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?

@Zippityjumpingbean

Honestly... ? I wouldn't feel sorry for you or think 'what a saddo,' but I wouldn't be envious either. Not something I'd want to do. I like company when on holiday. I travelled on my own when I was much younger - before I met DH - and it was fine then. (But I still preferred being with someone to being alone.)

I had some wonderful holidays with my parents and brother when I was a child, and also with my DH and my 2 DC when they were younger. But I do enjoy just being with DH too. Wouldn't want to travel alone now, nope. But I don't think negatively of anyone who does.

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Ha ha I’d agree with that one!!
still I suppose what’s well within the comfort zone of one person is brave to somebody else perhaps.

Encouraged & hopeful that the stigma over doing anything solo is slowly eroding the more it becomes normalised.

I think “Hope you have a lovely holiday”

From reading this thread there doesn’t appear to be much of a stigma, most people are all for it. Have you found more of a stigma in the past @Meninmusic

Hi op I've been away by myself a few times and whilst on one hand I did really enjoy some time away from my family (busy life / business) for a few days each time, I did feel really self-conscious both times and a bit lonely to be honest and I'm not sure I'd do it again. Husband hates flying so that was one of the reasons I went alone as love the whole all-inclusive chill with a book type holidays but got a bit fed up with the suspicious looks! Think some people were wondering what I was doing there on my own :) also was a bit stressful travelling alone. So yep not sure how I feel about solo holidays really. On the plus side lovely to have people cook for me for a few days and to do nothing!!

Envious I did a lot of solo backpacking in my 20s and loved it. I think you are often more open to other cultures / new experiences when you are on your own. When you travel with others you insulate each other in your own little bubble.

I think “fabulous, sounds awesome, can’t wait to hear all about it!”

I’ve travelled alone several times pre DH & kids and it felt really adventurous & exciting and I met some really interesting people. I think travelling alone makes you more open to talking to new people / trying new things and it’s always nice to do as you please rather than deferring to others! I’ve got a few friends who do things like this now, some have husbands and kids, some don’t. I don’t ever think it’s because they couldn’t go with someone else if they wanted to - or feel bad for them, unless they told me they felt sad about it, but no one has.

I've done it and also felt anxious beforehand but immediately got over that once the journey began. Its actually a wonderful experience to take time out on your own and really immerse yourself in an adventure

Holidays alone can be great but there are times during those holiday when I would have liked some company, alternatively holidays with others can be great but there are times on those holidays when I crave alone time and freedom to plan my own days and not compromise.
Not sure which is better

Who cares what other people think about it? I often go on holiday alone and love it. If I told someone and they looked sorry for me, I'd think it was funny - they'd obviously have no idea what my solo holidays are like.

Totally envious. For many years, my DS spent 2 weeks of the summer with his dad and I was loath to take precious A/L at a time when I didn’t need to, so I didn’t. Then I trained as a teacher when he was 5 and was off anyway, so had several amazing solo holidays while they were away together. Morocco, Greece, Italy, Thailand and Oman.

Then came a massive fracture between DS and his dad so for the last five years it’s just been us. We have had some amazing trips together to many exciting places but I am very much looking forward to solo travel again in a few years.

The sheer joy of not having a timetable other than my own, being able to lie in bed for hours guilt free and see “boring things” is what I am looking forward to the most.

Well yes in a way - enough to have made me question doing it so am always encouraged & envious when others do! I think I also mean the charging of single supplements & society being more geared up to couples. It’s def changing though. Am sure you’ll have a lovely time!

I’ve been going on holiday alone for 40 years,this year so I don’t think much to be honest.

My first thought is actually “stay safe” - I don’t say it, but think it.

Secondly, I think “enjoy” it sounds like an adventure ready to unfold.

id be thinking “good for them” and be a bit jealous that they are getting a holiday where they do exactly what they want to do

Have fun would be about the most headspace I’d give it… most people are too self involved to care what others do

We do a lot of touring type holidays and there are always a few lone travellers - mainly women. I wouldn't discount it for myself if I became single but a large part of the holiday is shared memories and experiences so I'm not sure if I would like it. I have no judgment whatsoever of people doing solo holidays.

I would judge anyone that negatively judged anyone travelling alone tbh. I would think them the terribly conventional, married early and clung to husband type. Probably don’t read much and have a limited education.

Jealous.

First I wish I had the funds to do it.
and secondly I wish I had the confidence to do it.

Not a second thought, except perhaps admiration if they’re going somewhere I’d not be brave enough to (I’ve travelled on my own in Europe, Africa, the USA and Central America but would be nervous about South America and Asia; although I can’t really explain why!).

What I would judge is the head tilt person. I’d think it a bit pathetic that they obviously wouldn’t ever travel alone, if I’m honest. They’d rather miss out completely than go anywhere alone. Sad.

I went travelling on my own aged 21 and had a great time. Made friends along the way also, but found being on my own for my 22nd birthday a bit sad, and there were some moments I'd love to have shared with others.

I love it and would be interested to hear their plans.
Spent too many times on holiday not being able to do what I wanted because of having to compromise with others.
Going by yourself means you get to do the stuff you want to do, on your timetable.
You get to see the places you want, to eat where and when you want, to be as chilled or as active as you want.

I've been mostly single for 20 years now and I've been on holiday all over the world on my own. Apart from a couple of week long breaks with my Mum, I'm always flying solo.

I love it - city breaks, beach holidays, camping random countries that I've seen on TV and thought looked interesting. I like the freedom to chose my own schedule, to have a lie in until noon, to stare at the stars until 3am.

Bugger what anyone else thinks. Life is too short not to live it the way you want.

I'd recommend South Korea if you want somewhere in Asia that's safe and easy to travel around. My favourite destination so far. The food is great too.