Holiday by myself..

[CraigRevelHorwoodsPetCat]

So just thinking of booking a wee week away somewhere by myself. Thinking Spain or Cyprus. I'm going on a girl's holiday in August - which will be the usual; drinking too much and barely seeing sunlight.

I am overworked. I am exhausted. I need to disappear for a week with books and some lovely weather.

However, will I look really odd by myself? I don't mind the travelling on the plane and to destination aspect. I'm just wondering about eating out at night by myself. I'll probably end up back in my room at 8pm every night 

Would you do it?

[Polska03]

That sounds like heaven....

[meggymegmegs]

Oh I'd so love to do this. I would love to be alone in the sun with multiple books and no interruptions.

I have been selected for upgrades on the flight when travelling alone too so there's another possible bonus.

[swelchphr]

Absolutely! Enjoy yourself, you've earned it!

[Whathaveilost]

IVery been going away by myself since I was 20 and now I'm 51. I lady went away to Germany in January and I'm going to Croatia next month.
Of course I also go away with DH or Dh and my kids or my friends but there is something nice about being by yourself. You can set your own agenda, you don't have to compromise on anything. Friends and colleagues have said it's strange but it really isn't.
One thing I do like going is going to the cinema and seeing 9ne I'd that countries films - not a blockbuster that's on world wide more or less.
I love the planning and making sure there are loads of things to do.

[Whathaveilost]

Just to add to my lady post, I think you have to be happy in your own company. I don't mingle with the locals when I'm away.
Why not book a cheap one night or two night flight somewhere. I regularly fly to Stuttgart. It will either give you a bit of confidence or make you decide it's not for you.
Some people's lives are so hectic they like the idea of being alone but the reality can be different,especially if it's over a week period.

[angielou123]

Absolute heaven! If I could do that I would be a very happy lady. I'd settle for 2 nights in a travelodge as long as I was on my own! What are you waiting for, i'd have it booked long time ago. Enjoy!

[flanjabelle]

I would actually give my right arm to have a holiday alone at the minute. Real peace and quiet would be bliss. I'm desperate for a break and never seem to get one.

[OnlyLovers]

Personally, while I'd love a holiday alone, I'd go to a city (maybe a coastal one) and eat out alone at bars or cafes; more informal and often have a counter at the bar or window; I could just sit and people-watch and not feel self-conscious.

But in your case, maybe go self-catering so you don't have to go to restaurants on your own? There must be a lot of places that have self-catering properties round a pool/in nice grounds etc. Some will lay on dinners or hampers delivered to your door too, for if you can't be arsed cooking.

[JustDanceAddict]

I don't think it's odd, but I would hate it!

[MeMySonAndl]

I did this years ago, my office was closed for 3 weeks, I was exhausted with work and needed to touch ground and evaluate my options. So...headed off to Yukon territory (bit extreme me).

I spent the time painting, writing and going for walks and canoe trips. It changed my life

[TickettyBoo]

Go for it! I've done it, if I've felt self conscious I've got my book out but tbh it was a positive experience and I felt really liberated after the first time of being brave lol!

[nearlyteatime101]

Go for it. It's a great idea, enjoy yourself, I'm jealous!

[whois]

But in your case, maybe go self-catering so you don't have to go to restaurants on your own?

Why is preferable to eat on your own in an apartment, to eating on your own in a restaurant?

[juneau]

I think if this sounds like bliss to you then you'll love it and you should do it.

My Dsis is single and holidays on her own once a year. She went to Cuba last year and had an amazing time and the year before she went to Sardinia and stayed in a little hotel on the beach. She said it was lovely and very peaceful (she also has a very demanding job and desperately needed a break).

I'd be lonely for a week on my own, but that's just me. I once worked on my own in a European city as the rep for my company. On day two I went searching for English/Irish bars so I could find some friends. If you get lonely I can recommend this is a good way to find some other single travellers with whom to pass the time, but it doesn't sound like you'll need it.

[MeMySonAndl]

I disagree with that, TBH it takes no time to get used to eat on your own and it actually provides you with an opportunity to get a bit immersed in the local culture, as the locals tend to take to provide a bit of extra care (in a nice way) if you are on your own.

Why would you like to be sitting alone in a self catering flat every night?

[bibliomania]

I'd totally do this (and have done, many times). With regard to eating alone, one option is to have your main (restaurant) meal at lunchtime and then bring something back to your room in the evening. It depends on the local restaurant and how "couple-y" they feel.

[NattyNatural]

Definitely go! Who cares if people think you're weird, you will never see them people again!
Have fun

[Whathaveilost]

Usually when I go away by myself I tend to either stay in an apartment and self cater or hotel where breakfast is included. 8 like to eat mid to late afternoon and it's usually easy to find a bar bl that's quiet before the evening rush of couples or crowds. I usually have snacks and stuff in my accommodation if I get peckish!

[OnlyLovers]

whois and MeMySon, the OP said 'I'm just wondering about eating out at night by myself', so I thought I'd respond to it.

As for why would it be better than a restaurant, well, if someone is self-conscious about sitting in a restaurant alone (presumably because of people seeing that they're alone), staying in instead is one solution, no?

[HappenstanceMarmite]

Has anyone been on a cruise alone? I travel for business alone all the time with no issues or fears. But that feels completely different to me. Would a cruise be all couples and the elderly ?

[Letustryagain]

I miss the days of going away on business and having a meal in the restaurant while reading a book. Eating what I want and drinking lovely wine that I haven't tried before (all on the company of course ), reading my book and then retiring to my room for lovely hot soaks in the tub and trashy TV.

So yes OP, definitely do it!!

[OnlyLovers]

To add, I tend to prefer self-catering whether alone or not; I feel more 'at home' somewhere if I have a place (as opposed to a room) I can come back to at any time, buy food in, make tea, potter etc. It can be tiring being on holiday and being out all day sightseeing or shopping or whatever; it's nice to feel that you can jsut go 'home' at any point to put your feet up.

[MyFavouriteClintonisGeorge]

I've done it,more than once. It was fine. Though on reflection, reading 'A History of Orgies' while lying by the hotel pool was a bit of a mistake. Gave out quite the wrong signals.

[Thelittleredhead]

YES.

I am single, due with my first in October, and have spent much of today researching the 2 week holiday I fully plan on taking in July. I'll likely have company for a week of it but for the other week... I want books, music, sun, sea, solitude, amazing food and (virgin) cocktails. I literally couldn't care less about dining alone, I think it's great. I can order what I want, no-one can steal my food or suggest we 'get a few bits to share' (urgh), rush me or alternatively take aaaaaages eating when I want to get back to my room and have an early night, I can eat exactly wherever and whenever I want...oh the advantages are endless.

As an aside, I spent 2 weeks travelling round Europe alone late last year. Ate breakfast, lunch and dinner by myself every day and had no problems or weird looks at all.

Go for it.

[purplebaglady]

A cruise! Yes!
If you find you want the occasional meal with company, certain dining rooms sit you around circular larger tables. I met many people on my travels and always had a lovely time. You get a new destination each day and you are never ever bored. And it's a very friendly atmosphere on board a cruise. You have the added advantage of 24 hour buffet for midnight reading, and many nice coffee lounges.
How exciting to be going to read and not look after DC