Holidaying alone…

[SurreySideEye]

I’m happily single and I’m looking to go away abroad on a simple pool/beach holiday just for some change and rest, I don’t want to be involved with the ‘singles scene’ so I’m not looking to meet a prospective partner or even have a ‘holiday fling’ nor do I want to stay in a hotel where I’ll be seated with strangers at mealtimes…basically I’d just like to holiday alone. Are there any ‘Mumsnetters’ out there who’ve done this and could offer some suggestions ?

For me the disadvantages little are practical ones like having to leave your stuff on the beach whilst you swim or watch your table if you go the loo.
I’m fine out and about in the day but I’m not a night owl. I’m not really into clubbing and bands so it’s often a bit dull. My preferred holiday evening is chatting over dinner and a drink. I do go out on my own at night (FOMO) but it’s not a fun as the day.

For me the disadvantages little are practical ones like having to leave your stuff on the beach whilst you swim or watch your table if you go the loo.
I’m fine out and about in the day but I’m not a night owl. I’m not really into clubbing and bands so it’s often a bit dull. My preferred holiday evening is chatting over dinner and a drink. I do go out on my own at night (FOMO) but it’s not a fun as the day.

Go for it but choose wisely, your personal safety is paramount.

I've done it several times. Cyprus, Barbados, Madeira. Many hotels are now realising there's a growing solo travel market. Adults only ones an easy option. Likewise, companies like Jet2 offer solo travel discounts, albeit not very generous. Not interested in those specialist solo travel companies or cruises.

Cyprus I'd been to for many years so knew hotels, bars, etc. Barbados was for a significant birthday 10 years ago. Hotel all-inclusive, bit isolated so no going out alone. Day trip with 6 other guests, friendly, good fun. Sat alone for meals, no problem. Madeira for past 3 years. First time stayed in small boutique hotel, very good. Last 2 years, different hotel that had plenty of solo guests, groups, couples. Even airline crew. Staff very friendly. At no time was I made to feel uncomfortable for being on my own.

Now considering short break in Gibraltar and possibly Dubai later in the year. I've also heard Menorca is good for solo travel.

Sorry to go on a bit, but it's surprising how many places are safe for solo travellers...

Yes, I went to Tunisia for a week. The hotel in Hammamet was terrific. I had one to one yoga in the mornings in a beautiful garden overlooking the sea and in the afternoons we did some belly dance, shopping, coffee in town or visiting places of interest. I am comfortable being on my own and enjoyed the freedom of action.

@LadyAvgeek what is the name of the hotel in Madeira please?

OP everyone is different but for me personally I like to not feel completely adrift when travelling alone so I do the following things:

• always book into somewhere with a 24 hour reception, whether hostel or hotel. I want someone to notice if I'm not where I've paid to be.

• book a couple of activities/tours for things I enjoy. You can then interact or not as the mood takes you, but it's nice to have the option.

• for eating out, lunch is better than dinner. Also, often, cheaper!

Getting suncream on my back was my only disadvantage!

@HauntedBungalow

The first was Santa Cruz Village. May have to book this direct in Summer, as Jet2 only have it for Winter (I stayed in November). The other Villa Gale, also in Santa Cruz. Closer to beach, nice promenade accessed from pool area. Close to airport which suited me (think username).

Hope this helps

There's a solution for that! Try something like this -

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@BIWI

One of those long handled massagers helps. Foam pad to apply then roller one to spread.

😇

Thank you! Wish I'd known about that before I went!

I’ve just done a week AI in an adults only hotel in Cyprus with some friends. I’ve definitely got it earmarked as somewhere I’d love to go alone for a rest. There were a couple of solo traveller. There are in most places - you just don’t usually notice them.

Could or do?

Sounds quite frankly amazing 😍

I do it all the time! Greece is a particular favourite destination but I have been all over in my own. Choose somewhere you want to go to and just enjoy the freedom!

I'm sorry for your trouble

@LadyAvgeek lol @ the username, just got that. Thanks for the recommendations, I've never been disappointed with a Jet2 hotel. Can I ask additionally please, was it ok joining organised hikes from those hotels?

I think an apartment is better, with eating in different restaurants at night. So that you don't get some bore in the hotel seeing you as a target.

@HauntedBungalow

No worries!

They've delivered for me too, not just hotels. Hiking far too strenuous for me. Reception very helpful and little travel agent across road(?). Also short walk into Santa Cruz.

Horses for courses I guess, but apartments are a no-no for me when travelling alone. Very unregulated, how do you know who's got keys, no one's expecting you back so if you do come a cropper there's no alarm raised, plus you hear all these stories about hidden cameras and so on. If it's managed by or tied to a local business then maybe, because they have a certain standing and maybe want to protect their reputation, but no way on god's good earth would I get myself alone into some shonky airb or bokkin.com (deliberately misspelled so as not to create a clickable link) set-up with no oversight or accountability in place.

Thanks @LadyAvgeek I'll look into those, for certain. 🙏

I recently went solo to Skiathos with Jet2 and can't recommend it highly enough. I was booked for 7 days but loved it so much I extended it to 10.

The feeling of freedom, and being able to do whatever You feel like, is a wonderful thing.

@basoon

Each to their own, that's also why lots of hotels offer board options.

Yes, it's good to experience different eating places. Makes a holiday. Been lucky on the bore front. Last year in Madeira, 2 young guys thought everything revolved around them. That was tiresome.... 🙄

I go to all inclusive hotels abroad, and often see singles walking around. Admittedly they do seem to get noticed and “picked up” by the odd family, to spend meal times with them but, that can be an added bonus if you feel like having company.
I once got talking to someone who loved holidaying alone and doing everything on her own, but she said people always wanted to get her to go with them, as if they were saving her from herself, but she loved being alone doing her own thing.

@Cloverforever

Want to do Skiathos for aviation interest and it looks so pretty.

Yes, freedom to do what you want when you want is great. You're just responsible for you.... 😇

Oh yes, standing on the road behind the planes as they were about to take off was quite a thrill!
It's a very beautiful, green island. Only 7 miles by 4 with a dead easy bus system, so its easy to find out of the way beaches with lovely tavernas. I cant wait to go back.