First trip away by myself - feeling nervous

[NorthernLass50]

Hi,
For the first time ever (at 52), I have booked 3 nights away on my own.
I’m a natural introvert, love reading and am comfortable by myself and so am excited about doing this. But also very nervous!

I’m going to the Malvern Spa hotel (found good recommendations on mumsnet).
My DP will be at home looking after our dog.

Who has done this kind of thing before and how did it go? Any tips for a newbie solo traveller….?

That sounds wonderful.

Take in your surroundings.
Go reading in cafes
Long walks.
Research somewhere that you would like to see and go and visit.
Don't be stressed about eating alone. A book is a fine dining companion with impeccable manners. And if you are stressed, find a deli to create a beautiful room picnic.

Above all, breathe deeply and enjoy. Savour the solitude.

I went to Frankfurt for a week last year on my own (at 60)

Loved being on my own, especially when I took ill half way through 😅

Just a vomiting bug but spent 2 days in the hotel and at least I didn't have to worry about spoiling the holiday for anyone else.

Go for it and have a great time!

Malvern is lovely. Have a lovely chilled time.

I love going away alone. You might get addicted to it. Have a lie in, mooch around without feeling like you have to think about someone else. Have a second croissant.

Have an awesome time

Sounds lovely 😍

I go camping alone all the time; just booked twelve days in July. Its the best vacation you can ever have, I guarantee it.

This sounds lovely. You're doing this right, an introvert should only holiday alone. Have a wonderful time!

I do this a lot. I mostly end up reading, going for short walks, watching films and eating lots of lovely food! I tend to go to cities so I can explore a bit and have access to lots of different restaurants. I have done a spa once and did a couple of treatments and relaxed a lot. That was many years ago and I ate in my room as felt weird eating alone but I don't have a problem with that anymore so will always eat wherever I fancy - honestly noone cares or notices and lots of people eat out alone anyway.

Went to Devon alone between Christmas and New Year. I live alone but it still felt like a big deal. I.had a great time. The change of surroundings did me the world of good. Enjoy it OP.

I am going on my first solo holiday soon. I am in my early 70's and was widowed three years ago. My late husband and I visited many Greek islands and I feel comfortable and safe there. I am going for a fortnight and am looking forward to reading, swimming and eating local food. I am quite anxious about it but I hope it will do me good and help my self confidence.

Yes, I do most of my travelling solo because I am also very introverted, comfortable in my own company and don't usually have a significant other to travel with. I love it!

I typically make a list of things I might want to do, and then see what I feel like on each day when I wake up. I often visit a local indie bookshop at some point, potter round a park or beautiful natural space, find a well-reviewed local cafe for brunch, might look for any museums or fun attractions I want to visit...whatever floats my boat really!

Hope you enjoy your solo trip, make it full of things you love doing and plan to enjoy every day!

I love travelling with family and friends. I REALLY love travelling by myself mainly for business but sometimes for pleasure

no hassle, you do want you want to do, see what you want to see all at your own pace and time

take a book/tablet whatever. I can guarantee no one will be looking at you wondering what you are up to on your own

Nervous and excitement are closely related! I also love both travelling with people and on my own.

The only looks you will get will be envy! It’s bliss - do what you want when you want. My must have accessories are my AirPods - love an audiobook or a bit of music while relaxing.

Don’t worry about dining alone - lots of people seem to get stressed at the very idea of it, don’t waste your energy!

I would recommend doing some research before you go so you’ve got a rough itinerary sketched out - nothing onerous but for instance if you want a spa treatment edited the day, look up local walks or attractions you might want to visit etc.

Oh you’ll have a great time. I’m 52 too. I went to Oman for a week in Feb half term (lived there for a couple of years 20+ years ago) on my own. It was the 1st time away for me on my own since before my children were born and they are both at uni now.

It was fabulous and I thoroughly enjoyed it, the freedom of doing what I wanted was so good.

I did lots of touristy stuff but also sat and read by the pool a lot too. So freeing!

I've never done it but it sounds heavenly! I would

• book a few spa treatments
• have a lie in/room service breakfast
• go for lovely walks, wander around the town, stop in a café and watch the world go by with an iced coffee and a toastie
• buy a new dress and wear it to have a lovely dinner in the restaurant with a book and a few wines
• cwtch up in bed and watch a movie in the dark
• have a lovely soak in the bath with the hotel toiletries (hopefully a nice bubble bath)
• have a swim/sauna/jacuzzi if available

Have a wonderful time! ☺️

Sounds wonderful. Enjoy!

I love solo travel and love having unexpected encounters or chats with total randoms. Rarely get talking to others when travelling with a companion

ome thing that works well for me, is to have lots of things I could be doing. Doing nothing or not much is much more fun if you are doing it by choice rather than because you don’t have any option.

im usually an early bird, so tend to get up early (especially to visit popular places before the crowds turn up. Often make lunch even a late lunch my main meal of the day and often to a picnic of just a snack and early to bed in the evening.

always pick myself something new to listen to on the journey and generally just enjoy myself. Blisss.

I recall my favourite time being when I had Covid and isolated bar the odd meal being delivered to me. Perfect! Malvern Spa is a nice Spa hotel - but be mindful it’s kind of in a commercial area! I recall an M&S food nearby for snacks. It’s a great idea. One I might do myself.

Solo holidays are the greatest thing ever invented. Enjoy every minute!

You'll be fine! You're right by a retail park so can toddle over for a mooch and can pick up some bits from M&S or Morrissons to have in your room if you want!

But when you're in the outdoor pool the surrounding wall is so high you really aren't aware you are so close to a bunch of commercial stuff!

Walks up the hills if you want, British Camp is a good spot to start, parking if you need it (you'll have to drive there or get the bus) plus Malvern Hills Hotel opposite for food, or there's a snack ice cream kiosk as well.

What exactly is it that’s making you nervous, OP? Assuming you’re from the UK, you’re presumably not travelling internationally, flying, or making difficult connections via public transport in unfamiliar cities or anything. You’re going to a well-recommended hotel somewhere beautiful where you speak the language. If you’re more specific about what’s bothering you, people will be able to help in a more targeted way…?

Thank you everyone for your lovely comments and support - and the tips are very helpful (especially about the nearby M&S)!
I’m looking forward to it more now. X

Have a wonderful time. My parents used to go to Malta a lot and my mum went back on her own a couple of years after my dad died. There were so many memories but she said she had the best time. X

Hope you get some time to post and keep us updated on the highs and lows.

the only thing g I miss when I’m away by myself is someone to point stuff out to.

let us be your companions

There’s a big Weatherspoons and the terrace has views of the Malvern hills.

Hope you have a great time. I love a solo trip! I’m doing 5 days in Corfu soon and I can’t wait. My bag will be packed with books and sun cream