So I went on holiday on my own…

[Lucky44]

A few weeks ago I posted about going on holiday on my own and how anxious I was and got some lovely support. Thought I’d update you - got home a few days ago and it was the best time ever. Airport was a breeze, no check-in hassle, got taxi to apartment and did nothing except what I wanted when I wanted. I didn’t eat out very often, preferring to have snacks on the balcony reading my kindle. And this might sound weird but how liberating not to have to wear clothes - naked sunbathing on the balcony! Not an option with teenagers. I found the whole experience quite erm arousing and wish I’d brought some ‘toys’… I am definitely doing this again.

@Peridot1

I’m also planning to go to ‘live’ in New York on my own for a month.

Always wanted to live there but never did. Have been a few times and loved it but always go with someone who hasn’t been before so we do the same basic tourist stuff. So I said to DH I would like to go for a month and he said do it. So my plan is to book a serviced apartment or similar and go for 3 or 4 weeks. DH might then come and we will go somewhere for a week together. He’s been a few times on business so has no interest in NY itself.

I want to be able to really spend time doing museums, walking around areas and just taking my time rather than speeding around over a long weekend.

That sounds so lovely. I went for a few days with DC and DH. It was great but all of them are obsessed with art and we did nothing but trudge around every single museum and gallery they could find. I want to go and write in the gorgeous public library and do yoga outside in Bryant Park and explore every inch of Central Park and go to a late night comedy show or some off-off-off broadway new play.

I love solo holidays! Glad you had a good time

I love solo travel, in fact most of my travel is without my husband. I love that time to myself.

Peridot1 that sounds absolutely wonderful!! Please let us know how you get on, I would so so love to do this!🥰

People who have never been on holiday alone tend to think of it as a bit rubbish. And those that do it as being lonely or brave.

Those of us who have tried it know what bliss it really is! I bloody love holidaying by myself! It's the ultimate indulgence IMO.

I love that so many of you love my NY plan!

I’d love to drive upstate too @TheYearOfSmallThings. May suggest that if DH comes over. I don’t mind driving in the States - have driven in Florida and California.

I’m thinking maybe next September for my trip and then if DH comes we can go drive to see the Fall colours. Although we both want to go to Washington as well.

So many places so little time!

I love going on my own. Most years I've gone on my own to meet friends some of the time but the rest of the time I do as I please.

The New York trip sounds fabulous! I'll love to do that and see all the pavement declarations.

Peridot1 I am sure you will love it. I used to wrangle annual trips to a conference in Manhattan each year, and then manage to get a long weekend at the end at my expense.

It's a real treat to visit places at the pace of your choice (if you feel a bit lonely just book a couple of walking tours or classes).

I’m thinking maybe next September for my trip and then if DH comes we can go drive to see the Fall colours.

Check the foliage maps - I think September might be too soon for the best colour. My parents were over in early October (they did an Oktoberfest and leaves boat trip) and they said the leaves were just starting to turn then.

Yes will bear that in mind TheYearOfSmallThings. Went to Boston at the end of October a few years ago and it was nice then but obv much later.

Madcats - good idea about walking tours or classes.

Right, I’m going to book Vienna for next year. Since I love Germanic cultures and pastries, it should be the perfect fit.

I did Majorca on my own 2 years ago. Was lovely, stayed at an all inclusive hotel so I didn't have to wander the streets at night. I'm looking to book another break for this summer but not sure where, I would love a quiet hotel with pool to lay and read all week, maybe somewhere with a nice resort to explore in the afternoons.

Also any tips on putting sun cream on your own back would be appreciated. The other year I bought one of those self tan sticks with the sponge on and used that to apply cream but was still very difficult.

@CraftyBugger I’m just returning from Lanzarote, fabulous hotel. Adults only and very peaceful with amazing food. Close to small town to potter in.

I struggled with the creaming your own back. Bought spray suncream but still missed bits!

@Sidge - ooh sounds nice. Where were you?

I often go on my own (apart from the last year or so). Recently back from a short break with DH which i enjoyed but it just wasn't as relaxing and peaceful.

I think I'll book something for next month. What was your adult only Canarian hotel called Sidge?

Also, re the suncream on your own back, on the recent break I saw a lady with a small paint roller type thing. Looked odd but she managed to apply her suncream. I'm fortunate because I'm hypermobile.

Yes, solo travel is great. I love being able to travel at own pace and do things as impulsively as I please. You're right, there's nothing better than a bit of naked sunbathing.

We've got gorgeous weather in Somerset today (didn't expect to be sat outside in a T shirt in this weather), but I've been sat browsing Travelzoo ads.

I feel sure some of you are further advanced on their fantasy solo holiday than I am.

I am not up to date with Covid rules, but is there anyway a double jabbed can go somewhere without ££ PCR tests either end?

I'll throw in Jersey who give you a free PCR at the airport but nothing needed on return to UK.

I'd be happy with somewhere sunny, but jumpers required

@Peridot1

I’m also planning to go to ‘live’ in New York on my own for a month.

Always wanted to live there but never did. Have been a few times and loved it but always go with someone who hasn’t been before so we do the same basic tourist stuff. So I said to DH I would like to go for a month and he said do it. So my plan is to book a serviced apartment or similar and go for 3 or 4 weeks. DH might then come and we will go somewhere for a week together. He’s been a few times on business so has no interest in NY itself.

I want to be able to really spend time doing museums, walking around areas and just taking my time rather than speeding around over a long weekend.

That sounds amazing ! I’m very jealous, have a fabulous time !

These sound fab particularly the NY idea. I have long summer holidays and DH doesn’t. I have just informed him of my intentions to travel around Europe alone every summer for a month once the kids fly the nest and he can join me for as long as he wants. I cannot wait now. My youngest is 10 so not long now.

Similar theme. I often imagine owning a (new and therefore clean) camper van (just for me) and driving off for days at a time in it. Also, have a creative hobby so would allow for thinking time.

Sounds amazing. I love holidaying on my own.

Brilliant! So glad you and the others posting in this thread have had a great time.

I've done it myself in the past, and it's nice being able to choose the activities and times to do things yourself.

I often travel alone as I have more holidays than DH. In past 4 years I have booked
Lebanon, Albania, Venice, Mallorca, Dallas, San Francisco, Denver, San Antonio, Jersey, Helsinki

And probably more that I can’t recall

@YoungGiftedPlump

I often travel alone as I have more holidays than DH. In past 4 years I have booked Lebanon, Albania, Venice, Mallorca, Dallas, San Francisco, Denver, San Antonio, Jersey, Helsinki

And probably more that I can’t recall

Shops didn’t finish

I love it and always get a great welcome from people.