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.

Half an hour ago I booked Hurghada for next February. All inclusive, 5 star, near the beach, just.for.me.

Just to say OP if you're thinking of Tenerife still, Costa Adeje would be a lovely spot. Los Christiano and Playa de Las Americas aren't as nice and tend to attract more problems.

There are facebook pages for them and the people on there are regulars. The Adeje area is friendly and I feel safe walking round in the dark alone

The people are friendly and you never feel alone there

There's a group on Facebook called

Solo In Style: Women over 50 Travelling solo & loving it

It's worldwide but I'm sure there must be some Uk oriented groups too.

Ive had a look and can see three groups with that name. I'm assuming the one with thousands of followers is the main one (maybe American)?

Thank you. I have well and truly bitten the bullet.

I've booked today with Tui to go to Costa Adeje in December for a week. 4 star hotel with bed and breakfast. Near the beach and shops etc.

My last holiday in 2016 was in Costa Adeje, so it will be kind of familiar (I hope!). This will be an experiment and hopefully maybe go somewhere different in 2025.

An earlier poster said that Tui were doing a £150 discount for solo travellers (and people travelling alone with children) for holidays between November to April, so I got that.

Just reading that the new digital control system for travellers from outside the EU entering the Schengen zone comes into effect on 10th November, involving fingerprints and photographs being taken. Could cause delays on arrival at border control. Hope all the problems are sorted out early!

Oh brilliant!!!

Depends where your hotel is, I can recommend Amanda's for nice food and evening entertainment.

Fresh do amazing cocktails, so does Tanyos. Bahia bar on la pinta beach front is lovely to sit and people watch, in fact all the bars on la pinta beach are great for people watching.

I hope you have a brilliant time!

Thank you for these recommendations. I will note them down and check out when i get there,

Thankfully I have an Irish Passport as well as my UK one so I think I'll be using the Irish one from now on!

I am happily married but a week or two on my own, eating and sleeping to my own rhythms by the sea (which is NOT the preference of DH) would recharge me. You are talking about one of my fantasies. Go for it, OP!

I’ve now caught up with the thread, and you, OP. I am delighted that you have booked and I hope you have a wonderful time. TTTT I am somewhat jealous.

No rational reason I can’t do similar. You’ve got me thinking, for which I thank you

Well done OP, it's like everything new - you just need to get used to it.

You are so lucky having an Irish passport. 😀

Am confused. What's the advantages of an Irish passport?

You can move freely within the EU as a citizen.

Go for it. My mum has been on her own since she lost my dad when she was 60. I really wish she’d do what you’re thinking of. No-one will bat an eyelid.

Go and enjoy yourself!

I went away on my own last year. People were so bloody shocked and impressed you’d think I’d flown to Mars single-handed. It was FRANCE…a package holiday in FRANCE.

You deserve some time in the sun after taking care of your mum x

Ah right. I haven't holidayed in Europe for years. Don't think it makes much difference to Asia Africa and Oceania

It's intrinsically linked to Brexit. You surely have heard of that?

Not just for holidays, though. You can live, work, study, retire to any EU country.

As regards travel in the world at large, not much difference. An Irish passport ranks 3rd on the 2024 Passport Ranking Index, while the UK is 5th, meaning, among other things that while Irish passport holders can travel without a visa to 192 countries, UK passport holders can travel visa-free to 177. I had an easier time travelling in Asia with UK friends on one or two occasions.

Ah see Id have no intention of retirement in Europe either. My plan is Thailand which will give me a much better standard of life.

And if course Ive heard of Brexit lol. But if you have no intention of working or living in Europe than as a UK passport holder it makes sod all difference

Completely normal. I’m 43 and go on holiday alone once a year. It’s wonderful. I have a Dh and dc, but I don’t want to spend my every second with them. I was travelling on my own (without a partner or friends) from my early 20s. It’s great. Never had any issues or anyone say anything about it.

Which Index are you looking at?
This one has:

Ireland 3rd 191 countries
United Kingdom 4th 190 countries

https://www.henleyglobal.com/passport-index/ranking

I honestly would never notice if I saw someone alone, and if I did all I would think is good on them (as well as feeling quite jealous) so sorry to hear about your mum, you should definitely get away to relax and enjoy yourself

So glad to hear you've booked. Have a fantastic time. Now you need to get onto the book thread to find some good reads!

Yeah and more interested in what they wearing for photos in the destination/ luggage they have that the travel itself lol