I'm tempted to book a holiday to tenerife or somewhere else cheap this week, but noone is able to come with me, so I'm thinking of going alone, but I'm a bit scared

[Cherrypopping]

Have you ever done this before? I just need some sunshine and to chill

Oh I love a trip alone, do it regularly. I go away with dh and friends often but sometimes I crave a solitary holiday. Love Lanzarote for this, stay at a Barcelo hotel and there are lots of solo travellers there. Sometimes get an apartment and stay in at night but really I prefer the hotel atmosphere and all the food and room service that goes with it. Do it!

I've done lots of city breaks alone, and travelled to Australia solo at 21.

City breaks are better than beach holidays when solo IMO. Lots of museums, galleries etc to occupy yourself with. So maybe find somewhere that has both city and beach (or some local attractions).

Barcelona was lovely and warm when I was there mid-October, but it might be a bit cooler now.

When travelling solo I actually make lunch my main meal out. If I wanted to drink, it was reassuring that I wouldn't have to make my way back to the hotel after a glass of wine or two when it was dark. I also found it less daunting to eat Al Fresco for some reason.

If you treat yourself to a nice hotel that has a balcony or an apartment I also quite enjoy the odd takeaway in the evening. It's so easy with apps now even if you don't speak the local language, collect it from reception - never been to a hotel that minded.

I don't want to come across as the "crowing" kind, who says, oh just do it, you'll be fine, go on, go on, go on lol! Because the first time can be quite daunting if most people are honest about it!

However, I'm out the other side and happily go away on my own to indulge my hobby, which (maybe) to MN surprise is not a secret and it's not outing 😊I studied Greek and Roman civilisation in a past life, and since retirement a few years ago can now indulge myself in trekking around all these mad ancient sites in Italy, France and Greece.

I do go away with himself for a few fly and flops since he has bad arthritis, but we try to find somewhere interesting for both of us. Well that means a sunbed for him and something historic (apart from myself) for me.

One thing that I find intimidating when on my own, I have to admit is eating out in the evening. I don't know, I just feel such a spare at the relative formality of "dinner". So I have a fabulous (or cheap) lunch out instead, (less formal) do my wandering around, and have a picnic dinner in my room. I stay in hotels as I feel a bit safer with a reception there and no cleaning, and breakfast served. I have found since I'm older that in Europe for sure, there is a lot of respect for the older ladies like myself. People couldn't have been kinder. But you're probably only out of nappies, so you'll be fine also. Best of luck and have a ball!

Go, you won’t regret it. I love travelling alone. Always have my kindle.

You know what tho after goign cinema alone I felt like I’d achieved something
I know that sounds daft
but like a bit more freedom

Oh that’s a good idea

I have done this quite a few times. I absolutely love holidays on my own.

I usually fly to France and go round by train. Just do it.

For years I've done solo holidays due to being widowed. In Australia it's dog-friendly holiday cabins, so self-catering but still the eating on the deck on my own with others going past. People just wave or chat, but then I'm not alone, I'm with my dog. Now I think of it though, I've yet to see another single holiday maker there in nearly ten years, so maybe there still is a sense of holding back or embarrassment.

In cities it varies according to what a hotel provides. Recently in PortugaI I did feel odd at first being the only single person at dinner, while I didn't care when eating alone at a pavement restaurant for lunch. There were lots of single female diners at lunchtime. @waitamo makes this point too - is there some essential difference?

Anyway, I forgot to say go for it, @Cherrypopping.

I went on holiday to Cyprus by myself for two weeks.
I was my 20s then, and had a great time! I’d do it again!

Love going away on my own I alway choose the Canary Islands as I know them so well and feel very safe alone. The weather is beautiful can get chilly at night this time of year. I wouldn’t go to Cyprus though because the weather is starting to fade.

I went to Spain in July alone for the first time. Room was lovely, hotel was quite central with breakfast and pool. 5 mins from beach. It was so relaxing.
I am veggie so eating out was tricky and so sometimes I just got takeaway food later on. I didn't want to socialise so didn't make an effort and would have picked more of a resort if that was what I wanted. I was proud of getting to airport, on the correct flight and bus to hotel without much trouble but I just ask if I am unsure and I am definitely not an anxious person. It's very liberating land I will definitely do it again.

Go for it OP, you'll have a lovely time. See if you can get a room with a balcony so that if you don't feel confident eating out in the evening straight away you can get some snacks and sit with a drink.

I'm going to Lanzarote alone in a couple of weeks and I can't wait. DP is working away and I need sun, relaxation, walks and a reasonably warm sea to swim in.

I'm going to eat a decent meal at lunchtime which I prefer anyway and will just have something light in the evening if I feel like it.

Realistically I'll probably be in bed at 8 pm every night but I'm hoping it's going to be a restorative break from work.

Go for it. I’ve long thought that holidaying alone is the only true form of relaxation!

If you’re looking for somewhere quiet to chill in Tenerife, I would recommend Los Gigantes, specifically the Tui Blue Hotel. It’s quiet, and in the times I’ve been there it usually has a couple of lone female travelers. It does cater more for the over 50’s though.

Food is buffet style so you don’t need to hang around and there’s a supermarket opposite in case you want to stock up on snacks. Every room has a balcony and the sea view ones look across to La Gomera.

go for it. I’ve had at least 10 solo holidays abroad and loved it. No compromising or faffing with others, so liberating.

Blimey love do you need a companion - I was just thinking the same

My colleague does this too. She’s also comfortable travelling alone but not as comfortable eating out at night alone as I am (I’ve done lots of business travel where I’ve had no choice, so am used to it).

The thought of not having to compromise appeals to me alot, as I do like my own way

A female colleague of mine has for years occasionally holidayed platonically with a male friend. It was entirely satisfactory until recently, when the chap said he wanted to economise by sharing rooms or doing more backpacking-style accommodation. Also wanted to keep re-visiting holiday sites.

She said she'd rather pay the single person supplement, and at mid-70s was way over backpacking. She also wanted to see new stuff. < Apologies in advance to keen mid-70s backpackers>

The point I make here is that, as you've identified, any sharing can entail insuperable compromise. I have a couple of friends I think I could holiday with, but unequal finances and significant mobility issues make it impossible.

Yes j just don't want to comprise, I could ask a friend but I don't wanna get dressed up every night, I don't want to drink alcohol, because of health issues I have, I don't want to go clubbing.

I want to go to the beach, read and chill and not even be bothered to chat much
I've got more grumpy and uncompromising as I've got into late 40s

Points I will take on board from your advice.

Splash out in accomadation
Main meal at lunch, then I'd actually probably stay on beach till late then just snack
Ideally Seaview balcony

And mainly grow a pair and do it

Where are the local men less leary out of Cyprus or canaries

I will be going over next week or two, and I've checked the forecast and both great weather atm

Love the idea, I’ve booked to go to Spain in April, I will be seeing a relative out there, however secretly just want a nice break by myself without having to please a partner and young son. I can’t remember the last time I was in a museum or abroad without having to cater for what other people wanted to do. We will also have breaks as a family, however as you get older it is a joy to reclaim some time for yourself.