CORFU: Going Solo on my 1st holiday since separation & anxious about travelling solo

[CleanCityBird]

I’ve booked a 2 week holiday to Corfu and I’m travelling solo. Just me! I felt so good when I booked it, I thought I was so brave & courageous, & I’m so devastated that these doubts are creeping in. I’m a 53 year old woman & I went through a separation 7yrs ago. He left. It’s taken me years to get over it, I was devastated. My only daughter is 30 now & lives abroad with her partner. I don’t have much family & it’s been a huge adjustment living alone. I took in student this year & I’ve loved having them, breathing life into the house. It’s the money they brought in that’s paying for this holiday. I was beginning to feel like I’ve come out the other side (or I think I am).
So in March I booked this holiday to Corfu for 2 weeks in September. It’s my first holiday in 8 years. It’s almost upon me now. I’d imagined strolls on the beach at sunset, peacefulness, reading, swimming in the sea, beautiful food, wonderful locals.
The closer it gets to C Day the more anxious I become. I’m afraid I’ll get there, be paralysed by irrational fear, never leave my accommodation & count down the days until I come home. Worse, I’m afraid I will get to the day & won’t get on the plane, almost sabotage myself.
It’s the fear that is so powerful, but I don’t even know what I’m afraid of. I think it’s the sadness of what life is like now compared to what it used to be.
I’ve booked accommodation in Messonghi ( which I can cancel up to a week before travel). I’m nervous I’ve booked the wrong location for a solo traveller looking for peace. I’ve a very limited budget so I’m nervous about it. I read about Agios Gordios being beautiful but it’s pricier. Recommendations anyone has for a peaceful place beside a beach I’d be very grateful. But also, moral support would be wonderful for me to lean on to bolster my confidence & help me to grab hold of this holiday with both hands and begin to feel alive again.

Set yourself one thing to do each day. Even if it’s just to go outside to read a book or take that stroll on the beach.

Do it for you, it sounds like deserve this break.

(Also, though, please do it for those of us who haven’t plucked up the courage yet! You’re the person walking alone on the beach that I wish I could be and I blooming well WILL be one day!)

I went to Corfu last year. It is a wonderful place to explore. Buses are frequent and cheap (and air conditioned). The food is delicious. The people are kind. The scenery is green and beautiful and the sea is warm.

its ok to be apprehensive, but go and enjoy yourself. You won’t regret it.

Corfu,, or anywhere in Greece, is a good choice for a solo holiday. I did two weeks solo in Crete and it was lovely. Greek people are friendly and nobody bats an eyelid that you are on your own. After all, your husband might be back in the hotel for all they know.
I used to get up early and be active during the day, then after dinner and a couple of drinks, I'd chill in my room or on my balcony with my book or films loaded on my tablet. Bliss.
Nothing ventured nothing gained OP.

I loved travelling solo. I much prefer to just operate on my own timetable & please myself at any given moment.

I loved just walking around old towns & eating/drinking when/if I wanted to. To just keep going around the next corner (and the next & the next...)

i don't know corfu (South of France is my love) but from reading the thread I'd look at changing to accommodation in Roda.

since my stroke (January) I am not up to going alone as I'm not very well most of the time (more the subsequent medication than the stroke!) & some days barely coping in my own home where everything is nearby. I need to know there are people who can help me should I need them too. I'm 'only 56' the stroke was unexpected (naturally) but no reason to suspect I might have one & has been life changing!! So *Do what you can, while you can!' You have no idea what might change over night.

there is nothing to be worried about. Nothing you have to do, see or be when you are there. Just please yourself and if that's exploring, great. If that's chatting to us in your air conditioned room that's great too (if you're happy).

HE left, don't let the bastard deprived you of YOUR life, your ongoing happiness & experiences!

xx

You're making me think it might be my 'gateway' solo trip. I need something less intense than getting to my favourite village in France (requires quite a lot of energy & travel after landing!) or my village hopping trips..,

I haven't been to Greece for a very long time'. But did enjoy it years ago xx

Corfu is really lovely, you’ll be fine there though if changing accommodation is an option I’d echo changing to Roda, it’s a lovely village, nice restaurants, lovely beach and enough nightlife to give you options without being rowdy. I’ve stayed at the Pegasus hotel which has a lovely pool area and pool bar. Either way go and really enjoy yourself - you can completely do your own thing, which is priceless.

I was in a similar position a few months ago (not separated, but can’t travel together atm due to caring responsibilities). I was a mess the day before, but as soon as I got to my hotel, all the anxieties melted away and I had the best time doing exactly as I pleased. Hope you have an amazing time x

I know just how you feel, I went on my first solo holiday at 50, having not been abroad for about 15 years.
I cried at the airport, if the holiday hadn't been gifted to me I would have gone home, but as it was I had to go through with it. I was still stressed when I got there, and didn't leave the apartment the first day, only venturing out to get some food.
BUT, it got better, it got wonderful in fact and I have been all over the Greek islands since, enjoying my own company and delighting in being selfish.
Greek people are lovely, and very welcoming to solo ladies of a certain age.
You will feel so proud that you have done it, and if the worst comes to the worst you can come home early, but I bet you won't.
Have a wonderful time, and have a cocktail for me 😊

What you are feeling is very normal and natural, particularly as a female on her own. A man wouldn't even think twice about legging it somewhere on his own, no bother to him! But women (well many of them anyway) have the added concern of safety and possible harrassment or being scammed or treated unkindly or feeling awkward as a solo. First time out, I think that's what many women will feel about going solo, not all but a good few.

However, you have to break the spell and bite the bullet, so that you will build confidence for your next trip. The more you do it, the easier it becomes and it seems like second nature then.

I was exactly the same as you at one point. Terrified of sticking out like Bernie No Mates amongst couples, families and so on. It was nothing like that, and I was in Italy. People are friendly but will leave you alone if that's what you want. Safety was my main concern TBH. I developed a few strategies such as headphones to keep chit chat away when I didn't want it, big sunglasses and a hat to hide behind and under lol! If someone approached me persistently (men) I pretended I was deaf and they had to repeat and repeat, they moved away eventually. Things like that.

But it will be fabulous. I really hope you take your courage in your hands and go for it. We will eagerly await your live or later reports! Best of luck, and bon voyage.

Don’t cancel! You can do this and you’ll have a fab time.
I’m in a similar situation although a bit younger than you. I left my ex last year and still wanted to go on holiday. My friends don’t like the same type of holidays that I do so I plucked up the courage and booked a trip to Menorca in July.
It was lovely to do what I wanted, without anyone sulking or having to compromise and do what they wanted. Make sure you do your research and plan day trips to stay busy, or take some good books to laze by the pool.
The only time I felt a bit self conscious was at dinner on the first night, I’m not used to eating out alone. But after about 10 mins I looked around and none of the couples were talking to each other. They all looked miserable! I felt so much better and that helped me to be ok with not having anyone to share the experience with. Be brave and have fun!

Go. You’ll be fine once there. Book an excursion or two. Don’t put too much pressure on your self on first day or so, just settle in, unpack, have a sunbathe/read etc. Take a puzzle book or a jigsaw (in a ziplock bag with the picture so you don’t need the box) so you have something on the go in your room when you don’t want to head out or later in the evening.

I'm so glad many people have already sent you words of encouragement. It does seem so daunting at first. I am an avid solo traveller!😎 Remember that it's a real privilege to be able to travel alone and truly self indulge and reflect: wake up when you want, eat when you want, go where you want. You will find so many people on your travels to talk to! Hotel staff and other solo travellers are so friendly! The amount of times I've taken books withe unopened or read and brought back because I ended up chatting with locals and other travellers. Book a couple of excursions if you can or use local bus routes which are a more economical and authentic way to really see and appreciate your holiday destination. Stay safe and enjoy.☺️

I don't know Messonghi so can't comment on it, but I have been to many of the resorts and villages on the north coast of Corfu. It is the loveliest island and the Greeks are the loveliest people. They look after their tourists! You'll be treated well, honestly.

If you fancy changing your accommodation, Roda is very nice, as is Kassiopi and Sidari. It's natural to be apprehensive to do something and go somewhere you've not done before, but afterwards you'll be glad you did. Do book a couple of excursions if you can, the trips to Paxos and Antipaxos are really nice (and also the evening trips on a boat to Cofu Town are fabulous). If you are happy to chat to other people you'll have a good time.

Please don't back out, you'll be so regretful if you do. Once you get over all the "firsts" you'll feel easier about it.

I love Corfu and stay in Moraitika which is the neighbouring village walkable from Messonghi. Are you staying in the big messonghi beach complex? Captain Homers boat day trips sail from Messonghi, they're fab - small groups where everyone makes friends. Plus, walk to Stavros Cocktail Bar 10mins away in Moraitika. Voula and family are friends for life and make everyone welcome like most Greeks. You'll have a fab time!

https://captainhomersboattrips.com/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1175545-d23502447-Reviews-or30-Stavros_Cocktail_Pub-Moraitika_Corfu_Ionian_Islands.html

OP Greeks are lovely (I know from experience 😉) Especially the island ones are very non judgemental and super helpful !

just go and enjoy it, go to the beach all day don’t plan anything , just eat souvlaki and go have fun with a hot Greek God!

Corfu is definitely the best place to go for your first solo holiday, it's amazing 🤩

Never been to Messonghi but I stayed in Agios Gordios a few years ago. Tiny beautiful resort with a sandy beach and the best sunsets, it is tranquil and picturesque with loads of tavernas - definitely not expensive. More a family/couples resort, no big groups of youngsters or karaoke bars. It's within easy reach of the airport and Corfu town, about 35 minutes on the bus.

I'm very jealous! 🇬🇷

I agree with the previous comments about Roda. It really is a lovely village and everyone is very welcoming. Perhaps join the FB groups and search for posts regarding solo travel, there have been a few. I think you’d have a wonderful time there.

Corfu is lovely. You’ll be fine. Do take a lot of mosquito repellent though as they’re bad there. Maybe consider posting on Corfu forum on fb for ideas of where to go

Agios Gordios is lovely - so friendly with great tavernas and a fabulous beach plus the most amazing sunsets. I’m on various AG Facebook groups and there are often women travelling solo posting on there. It’s an easy place to make friends.

Hi OP, I have done solo travelling and also been on an organised trip for solo travellers.
It is amazing how many people travel alone. You will be fine and remember that you are more conscious of being alone than others.
Enjoy your much deserved holiday and embrace your independence
Coffee in Cafes, a nice glass of wine in the evening at the bar, an ice cream on the beach.
Congratulations on your achievement

Start holiday shopping, once you start getting new bits to feel good in on holiday, that will help build excitement.
Get a good book or 2 for the journey and to relax with when there, so even if you don’t want to venture far from your room/apartment at times, maybe you can find a quiet outdoor spot if you haven’t got a balcony/terrace, to enjoy some reading so you’re not bored. Or even some hobby that packs light to bring with you, crocheting etc…
Find a local shop on your first/second day there and stock up on drinks and snacks, so again you don’t feel compelled to be out while you get your bearings.
Make a plan each day to get out of your room, some little routine just to get you out, in case you are struggling, that way you have it in mind without having to think about what you should do. Whether that’s just a little stroll around the hotel or a little dip in the pool, lunch in the restaurant etc.
On your first/2nd day there, speak to reception about what’s nearby. Local town areas, beaches, entertainment, attractions, excursions, and how to get there eg bus/shuttle, walk etc. That way you can make a little plan early on in your holiday what you might like to do, if you are stuck in freeze mode and unsure what to do on any given day, you’ll have a back up plan.
Try spend some time relaxing around the pool and at the evening entertainment, that’s where you’re most likely to meet people here and there if that’s what you want. Even if you don’t want to be locked into spending time with people, it’s still nice to have a little bit of small talk here and there, no pressure for more…
Try not to work yourself up too much before, I know that’s easier said than done if you have anxiety about something. Time flies by quickly when you’re on holiday, even when you don’t do much. It really won’t be anywhere as bad as you’re thinking, in fact, it will be liberating and more enjoyable than you imagine now.
You’re doing a wonderful thing for yourself, life is short so try not to talk yourself out of an opportunity to experience something and somewhere new ♥️

It’s normal to be nervous especially if you haven’t done it before and you might have moments when you’re there of thinking ‘arghh’ but you’ll have a great time. Take some books and enjoy it x

Along with everyone else - don’t cancel! I’m 61 and started going abroad on my own 6-7 years ago
Now it’s a must once a year where I totally relax as have only myself to please! I do go away at other times with friends and my adult children so best of both worlds
The only thing that’s different for me is I tend to either eat earlier or have a bigger lunch - then I don’t go out as late in the evening - prefer to chill on the balcony or in a nearby bar watching the world go by
Ive always got my kindle or phone to hand - and still enjoy a stroll round the resort - shopping etc
I sometimes book a trip out once I get there eg a boat trip or get bus to a local market
Have a look at questions people post on trip advisor forums for things to do
This year I’m going back to Turkey but have done various Canary Islands, Madeira, Spain and Mallorca in the past
Hope you have a wonderful time

Care to share the name of your favourite village in the south of France @Ihad2Strokes ? I’m going to Cassis in September.