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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

Going on a solo holiday today

62 replies

brownbear201 · 27/10/2023 10:29

I’m about to head out for my first solo holiday. I’m only going to Portugal for 4 nights but I am so nervous!

I’ve only ever been away with family or friends before. A few months ago I booked this holiday as I was desperate to get away. DH couldn’t come due to work and friends were either busy or couldn’t afford it.

I’m mostly worried about being seen as a billy no mates to be honest. Would love some words of encouragement from anyone who has travelled or holidayed solo before 😃

OP posts:
DustyLee123 · 27/10/2023 10:31

Good for you !
Just walk with an air of confidence and you’ll be fine 🍹

PerspiringElizabeth · 27/10/2023 10:32

Oooh I aspire to do that OP! Have the best time! Know that you are living someone’s dream 😄

HappyHolidai · 27/10/2023 10:33

Enjoy! I often holiday on my own and it's great being able to please myself and do whatever I want!

ToBeOrNotToBee · 27/10/2023 10:33

Go and have the best time.
Last month I had 5 days in Mallorca to myself. Loveliest thing I've done in years.

If you're single and that way inclined, Tinder is a great app to meet fellow travellers. No sex needed, a dinner date is lovely.

EveryKneeShallBow · 27/10/2023 10:33

I’ve travelled alone a bit. Mostly in the uk, Scottish highlands, City breaks, etc. I don’t think anyone will think you’re a billy no mates, it’s perfectly normal for women to travel alone these days. I have not gone abroad though, not because of any kind of anxiety but just because I miss having someone to talk to and discuss the things I’m discovering with. Have a lovely holiday.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 27/10/2023 10:35

Just remember on holidays you've been on before you've probably done some things on your own. Like if someone wanted to go to the gym and someone else wanted to stay by the pool longer reading. It's just lots of those moments. No one will think you're matekess they'll be jealous that you've got some me time!

Singleandproud · 27/10/2023 10:35

When I go places as a singleton I try and think that nobody knows why you are there and it makes me feel far less self vonscious. I could be sat in a coffee shop alone as waiting for my car at a garage, I could be at a restaurant alone as I'm travelling for work etc, and always have a book in my bag as a prop or in your case to sit and read lazing in the heat. You could be visiting that cultural spot because you live in Portugal and got the day off etc nobody knows and more importantly,nobody really cares it's our own self conscious playing tricks on us to think that they do.

Rosiiee · 27/10/2023 10:35

So jealous! I booked a solo week away to the Middle East a few years back. It felt a bit strange walking around and eating alone and I did get a few looks (woman alone I assume?) but it made me miss my family and my batteries were recharged when I got home! Enjoy it! And please do get room service and eat in bed one evening 🙈 it’s the little things!

Weesiewoo · 27/10/2023 10:38

Omg!! I'm so jealous. I'd give anything to travel solo like I did in my 20s. Just enjoying doing what you love to do. Sit and people watch, enjoy the history and the architecture if that's you thing. Have a wonderful time.

Mercurial123 · 27/10/2023 10:38

Generally, nobody will give solo travellers a second glance. In addition, you are travelling to Portugal hardly off the beaten track. Enjoy.

itsmyp4rty · 27/10/2023 10:45

Take a book to read in a restaurant while you're waiting for food. Solo travel is so common I've been to so many places from Canada to Jordan to Cambodia and I am neither confident nor very sociable. The bit just before you leave is the worst IMO, once you get there you'll have a fantastic time.

Riola · 27/10/2023 10:50

I’ve traveled solo many times although I often know people who are staying in the country. A couple of years ago I was in Lisbon, Portugal staying with friends for one week and then for the second week I booked a self catering apartment. I spent most of my time sightseeing myself and just reading and hanging out in coffee shops. I like the occasional girly trip but usually prefer solo trips!

I once read in an article someone was out for dinner with their daughter and they saw a middle aged woman eating alone. The teenage girl said to her mum “I want to be like her when I grow up” love it!

She looked at a solo traveller and saw an independent brave woman doing her thing - not “billy no mates” .

Original poster
brownbear201 · 27/10/2023 12:35

Thanks all for the great advice and support. It’s getting closer now and more real. I’m sure it’ll all be fine once I’m there!

OP posts:
Iwillnotdancewiththedevil · 27/10/2023 12:43

So envious of you OP, you'll have a great time! You can be completely selfish in your itineraries for the day, you're totally in control of where you go and what you do.

Have a fabulous time

Hbh17 · 27/10/2023 12:45

It sounds lovely - I really enjoy solo trips. You do know that nobody is going to be looking at you, don't you? And even if they do, so what? The vast majority will be envious and, ultimately, it doesn't matter what other people think!.

Just relax, read lots of books and enjoy your trip.

MariaLuna · 27/10/2023 12:50

I love travelling solo! Been lots of places, I want to see the world! 😀

Have a great time OP!

Brightredtulips · 27/10/2023 12:52

Enjoy! Its such a good feeling traveling alone and a real confidence booster. I make an itinerary and book trips. I never eat in hotel, I try and find interesting places to eat.

Jaxhog · 27/10/2023 12:53

Enjoy it! I'm off on my first solo holiday in December and can't wait. It's to Antarctica.

StellaAndCrow · 27/10/2023 12:56

Jax how awesome! What sort of trip is it? Would love to hear more to enjoy it vicariously :)

cardibach · 27/10/2023 12:57

If you're in Facebook look at the group Host a Sister - people living there will meet up with you. And for advice, try Solo Female Travellers (First group for women who travel solo) - lots of women getting out there. If you're over 50, there's Solo in style: women over 50 travelling solo and loving it which is one of my favourite groups for I dependent travel! I've not been totally solo yet but plan to.

MrsDanversGlidesAgain · 27/10/2023 13:02

Hbh17 · 27/10/2023 12:45

It sounds lovely - I really enjoy solo trips. You do know that nobody is going to be looking at you, don't you? And even if they do, so what? The vast majority will be envious and, ultimately, it doesn't matter what other people think!.

Just relax, read lots of books and enjoy your trip.

Absolutely this. You're never going to see these people again after a fleeting encounter in a cafe or bar or museum. And for all you know, they might be admiring your confidence in going it alone.

hattie43 · 27/10/2023 13:05

Good for you have a fabulous time . I have solo tripped before and I have a better time tbh , can totally please myself .

reluctantbrit · 27/10/2023 13:13

I just went to Florence for 3 nights in September. It was great. I had a disaster for a year and so needed the break.

I had lots of things pre-booked/planned and never had an issue in the evening going out for dinner or having a glass of wine in the hotel bar.

But I travelled for work a lot and was used to this. I always have a book/my kindle with me and stroke several good conversations with the waiter about books.

Jaxhog · 27/10/2023 13:42

StellaAndCrow · 27/10/2023 12:56

Jax how awesome! What sort of trip is it? Would love to hear more to enjoy it vicariously :)

It's a couple of days in Buenos Ares, then 3 weeks on an expedition ship to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. I'm going to try to post progress by vlog on Facebook.

coxesorangepippin · 27/10/2023 13:44

Oh how lovely

Enjoy 😍

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