To think this isn't that weird?

[nomad27]

I'm in my late twenties. My resolution was to see more of the world this year but it's difficult to juggle friends to do so with - in single and lots of friends are at the settling down age which means other things are prioritised.

So next week I've booked flights to a European city, a hostel and am going on my own for a few days. I thought this was fairly normal - I plan to have some nice food, a bit of sightseeing and just zone out from the world/daily routine.

However most people I've told have been horrified and think it's completely bizarre.

AIBU to think this is quite a normal thing to do these days?

Not remotely weird.
Im over 40 but enjoyed doing this kind of thing when younger - I have no regrets! Just always remember to stay safe and be aware.

Anyone who thinks this is weird strikes me as a bit dated, or maybe a touch sheltered. We can't all afford to do and often our lifestyles/job/commitments won't free up the time, but anyone who thinks this is weird because you are a SINGLE WOMAN needs a head check. They might be the type of people who would think nothing whatsoever of a single man doing it.
Now i'd say that's the weird view.

Go for it nomad.

My DD did this and went to America for three weeks on her own. Had a great time.

A friend of mine used to holiday alone all the time. On one trip met a guy from the other end if the country and got on well together. Carried on rest of trip together. Now every year they have a trip together without seeing each other any time. He still has trips alone too. Go for it

Go for it. I know loads of people who have done this. I wish I had the guts to do something like this.

Not weird at all imo

It's not bizarre, but nor am I surprised at the reactions you have had :)

Make sure someone or several people know your itinerary and when you arrive, text them to advise you're OK. Otherwise, you'll probably have a better time than going with someone who doesn't want to do the things you do or get up earlier/later, etc!

Although, I have to admit, when I've travelled alone, I haven't loved it, really. I know I am supposed to find it a hugely liberating experience, and it was lovely being somewhere warm and beautiful and I did lots of reading, but seeing the acropolis alone was something of an anti climax.

I also find it harder to really fill time with no one to chat to.

I think a lot of people feel the same. But the problem is, if you don't happen to be in a couple, then it's seeing the Acropolis alone, or not seeing it at all. Can be tricky.

I'm 48 and planning to start doing this, after I get over a serious illness.

I recently traveled with someone who had a medical appointment in a different city. I had all day to do whatever I wanted and it was bliss.

I didn't feel the need to speak to anyone else. I'd hate to get latched on to because someone thought that I needed company.

I'm getting to an age were I'm not prepared to compromise my time, or to not do/see exactly what I want to.

Who are the people who think it's weird?? OK I only went to Torremolinos for a week but I loved it. Barely slept, had awesome excursions, met people for dinner and drinks. I'd definitely do it again if I wasn't married with a toddler

DD did this just after New Year. She's mid twenties and no-one was available to go when she had the chance. She had fun. Enjoy!

Those who say it's weird are probably just jealous!

Of course it's not weird! Go and have a great time! Good for you for doing it

Until I had DS, I did a lot of travelling on my own. I've been all over the US (even lived there for a year), UK, Europe and Asia. I absolutely love travelling by myself, I can do what I want, see what I want, get up when I want, and don't have to deal with a snoring roommate or bathroom hog.

I met lots of wonderful people that I probably wouldn't have met if I'd been travelling with someone else. You go to a bar for a drink and someone inevitably invites you over to join them. I even met my now best friend when I was travelling solo, ended up staying with her for five nights, even though we had just met, but we hit it off so well.

You can experience so much by just being open to it.

Thanks everyone. I'm surprised by the mostly positive comments! 90% of people I've told think I'm mad (although not the 10% that I would consider very independent)... mainly work colleagues, family and friends. My boss even said he thought he should intervene and stop me going

I'm old (54) and married with a full time job but I took a month off and Inter-railed alone around Europe staying in hostels.

Most people thought I was incredibly brave - and so did I. I'd do it again on my own so you're not weird at all in my book.

It's only Europe for a few days, not a solo expedition to the South Pole! Your friends need to calm down, what on earth do they think will happen to you? Have a great time!

I travelled around Europe on my own for a year when I turned 30, best time ever. Really glad I did if as now I have children it's impossible to go off on my own for so long and be completely free to decide EVERYTHING for myself and my needs alone.

I have a friend the same age as you who has travelled on her own frequently. She recently went across Canada on her own. I thought she was much braver than me! Sounds wonder I think.

It's slightly different when it's not a holiday, but if my boss thought it was too weird to send me on my own for a business trip, I wouldn't have gone very far in my job!