Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

If you were me would you go on this holiday alone?

56 replies

Cookie1989 · 19/01/2020 17:58

Hi everyone I’ve got a problem and it’s really playing on my mind, some advice would be great!

I have always dreamed of going to America and life has always got in the way and I still haven’t gone. Im actually married but my husband is unable to come with me. Shall I just go alone? This is my dream and it’s crushing me knowing that il never go. I’ve got no friends who are interested in going the only other option is for me to pay to bring a friend along but that just seems desperate to be honest. I want to go to LA for one week.

What would you do?

Thanks

OP posts:
Aquamarine1029 · 19/01/2020 17:59

Buy your ticket and go. You've only got one life, you should enjoy it.

MyuMe · 19/01/2020 18:01

I'm in the same position: no one to go with.

I don't do well being totally alone. I would worry that every evening would be a bit much alone.

DartmoorChef · 19/01/2020 18:01

I would. And have. Go for it. There's so much to see and do. Just take care on your own in certain areas of the city, particularly at night as LA has a very seedy side to it and can be unsafe.

Having said that, hotels are fabulous, there are lots of organised tours you can do, and the locals really are very friendly.

squashyhat · 19/01/2020 18:03

Do it! I love the US but my husband is ot that bothered. We have done trips there together but I have been to New York, Denver and Boston on my own. Planning Savannah or Washington in the near future.

Thekindyoufindinasecondhand · 19/01/2020 18:03

Do it. Even if you explore all day and on the evenings get takeout to your hotel room and have a early night every evening you'll still be doing far more than you would sat at home dreaming of it! Go! Enjoy

Inandoutthedustybluebells · 19/01/2020 18:06

Definitely do it! I would probably book a trip with someone like explore or exodus, just to know that I would have some company. But I would also add on a week or so at either end to do my own thing. Whereabouts did you want to go? America is big!

Mumdiva99 · 19/01/2020 18:08

I've done Chicago, NY and Boston alone. I typically spent all day out and took take out back to the hotel in the evenings - I was usually really tired after lots of walking. Although I did a few shows in the evenings too. Go - have fun - but plan some of your trip before you go so you know a bit about what you will be doing.

Iwillgotothegym · 19/01/2020 18:09

What are you like alone - are you content with your own company or do you feel lonely. I’ve done a few days away alone. I found the days, sightseeing and lunch fine, but I was very lonely in the evenings. I was in Spain and speak no Spanish and would probably be better in America where I could buy a paper or magazine and read at dinner.

Northernsoullover · 19/01/2020 18:09

I've done Barcelona on my own. I had the best time. I know its not as far as the US but at least you have a common language. Do it!

NewNameGuy · 19/01/2020 18:10

Why doesn't your husband want to go?

whiteroseredrose · 19/01/2020 18:11

Go alone if you wish but there's not an end date to going to the USA.

My DGM went to Kenya, India and China in her late 70s and early 80s. Insurance cost a bit mind you 🤣

winterinmadeira · 19/01/2020 18:12

I did and it was amazing! I went to the west coast. You could always book yourself on a coach trip for a few days or week(s) whilst you’re there if you want company and to feel safer. Or just do day tours.

Redtartanshoes · 19/01/2020 18:13

I’m just back from Vietnam. Had 2 weeks to fill while ds was away with his dad so decided to do something different. Ended up going on a tour with a company called Flashpack, they specialise in solo holidays for people in 30’s/40’s... had a great time and made some fab friends. Was good to have company, but some free time to do stuff or chill out: would def recommend

TheThingWithFeathers · 19/01/2020 18:14

Go! But if you can, go for a bit longer than a week and see more of California.

user3575796673 · 19/01/2020 18:17

Go alone if you wish but there's not an end date to going to the USA.

No, unless you get hit by a bus or die from cancer or ... There's no guarantee someone will live anywhere near to retirement age.

If you have the opportunity now, take it.

Womenwotlunch · 19/01/2020 18:19

I have been away on my own several times.
Went out during the day and had meals in restaurants or in my hotel room.
I loved it

DartmoorChef · 19/01/2020 18:19

'Why doesn't your husband want to go?'

OP says he is unable to go, not that he doesn't want to. He may not be eligible for a travel visa. USA is very strict.

ElderAve · 19/01/2020 18:24

I'd join a small group tour with a company like Explore. I've been surprised to discover that "a package" is far from detrimental to the holiday experience. The snob in me always believed being an independent traveller was so much more real but you get to see and learn so much more with a knowledgable guide. Plus you get some company and support should you need it.

The people I've met on these trips have always been lovely and (a particular bonus) really interesting.

Original poster
Cookie1989 · 19/01/2020 18:33

Thank you so much for the replies I'm shocked at how many of you have gone travelling alone!!

So I’ve travelled via plane alone before and I feel like the lonely bit for me would be eating out... I would try to get a takeout and hide away in the evenings too at my hotel. My plans are to get taxis around from place to place just to see the general tourist locations. I do suffer with anxiety and I’m worried as soon as I book the plane ticket il regret it. My husband isn’t illegible for a holiday visa due to apparently not having enough ties to the UK as we don’t own our own home yet or have children, so that probably doesn’t help. He’s been refused 3 times now and we agreed that 3 times was our limit. Just feel a bit lost as he lives here, earns good money but isn’t British, once you are refused once you can’t ever get an esta, you need to apply again every time. I suppose we could apply again once we own a house but that won’t be for another few years. I know I'm being impatient but I feel like whats the point in waiting. In a few years we will be ready to settle down and won’t be able to go travelling around with kids, or wont be able to afford it.

OP posts:
Chewbecca · 19/01/2020 18:36

Go for it.
Sightseeing alone is still great.
I would also stay in the hotel in the evening, watching daft US telly.

ioioitsoff · 19/01/2020 18:38

Yes, go. I travelled alone a lot before I had DCs, it's the best way at times.

GreyGardens88 · 19/01/2020 18:39

Definitely go for it. If you can push the boat out find a hotel in a nice area with a balcony, so in the evening you can take food back and sit outside to eat with some wine.

Original poster
Cookie1989 · 19/01/2020 18:40

☺️

OP posts:
CatUnderTheStairs · 19/01/2020 18:44

Yes, but I wouldn’t go to LA. California as in Yosemite, Carmel, San Diego.

LA you need a car or to be on a guided tour.

I’d go to NY on my own,like a shot, it’s walkable, the transit systems are great...

timeforawine · 19/01/2020 18:48

I'd go, take books or a kindle so you can read if you go out for a meal in the evening. There are some good sightseeing tours in LA .
I go away with my husband and daughter but we still take it in turn to go off to the bar alone, it's sometimes nice to have alone time Smile