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Original poster

Holidays for solo travellers?

33 replies

Pythian · 03/05/2022 16:42

I'm thinking about holidaying alone next year and I was wondering if anyone had been on one of those package tour type things for solo travellers? I have been away by myself before and sorted my own flights, accommodation, outings etc, but I just fancy going somewhere a bit different and not having to worry about all the arrangements it involves making. Plus, safety in numbers - when I've been abroad alone in the past, I feel like I've missed out on nightlife because of not wanting to go to bars or clubs as a single woman. Hopefully if I was in a group with other people in a similar situation, I could find someone to go with.

If you've done this, would you recommend it? Which tour company did you use and where did you go?

Tia!

OP posts:

Countmeout · 03/05/2022 16:45

i haven’t. But have thought about it more than once. So I’ll be interested in what you find out.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 03/05/2022 17:12

I haven't but I've heard Intrepid Travel is good for those. I'm planning on using them in future, I'm a single parent so when DS is grown I'll be holidaying solo.

hellcatspanglelalala · 03/05/2022 17:15

I haven't, but my MIL has been on several with www.solosholidays.co.uk and really enjoyed them. I would also recommend Ramblers worldwide, they do small group holidays and tend to be a mixture of couples and solo travellers (they do all different grades so you don't have to been a mad keen hiker. Some of theirs are mainly sightseeing holidays with shorter walks)

FireWithoutSmoke · 03/05/2022 17:20

Exodus are meant to be good. I booked a holiday pre-covid on the back of a relative’s experience. Still haven’t rebooked it but I will.

They automatically extended my deposit to be used before 2023 and that was in 2021. I didn’t have to ask.

Shinyseas · 03/05/2022 17:24

I’ve heard Exodus is good too.

Might be worth looking at the Yoga on a Shoestring website. It’s not all yoga, there were some more general wellbeing / group travel options last time I looked.

FinallyHere · 03/05/2022 17:29

I haven't done 'just' holidays but have had good experiences by myself joining some of the trips organised by https://www.walkingwomen.com

The activities are always optional but I tend to join in , I'm extrovert do tend to join. If you prefer your own company I imagine you would easily be accommodated.

Original poster

Pythian · 03/05/2022 17:57

Great stuff, thanks all. I will definitely check those out. I'm a sociable introvert, so to speak, so having the option to join in if I want to but it not being compulsory would be ideal.

OP posts:

maddy68 · 03/05/2022 18:07

I have been on many cruises alone. They are safe and offer singles dining so singles can dine together if they should want to which is nice and you form friendships

Newnormal99 · 03/05/2022 18:07

I went with exodus and it was good. Long time ago though!

MrsHamlet · 03/05/2022 18:28

Intrepid are great. If Central Asia is of interest, I cannot recommend kalpak travel highly enough

Shouldhavedoneitsooner · 03/05/2022 18:34

I have been with exodus and flashback. Both were great. It’s nice to not have to think about anything while away. It’s such a slick operation that all trips are high quality and every meal great. The groups were always nice people. It does work out quite expensive though.

ivykaty44 · 03/05/2022 18:46

ive been away with exodus twice and they were very good. Once to India for 16 days and the second time to Cuba for a fortnight. I just went on with a mixed group of couples and solo travellers as it was an activity holiday and I wasn't worried about sharing either - so didn't pay the supplement. The first holiday I shared and the second holiday I never shared

Chelsea26 · 03/05/2022 19:22

I went to Kenya on safari with intrepid and it was amazing - explore are also good

lozza8256 · 03/05/2022 19:50

I am planning on a trip with Intrepid later this year so, fingers crossed! It's my first solo holiday and am anxious about it but, if I don't do it, I will regret it.
Hope you'll find the courage to get out there :)

Original poster

Pythian · 04/05/2022 11:32

I wonder if there are any more, let's say, sedate options out there? I really don't want to go hiking or white water rafting, just a guided walk is enough for my energy levels...

OP posts:

cstaff · 04/05/2022 11:42

I went with Friendship Travel a few years ago. It was ok - a bit sedate for me tbh. I was the youngest there at 52 which I was surprised at. I spoke to the rep and she advised if I was to do this again to go for a cheaper option as they were more likely to be more lively and up for a bit of fun. I chose this option as I had been to this resort a number of times before and liked the idea of a bit of familiarity.

Iamnotamermaid · 04/05/2022 11:51

Exodus is good- they cater to all types of travellers & trips are graded accordingly.

Top tip is find a few you look the sound of and ring them to find out (at a high level) about the other travellers. They can provide an age range, m/f ratio etc....

ceecee32 · 04/05/2022 11:54

Friendship travel have 'houseparty' holidays where they take over a small basic hotel. No pressure to join in but you soon get to know each other and make friends.

ImInStealthMode · 04/05/2022 11:55

I went with Toucan Travel in 2019 but sadly they went bust when travel stopped

Not sure if Exodus and Flashpack are the same but all the excursions and 'adrenaline' bits were optional. National park tours were included (it was Costa Rica) but if you wanted to go zip-lining or rafting that was an add-on. Those who weren't so adventurous didn't bother!

Shouldhavedoneitsooner · 04/05/2022 12:13

If you want a beach and some sort of enrichment, I’ve used Skyros holidays. They are a bit ‘hippy’ but it’s a nice break and the island is beautiful! I stayed in the centre in the town and did a writing course. It was a lovely way to spend the week as there was time for the beach, rooftop yoga and communal meals etc. The age range was 30s upwards.

Clymene · 04/05/2022 12:23

I have been on one with exodus. It was fun but it wasn't relaxing. I think there are ones framed around interests (like cooking in Italy or similar)

Clymene · 04/05/2022 12:26

FinallyHere · 03/05/2022 17:29

I haven't done 'just' holidays but have had good experiences by myself joining some of the trips organised by https://www.walkingwomen.com

The activities are always optional but I tend to join in , I'm extrovert do tend to join. If you prefer your own company I imagine you would easily be accommodated.

Ooh those look great!

FinallyHere · 05/05/2022 14:54

Pythian · 04/05/2022 11:32

I wonder if there are any more, let's say, sedate options out there? I really don't want to go hiking or white water rafting, just a guided walk is enough for my energy levels...

https://www.walkingwomen.com

They do a 'goat scale' of how strenuous each holiday is. Stick with one goat and you will be fine 😀

lozza8256 · 05/05/2022 18:18

Tonight I booked a trip with Intrepid. A weeks 'food tour' around Italy. 147 sleeps to go. A little daunted (and sad) to be taking a solo trip but who knows what adventures I'll have.

Thank you, you inspired me to step outside my comfort zone x

CanIKeepDoingThis · 05/05/2022 18:20

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