Somewhere far away, alone for not too much £££. Bali?

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Looking for a holiday in December/January by myself. Any suggestions please? I've never been to Bali. Is it good?

I'd like a mix maybe of trips and beach... want to relax. Tough year this year.

What’s your budget?

Costa Rica is lovely in December but it’s high season and is an expensive place to visit anyway

Cambodia might work - the islands are absolutely gorgeous for beach holidays, somewhere like Koh Rong is blissfully relaxing in the right resort

Thailand might also work

Bali is fun, it depends a little where you go. It is rainy season in December though I think, and it can be more expensive as it’s a major destination for Australians.

I went to Bali last year. I wouldn’t rush back if I’m honest. The beaches are all publicly owned and were disappointingly full of plastic washed up from the sea.

Dec /Jan is the right season for the Maldives though. Maybe look at a holiday there instead?

@chcherryassam I don't know, I've never been good at knowing what to budget for holidays! A few grand all in?

@netaporter I don't think I can afford the Maldives sadly....

Given you’re going long haul, I’d focus on where you can get a decently priced flight. If you go to most places in South East Asia, it’s likely the flight will be the big price as it’s cheaper when you’re there.

How long are you hoping to go for? It’s also worth thinking about whether you’d rather stay in one place or move about a bit.

If you were wanting to keep things really simple, you could look at a package - Tui do packages to the Maldives for example for around the 4-5k mark for 10 days or to Thailand for around the 1.5-3k mark for 10 days.

Or you could look at a travel agent like Trailfinders who charge more but are able to do something very bespoke for you.

Or you could book it separately and organise yourself.

Thank you @cherryassam I was thinking of looking at trailfinders or exodus or flashpack or something. Maybe part of the trip as a group tour and then a few days on a beach after - so partly travelling with others. I will have a look at your suggestions thank you. Would like 10 days or two weeks ish

Mauritius is good for beach and trips - if you can't drive you can hire a taxi by the day for about £60 a day if book direct and quite safe if use one recommended on TripAdvisor. TUI do packages there with direct flights from Air Mauritius and hotel though may depend if you want really peak dates around Christmas / New Year or happy with rest of months when you'ld have a good choice.

Maldives is more resort based, TUI have packages there as well and it might be possible.

I think the idea of a group tour then some time at the beach is a really good one - I know Trailfinders often have it that you can add on beach stays at the end of their itineraries. They are also a pretty good company in terms of customer service.

Something like this with a beach trip on the end might work: https://www.trailfinders.com/tours/south-east-asia/vietnam/tour-cambodia-experience

Malaysia is lovely. You can visit Kuala Lumpur and do a beach resort-Lankawi or Penang. I’ve always felt very safe there. The standard of hotels is very high for the money you pay and eating out is cheap.
Trailfinders do tours around Malaysia

TUI also do tours, not been on one but there's 24 in December all within your budget longhaul and met someone once on one and there was only 4 of them on the tour. You go under holidays and choose tours then put in December or January.

Sri Lanka is a good option in dec/January can recommend a few options for hotels - choice of beaches, mountain retreat, take the train across the island maybe? Lots of trip/culture options but equally great for relaxation. Flying time isn't too bad from U.K. with daily direct flight options

While Bali is popular, I recommend the Philippines for its stunning, affordable beaches. Camarines Sur's beaches rival costlier destinations, with turquoise waters and soft white sands. Accommodations are more basic, but the natural beauty is breathtaking. For travelers prioritizing beaches over luxury, Camarines Sur is a great value. However, monitor Mayon volcano activity, which could affect flights. If you prefer better accommodations, consider the beaches in Davao.

Would you consider Hawaii?

I second Sri Lanka. Beautiful and varied country. I’ve been solo at Christmas and loved it. Beaches, culture, jungle and very easy to navigate by train (or hired driver).

How about South Africa, or Goa in India. What sort of standard are you looking for - backpacker or proper hotels?

Would you like Vanuatu?

Corfu could be right for you. Vanuatu is possibly too expensive.

I am a huge Bali fan, we spend at least a couple of months a year there, but tbh Dec/Jan is super busy, mainly because it is Aus school holidays, so traffic is crazy and it is rainy season. Lombok is getting increasingly popular but it is predominantly Muslim rather than Hindu so has a different vibe which you may or may not prefer. If you did do Bali as a single traveller I would be inclined to do the East Coast, think Sanur, Candidasa, Amed, Lovina rather than the usual Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud which will be heaving that time of year.

I agree with Runnerdown

Look at Langkawi & Penang
Good value for money

You can get ferry to Khoh Lipi & other Thai islands

Thailand 100%! Bali is amazing but rainy season during your dates.

Our daughter has been all over the world. She found Bali a bit too commercialised. She loved Cambodia, but her favourite short holiday has been to Sri Lanka. She did a guided few days to start, going round the centre of the island, then spent a few weeks on the south coast, moving between 2 or 3 resorts.

I did a Flashpack holiday to Vietnam a few years ago over new year, it was great. Got to see a lot of the country, meet some great people and felt super safe. Also saw a lot of places that I wouldn’t have thought to go myself.

it was great being part of a group that meant during down time you could do something yourself or join another smaller group… there was always someone going to a bar or for a walk or whatever.

Thanks all! Seriously considering a group tour with others of a similar age. Just working out dates and money and stuff and considering whether my own room is worth the additional cost!

I was worried about this, but when I spoke to your company they reassured me I’d be fine. And I actually was. Ended up sharing with a great woman about 10 years older than me, we kinda fell into a routine, she stayed in bed while I got showered and ready then she took her turn. To be honest we were in our rooms so little of the time it made no odds at all.

If a group trip, cuba

I didn't feel massively comfortable there as a woman without a man with me