How would I be viewed holidaying on my own?

[Slyngel]

Hi there,

I'm 67 and single. I retired at 62 and spent three years full-time looking after my mum with Alzhemers' dementia. She died in 2022 at the age of 94. I miss her very much and am having trouble finding a new purpose in life.

I haven't been on holiday since 2016. I don't have anybody to go with but was thinking that a week in the sun in December or January might perk me up a bit and help me through the winter. I was thinking of somewhere like Tenerife.

I was wondering how people in these times view people holidaying on their own. Is it an okay thing to do or is it regarded as strange? Not looking for company specifically, I can cope on my own, but really just wondering how someone like me would be viewed by other holidaymakers on a winter sun beach-type holiday.

I would welcome any advice or views, positive or negative. Thank you.

Not strange at all! Do it and have a lovely time!!

No one would care,plenty of people go away alone.

What I would think about is why you care what a bunch of strangers you might spend a week with and never see again would think of you?
What would you think of someone alone? I'd think they were having a great time and good on them for building in rest time.
Perhaps build yourself up to it by doing a cinema/ theatre/ restaurant trip alone in the UK. You'll soon learn no one blinks a eye.

There are activity weeks abroad if that is your kettle of fish, Lucy from Attic24 ran a crochet week in Croatia (or somewhere. Cant quite remember where) and plenty of similar events happen, so you have some premade holiday buddy's.

If you go to Tenerife, try Royal Resort Apartments in Los Gigantes, fantastic views, huge balcony, main bus terminal for adventuring a round the island. It's up a hill from the main town so quiet, plenty of taxis if you don't want to walk up/down. It's fairly small and has plenty of sun beds for reading, small shop on site, each apartment has a kitchenette then there's a fine dining and buffet restaurant to choose from.

In my 20s I used to go skiing on my own and an occasional beach escape holiday on my own but I'm perfectly happy going to the cinema, museums etc on my own too.

Alone time can be wonderful.

There is a fb page for solo women travellers over 50. Honestly it's so inspiring - they do so much.

@Slyngel go and enjoy yourself- it is utter bliss in my experience-the joy of doing everything at your own pace and when you want is quite a treat. Go in with a positive attitude and you will love it.

I’m in a similar situation in that my beloved Mum died last year following Alzheimer’s. I’m single and work full time, and the effect of Mum dying really made me think about how I’m going to enjoy what life I have left, knowing she would wish me to live it fully and happily. If I die at the same age, I have less than 20 years, and it’s not unreasonable to speculate some of that will be in less than great health. So, once I’ve sorted the seemingly never ending legal stuff and got my retirement forecast through, I am definitely going to do some traveling whether or not I have someone to accompany me.
Theres a Facebook group called Solo in Style: Women over 50 travelling solo and loving it which is full of useful hints and tips.
Honour your Mum, live your life, make some new memories

Not quite the same but I’ve been on holiday on my own with my son, and it’s awesome! I was just thinking I would love to go abroad when I’m older on my own and just do whatever you want! My mum went on a cruise on her own and she made loads of friends and did loads of cool excursions, I think they are a good way of making friends if you fancied it?

DH and I both holiday on our own every year. I just got back from a solo self-guided walking holiday and I loved it so much. I've also done a long weekend holidaying alone in Tenerife. Nobody (other than hotel and restaurant staff, who were all courteous, helpful, and not in any way surprised) paid me the slightest attention.

Jealous.

It's completely normal. I go on holidays on my own so the time. If you wait for others, you'll never do anything

I don't think people would even notice or care. People are caught up in their own lives and spend very little time wondering about strangers are up to I think! I would go and have a lovely holiday 😊

I'm 64. Widowed 3 yrs ago. I'm going on holiday by myself next month. (Saga. They're used to singles.)

I split up with my now husband in the early 2000s. I went for a week to an all inclusive in gran canaria. It was pre Kindle so I took 14 books and my ipod. I sunbathed and swam and drank wine on my balcony.

It was marvellous. I've also travelled around Europe on my own.

Go for it op and have a lovely time.

I love holidaying alone. In May I went to Turkey and met someone in my hotel who was also alone. Nothing more relaxing than doing my own thing and no one else to worry about. I can't care less what anyone else thinks about it.

Thank you for all the encouraging and helpful replies.
As somebody rightly said, why should I care what others think of me. Yes, that is the correct mode of thinking but unfortunately it is very difficult to change habits of thought. Perhaps the best advice is to always bear in mind that most people are too involved with their own circumstances to give much thought to the situation of others. That is reassuring although (looked at another way) suggests that we are all wrapped up in our own bubbles. Perhaps indeed my own problem is being too self-absorbed and should focus on others more.

I've traveled solo and loved every second. Go and have a wonderful time! The times I've noticed solo travelers my only thought has been one of envy. It'll do you the world of good.

I've been holidaying by myself since my 20s, I absolutely love it!

Do it! Solo holidays are the best. Go get that sunshine. ☀️

I would love to go on holiday on my own! I will do when the kids are older. I'm
Also a fan of going
For dinner on my own, or for a walk and stopping off for a drink in a nice country pub.

I have been away on my own loads.

I choose smaller cafe style restaurants to eat in, sometimes returning to the same few that I like because staff tend to be friendly and it starts to feel familiar.

A book is always your friend if you feel in any way awkward.

Often there is someone to chat to, passing conversations.

I really enjoy a holiday on my own.

Do it OP! I was single for years and did lots of trips but the beach holiday type did worry me. When I finally plucked up the courage I wondered why I’d made a fuss about it! Admittedly I did start with just a 4 day break as was worried I met get bored of my own company with no one to talk to, but I loved being able to do as I pleased and just listened to podcasts and read books with a cocktail in hand looking out to the sea. Evenings were maybe a little dull once I’d had dinner, but I sat on my balcony and just properly relaxed in the warm evening air. I went to bed early and made the most of the sunshine in the day.
Go for it - you only live once!

I've noticed people on their own before. I dint view them as anything really just a person on holiday.

My mil is early 70's and lost fil a few years ago she's been away a few times herself. She mainly goes on cruises but has done some uk holidays in a city alone and travels by train.

She actually met another lady in her late 60's who was alone on the last cruise and they spent some time together.

If what total strangers think of you is really going to stop you doing something you want to do, I think that's something you should work on. The kind of people who would think that going on holiday by yourself is weird or anomalous are almost certainly the type of people who go to the loo in pairs.

I have done it a couple of times. Loved it. Took a fully loaded kindle and read and chilled on the beach. I did go to a resort I was very familiar with but would go elsewhere too.

In fact with this crappy weather I’m pondering it again. DH isn’t as bothered by lack of sun as I am.