Where for a week’s solo holiday in July?

[dubyalass]

I have a week off in mid July and would like to get out of the country. Haven’t been away since pre pandemic. I’m on my own and friends aren’t able to get the time off at the same time.

I’m not a sun-worshipper and hate being out in the midday heat but I am quite happy sitting by a pool or on the beach under an umbrella with a book. I can’t decide whether I want self catering or a hotel - would really like to not have to think about cooking for once but also don’t want to be roaming around looking for a restaurant every evening. I wondered about a yoga retreat but it would involve doing yoga when really what I want is to read books, sleep and have someone cook for me 😁

Any ideas/suggestions? Destination undecided but would rather countryside/seaside than city.

Honestly, I would just book a package to Spain, either all inclusive or half board. It will be quite cheap so you could probs afford to eat out a couple of nights if you saw somewhere nice. I’ve heard good things about benalmadena but I’m not going until august. There is a village and park and looks a bit less ‘brits on the piss’ than some places. Otherwise, Valencia. If I was going solo I’d do Stockholm but it’s not a beach…

I too would book HB at a nice, comfortable hotel with a pool and loungers and definitely go before the schools break up, so you have a peaceful time. That means the first week of July, because private schools break up at the end of that first week (usually around the 7-9th July). I wouldn't SC if I was on my own, I don't think. I'd want someone to make my bed and cook for me!

I'd book B&B in a hotel and make sure you get at least a fridge in the room.

Then have a nice breakfast before heading out for the day. Have lunch while out and about (or if you're having a relaxing 'pool and reading day' just go out for lunch). Have lunch quite late - if you go somewhere like Spain, then 2-4 pm is normal lunchtime anyway.

Get wine and snacks to have on the balcony in the evening so you don't have to worry about going out for dinner alone if you don't want to do that.

Maybe Barcelona or somewhere nearby so you can do the relaxing thing then get the train into Barcelona for the day. Or you can also do similar in/around Malaga, Alicante, Palma, San Sebastian or Lisbon/Cascais in Portugal.

I'd start by seeing where has the best/cheapest flights from your airport of choice and go from there.

I also like the look of this hotel in Lanzarote. You can also book as a package with a few airlines.

Sorry just seen you're going mid-July, in which case I would book a hotel that is adults-only or just not a hugely touristy place. My DSis had a lovely solo holiday in the south of Sardinia in the Pula/Chia area.

Messed up the link, but here it is on Jet2holidays and it's adults only so no school holiday issues.

Or an adventure holiday? Walking, exploring etc

www.explore.co.uk/

Good ideas here, thanks all. I was wondering about Menorca - I've been to Majorca in the past on my own and really liked it. France and Italy also an option. Hadn't considered Lisbon and surrounding areas - good call.

I also like going walking but appreciate it will be scorchio in most of Europe in July. I'm limited to the middle two weeks for work reasons.

Ooh Sardinia... Think of all the gelato...

We're going to Menorca in a few weeks and I think it would be good for a solo trip.

Maybe stay close to Mahon for ease of getting to/from airport, facilities etc, but you can get a bus across to Ciutadella for a day out if you fancy a change of scene.

There's also the round island footpath if you're an early bird you could go for walks in the early morning before it gets too hot.

www.friendshiptravel.com/solo-holidays.html

I travelled with this company prepandemic, best week ever. Was amazing and great company in my fellow solo travellers

Best thing is they include transfers, single occupancy rooms and a local rep who helps each group arrange tours, meals out, as and when anyone fancies an activity. Couldn't fault them. Meals are communal so just socialable enough to be fun.

So many options - thanks all!

Normandy if France is considered.