Welcome to Mumsnet's holiday forum. Discuss all international travel here, including both shorthaul and longhaul trips. Related topics: UK holidays & day trips, skiing, camping & campervans.
Welcome to Mumsnet's holiday forum. Discuss all international travel here, including both shorthaul and longhaul trips. Related topics: UK holidays & day trips, skiing, camping & campervans.
Holidays
Lone woman beach holiday mid to late Feb?
LaSevillana · 28/01/2022 21:08
I've been told I need to take annual leave before the end of February and am a bit unsure re where to go. I'm a single woman and am looking for something super relaxing with minimal stress. The idea of just sitting around reading with a cocktail is amazing.
First thought was Canaries but not sure they'll quite have the weather late Feb. Have also thought of Dubai but a bit unsure re safety, and it's a bit unsettling that they do random PCR testing on arrival. Have also thought of the Caribbean (St Lucia, Barbados) but also worried about safety and the fact it might be really honeymooney, and Mexico (Cancun area). I'd want somewhere where I'd feel safe on the beach and not be bothered or harassed.
Would anyone have any recommendations of where to go?
LesLavandes · 29/01/2022 11:24
I travel alone these days.
The main problem with these lovely hotels people are suggesting is the single supplement on the holiday/room.
It really makes your holiday so much more expensive than if you are travelling with someone.
I recommend Oman over Dubai. Been there tonnes of times. My favourite hotel is 'The Al Bustan Palace'.
ChickenStripper · 29/01/2022 11:29
@LaSevillana you are right with Dubai. The first thing you encounter at the airport are hundreds of Asian and other workers just staring when you exit the airport. I warned visitors about this to prepare them. Yes you will get staring wherever you go. You learn to avoid eye contact. As for walking around in the middle of the night - sheer madness. Yes there are safe and dangerous areas much like anywhere else. Public beaches- yuk this is where incidents happen. On a hotel property you would be fine. Taking a taxi eg to the Gold Park would be OK. You just need to be firm and avoid any conversation. Avoid using a taxi at night alone or if you have had a drink. It's a lot of hassle for some sun. You won't get the kind of hassle on the beach in Dubai as you would get in the Caribbean though due to security guards. If I were you I would opt for a lovely resort on St Lucia, Barbados or Antigua where they have secure facilities. Avoid the more dangerous islands like Jamaica.
LaSevillana · 29/01/2022 12:09
Thanks all....these suggestions are fantastic and I'd love to go to all of them!
Barbados looks amazing but the covid rules are very strict...you have to quarantine based on contacts so I'd be a bit worried there...maybe in practice they don't do it for things like positive cases on the plane or in the hotel but it puts me on edge a bit! They also choose passengers for random tests on arrival, which I'd rather avoid :(
I'm veering more and more towards Mexico, specifically the Playa del Carmen/Tulum/Cozumel/Isla Mujeres areas. I speak fluent Spanish so would feel more comfortable understanding everything people are saying. I understand the area does have some issues with cartels and there have been tourists caught up in them recently, but that's quite rare. Does anyone know of a really nice resort in any of these areas? Something with a nice big pool and spa treatments would be amazing.
Needaholidayplease · 29/01/2022 12:28
You wouldn't get any untoward attention in one of the nice Caribbean resorts (spice island Grenada? ) There are often solo females there, very safe and chilled
LesLavandes · 29/01/2022 12:45
I'm really interested to see what you choose! I am going solo to Crete in June but would like a warm holiday end of April. These covid days make everything more difficult. ☘️
BringMeTea · 29/01/2022 13:04
I have been to Isla Mujeres (albeit 20 years ago) and loved it! In fact Tulum looks good too and someone upthread recommended it. Weather will be amazing. So jealous!
sleaf · 29/01/2022 13:08
Cape Verde, or the Canaries will definitely have the right weather. Gloriously warm and sunny qnd not too hot at this time of year.
MrsTophamHat · 29/01/2022 13:20
@HopingForMyRainbowBaby
I've been to the hotel exactly opposite - the Palladium one - and it was the best holiday I've ever had. Stunning scenery and so relaxing. I love Cala Llonga and can't wait to go back.
Clymene · 29/01/2022 13:34
Tulum is lovely. I haven't been since it was literally just a load of beach huts though so no recommendations. I would definitely go to Mexico if I were you!
BIWI · 29/01/2022 16:14
I don't know if you're on Facebook @LaSevillana, but if you are you might find this group helpful:
[[https://www.facebook.com/groups/137168182967332/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=5557262527624510 Barbados Travel Advisor ]]. Lots of info on there about entry requirements etc.
(I torment myself by reading all the updates daily!)
Classyme · 29/01/2022 16:30
Maldives would be perfect and is absolutely paradise. Lovely friendly staff on the islands. Brilliant weather, gorgeous beaches, turquoise water. Staff are fabulous! No one to give you any hassle at all, the staff only want to help make your stay as comfortable as possible. It depends on your budget really, but there are many different islands.
LaSevillana · 29/01/2022 18:15
As much as I'd have loved to go everywhere, I've booked flights to Cancun and hopefully going to that area!
I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with it all as I haven't travelled long haul since 2017. Apparently the flight time from Gatwick is 12 hours - is it really that far? I was expecting around 10!
I now need to pick places to stay...not a lot left as I've left it so late! I'm going for a week, so I was thinking of potentially going to Playa del Carmen from the airport, getting ferry to Cozumel the next day, staying 5 nights there, then back to Playa del Carmen for the final night before the flight home. Does that sound like a plan? Cancun itself doesn't look like somewhere I'd want to stay, and Isla Mujeres is very booked up now with only super expensive resorts left :(
Clymene · 29/01/2022 18:35
That sounds amazing. I've heard good things about Cozumel. Yes, it's a long old flight. Wear something comfy
BIWI · 29/01/2022 19:07
Who are you flying with? I'd try to make the flight part of the holiday - load up your ipad with stuff you want to watch/listen to and/or take a really good book or two, and then enjoy the inflight catering/booze. It's usually pretty reasonable on a long haul flight.
Hope you have a lovely time!
LaSevillana · 29/01/2022 19:42
I'm panicking and overthinking a bit...since this is only in 2-3 weeks' time, there's little accommodation left and I'm worried it's not going to be great! Most of the hotels that are left either have terrible reviews or are way outside my budget...it's hard to know from reviews whether people are just picky or there are issues!
I'm flying with British Airways...daytime flight on the way out which is ideal for me...I actually much prefer that because I can just read or watch films the whole time rather than having to try to sleep. Bit worried about the mask thing...I've just worn a really good one on the short haul flights I've been on so it's going to feel weird eating and drinking on this flight!
Clymene · 29/01/2022 20:37
I'd pick the hotel first and location after. If there's nothing good in Cozumel, then go somewhere else. But all those big hotels are much if a muchness in my experience. As long as people say it's clean and the food is okay, that's all you need. Especially if all you're going to do is lie on a lounger and go for the odd swim
ChickenStripper · 29/01/2022 20:43
You do know that Cozumel is the cruise ship destination?
Clymene · 29/01/2022 20:48
@ChickenStripper
Doesn't matter if the OP is going to sit around by the pool with a kindle and a cocktail surely?
ChickenStripper · 29/01/2022 20:59
Just be careful that it's not a resort that allows day visitors for a fee.
LaSevillana · 29/01/2022 22:29
@ChickenStripper
I've racked my brains trying to think what you mean by this and I'm none the wiser.
Where isn't a cruise ship destination these days?
Doodar · 30/01/2022 01:42
Dubai is ok if you stay in the resort. Ive had a few unpleasant experiences using cabs/excursions.You have huge amounts of immigrants providing services, lots of unwanted advances, me and 2 teen girls. Wouldn't go again.
HollywoodTease · 30/01/2022 02:08
My goto in Feb has been southern Portugal. Lisbon or the Algarve.
Personal recommendations are the all inclusive hotel Auramaur just outside Albufeira (has indoor and outdoor pool, I've swum in the outdoor pool in Feb) or anywhere in Cascais/Estoril.
It's warm, quiet, and you can build a holiday to your own requirements.
BringMeTea · 30/01/2022 08:10
Have you already booked flights? If not tbh for a week I wouldn't go long haul. I would go to the canaries. A really nice hotel. It will be warm. Just not hot as Mexico!
BIWI · 30/01/2022 09:48
Why not go long haul? And the OP has already said she wants somewhere hot!
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