Going on holiday alone?

[Didyeeaye]

Would I be mad to go on holiday alone? I'm a confident 28 year old who goes on about 3 holidays a year with friends. However I've just been through a breakup and don't fancy spending Christmas alone. Considering going to a European city for a few days between Christmas and New year but would be there solo. Is it too risky?

Hi, I've travelled to most cities in Europe alone and it's completely safe.
As long as you do a quick Google search on dangerous parts of a city to avoid, then most cities are fine.
Where were you thinking of going?
Chris

Thats reassuring thank you. I'm looking at Rome for 3 nights.

I love Explore holidays and their Christmas trips are full of people avoiding Christmas, if you want to be with a group.

I backpacked alone in my early 20s and been on loads of holidays alone since then - between 3 days and 4 weeks long. Go for it. If you're nervous, try an 'easy' place where they speak good English like USA or Malta or, if you're feeling more adventurous, Thailand. Lonely planet and STA have loads of advice and tours for solo travellers.

Just saw your update. I'd download tripadvisor, Expedia and Hostelworld apps which have useful reviews and discounts. Will also give you some confidence and excitement about your trip.

Go! I went to Florence for 4 days in the winter when I was 21. There were no queues or crowds anywhere, and although it was pretty chilly it was still sunny most of the time and the views were amazing. I didn't ever feel unsafe, not even when I got horrendously lost trying to find somewhere to eat one night pre Google maps as I'm old. Take plenty of reading material and good walking shoes.

It is the most liberating thing to go away solo.

The time I went to the Basque Country was the most memorable break I have ever had. Flew into Bilbao. Wow. Then took a bus to Bayonne in France, and another up to Biarritz for the day. Was absolutely fab. Eating out alone was not a problem. I just had lunch out and made something in the apartment in the evening.

Had no problem going out for some vino alone. That's really where I met some amazing people, there and the supermarket!

Good to have a bit of the local lingo, but Google Translate is also a very good friend.

Go for it! Check if the city you are going to closes down over Christmas or not. Just a tip.

I’m off to for a city break for three nights alone in March. I’m 26 :)

Rome was the first place that I visited alone, I was also about 28 at the time. It was a very good choice as there is so much to do there so I was always busy.

Do it!! But if funds allow go for nye, you'll have a fab time!

Just be really careful. Study the map of how to get back to your hotel or where to catch a taxi and don't wonder late at night on your own in any city.
It's not worth risking getting mugged or raped.

Always keep your passport/wallet inside your coat

There is this as well for USA Xmas

www.trekamerica.co.uk/our-trips/special-tour-departures

I'm another one whose first holiday alone was to Rome/Italy. I was 25 and did a few nights in Rome in a hostel. I then booked a 3 day busabout trip which took a group of about 30 of us to Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, and Amalfi Coast. It was fab. Then back to Rome for a night or two.

I've done various trips alone since and now I have a baby (also on my own!) and we do trips alone too. (Everyone thinks I'm mad) Mallorca at 10 months and now I'm considering Croatia when he's 20-22 months.

Do it!

I did three cities by myself this year - Krakow, Riga and Vilnius and had a great time.
Personally, I always keep my passport in the hotel room safe and just have a photocopy in my purse. Also keep one of my credit cards in safe and some cash.
Agree with pp re check whether the city 'closes down' between xmas and new year.

If you really don’t want to do Christmas go to Turkey

@ShanghaiDiva any tips for Kraków? I’m off this year alone too!

Absolutely not, go for it. Just be aware of your safety as others have pointed out but otherwise enjoy the freedom of not having to consult someone all the time or have to wait for them to wake up etc etc

Badger
Castle was fantastic and the centre around the market square was great too. I took a walking tour through the Jewish area which I really enjoyed, the guide was great. Oskar Schindler's factory is also very interesting - little bit of information about his life, but the exhibition's main focus is Jewish life in Krakow. I also did a day trip to Auschwitz - which was very moving.
I stayed in the legend hotel and could walk everywhere.

Thank you!! Think all of those were already on my list so good to know they are worth doing.

Just do it OP!

Most touristy cities are pretty busy even late at night so feel pretty safe.

The only rule I have is not drink too much but I’m not a big drinker in general so not a big loss for me.

Nothing better than waking up in a city and being able to do whatever you want for the day

I often go away solo and love it - no compromising!