Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
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:
Knackeredmommy · 27/10/2023 13:49

I went on my 1st solo trip to Portugal last year, it was bliss! You'll have a wonderful time, enjoy!

Original poster
brownbear201 · 27/10/2023 16:23

On my way to the airport now 😬

OP posts:
IndeedDanielJackson · 27/10/2023 16:26

My sister did this recently, also to Portugal. She had a great time, not bothered being on her own and didn't want to come home. I'm just seriously jealous! Go and enjoy yourself.

Mombie · 27/10/2023 20:51

Such a coincidence, I have been thinking about doing this myself. The last few holidays have been all about the family and I’m desperate to sit in the sun by myself for a few days. I want to eat without worrying about fussy eaters and sit by the pool without worrying about children drowning. Essentially I want to be Jennifer Coolidge in White Lotus -less the murder 😂
I have been looking at some wellness type places as I have some hospital appts coming up and I want to get away before then so if anybody has any suggestions. This thread is giving me the courage to take the leap!
I hope you have the best time!

EveryOtherNameTaken · 27/10/2023 21:05

Done it loads of times including Portugal. I loved it everytime. It's liberating doing wtf you like when you like.

Have a fabulous time!

Emmagr1981 · 27/10/2023 21:12

We are there now and are regular visitor's. Which hotel are you at? I can tell you whats good near-by. The season is about to end but there is still things to do and see. Ubers are good here and cheap.

helpfulperson · 27/10/2023 21:14

Hope you have a great time. You'll be fine and next time you go solo you will be that bit more confident.

needlesandhaystacks · 27/10/2023 21:22

Enjoy OP! Have the best time!!

Swimminginthelake · 27/10/2023 21:30

You'll have a great time! I had 3 nights in Victoria BC solo earlier this year and loved every minute of it. I was a bit anxious to start with, missing the kids, but it didn't last long. Yes to taking a good book for restaurants. It's so nice to just be able to spend the day exactly as you please. In fact I'm thinking of trying to making it an annual thing even if it's just a couple of nights somewhere in the UK.

No1HolidayPlanner · 27/10/2023 22:18

Enjoy OP! I'm just back from a solo trip to British Columbia in Canada.. loved every minute
😊

Original poster
brownbear201 · 27/10/2023 23:52

Thanks so much everyone the words have really helped with the anxiety. I have managed to navigate the airport and security and I am now on the transfer coach waiting to be shipped to my hotel 😀

OP posts:
Itwasamemo2 · 27/10/2023 23:57

OP I have taken myself on Solos before and can honestly say the best holidays ever ! Just get to your hotel/ apartment and just chill and enjoy the peace and quiet! Am actually really jealous typing this !

Itwasamemo2 · 27/10/2023 23:59

No1HolidayPlanner · 27/10/2023 22:18

Enjoy OP! I'm just back from a solo trip to British Columbia in Canada.. loved every minute
😊

My son has just gone out to work in Vancouver…can’t wait to get out there and explore whilst he is working! Any recommendations?

No1HolidayPlanner · 28/10/2023 11:45

Itwasamemo2

I went to Canada because my son has been living there since last November. I did the first half the trip on my own and stayed in Banff, Alberta. Then travelled to Invermere in BC to see my son. BC is a huge province and it would have been a 9 hour drive to Vancouver so didn't visit there. Next time! It's such a beautiful country and I can't wait to return. Have a great trip😊

ImpeckableChicken · 28/10/2023 20:30

I’m sure you’ll love it! I’ve been to a concert on my own and down to the south-west for the day on my own. It’s great to get away with no one getting on your nerves 😂

Go have a lovely time! ☀️

Original poster
brownbear201 · 28/10/2023 20:31

First day is done! I went for breakfast, a walk around the area, checked out a local supermarket, went for a swim in the empty hotel pool and then a speedboat trip which took a couple of hours and saw some wildlife including whales and dolphins. Ordered an Uber Eats for dinner and now relaxing in the hotel 😀I have an all-day excursion tomorrow.

I did feel a bit awkward out and about, especially on the boat tour as I was the only single traveller with all the couples enjoying themselves. Everyone was very nice but I feel like I got some odd looks when asked how many was in my group!

OP posts:
NoThanksymm · 29/10/2023 04:18

Love love love solo travel!

have fun.

DisforDarkChocolate · 29/10/2023 04:29

Oh you lucky devil.

I'd love a sole holiday.

DisforDarkChocolate · 29/10/2023 04:33

Well day one sounded pretty fab to me. I'm not one for organised activities though, I'd be happy wandering about on my own or reading a book somewhere with a lovely view.

It's worth going out to eat on your own, just take a book and pick somewhere with a view. I used to get nervous eating out on my own but now it's a lovely treat with no pressure to talk and plenty of people watching.

Original poster
brownbear201 · 31/10/2023 11:22

Well, I am now back! I had a great time and enjoyed so many different activities and it was so nice only having to think about myself. My only regret is not going for longer! I think an extra day in the Algarve would have been nice and then perhaps a few days in Lisbon. Perhaps next time.

OP posts:
PinkPanther27 · 31/10/2023 16:39

I've just booked a solo trip to Portugal myself and can't wait. Have been forced to go solo abroad a few times when my partner has been "unable to travel" (it's a common theme 🙄) so now I just book to go places by myself. Have a great time 😊

SkaneTos · 31/10/2023 16:41

brownbear201 · 31/10/2023 11:22

Well, I am now back! I had a great time and enjoyed so many different activities and it was so nice only having to think about myself. My only regret is not going for longer! I think an extra day in the Algarve would have been nice and then perhaps a few days in Lisbon. Perhaps next time.

Thank you for the update, OP!
Sounds lovely!

Kaffyw · 31/10/2023 17:27

Good for you OP! I love solo travel and I think you will too - no-one to please but yourself, no compromises on what you do / see / eat. My main nervousness was about evening meal - lots of people hang out in cafes or eat lunch alone, but dinner always felt more intimidating, so I tend to have main meal at lunchtime and then snacky bits in hotel in front of tv in evening. Good luck and hope you enjoy it!

MrsDanversGlidesAgain · 31/10/2023 17:29

Everyone was very nice but I feel like I got some odd looks when asked how many was in my group!

I say 'Just me!' with a big beaming smile. Sounds like you had a fabulous time.

ladeluge · 31/10/2023 17:44

So glad you did it and enjoyed it. Remember, those feelings of the couples giving you odd looks, are them wishing they were travelling solo too, well that's what I always think if it happens to me!

Now that you have broken the mould, the world is your oyster, so go alone whenever the opportunity presents itself. It is so very liberating.

My one tip is to have a main meal at lunchtime rather than evening time. I find it is a little less intimidating (yes, despite many solo travels I still find eating alone in a restaurant at night is a bit off putting for me).

I also carry spare cash in case the terminals ever go down and cards won't work, together with a card/photo of my accommodation address for taxis and public transport. People are usually very helpful if you have a few words of the country's language, and then use google translate for your questions.

I am deaf, so it can be challenging sometimes, but once people know they are very accommodating. Unwanted attention from ahem certain males is knocked dead when I point to my hearing aids and know the local word for deaf. They usually scarper as there is no point trying to chat me up for a scam!

And I am waving to all other solo women travellers out there. We are fabulous dahling....

Swipe left for the next trending thread