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Holidays

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

Original poster

Solo holiday abroad - advice/ideas needed

28 replies

User2506 · 25/06/2022 21:55

I'm 30 and single, so I'm looking to go abroad on my own. Absolutely terrified but I feel like I want to do it!

I haven't been abroad since I was 14.....
I did a domestic flight last year so I'm okay with airports.

At the moment my plan is to go somewhere in Spain as it's close(ish). I have no Spanish language skills but will definitely brush up before I go.

Anyone got any advice for me, or any ideas of where to go, where to stay, what to do etc?

I'm not a big drinker but don't mind the odd cocktail or two.

I'm so nervous about it all but it's something that I just feel like I really want to do for myself. Being single, I feel like I miss out on holidays as most people go with partners.

OP posts:
covilha · 25/06/2022 22:02

Corfu - speaking from experience as a solo traveller. X

Sqeebling · 25/06/2022 22:05

I'd probably go on a yoga type retreat despite not having practiced yoga for many years as there will be lots of lovely people there on their own to hang out with.

tararabumdeay · 25/06/2022 22:10

I'd go for a pesonal interest holiday where your involvement in the fun and learning will be completely relevant to you. There will be other people who relate to the subject and will want to chat with you about your own journey there.

I paid for mine yesterday: WW1 Battlefields.

Eyesopenwideawake · 25/06/2022 22:12

What do you enjoy doing at home? Relaxing, reading and being on your own? Sightseeing and absorbing culture? Meeting new people or doing stuff like walking, exploring nature? Who you are will shape your holiday, not where you go. Don't worry about languages unless you are going waay of the beaten track. Do you like heat, or you adventurous with food, do you prefer luxury or do you like fitting in? So many options!

MegBusset · 25/06/2022 22:13

I'd go for a city break. Loads of solo travellers in cities so nobody will bat an eyelid at you. Check out museums, galleries, chill in cafes, all at your own pace.

I love travelling alone!

Original poster
User2506 · 25/06/2022 22:22

MegBusset · 25/06/2022 22:13

I'd go for a city break. Loads of solo travellers in cities so nobody will bat an eyelid at you. Check out museums, galleries, chill in cafes, all at your own pace.

I love travelling alone!

I do love a UK city break so might be nice to do something abroad. Maybe Barcelona, Rome, or Paris.

Do you meet new people along the way or do you pretty much spend the whole time by yourself?

OP posts:
Original poster
User2506 · 25/06/2022 22:23

Eyesopenwideawake · 25/06/2022 22:12

What do you enjoy doing at home? Relaxing, reading and being on your own? Sightseeing and absorbing culture? Meeting new people or doing stuff like walking, exploring nature? Who you are will shape your holiday, not where you go. Don't worry about languages unless you are going waay of the beaten track. Do you like heat, or you adventurous with food, do you prefer luxury or do you like fitting in? So many options!

I quite like sightseeing and getting to know new cultures. Love a good walk and being outdoors.

OP posts:
Original poster
User2506 · 25/06/2022 22:24

Sqeebling · 25/06/2022 22:05

I'd probably go on a yoga type retreat despite not having practiced yoga for many years as there will be lots of lovely people there on their own to hang out with.

This is a nice idea. I might have a look at some wellness retreats in Spain.

OP posts:
hellcatspangle · 25/06/2022 22:24

Are you on meet-up? I'm sure they arrange holidays for solo travellers and lots of them are city breaks with some organised things like cookery classes etc (that's if you fancy it, you might want to go totally alone!)

AssignedSlytherinAtBirth · 25/06/2022 22:31

Hostels are good places to meet people to hang out with in the evenings. IME daytimes are fine (museums, galleries etc) but evenings, eating out is a bit awkward. I met loads of solo travellers in hostels (including Australian girls doing Europe who were fun to hang out with).

MultiBird · 25/06/2022 22:35

It might not be what you're looking for if you want to travel alone, but I enjoy small group holidays like those offered by Explore. I find they're a good balance of time to yourself and a bit of company and it's comforting to have the safety net of the group leader. Plus they really are very good trips and you learn/see a lot more than you would on your own.

notenoughhoursinaweek · 25/06/2022 22:37

Walk some of the Camino.you won't regret the journey or the experience.

Whatelsecouldibecalled · 25/06/2022 22:38

Have a look at the company much better adventures. They do some awesome trips and lots aimed at solo travellers

Whatelsecouldibecalled · 25/06/2022 22:39

When I travelled solo some years ago now I took my kindle to diner. So didn't feel as awkward.

midsomermurderess · 25/06/2022 22:41

Lisbon is lovely for a city break. There are some quite swish hostels where you might meet people to go around with. HostelWorld, I think, might be a website to look at. It's a lovely city, lots to see, could have a day at the beach at eg Cascais, a trip to the rather whimsical Sintra.

Barleysugar86 · 25/06/2022 22:45

In my late twenties when I was travelling alone I used to go on group tours with intrepid- spent three weeks on a road trip with camping across America in a 12 person group. only maybe two groups of two weren't there as singles. Felt like travelling with a group of friends very quickly, I loved it.

Awakened22 · 25/06/2022 22:50

Check out G Adventures and Intrepid - both aimed at solo travelers but you’re always with a group. It’s a stress free way to travel solo and meet new people. Basically book the trip, the flights and turn up…everything else is taken care of.

Oceancolourbeans · 25/06/2022 22:52

I second the suggestion of walking the camino (I hadn't thought of it but its a great idea). It's an amazing way to meet interestimg people and a really enriching experience. Plus you can plan your trip to see lots of different places along the way.

Well done doing it btw. I'm now married with kids but my greatest regret is not getting a plane to Argentina for a solo trip I'd planned on impulse when I was single. I frequently wonder what adventures I would have had on that holiday and now I'll never have an experience like that on my own.

Eyesopenwideawake · 25/06/2022 23:20

If you walk the Camino, drop in and say hi - I live about 5km from part of the trail!

Apollonia1 · 26/06/2022 00:56

I also recommend doing a group tour.
Eg this tour of Spain and Portugal:
www.intrepidtravel.com/ie/spain/explore-spain-and-portugal-124094

Some companies are:
Intrepid travel
Explore worldwide
Exodus
G adventures

MegBusset · 26/06/2022 21:53

User2506 · 25/06/2022 22:22

I do love a UK city break so might be nice to do something abroad. Maybe Barcelona, Rome, or Paris.

Do you meet new people along the way or do you pretty much spend the whole time by yourself?

Show quote history

I'm an introvert so meeting new people is pretty much bottom of my list on any holiday 😆 I'm very happy to spend a few days in my own company. Traveling with a group of strangers is my idea of hell! But for some people it's great. Do which you think you'll enjoy most!

MissSharma · 26/06/2022 22:00

I've travelled solo a lot - I'd say that unless you join a group activity, then you're unlikely to meet people. I've stayed in hostels alone, and while I did chat with people around the kitchen etc, I didn't really make any friends.

I'd definitely go with some of the suggestions here if you want to make friends while travelling. If you're not worried about being alone, then a city break can be fantastic - pick a city, do your research, fill your time, you'll feel so empowered and you'll love it.

jocktamsonsbairn · 26/06/2022 22:34

covilha · 25/06/2022 22:02

Corfu - speaking from experience as a solo traveller. X

I agree 100%

motogirl · 26/06/2022 22:36

How about a cruise, they cater to solo travelers (some companies more than others) there's a lively Facebook group for solos and most lines provide events and a table for solo travellers who want to meet others

User2506 · 26/06/2022 22:44

Thanks to everyone who has responded! Plenty for me to think about. I reckon a city trip would be a great start for me. Lots to see and do, and there will be lots going it alone.