Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask for your suggestions for solo holidays?

52 replies

MsJaneAusten · 16/01/2022 21:21

I try to go away on my own every year. I usually go camping in Scotland for a week or so but I’m looking to try something different this year.

I’m pretty independent - happy to go to hotels, restaurants etc on my own - but would be open to a group trip in the right circumstances. I like being outside so something relating to kayaking or climbing might be an option?? On the other hand, I also love indulgence - a nice hotel and spa would also be a possibility!

Any suggestions for places to go / companies to check out etc? Thank you Flowers

OP posts:
Original poster
MsJaneAusten · 17/01/2022 08:16

@user1477249785

My best solo trip was a week in the Dominican Republic at a yoga and surf camp. It was brilliant. Can give you the details if interested.
Yes please Grin
OP posts:
Original poster
MsJaneAusten · 17/01/2022 08:22

Thank you all. Some great ideas here. I’ll do some more googling today based on your recommendations. Exodus in particular seems popular.

For clarity, I’m not actually single. I’m just someone who enjoys time alone as well as with my family and friends - this means I might be less like to enjoy the group trips, but I will check them out. I’m not too worried about the security / safety aspects of solo travel as I’ve done a fair bit of it in the past - and am super sensible about sharing plans, letting people know where I expect to be, knowing my limits, being prepared etc.

Thanks again. I’m open to any more suggestions people might have Grin

OP posts:
Chelsea26 · 17/01/2022 08:32

Second vote for intrepid here! I did a rough camping group trip safari to Kenya and it was an incredible experience and I’ve made lifelong friends. Also whitewater rafting and learning to surf in Costa Rica - so good

drowsy · 17/01/2022 08:33

I came on to recommend Exodus too. I went to Transylvania with them as a solo traveller and had an amazing trip.

Original poster
MsJaneAusten · 17/01/2022 08:39

[quote TwoBlondes]@MumYourBabyGrewUpToBeACowboy I spent this Christmas alone in Paris, it was brilliant.

I've done Greece and Madrid on my own plus six months travelling around Europe in a camper van. I thoroughly recommend it![/quote]
I’d love to hear more about this. I have a van, but it’s not left the country yet. Bloody covid…

OP posts:
AdaColeman · 17/01/2022 08:41

What about walking one of the sections of the Camino de Santiago through France or Spain? There is a good network of hostels and small hotels available, you can join with groups or not as the fancy takes you, and take it at your own pace with time for sightseeing in the towns along the route. There are baggage moving schemes available if needed too.

gelatodipistacchio · 17/01/2022 08:46

Following!

Everydaydayisaschoolday · 17/01/2022 08:47

I go on a lot of solo holidays as my husband does not like travelling. The best ones have been skiing. I love learning new things and improving my skills so it's always satisfying and enjoyable and ski school a great way to meet people. I get to be sociable during the day but have the option to chill out on my own in the evenings. I also like yoga holidays for similar reasons.

sashh · 17/01/2022 08:53

I like to travel solo but it is increasingly difficult for me due to disabilities.

I hate the idea of being on a ship but for some reason I've developed an addiction to some of the cruise reviews on YouTube.

Some of the European river cruises look like they would be fun, there are organised trips but also free time in various places.

One review you had the option to travel between ports on the ship or cycle or on some hiking.

Some offer lectures / classes on board and some can link you up with things to do in port eg fencing lessons.

It wouldn't be a cheap option, and as I said, it would not be for me.

Original poster
MsJaneAusten · 17/01/2022 08:59

Hahahah. I love the fact that you hate the idea of a cruise, but have spent so long researching them Grin

I also don’t think I’d like them. I think I’d feel ‘trapped’.

OP posts:
Wildlynx · 17/01/2022 09:04

Group adventure in Iceland if you like hiking/running? Not luxurious though.
www.lykkeadventures.com/products/great-norse-run-2022
I want to do it but it's same dates as annual family holiday.

Pbbananabagel · 17/01/2022 09:14

If it were me I’d go to Venice, stay somewhere luxurious and take a stacked out kindle for reading whilst people watching with a coffee. You can spend days just getting lost on walks and finding new things around every corner

MrsJackRackham · 17/01/2022 09:21

Are you given a single room when booking a trip with these companies or are you expected to share with a stranger?

burblish · 17/01/2022 09:27

My friend has been on some fantastic trips to a mix of popular and off the beaten track destinations with a company called Explore Worldwide. They do both solo tours and small group tours which are good for people travelling on their own. Could be worth a gander if you fancy going somewhere a bit different, trekking etc.

sashh · 17/01/2022 09:34

@MsJaneAusten

Hahahah. I love the fact that you hate the idea of a cruise, but have spent so long researching them Grin

I also don’t think I’d like them. I think I’d feel ‘trapped’.

LOL I know, it's like I can't stop watching them.

The ocean ones look like my idea of hell, the river ones are more, "I would do that if it wasn't on water".

Land based Mendoza in Argentina, I only went to try the wine and visit a vineyard but there are loads of activities.

The town in in a valley surrounded by mountains with hiking and paragliding.

madaboutrunning · 17/01/2022 09:35

Another vote for Exodus here, and also Explore Worldwide. I've been on trips with both of these all over the world and they have all been fantastic. There's always a good mix of singles and couples / friends, mostly 30s to 60s, and depending on which trip you choose, there's a balance between doing things as a group and having time to spend alone.

MinnieMountain · 17/01/2022 10:09

I forgot- I’m also going swimming in Slovenia with Swim Trek this summer. I’ve paid extra to have a single room. Wouldn’t share these days.

karmakameleon · 17/01/2022 10:16

If an Exodus type holiday appeals, other companies worth looking at are Explore and Intrepid.

welshladywhois40 · 17/01/2022 12:07

When I was in my late twenties I did trips with intrepid and they were fantastic. They are more a tour from a to b style so I traveled from Russia across to china to Hong Kong.

The groups were very mixed age and mostly solo people. Eldest in one of my groups was late 60s with a real mix

CounsellorTroi · 17/01/2022 12:10

How about a cruise OP? I would not hesitate to go on one on my own If I was single.

CounsellorTroi · 17/01/2022 12:14

Just seen your update, but “trapped” is the last thing I feel on a cruise. Although I wouldn’t go on one of those floating apartment block monstrosities, we prefer smaller ships.

RincewindsHat · 17/01/2022 12:17

Check out G Adventures, they do group trips for solo travellers, or look at something like EverTrek if you fancy more of a challenge :)

j712adrian · 17/01/2022 12:37

I've lived in Paris - and taken many trips there both as a couple (with various partners) and on my own.

Must say the most memorable trips have been on my own..... the excitement of yet another day to explore at my whim is like nothing I've ever known.

FrankGrillosWrist · 17/01/2022 12:46

I’ve not done solo, but it was a group thing. I’d second Nepal. You ain’t lived until you’ve driven those Himalayan roads.

Or if you don’t fancy that there’s the Levada walks, Madeira.

If you want to stay in the UK, Wales is far better than Scotland.