To book a solo holiday

[sameoldtat]

I want to ask where you would go if you had the chance to take a solo holiday. I have decided that to give me the incentive to take care of myself better instead of everyone else I will book a solo trip. If I sit here much longer I will be the size of a house. Its just me and dh, children have grown up and I need something to look forward too. As luck would have it dh shows no interest in going abroad. I will have to save up but I think we all need something to look forward too. I am looking forward to travelling alone without having to please anyone else. The only thing is......I don't know where to go. But once I decide on a destination I will book and pay a deposit then I will have to go on my middle-aged adventure. Of course, I will need new clothes and a hairdo. I cant wait.............any ideas out there.

What do you like doing? Culture, art, beach, sailing, walking, food?

What kind of weather do you like?

How long?

I go on lots of solo holidays but almost always on some kind of group activity (my sport) or tour for all or part of it.

A large old, atmospheric house on a windswept island, with log fires and a fully stocked kitchen, and no internet, but fabulous views, and walking terrain, where I can read, play my treble recorder badly and knit and crochet to my heart's content, in between long walks.

I've had a few. It is so liberating getting off a flight with nothing booked after the 1st night and no one knows where you are! I have done 3 weeks camping in African countries, 4 weeks in India, Thailand, Cambodia etc, and a few US states. I love it, being able to do what I want and when I want. Go for it!

I went to Japan on a whim. DH was terrified for me, but I had an amazing time. Everything was different and exciting. It's a great feeling doing something like that just for you.

I've been travelling solo for 15 years. I've been on an organised solo holiday but I'm happy on my own. I love not having to compromise with other people.

I go on holiday on my own when I can’t find someone to go with!
UK mainly city breaks
Away have done Prague, Krakow, Canaries, Switzerland and Turkey
Next planned in Warsaw and Barcelona

Years ago i met a lady in rhodes. I was tiny and about 21 and she was in her sixties and a curvy bird. We were both there alone. On the beach we were next to each other and She started giggling about me being too young for gravity to have hit my tits and pointed out hers were under her armpits as she was " like one of the old ruins round here". We hit it off straight away. Every other day, we explored the island; butterfly valley, rhodes town etc and in between, we would have a reading fest on the beach to recover. Comfortable silences intertwined with intelligent conversation and such a warm, funny and energetic lady. One of the best breaks I ever had.

Jamiefraserskilt

That sounds like a great premise of a novel I'd love to read.. whilst laying on a sunbed somewhere lovely.

Get writing

I'd probably go on a walking/yoga/activity type holiday if I wanted to kick start taking better care of myself. City breaks are nice, but I'd much rather do one with someone else. Sitting alone in a restaurant in a city eating dinner strikes me as rather lonely, whereas if you're all doing an activity together during the day it's quite bonding.

Finallyhere............. I checked out the Body Retreat in Andalucia and it looks fantastic but I think my heart is now set on Florence. I am going to look at prices etc. Thank you everyone. I am thinking that if it goes well I could try the other suggestions in the future. It's a long time since I felt so excited about something.

Order the brochures for Explore and Exodus and see if anything there takes your fancy. Small group 'adventure ' holidays to a huge range of destinations with a large number of solo travellers. A halfway house between travelling without family and complete solo travelling

Fluffywuffy....I am more culture than the beach. I don't know much but I can give a good impression that I know what I am doing. For the first trip I am thinking a week but who knows,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I have been on Exodus, Explorer and Intrepid tours. For alone but with others, so to speak. Covering Asian and European destinations.

Actually alone alone, have been on mainly city breaks... Venice, Florence, Copenhagen, Istanbul, Rome, Stockholm... Also have driven around NI alone. Never regretted any of my solo exploring time!

If you can fly mid week, makes a big difference price-wise.

Nancy, the thing that amazed me was that she wanted to chill with someone like me. She was like my naughty gran. She had more stamina for scaling the steps, hills and ruins than me in that heat. I liked the way we could drop into silence without it being awkward and laugh hysterically at the same stupid things. Never forgotten her. Rhodes was lovely though and great for singles then.
Florence is on my bucket list. Sounds great.

I've really enjoyed holidays on my own in Sardinia, Ischia and France. I love holidaying alone - so much peace and quiet. Very restful. Can do exactly as much as you want.

I did Torremolinos. I know it sounds naff but

I liked that English was widely spoken so no issues if I needed help
The ex pats were great, friendly and I actually had a couple of trips out with one daughter of an English family working out there
I did day trips to Gibraltar, Morocco and The Alhambra so it is excellently positioned.

Alternated day trip with chill day.

Loved it.

A retreat? The whole idea is to go on your own, so everyone else is solo and generally friendly but not intrusive (though no guarantees!). I have done two and thought they were both fab in their own way.

www.friendshiptravel.com/

I went away with this company and the company, service and holiday (to Turkey) was wonderful. Exceeded my expectations. Joined a group of 18 or so solo travelers, dining was communal and I could dip in and out of the group for company to suit myself. Go on trips with others or solo.

Would recommend.