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Original poster

Be honest, how do you feel when somebody tells you they’re going on holiday on their own?

231 replies

Zippityjumpingbean · 07/04/2025 13:00

So, I suppose this is vaguely inspired by the thread about the lady volunteering at a festival in her van, also inspired by the fact that I have just booked my first Solo holiday in 14 years (since before DC were born) I’m ridiculously excited about it and I love holidaying alone but the first person I told about about it I got the sympathetic head tilt and “I’m sure you’ll still have fun though”

So , be honest, if you hear about somebody holidaying alone how does it make you feel?
Do you honestly feel a bit sad/sorry for them even if you don’t voice it?

OP posts:
ItsUpToYou · 07/04/2025 13:01

Envious! I wish I had the balls. Imagine doing what you want to do, at the pace you want to do it. Ahh, to dream…

Wisterical · 07/04/2025 13:02

Why do you care what other people think about it?

squashyhat · 07/04/2025 13:02

I don't give it any thought at all. I go on holiday on my own all the time and don't give a shit what anyone else thinks.

AnotherNaCha · 07/04/2025 13:02

I wonder if posting this you actually somewhere deep down feel “sad and sorry”
for yourself? Otherwise it wouldn’t bother you surely?

I’d never give a second thought to someone holidaying alone!

SuperSange · 07/04/2025 13:03

Total envy.

saveforthat · 07/04/2025 13:03

No. Bit envious tbh. I have holidayed alone a few times, my friend (in her 60s) is currently travelling alone around Asia, having a fantastic time. Enjoy!

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 07/04/2025 13:04

Other than hoping they have a nice time, I don't give it a second thought.

BarneyRonson · 07/04/2025 13:04

I think they’ve carved out space for themself. That’s literally all I think. The rest of my thought is about where they’re going and for how long… the interesting bits.

MargoLivebetter · 07/04/2025 13:05

Like it is a totally normal thing to do in this day and age. Even my ancient mother has been on holiday on her own since my father died. I've been on holiday on my own in the past and it didn't even occur to me that people would have an opinion on it!

Have a great time @Zippityjumpingbean . Enjoy yourself and don't give any mental head-space to what other people might think.

Anywherebuthere · 07/04/2025 13:06

I dont feel anything. It's lovely and good for them but has no impact on me.

Same if it was multiple people going. Makes no difference. If you are excited and happy why does anyone elses opinion matter.

Coughcoughcoughallthetime · 07/04/2025 13:06

Totally envious that they have the confidence to do it.
I suffer from extreme social anxiety that really limits my life. I can't even go into a cafe and buy a cup of coffee . To be able to go on holiday by myself would be a dream come true for me.

ssd · 07/04/2025 13:06

I feel a bit sorry for them

Pancakeflipper · 07/04/2025 13:06

I think someone living life full on.

TruthOrNo · 07/04/2025 13:07

Zippityjumpingbean · 07/04/2025 13:00

So, I suppose this is vaguely inspired by the thread about the lady volunteering at a festival in her van, also inspired by the fact that I have just booked my first Solo holiday in 14 years (since before DC were born) I’m ridiculously excited about it and I love holidaying alone but the first person I told about about it I got the sympathetic head tilt and “I’m sure you’ll still have fun though”

So , be honest, if you hear about somebody holidaying alone how does it make you feel?
Do you honestly feel a bit sad/sorry for them even if you don’t voice it?

I think i hope that person enjoys their holiday. I love holidaying alone. I can do what I want.

My sister who needs her hand holding by a man step of the way in life, called me a sad single spinster when I was in 20s and holidaying alone. She honestly thought it was embarrassing of me to be doing that in my 20s and thought I had no other choice. In my 30s now and coupled up, I still do it.

Please don't subscribe to that misogynistic way of thinking.

Ossoduro2 · 07/04/2025 13:07

It depends. If they were lonely in life and they had the choice between going on holiday alone or not going I would feel sad they had no one to share their experiences with.

Whereas if they were surrounded by close family / friends and were going alone out of choice I wouldn’t think anything of it. Personally I would jump at the chance to do a quiet retreat all on my own with some books - peace and quiet with no interruptions, or a spa break alone. In fact, I need that!

If I was going travelling / exploring etc I’d prefer to go with dh and the kids.

Ddakji · 07/04/2025 13:07

I wouldn’t feel any pity at all.

I would wish that I was the kind of person who enjoyed this and was brave enough to do it.

And I would wish you a very happy holiday!

Latenightreader · 07/04/2025 13:08

When I turned 30 I took myself off to the States for a month armed with an Amtrak pass and a rough guide. I had an absolutely amazing time. I love the freedom of solo travel.

The main reaction I had was 'you are so brave' which really annoyed me. However I briefly met another solo traveller as we disembarked from a ferry and walked back to town together. She was about 20 years older than me and said she loved solo travel and she and her husband each took trips alone. Her positivity stuck with me as it vindicated my own feelings.

LandSharksAnonymous · 07/04/2025 13:08

Super supportive and, if I am not due to have my own solo-getaway, a bit jealous! I often go on holiday by myself (with the dogs) as DC have school and DH works abroad.

Honestly, I think it's a mark of your confidence that you can do it and anyone who says otherwise - or tries to tear you down, or makes nasty comments - is a bit sad and pathetic themselves.

Notaflippinclue · 07/04/2025 13:08

Jealous

BoredZelda · 07/04/2025 13:08

Oh the envy!

EmeraldDreams73 · 07/04/2025 13:09

Jealous! (Even more so than I would be of someone going on holiday with others, as they can please themselves).

loropianalover · 07/04/2025 13:09

Good question OP. I feel nothing but complete and utter envy, yet I am still too chicken to book myself away somewhere on my own!

DancefloorAcrobatics · 07/04/2025 13:09

@Zippityjumpingbean
I gess the real question you are asking is:
How do you feel when somebody tells you they’re going on holiday on their own, leaving DH and DC behind.
Honestly, good for them! But I know from experience, that people (especially family) will judge negativity.

Original poster
Zippityjumpingbean · 07/04/2025 13:10

Wisterical · 07/04/2025 13:02

Why do you care what other people think about it?

Oh I don’t really, I was just curious and interested to know what other people thought.

OP posts:
Doitrightnow · 07/04/2025 13:10

Envious of their holiday probably.
I've travelled alone on multiple occasions as well as with others and both have pros and cons. Certainly wouldn't feel pity - I'd feel much sorrier for someone who'd love to travel but never did because they had no one to go with.

I go to the cinema, theatre and restaurants alone too.