Lone Holidays abroad

I have twice gone abroad on my own as DH does not do flying.
I booked with companies which had itinerairies which appealed to me but not specialist solo holidays. On both occasions I was by far the youngest person there but had an amazing time.
Don't mind eating on my own either.

I went to my niece's wedding in the UK earlier this year, then went to Rome for a week. I really enjoyed doing it on my own - though in the past the DH and I have done loads of backpacking and unorganised trips. Funny though, on the plane from Manchester to Rome, there 3 real "Lancashire lasses" all ready to party. Very loud, already a little primed-up, wearing lots of sparkles and leopard skin. We were waiting for the Rome bus at Ciampino airport - they needed help, as they had never been to Rome before, and I know the city well. They very sweetly "helped" me onto the bus, chatted with me, and when we got off in Rome, asked me if I would like to share their taxi. I declined, saying I would walk to my pensione near the Termini. They were terribly solicitous, and obviously worried about the old duck on her own. As we parted, they called out that they hoped I would be ok, stood watching me to ensure I got across the road safely, then I heard one say "Oh, bless!" When did I become an old duck?? I'm only 65! They were so lovely, though.

I hope Caramac that you will get that holiday booked soon. Prove you can do it alone, then he'll go with you? No thanks! You've discovered a new way to enjoy yourself, and you might just allow him to go with you at some point in the future. You are not proving anything. You are going on a holiday that you are sure to enjoy, unencumbered by negativity and anxiety on DHs part. Regarding meals, you share different tables at HF so that nobody is alone. If you don't like the idea of HF I'm sure you can manage it alone or someone might join you. Don't worry too much about that. Let us know when you've booked.

I've been considering this company:-

www.singlesholiday.co.uk/chatroom.html

Have fun!

My DH cannot go away as he has dialysis every other day. I was worried at first about going away on my own and I went on a coach holiday with Shearings. By the time you get to your destination you will have made 40 new friends. I niw go with them at least once a year. Fabulous! !

How does one get the U3A magazine?

My advice is- go for it! I was very nervous about going to Canada on my own but had a great time and met lots of like minded travellers!

My husband and I were caravanners and never had any other holidays but after he died thirty years ago I got itchy feet and went on coach holidays home and abroad .Everyone was very friendly and I was never left sitting on my own. I did not always go on the organised trips but got on buses or trains and explored alone. So after that I went at least four times a year, with a local coach company,sometimes with Saga. Only had to give up because of mobility problems at the age of 88. Now there are more companies who offer no single supplement and cater for those with dietary or mobility needs. Do it while you can, you only live once.

grabba Ring their head office - 0208 466 6139 and they will give you any information including details of your local group.

I love cruising solo. If you go with the British one, sailing from Southampton, the one that Rob Brydon advertises (not sure about forum rules re advertising, but can you let have name), they will sit solo travellers together for dinner. I have met many married persons travelling on their own because their other halves won't come. Plenty to do, with more variety of sights etc than a land based holiday.

All this talk of travel has made my feet itchy. Off to Tibet later this year!

Had a great holiday in Italy post divorce with Solos - was a bit apprehensive at first, but rep helpful but not intrusive, loads of new places to see, great food and good company - and I am still in regular contact with one woman friend I made at the time.

My partner's health is now not so good - so these days, with his blessing! I go on holiday with a friend whose husband died some years ago. We have similar interests and have a good time together.

However,I did find it worked when my partner and I went on a week's cruise last year to get some sun/help his recovery from a serious illness. I went on all the tours during the day, while he could sit on deck reading a book if he didn't feel up to going anywhere. Both of us did our own thing and neither of us felt frustrated or guilty!

Mercury holidays cater for single people without supplements, they are reasonably priced, look in Mail.

Went with Mercury to Madeira last year, great hotel, few other single guests. Did a mini-bus tour where I met people staying at other hotels from London and Leeds. Did some sightseeing independently as well. Easy island to get around and very welcoming people.

Try the 'Thelma and Louise' website!

I enjoy the Skyros Holidays

www.skyros.co

Caramac I would advise going on your own, especially after all those comments from your DH. I have been on half a dozen holidays alone now (although I am married, but we have different interests) and in some ways I have enjoyed them more. With Ramblers and HF I have always been one of several single people in the group and have never had any issues at all. Indeed I met another lady on a South African holiday, also married but with a husband who doesnt like walking, and we have now become friends and meet regularly. Also with a group holiday you dont have to face the issue of eating alone in the evening, which can be a bit of a pain, because invariably the group eat together.

Well ladies there seem to be a fair few off you that holiday alone, maybe a suggestion would be to get together and join forces for a nice holiday together. Leave him at home Caramac and go enjoy/ explore.

I cruise! With pearls. Currently on board Queen Victoria, going to be watching the fireworks on madeira

What are you thinking of, BoadiceaJones? At your age (according to Public Health England) you should think twice about going out at all! It might be cold outside! Stay in, eat plenty of warm food and draw the curtains in the evening! I'll be doing all that from February when I turn 65! ?
www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/737422/weather-forecast-England-health-warning-winter-deaths-cold-December

Saga are very good for single travellers, but there are several other companies . I enjoyed a couple with solos, but coach companies usually have single travellers among their group. I've had a few holidays alone and have enjoyed them. Good luck

Caramac I really feel for you on the issue with your husband not wanting to go abroad. Been in that situation but many many years ago.
As my youngest was then in her early teens, and still at school, without her knowledge I went and booked for the two of us, minus hubby, a short haul for a week in the sun We did this for four years although hubby and I still had our usual UK holiday. Only when my youngest decided no more holidays with mum did I go it alone.What a wake up hubby call that was??.Need I say more?
Look on the internet .Plenty of single holidays. Try a cruise.I guarantee you will find many more like yourself. Good luck.

Lizzypopbottle Are you for real? At 65 compared to many of us you are but a youngster.Get out and enjoy yourself.Age is but a number.

Caramac I'm not surprised that you are hurt by your husband's comments. It sounds to me that there are some underlying issues in your relationship. He is not being very understanding about your needs, but could this be an indication that other things are wrong ? As other posters have said, go and get some new experiences on your own and he may be very surprised.

It depends how brave you are, how rich you are, and how healthy you are.. I travelled alone for over ten years before I met my new husband. Just book a plane ticket and book accommodation separately. I went to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, many greek islands and greek mainland by myself. In late 2008 I answered an online advert on a sailing website and flew to Florida to join a couple I'd never met, to help them sail their yacht over to the Bahamas! What's the worst thing that could happen?