To ask for opinions (and possibly encouragement) on going a trip alone/ travelling alone

[Autumntime44]

I really want to go away next March somewhere but for various reasons and commitments, my friends aren’t free. Partner tied up with work at that time.
I went away alone once in my 30’s and it was fine but somehow feel nervous about it at the moment.
I’d be flying somewhere maybe France then getting a train, spending a few days somewhere and doing the same in reverse.
It’s just the fact of being a solo traveller and the thought of something going wrong eg if you weren’t feeling well or something it’s better to have someone with you?
I know I’m likely overthinking this.
Can anyone who travels solo give me some encouragement?
Thanks!

Just pretend it's dull or work. You're getting a short flight and taking a train. Then you're finding a hotel. If you feel ill then you just tell the hotel. You'll have a blast x

Thanks- that’s a good point about pretending it’s for work- I mean I wouldn’t be nervous travelling alone for work :)

Been travelling solo since my early twenties. Including in Asia, Turkey and Egypt. You will certainly be fine in France. Solo travel is liberating.

Solo travelling is indeed liberating.

Just make sure you have your passport, money, credit card, accommodation etc. in order and check out Solo women travellers pages on FB. So inspiring!

Solo mum and travelled solo for years too, with and without kid. It's amazing.

You have to be chatty and friendly though, then you meet amazing people. And also take time for yourself to do your own thing.

Practice makes perfect.

Enjoy it!

I’ve done it and I loved it. No one to please except yourself. Go for it.

I miss solo travelling now I have young children I love just walking around exploring the architecture of a new city which my kids and partner boring … I used to get up early to explore have a nice lunch out then stay in my hotel room with a movie at night and either eat dinner in the hotel or a restaurant near by so I wasn’t walking around by myself in the dark. Bliss

I do it as my opportunities for leave are pretty inflexible so generally I can’t work in when others are free. Also, I like to go places/do things that my family and friends don’t seem interested in. Never been an issue. Most places/things you can just happily do solo while there. Occasionally I want to see/do stuff with trickier logistics so I book in with a tour group but always make sure it’s the ones that do no more than 10 people.

Go for it, you will be fine.

Do it. It’s great. I’m just back from a group swimming holiday in Mallorca. Had to organise my own transport. It was easy.

The forums on Tripadvisor have lots of helpful people.

BTW for France, you might want to consider getting the Eurostar rather than flying. www.seat61.com is useful for planning.

I have solo travelled many times and it’s always been a positive experience. I recommend joining a small group tour to do any sightseeing. I find eating out in the evening quite tough so I tend to be eat in my accommodation (usually do self catering which keeps the costs down). Lunch out on my own however is fine! But it’s whatever works for you, relish the freedom!

I’ve actually found it easier to be unwell as a solo traveller tbh! No one else to worry about inconveniencing and can just sleep off whatever it is/ throw up in peace. Ring reception if you need water, paracetamol and can’t get out etc. obvs I’m assuming this won’t be necessary but hopefully that’ll reassure you re that worry. The most stressed I’ve been when travelling is when I’ve been with only one other person and one of us is sick- both trapped in a small room and with any joint plans out the window! The pressure to he healthy and energetic is actually worse when there are 2 of you imo.

this does sound like bliss!

Solo travelling is great - although I'm always respectful and polite I do tend to read a lot too. The actually journey to and from your destination is also part of the experience and without anyone else to disturb you, you can take in and 'see' as much as you want.

Do it, it's brilliant. No one to please but yourself.

I tend to research lots of things I could do, with a good mixture of solo and group events, such as interesting talks / guides or group walks, then pick and choose exactly what to actually go to on the spot, exactly as I want some company or just to enjoy myself by myself. It's fun to have contact with 'local' people over a shared interest rather than being limited to the usual tourist conversations.

If I am having a lazy day, I might make lunch my main meal of the day, but by no means always as it can take up so much time.

Also think about having some back up in place in case of your phone being lost or stolen. A paper copy of your passport in your luggage. Emailing a picture of your passport and key insurance details to a friend. Have a secure way to store passwords incase you find yourself using without phone and using a shared computer (I use LastPass).

Above all , enjoy. If something isn't working out, do something else , entirely free of the weight of expectations of any companions.

I’m 60 and go on holiday abroad alone once a year, it’s my complete down time
No one else to please, I’m very economical when on my own and love the freedom

Another one saying do it!
I just got back two weeks ago from France, except I travelled all the way from Brazil. It is utterly brilliant. You wake up when you want, go where you want, can eat at odd times, whatever comes to your mind. I absolutely love going to historical centres and just looking around, entering any interesting shops, all in my own time.
To avoid any mishaps, I go old school and print out any information I might need, such as flight and hotel reservations, passport copies, etc. I think it's very unlikely anyone will question you, but back in 2022 I was (politely) grilled at immigration in Germany as to why an early 20s woman was travelling overseas alone with only a carry on (prime illegal immigrant odds). They were very happy when I showed them all the places I was going to stay, return ticket, reason I was visiting, etc.
I also indulge my OCD Mother's worries and take a very comprehensive pack of medications every time I travel, so any small medical emergencies can be resolved without needing a pharmacy. For larger medical emergencies, that's what insurance is for.
Do it, it's going to be brilliant!

I've travelled solo a few times now, since becoming a single parent, and although I am a huge traveller in general and travel for work I also have to admit to feeling slightly apprehensive each time. But it is at the end of this slight discomfort that lies the greatest rewards. It's such a buzz!! You will love it. I have learned how to travel on my own, decide what to do with my day, eat out on my own and even go clubbing on my own in Ibiza. It's really liberating. Plus these days we are never really alone as we have our phones with us for chatting to friends if needed. Feel the fear, it's understandable, but do it anyway because you'll grow as a person and love it.

Travelling alone is wonderful. You'll be able to read uninterrupted, get coffee or food without compromise and see what you want to see when you want to see it!
Make sure you speak a little of the language though to help with barriers.
I was nervous the first time I went abroad (italy) alone but now I adore it.

There you go 😁. I see your point about the possibility of becoming ill but if you stay in a hotel, reception would help you find a chemist or doctor if necessary. Have a lovely trip!

I wish I had more time to travel alone! But DH is ill now so when we do get away it has to be at his pace, and often sometimes I find that frustrating. Of course, I remind myself I'm very happy he's made the effort to get away for a few days, but I must say, I'm really looking forward to a solo trip I have planned for November when his brother is coming to stay. I leave the day after BIL arrives and return the day before he departs and in between will have five glorious days doing exactly what I want, when I want, and only if I want! It'll be all about me me me! Florence, here I come - museums, galleries, walks, coffees in cafes, fabulous meals at unusual times in tucked away little bistros, shopping etc etc etc - it's going to be glorious.

Go for it - you are very lucky! And don't worry about falling ill or tripping and breaking an ankle or whatever - there are decent services in France and most people will readily help a stranger especially a lady in distress.

Should say, I get on very well with BIL, he and DH are best mates and they're also looking forward to spending time together, I imagine a lot of pizza & beer suppers will be had. DH is happy for me to go away and I'm very happy BIL is available so DH won't be on his own.

Really, solo travel is so restorative, it's all about you and only what you want to do - so go for it!

Joining this thread as I'm soon taking my first solo holiday in many years! And my first trip abroad without DH, whether for work or leisure, since the advent of smartphones! I rely on us both having phones, credit cards etc. so that if one fails or is lost or stolen we will have another (hasn't happened yet but you never know). I like to have paper copies of tickets etc. anyway as a backup, so I will have to make doubly sure I do this time.

Take paracetamol, ibuprofen and Imodium with you.

where Are you thinking of visiting in France?

I travel alone all the time. Challenge myself too, make arrangements outside my comfort zone.
Earlier this year was the first time I had a problem. I’d caught a cold a few days beforehand on my holiday but the night before I was due to fly home my chest became infected and I felt so ill. I had to ask the hotel for help packing my room and suitcases and then I had to taxi instead of train to the airport. I could barely move. Cost way more than I’d hoped to spend.
12 hour flight home and I honestly thought I was dying.
I got home though. Of course.
go for it! Make sure you’ve got emergency funds though.