a book to dinner and/or sit by a window for people-watching.

Kernowgal · 13/12/2018 09:27

I regularly go away on my own as often friends aren't available at the same time.

I tend to do a half-board package holiday with a spa nearby if I want to relax, or I'll take myself off for a city break if I fancy some culture.

I do feel a bit weird about eating out alone in the evenings but generally waiting staff are really nice. I take my kindle out with me or just sit there and watch all the comings and goings - I love people watching!

thatmustbenigelwiththebrie · 13/12/2018 10:20

I go away by myself a lot. I love it as you don't have to compromise on anything.

I am not really a beach or pool person so tend to go to mountains and go hiking, running or cycling.

I tend to pack my days being active, then have a simple dinner and an early night. Rock and roll!

Sitranced · 13/12/2018 10:29

I've done weekends or been to 2/3 day festivals alone but much longer than that I would start to get a bit bored without having conversation. But having autonomy and being able to make on the fly decisions about where I want to go and do/see what I want to see is brilliant.

Dowser · 13/12/2018 11:32

We meet two men on the beach with mobility problems
They have a scooter
One is 90 and looks about 75 other is 84and looks about 75

They come to Tenerife the same time every year like we do so you seem to get to know people.
We have a good matter when we meet up and then you can go off and do your own thing.
The 84 year old does Malaga in June and October and here in March and Nov/ Dec
The 90 year old has a house here..so spends a lot of the winter here where it’s just beautiful

Thing is they are both young at heart and we have some great laughs.

Just give it a go

Dowser · 13/12/2018 11:34

Meant to say both men are widowers and we are in Tenerife.

Frosty66611 · 13/12/2018 11:36

Maybe you could start of with a self catering cottage somewhere in the U.K.? Or if you don’t feel self conscious about eating out alone then a spa hotel might be a nice idea.
I love my own company and could happily spend a week on my own in nice surroundings with a pile of books, magazines and dvds. I’ve holidayed on my own in Dorset a few times as the scenery is amazing and I love taking a stroll along the sea front with my fish and chips

MartaHallard · 13/12/2018 11:48

If you go on a city break, you'll probably find there are bus trips and boat trips (if on a river), and gardens to sit in, weather permitting. Or you can just take a local bus to the next town and look at the scenery, and have coffee or lunch when you get there.

I've learned not to feel I must be doing something touristy every minute when I'm on holiday. It's fine to go to an art gallery in the morning then spend the afternoon sitting in a garden or on the seafront or in a coffee shop, if that's what you fancy.

Do you have a particular interest? Would you consider booking a holiday to a residential school based around it? They can be pricey, but usually all-inclusive, and can be a good way to make new friends.

Original poster
SquiggPig · 13/12/2018 12:14

Thank you everyone, very inspirational.

Well, between posting this and now, I've booked a long weekend in Fuerteventura Grin for my birthday in Feb.

I have checked carefully how far everything is if I have to walk and what the incline to the hotel is like.
All seems good.
I just know I will love it alone as I go away in the UK regularly with just my dogs.

OP posts:
Original poster
SquiggPig · 13/12/2018 12:18

Sorry, posted too soon there.
I wanted All Inclusive to just sit by the pool and read, maybe visit local markets.
No desire to sight see atm, however maybe I will change my mind once I'm there.

My children are gutted, however whenever I have mentioned it to them in the past they have always been too busy to commit anything with me.

Thanks again Smile

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