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

[Zippityjumpingbean]

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?

Oh that never entered my head! I don't see that as a holiday though, it's more of a week away for a hobby type thing.

Have you suggested that to the OP of that thread? It might help her handle the situation. I haven't looked at the thread recently.

You know when you see reels on social media that shows some mums wishing that they were taken on 24 hour police custody or hospital admission so they can take a break from kids and husband and not be disturbed, anyone going on holiday on their own will be envied by my me. I would love to do that.

I think ‘lucky you’! Getting to do exactly what you want when you want, no catering for other people; sounds like bliss! I intend to do it when I have the time/money. Just something simple like a cottage in Wales near the beach. Plenty of time to relax/read/eat/walk. No moaning from bored family members. Fabulous!

I like to holiday alone from time to time. I have a husband and dc so it's not something I get to do a lot of but I really enjoy a weekend break where I can do exactly what I want and don't have to consider anyone else. A few people have been surprised and ask if there is no one to go with me, wouldn't I prefer a group trip etc but for me the whole point is to be alone!

I feel jealous, I can't wait until my kids are old enough for me to holiday alone. Not with friends or a partner, I crave solitude on a beach with a stack of books, pleasing myself with what and when to eat.

Have a fantastic time.

You’ve definitely answered it and I can totally see where you’re coming from, solo by choice to get away from it all and lonely but determined to have a good holiday anyway are two very different things.
I like to think I’m the first one and I was once but I suppose after 14 years the self doubt is creeping in a bit.

i didn’t because by the time I found the thread it was already quite long and I thought somebody was bound to have suggested it five pages ago…I quite often answer threads in my head and forget to actually type 🤣

Thanks everybody for the replies and good wishes, I’m going to Tenerife and have picked a hotel that’s a bit fancier than I’m used to so I’m looking forward to it.

I think good on them, wish I could do that

I'm going to Australia on my own for 2 weeks! I can't wait!!

I'd think wow, what fun you'll have. I've done it a few times and had a blast. I also think it shows someone who is fundamentally comfortable in their own skin and enjoys their own company. What are you planning on doing?

I’m single and while I have friends, I actually prefer to travel alone to be honest.

Why do you care what other people think, especially the head tilters? If you want to do something, just do it. Life is short, get on with it and do the things you want to do.

It very much depends on the circumstances. I have a friend who holidays alone, but I know she would far prefer to have someone to go with. She is quite lonely, has no partner or friends her own age and as a result hangs out with older people like me who have their own commitments.

But she loves travel and after so many years of going nowhere, she decided that if she wanted to see the world then she would have to do it alone. So on the one hand I admire her for deciding to just go for it rather than miss out on the one thing that she loves, but on the other hand I would love her to have a travel companion to share it all with.

But for people whose background I don't know, I'd just admire their confidence. I don't do much travelling but I do go to shows on my own if none of my friends are interested and a lot of people don't understand that either.

Quite envious, tbh.

Jealous that I am not also going away on holiday!

No, I would never feel sad or sorry for anyone who told me they were going on holiday alone. Just like Iike I don't feel sorry for people doing out to dinner or the movies by themself.

I think... bliss!

I lost my DH almost three years ago and hadn't had a holiday for some years as I had been caring for him. This year I have booked two solo holidays in places that I went with him. I am really looking forward to the first holiday soon, but also with some trepidation. I just hope that I can enjoy myself without getting too caught up in memories and missing my DH.

100% envious. I've had a couple of great solo holidays, cinema trips, meals out etc. they're great !

I think "great, sounds like a lovely holiday" or "well not my cup of tea but each to their own"- in fact, the same as if someone is going in a couple/group.
I would definitely go on holiday alone. If I didn't have a partner or he didn't want to go, I wouldn't let it stop me.
I hope you have a fantastic holiday.

First time it was unintentional and I didn't enjoy it much - second time it was planned and it was one of my top three holidays to date (and I'm in my 50s). If time off weren't so limited, I'd absolutely do one a year!

I don’t much, just curious about what people really thought and (if I’m being completely honest) at a bit of a loose end this afternoon and thought I’d ask.

I mean I’m glad that most people seem to either view it neutrally or as a good thing because it wouldn’t be particularly comfortable thinking that everybody secretly felt a bit sorry for me but I wouldn’t care enough to actually let it stop me.

Well, Ive done this for donkey's years, so naturally, I think it's fabulous.

The problem is people with small minds and small lives. Theyre the ones who can't fathom enjoying solitude.

Well I’m considering the same thing so I would just hope you have an amazing time! It may well be the future for me with a child who hates holidays and a husband who goes away with his family.