Solo short break - WWYD?

[tosharama]

I'm considering a solo short break, either next month or in the Autumn.

I was ready to throw myself into it and was looking at flights until a solo traveller sub on Reddit that made me think I might not be cut out for solo travelling.

I have a DH and 2 kids who will all be fine if I go away for a few days. I'm going through a tough time at the moment and feeling close to burnout.

I've gone from nearly a week abroad sight-seeing, taking in the culture and eating good food to a women only retreat to 2 nights at a spa hotel.

If you had the option to solo travel what would you do and where would you go?

Certainly wouldn't go spa but that's just my personal choice. Look for a cheap flight and go somewhere not too far, Malaga perhaps, for 3 nights.

Why wouldn't you be "cut out for solo travelling"? I am single and DD is now an adult so I travel alone all the time. What is it that you feel unable to do on your own?

If it helps at all, my first totally solo trip was a week starting in Florence with a train to Rome mid(ish)way and it was spot on. Florence is easy enough to navigate into from Pisa airport and easy to walk around.

The train is straightforward and Rome is vaster but also satisfying to get your head around.

If you want recommendations on accomodations for a solo female traveller and places to dine alone, give me a message :) I was nervous going in, so totally understand worrying that you might not be cut out for it, but you can do it.

(If a week is too long, I would really recommend Dublin as a 3 day trip where you can see the city but also branch out along the coast to see some lovely coast/wildlife).

I had a wonderful solo five days in Madrid this winter, but it’s far too hot in summer. Other places I’ve gone alone — the Blaskets, Stockholm, Edinburgh, Leuven, walking part of the Pennine and Cotswold Ways.

Copenhagen is great to just wander about. It's a short flight and an easy trip from the airport to the city. It feels very safe and isn't as expensive as I was expecting.

I’d be torn between going on a women-only active retreat (eg Gutsy Girls, etc. there are a few options out there, I’d like to walk and kayak), or several days simply wandering about a city I’ve never been to - like Valencia, Hamburg, or Tbilisi.

Of those 2 options, the ‘sporty’ organized trip with other strangers is waaaay out of my comfort zone. I’d be fine exploring a new city alone.

Just do it. I went mallorca for 4 nights. Loved it. I had kids about 10 and 8 at the time. I needed to just breathe from family life. Love them to death but needed time. Never feel guilty for solo trips. Obviously if you have a partner or other family to help it's easier but don't forget you can't pour from an empty cup.

There is also a food Facebook page of advice for solo women.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesolofemaletravelernetwork/?ref=share

I don't think I'd be cut out for it because although I crave time alone when I actually get it I don't know what to do with myself. My problems will still be with me whether I'm at home or 100s miles away, I won't be escaping them just by being in a different location.

I'm fragile at the moment and need a break from all the turmoil but I'm not sure being so far from home in a strange city etc would be right for me just now.

I’ve done 3 night solo breaks in Budapest and Seville and had a wonderful time in both. If you want a break from being ‘solo’, a food tour is a good way of connecting with others for a fun evening.

Woukd a group trip suit you better? Something themed around a hobby or interest you have, or would like to develop? Photography, writing, yoga, gardens, whatever? It’s still a chance to decompress, but with some company and distractions.

I would book a solo trip to somewhere like one of the Spansih Costas or Tenerife. I would enjoy sitting by the pool reading with no expectations to look after anyone else but would make sure I stayed somewhere with good long walks along the seafront.

Just do it! Otherwise you would always be wondering about it.....I need a solo break.

A friend books a week in Minorca in a hotel with a balcony when she needs space. She eats tapas style in the evening on the balcony and sits by the pool in the day. Would drive me mad I think.

I have booked residential courses in the past, you have a common interest so there’s something to talk about, in nice places, and there’s time to for a wander if you like. Cheese making, writing, walking….

a friend will pick a small town In Yorkshire or the lakes and do some gentle walking, church visiting and takes a book to the pub to eat at night.

another friend who was feelin* fragile booked an isolated cottage for a few days.

I’ve happily wandered around places on my own, European cities while there for work.

but, I’m not sure I’m a natural lone traveler, though I like being alone.

I second Madrid for the solo traveler
Gorgeous city
And easily doable on your own

It’s surprising how much good it can do you to have a change of scene. I hover solo travel, no one to consider but myself , full on selfishness is the order of the day and doesn’t impact anyone

the trick for me is to have a mixture of organised and not organised activities. Group walking is always a good one , a simple activity and somehow walking alongside others you can have really interesting conversations. Ramblers or Meetup are good for finding things to do everywhere. Walkingwomen.co.uk do walks from a single day upwards.

good luck. You will be surprised by how much a shift of perspective can really help

I'm actually going to Edinburgh for four nights - DH doesn't want to go. I've been before, so know it fairly well though so makes it an easy safe trip for me and there's lots I know I want to do.

I went to Jersey and Switzerland on my own many years ago. If I was going to go abroad now, I think I'd chose a citybreak - went to Krakow last year and it was one of the nicest, safest feeling cities I've been to - you feel at home straight away. Budapest is nice.

Either way, look into whatever you're considering and work out what you'd want to do.

Have you considered a short cruise? These are popular with solo passengers.