Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Flip

Original poster

Going on Holiday Alone

24 replies

MsReturntoLife · 22/08/2019 23:58

In the past few years, there have been huge changes in my life. These have left me a bit shell shocked and lacking in get up and go. I have had periods of ill health. All older relatives have died. DH died too. DC grew up and left the house. All this happened in quick succession so would be a shock to most but I am not sure I am I being weak or if others would be the same.
I have not been on holiday for a few years because I did not want to leave the family while illnesses and pregnancies were going on. All that has stopped for the time being. I used to go self-catering holidays as the family were all fussy and picky eaters. I think I would still prefer a self-catering break.
Within reason, I have money to cover a holiday and related costs. I am feeling a bit worried about going on my own completely. I didn't used to mind when I had to take just me and DC. There was a lot more responsibility having the DC with me than going on my own.
I seem to be scared of going on my own. I am not sure why. I would go to a place already visited so that I would not be on strange roads. I did ask the DC if any of them would come with me. One said "don't be so stupid" another said they would come with me but then the subject was dropped and the last one said they have used their holiday allowance at work. One friend died about a year ago, another seems to have more worries than me about going anywhere. It looks like I definitely have to go alone.

Has anyone else felt like this? Has anyone gone on holiday alone? Did the holiday go well despite worries? I would be glad of any comment

OP posts:

MrsWalkz · 23/08/2019 00:00

Think you can find single travellers online. That might be a better first step. Like minded people who also travel alone. Give it a search 😊

Mileysmiley · 23/08/2019 00:01

Why don't you go on a coach trip? I know you might think it is for old people but a lot of singletons do this for the company. My Aunt who is single does this and has a fabulous time.

Montyman · 23/08/2019 00:04

Hi OP. Sounds like an awful lot that you’ve dealt with and can imagine you are shell shocked and trying to find your way.

Why don’t you try a retreat of some sort? A yoga retreat or something; you’re on your own but not on your own and it could do you the world of good with something slightly structured in that you would be expected to attend some yoga classes. It may not be your thing but may be exactly what you need? I don’t have any recommendations for any particular place or anything but have been on one with someone and it was blissful but it would have been even more blissful on my own

opinionatedfreak · 23/08/2019 00:06

Start easy - I went to Cornwall the first time I travelled on my own.

My next trip is interrailing across Europe to Prague. My big indulgence is first class train tickets. But I booked so far out they were very cheap (35 euros was the cheapest for the longest journey)

MinnieMountain · 23/08/2019 06:15

I've had walking weekends alone for the past few years.
In October I'm going on a yoga and walking weekend.
In November I'm taking the overnight train to Venice and back.
If I enjoy that, I'm going to book a Budapest trip.
If you're worried about travelling alone, find an activity you like. There's bound to be a company that does it.

katmarie · 23/08/2019 06:23

When I split up with my ex of ten years I had to start my life all over again. It took a few trips on my own and found it very peaceful, healing and therapeutic. And very empowering too. I went to Romefor a week, Crete for a beach holiday, and London for a long weekend. I loved it. I did what I wanted, went where I wanted, read a lot of wonderful books and ate where and when I wanted. I haven't been away alone since I met my husband and had ds, but I would love to go again at some point.

yearinyearout · 23/08/2019 06:47

Are you wanting to go back to a particular place? There are holidays that are aimed at single travellers (not for dating!) such as "just you". Ramblers holidays are also good for single travellers if you enjoy exploring, they do different grades depending on your fitness levels/how far you want to walk.

septemberdread · 23/08/2019 06:57

I did once, although it wasn’t planned (relationship ended before the holiday and it was all booked and paid for.)

It was a self catering apartment in Spain and it was ok but I can’t honestly say I loved it. Lots of stuff I just couldn’t do as it was aimed at couples or families like restaurants and similar. And certain parts were a ball ache. Like I had to take all my luggage with me to the toilet at the airport, you can’t just say to dp watch my bag!

I don’t think I’d do it again, even though it was far from the worst experience if you follow me.

sashh · 23/08/2019 06:59

I've been to Australia and a chunk of South America alone. I've done lots of short breaks in the UK.

I'm quite antisocial naturally so I'm fine but if you think you might be lonely then pick an activity holiday, anything form a language to learning to ride via various crafts.

Also have a look at 'couch surfing', I've hosted surfers and I've used the meet up for coffee option.

If you are staying in the UK pick an Italian restaurant for your evening meal (unless you are going to stay in) I find they are friendly places with attentive staff.

showmethegin · 23/08/2019 07:01

One of my cousins is single and joined 'spice' a few years ago. It's changed her life. She's met tons of fab likeminded people. They do local activities and things but also go on all sorts of holidays, she loves it!! Could you investigate that?

Mileysmiley · 23/08/2019 07:03

Have you tried going on a cruise OP?

You won't be alone on there and might make some new friends

loutypips · 23/08/2019 07:22

Have you thought about volunteering on a language immersion course? There's a few companies in Spain and some others across Europe that do it. You don't need any experience with teaching, you just need to talk! Your room and board is covered and you just need to pay for flights.

I've done a few of these, it's a good way to travel alone, as you're in a group and make loads of friends, but it's not a free holiday as you are talking from 9am till 10.30pm (and often longer!).

Have a look at Diverbo, Vaughantown, estacion inglesa or speakItaly.

Original poster

MsReturntoLife · 23/08/2019 11:28

Thank you all so much for your suggestions.
I don't feel that I could cope with being surrounded by a lot of people at the moment so I will keep the suggestions of a coach tour and cruise for the future. I am quite shy and reserved and out of the habit of mixing socially.

I would prefer self catering because I am not only a fussy and picky eater I have some allergies.
There are some places that I would like to re-visit. I would love one day to visit Cornwall (I have never been there but have always had a wish to visit) but at the moment that is much too far for me being over 500 miles. I have lost confidence in my ability to drive so do not want to travel too far.
I am amazed at how far some of you have travelled on your own. Well done! I hope one day to live up to you.
I like the idea of a retreat. I love peace and quiet. I would like to try something like Yoga or similar. I have a couple of sports interests and that could be another theme for a holiday.
I have a better idea of what I want to do now thanks to your suggestions. I will try to get a self-catering cottage in a quiet location with perhaps a retreat, yoga, or sports facility nearby.
Thank you all for your help

OP posts:

hellenbackagen · 23/08/2019 11:45

why not google forest holidays - they do self catering cabins with hot tubs - nice and luxurious with cooking facilities.

they also have several different sites around the uk so finding one not to far away shouldnt be too hard either.

ive stayed in one and found it increbily peaceful - they are set in woodland, quite well spaced so you arent on top of anyone but not alone if anything goes wrong or is needed.

id start with that kind of break if going alone until you build a bit of confidence.

i took all the shopping id need with me in cool boxes so didnt havve to leave the lodge unless i fancied leaving the lodge. there was lots of nice forest walks and i think you could hire mountain bikes too.

its not particularly expensive a break either. i like them because you can take your dog too - they have pet friendly lodges.

good luck in finding something op!

flamingjune123 · 23/08/2019 12:11

Have a look at a site called explore. They do wonderful trips for small groups all over the world. You are also always able to pay a little extra for a single room or share if you'd prefer

MinnieMountain · 23/08/2019 14:09

There's a sleeper train to Cornwall...

stucknoue · 23/08/2019 14:21

There's a very friendly and active solo cruise group on Facebook (run by the company passion for cruises who negotiate really good prices) so friendly and the members organise meet ups prior to departing etc

sashh · 23/08/2019 14:26

As well as a sleeper train you can fly to Cornwall, depending on where you live. Birmingham and Manchester both have flights to Newquay.

Be warned OP once you get the solo travel bug you won't get rid of it.

Original poster

MsReturntoLife · 23/08/2019 15:20

@sashh I will check if my local airport does flights to Cornwall for future trips. There are lots of places that I would like to visit.

I do hope that I get the solo travel bug and dont get rid of it

Thanks to all for suggestions

OP posts:

mammabella1 · 23/08/2019 15:28

I visited the Outer Hebrides last year (with the car) and the scenery is incredible, roads very quiet, and I stayed in bunkhouses that were very reasonable and comfortable. Almost everyone else I encountered (only around a fire at night) was travelling alone, some for a long weekend and some for months - all with their own stories. It was a really therapeutic trip, with lots to do when you like, but equally you could spend a whole day reading a book by the sea - it's a slow paced place.

Shetland is also a good place for this - good quality and quiet roads (also nervous about driving on unfamiliar roads!). Amazing wildlife and scenery and so peaceful - it's amazing what some clean, pure, crisp air can do for the body and soul!

Best of luck!

LuluBellaBlue · 23/08/2019 15:32

I’m going on holiday alone next week!
With a friend for the first week then the second week I’m doing 6 days of yoga. It’s great as we have 2 hours of yoga daily, then brunch and then we’re all free to do what we want.
So I have the choice of company or doing my own thing.
I’m 39 by the way, with a partner, child etc and have deliberately chosen to holiday alone

LuluBellaBlue · 23/08/2019 15:34

Sorry just saw your update re Yoga!
This company run them in Croatia, Sardinia and Spain. It’s very affordable too compared to standard retreats / yoga holidays

TellySavalashairbrush · 23/08/2019 15:35

I have just come back from a 4 day break on my own. I have dh and adult dd. I also work full time and am carer for parent with dementia. I have felt physically and mentally drained for a long time and just decided to book a Uk city break. It was fantastic! Only myself to worry about, did the things I enjoy doing and just had some quiet time to reflect. I ate out every night, taking my kindle with me and no one battered an eyelid. I’d highly recommend it, I’m already thinking where I can go next on my own.

ButterflyOne1 · 23/08/2019 15:37

I'm so sorry for your loss. I think people have given you great advice. I have been on many holidays on my own and love it!

I've done quite a few organised tours through G Adventures who are fab. You can pay to have your own room so you're not sharing and you get to do activities and dinners with the group but it's perfectly ok to do your own thing at times.

Flip