Is it “weird” to go on holiday by yourself?

[curiousitygotthebetterofme]

I’m off work mid August and I really want to go away for a bit, not as in abroad but somewhere in the UK, like a self catering cottage somewhere in the country side for a few days.

Problem is DH cant get time off and DC dont want to go.

if I go away by myself, would people not think it’s a bit weird? Or do people actually do this?

I went to London by myself in November as my friend dropped out due to DC issues.

I had a lovely time sightseeing, although I did meet up with some friends when down there. I tended to go out for lunch and then have leftovers in my room for dinner- generally rushing out to shows - because I was on my own I managed to get a ticket to the opening night of Cabaret which was incredible (although I did get chatted up by a late middle aged Canadian man sitting beside me which was less fun).

Having done it, I think I'd prefer a city break with things to do on my own rather than a holiday destination, but then it would be quite nice to read my book in peace so maybe that would be good too.

This comes up a lot. It baffles me.

I go away by myself all the time. After a weekend in London with friends which is rare, I think I actually prefer it!

Most of my friends are coupled up/kids/don't have the funds so it began as me not having a choice as I love to travel. Now I don't even bother seeing if anyone is available, I research, book and off I go. I can totally suit myself. There's a couple of downsides but nothing that would ever put me off.

If it wasn't for the airport/flights situation at the moment I'd be booking another.

Best holidays ever! Do it.

Do it! Not weird at all. I've traveled by myself for work plenty and nobody knows why you're on your own, I've never felt weird. Freeing.

Just do it. It's really not that crazy. You aren't going to mars!

Oh my god I would LOVE this. I never get to be alone!

Sounds amazing OP, go for it.

If you get the wobbles about whether people are wondering why you're by yourself (which they almost certainly aren't, but if you can't get that thought out of your head) you can imagine what sort of job you might be doing to wander around the London sights by yourself - perhaps an author or script writer people-watching for ideas, or a travel journalist, or a mystery shopper or attraction reviewer, or a blogger, or something else - all involve loads of hanging around by oneself so is completely normal !

I’ve not done it yet as DS is still dependent on me and I’m a single parent full time. However, if he is having a sleepover or especially out for the day I quite often go off for lunch by myself. I enjoy a people watching, choose what I want to eat unbothered and then a mooch around the shops. I’d definitely go for it

Not at all weird.

I think people with kids especially mums really appreciate the freedom of it.

One tip I found useful when I did travel was to to to a local cafe/bistro each morning for coffee/breakfast. That way even for a short time you become a temporary regular and can ask questions if you need to - and even for security reasons at least they know your face etc. in case you need someone in an emergency.

I actually think it's easier to go abroad. It's more common for single diners etc in Spain and Italy etc. And will probably be cheaper !

I don't think it's weird. I would like to go somewhere on holiday myself at some point even if I have one night away.

It's not weird but it's not something I would enjoy. I don't know anyone in real life who has been on holiday alone but it seems to be very common among mumsnetters.

Sunday I just come back from a 5 night stay in majorca. Nothing weird about it . I enjoyed every blissful second. Ate when I want, drunk what and when I liked , woke when I woke , sunning alllllllllll day long by the pool .. left husband and child at home.

I go on holiday by myself. Why should I miss put if no one else wants to go?

• out

This is my idea of heaven !

I am doing a single city break to London for 4 days later this month. I will meet my oldest (I will be staying independently) to go to the theatre one evening & on the Saturday but otherwise I intend to please myself going to galleries and gardens for a few days . I am really looking forward to the freedom.

DO IT. Some alone time to yourself to fully recharge and please yourself sounds like my idea of paradise!

Some people will think it is a little bit "weird", but that shouldn't stop you. In recent years I've had a week in Malaysia by myself (joining the family for another two weeks of holiday at the end) and also had a few days away in Stockholm. Personally I prefer to explore new things on my holiday, so wouldn't choose to spend a week on my own in a cottage in the UK. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't or wouldn't enjoy it and I can see the appeal if you have kids at home and live in the town. My kids are almost gone and we live fairly rurally so I can take all the leisurely country walks and pub lunches by myself that I want anyway.

I'm doing exactly that in 3 weeks time.

Beautiful little cottage in the Dale's with a hot tub, delivery of posh groceries, laptop (for writing) and a pile of books.

I can't wait!

No, not at all! I'm on my first holiday in years with other half and two teenage DD's. It was supposed to be relaxing as I need it but instead I'm as usual constantly making sure everyone else is OK and DD has heatstroke so I'm worried and I'm wishing I'd have done it on my own!

I actually think it's easier to go abroad. It's more common for single diners etc in Spain and Italy etc. And will probably be cheaper !

I second this, I've never been hassled by men when eating alone in restaurants abroad, which seems common place here.

Best solo holiday I ever had was Kenya, admittedly I sat on the plane & thought WTAF am I doing, but it was amazing. We ended up with a group of 30 lone travellers in the hotel, all nationalities & aged from 17-80, & lots of different interests, so there was always someone to go to attractions etc with if you wanted company for safety. Nights in the locals bar with them all was great fun too & I'm still in touch with some of them today

I go away by myself all the time as I get more annual leave than DH and only work four days a week. I went to Spain last week, rented an air bnb in the mountains. And I'm going to aviemore for a few days next month.

I love going away alone. I can do what I want, no compromises.

Ive been doing it for the past few years since my OH died Idont have any friends that are single so they always want to go with their OH. It was either go it alone or dont goanywhere. I usually do a city break in this country for 3 nights somewhere there is a lot of museums, castles etc.
Have booked a 4 days cruise this year which I am slightly concerned about .
London is great for a short break, there is so much to do and see and you cant get lost as there are buses and tube stations everywhere. I also go to London theatre a lot. No one will notice you they are all too busy with their own lives.

I've never done it, and would feel a bit weird about it. I'd love to do it though! When you're away with family you're always trying to satisfy everyone. A whole holiday dedicated to what YOU want to do sounds like bliss!