Holidays for solo traveller

To Polnan and others who feel the same: many of us feel like this when we are widowed. You get this strange sensation of being invisible in crowded places, thinking no one knows or cares whether you're there or not - it happens to all of us at times. It does get easier doing things on your own but sometimes it's still an effort (3 years on now for me). However, on these singles holidays, most people are in the same situation and are seeking company, so they do want to be with you. I have had wonderful solo holidays with One Traveller, Just You and Saga. Most of the other guests are female, many widowed, and the average age is 60s-70s. I've always found like-minded people and had some great times with good conversation and lots of laughs. I am off on a Nile Cruise with One Traveller next month - Esmerelda, do get in touch if you're back from Oman in time, I'd love to hear your experiences.!

I am another one who has been with One Traveller- once to Italy and once to India. They are very well organised and so much is included I came back with some of my spending money both times!

Yes I sympathise Polnan

Bite the bullet! I`ve been with Solos and JustYou to Mexico, China, and South America. A twin or double room is standard, whereas sometimes paying a single supplement on a "normal" holiday means an inferior room. They`ve all been great holidays and ,as others have said, you can opt out of excursions if you wish. All these trips had people whose partners didn`t fancy that sort of holiday. It certainly isn`t a matchmaking service, thank Heavens!!

You’d be hard pressed to see the Northern Lights in Antarctica, ALANaV ?

I had a really lovely holiday with Solo last year. Everyone else was very nice and it was great fun. Wouldn't hesitate to do another one. I was about 20 years older than everyone else, but no one seemed to mind!

P& O cruises have get together for single travellers.
I did it for years before I met my new partner last year.

One traveller are superb. They are a family company and really take care of you. They do a number of musical short breaks. Just You are also a good firm but, even though on the face of it they are cheaper, they do not have as much included. I have been with both and not had any problems

I book a couple of days every so often at a luxury country house hotel with a beautiful lounge, elegant bar and Michelin star food. I take no technology with me, just books and a daily newspaper. I love walking into the bar before dinner when the barman asks ‘your usual, madam?’ and then delivers a French 75 cocktail along with the amuses-bouches and menu. They have nice grounds, scope for walking, and a roaring fire in the winter. There’s no problem at all being a solo woman. It’s only about an hour and a half by car to get there, and it feels like a different world from my otherwise madly busy life. It costs about the same as a trip away, but it provides a better holiday.

I second that Tallulah. I'm actually off to Oman tomorrow on my fourth trip with One Traveller, who cater for single travellers over 50. They are a small family run business and their attention to detail is superb. Don't be fooled into thinking they are more expensive than others because almost everything (apart from maybe a few meals on certain holidays) is included. I went on a Cairo & Nile Cruise trip with them in November and ALL meals (plus drinks on the boat) were included and entry to all the archaeological sites was paid for. Bargain! Do check out their website.

I can also highly recommend One Traveller. I’ve been on three holidays so far and have just booked a fourth. Certainly worth checking out their website and giving them a call. On first appearance they may look more expensive than some of the other solo holiday companies but you need to compare what is included.

Polnan, I have sent you a private message.

My friend goes with solo holidays and really enjoy them. She's been all over the world with them which she would never have been able to do on her own and she's not keen to join other tours where they are mostly couples. She enjoys the organised activities very much but there is no compulsion to join in if you don't feel like it.

I've been travelling solo to the Scottish Highlands by coach with Lochs & Glens for a few years now. There is no single-person supplement (unlike with Shearings) and there are always other solo travellers, mostly women, to chat to. It's always friendly and all the 3-star hotels are clean and pleasant and in beautiful locations, and the food is good too. There are daily excursions to equally beautiful places but you can do your own thing instead if you want, as long as you let the coach driver know beforehand. It's very reasonable in price and an excellent way to discover Western Scotland. Look at the website lochs.com for more info.

I always used to book my own solo holiday ….flight, hotel and car hire …..but now I am ancient I have just been to Germany with Leger, am going solo to the Arctic with Fred Olsen (lots of lovely things to do ...but my Ins co won't let me ride a snowmobile ...even though I have driving licence ...so am going to the Igloo hotel for one night, a helicopter ride over the territory, dog sledding (my ins co says ONLY if I have a driver and a crash helmet !) reindeer 'experience' (?) plus lots of others ...some I couldn'e have as they overlap but might do the Antarctic later in the year with a better hope of seeing the elusive Northern Lights I am going on a tour of Russia and Scandinavia in July, and just considering whether to book Japan for November or wait for cherry blossom next year. Desperately wanted to book for Samarkand silk route and Saudi Arabia ...just opened for tourism BUT with the situation in Iran and the fact it borders Uzbekistan the Foreign office may be jittery about travelling there until the situation is better known ….GO FOR IT ...start with a little cruise round the British Isles, a train journey, or a coach trip ...sometimes no one speaks to you, sometimes they do ...does't bother me as I just do my own thing (including leaping (well, not so much LEAPING) on a local bus or train ...you can always write your hotel name down ...they will tell you which bus etc you need for wherever you want to go and come back ! good luck

After my divorce I used Friendship Travel who were very good and I had some very enjoyable holidays!

Leger holidays offer travel for solo travellers. Mainly by coach I think. I ha e fine several trips with them (not solo) and they are very well organised. I know someone who has done one and she loved it. I suggest trying a short break first to see if you like it.

I have been on two holidays organised by Solos. The holidays were good and well run. However, the promise of no single supplement is a way of disguising the fact that these holidays have that built into the price, and are quite expensive.

A cruise is ideal for a single traveller and it doesn't have to be one that advertises for singles and I found the best time to meet people is when the ship is at sea and every one is together. I was never at a loss for company.

Hi I'm on my own travelled with saga holiday company for years love it

I always have my holiday on my own and wouldn't have it any other way I prefer a cruise for a week it is a bit expensive but everything's is included they have lots of different night entertainment and because your in a different port each day they organise different kinds of excursions at a good price or you can get the free bus into the town I always seem to make a few friends so come away happy I cruise with tui their ships dont put tips on your bill at the end they leave that upto you and also there is no posh dress code so at night you can just wear what you would on a night out at home hope this helps

oh gosh, I do so admire you, envy you.. I am recently widowed and elderly, not really looking for holiday, I have my cat to care for..

I can`t even go eat a meal on my own,, have had a coffee a couple of times.. I hate going about on my own, why? I feel that I am not wanted... understand?

I’ve now been on 6 x Just You holidays and only complained about 1, the rest were really good and I’ve made 2 more really special friends who I shared the holidays with. I did the Jazz tour Chicago to New Orleans, then the Carnival in Rio, then 4 trips to Italy, the Riviera, Puglia, Venetian River Cruise and Lake Como. None of my long term friends have my wanderlust, so this is just perfect for me.

Just You.

If there's something you like doing, such as yoga, painting or writing, there are lots of retreat holidays for that and loads of lone travellers go on them.