Want to go abroad alone but vulnerable

[Fuzzyhippo]

So I've never been abroad as an adult, I went to tenerife when I was around 8 years old and I remember it so vividly.

Now I'm in my mid 20s and I've recently had a breakdown and I want to get away. Only problem I've got is that I'm on my own and I have ASD which is probably irrelevant but I'm worried it would make me vulnerable.
I've never had any desire to travel, but everyone else my age travel regularly but I've never worked so never had any money to live my life to the fullest. My nan is highly against me going alone and I'm sure she'll try and stop me in any way she can.
I don't think I'd be going anywhere any time soon as I'm broke, but does anyone have any advice on travelling alone especially as a vulnerable person. I'll probably go to tenerife again because I've heard it's very safe and tourist friendly. I just want to see somehwere different, somewhere where it's not raining 24/7 because I'm quite honestly sick of the weather

[BookwormButNoTime]

If you’ve never had any desire to travel then why do it? Yes, the weather would be better, but it doesn’t sound like your heart is really in it.

I would suggest having a look at something like Contiki holidays if that would work with your ASD? Small group holidays with under 30s. Intrepid are also good. You’d get to see a lot and be travelling with people a similar age. Kind of like having a purpose to your trip.

Also, check that your travel insurance covers mental health and pre-existing conditions.

[reallyworriedjobhunter]

It's not your Nan's decision though is it?

Agree that a group holiday might be best or something very structured like a coach tour or cruise - or would your Nan like to go with you?

[Tabasco007]

I have been away to a number of countries on my own, I often do a yoga holiday as it give me focus, yoga in the morning and early evening, Fay time is free, there will be other people that I can chat and have dinner with, but if I want some alone time I can just read a book. Could that sort of holiday work for you?

[LIZS]

I guess it depends in what way you are vulnerable. If you struggle with daily life to the extent you cannot work, being unsupported in an unfamiliar setting could prove stressful and risky. You could try a focussed group break doing an activity you enjoy, like walking, or a fully catered resort like an All Inclusive so you do not have to fend for yourself as much but that may be too busy and noisy for you. Have you been away alone in UK?

[helpfulperson]

Something like a coach tour sounds like it would suit you for a first trip. Depending on where you live you could do a short one to somewhere quite close. Most of the companies do a 2 or 3 night trip to Belgium for pretty cheap. There will be sightseeing trips organised once you get there but you don't have to go on them and there will always be someone to ask for help if you need it.

Then if you enjoy that you can spread your wings a bit more next time.

[Staynow]

I possibly have ASD (have a child with it and see it in myself) and I'm travel obsessed so have been to lots of places alone. I would never, never go on a group tour, would be my idea of hell.

My advice (and what I do) would be to plan every step of the holiday from beginning to end. Make sure you know what happens and what to expect when you arrive at the airport (airports can be very overwhelming), get there early. Plan how you will get from the airport to your hotel when you arrive. Research where you will eat, what's around your hotel, what you want to do and how you will do it before you go. Print off all information so you have it to hand. Plan how you will get back to the airport at the end.

My advice for your first trip though if you want to make it easy on yourself but don't want a group tour would be to get a package where your flight/room/food/transfers are all part of the package. It might be worth speaking to a travel agent as I don't know if you get package deals like that for one (or you might have to pay a supplement).

I haven't been to Tenerife but I would recommend Flamingo Beach Tui Blue on Lanzarote. There's a lovely little beach out front, beach side restaurant and shop and lots of little pools. It's quite quiet but you can walk along the sea front to Playa Blanca where there are lots of shops, other restaurants and bars and is much more touristy. You could also probably do some day tours with Tui to see Timanfaya and anything else you might want to see.

[isthenewsuff]

I can recommend you a very safe and friendly hotel in northern Tenerife if you like.

I also have ASD and have been there several times. The staff are lovely, it's in a safe area, and the reception is always manned overnight.

It has a relaxing pool area, and is 15 min walk into town.

[Fuzzyhippo]

Thank you all, I've decided I'll probably just leave it. My ASD doesn't affect me as such, I'm not really 'typical' as I absolutely love big crowds, noise, clubs etc. But my memory isn't the best, so knowing me I'd forget where the airport or resort is. I haven't been anywhere in the UK apart from Devon but we've been going to the same caravan site there for years and it gets a bit boring after a while. Nothing for adults to do there. I'm not the most confident driver, and my truck does about 14 miles to the gallon so going anywhere worth visiting would cost me a minimum of £400 in diesel. I'm going to have a look at coach tours around the lake district because I've always wanted to go there. I've been going through a lot recently, partner of 6 years has ghosted me while pregnant but that's a whole other story. Just fed up of seeing the same 4 walls every day, all day.. Definitely not good for my mental health I know that

[aftonwater]

I have a daughter in her 20s who has done a lot of solo travel. She has done some group trips and volunteering which means that although you are 'solo' you're not 'alone' - maybe something to think about. Someone else has also mentioned a yoga holiday - something where there is some structure to the day and everyone has a common interest might also be helpful to you.

[Staynow]

I think you're doing yourself a disservice OP!

Put your resort on maps.me on your phone or something similar (or just keep their name and address written down for a taxi driver if needed). You don't need to know where the airport is, your taxi driver/transport will know that, just write the name of the airport down (or it'll probably be on your boarding pass).

I promise you if I can do it you can! You sound much more outgoing than me.

[PeekAtYou]

A uk based trip sounds like a good compromise for a first adventure.

Good luck

[helpfulperson]

A coach trip to the Lake District sounds a great first trip.