I don’t like going on holiday

I can empathise with you. I've never liked going away for long. A week is as much as I can put up with. I definitely won't go on holiday on my own because I like the- talking- about- things-with-a-companion part of the holiday.

It's such a relief to read the responses on this thread as I too have lost all interest in going on holiday. We've had some wonderful holidays in the past but since I've retired, I feel so happy at home with lots of interests and projects, not to mention the blessed company of my cats. I shall no longer feel apologetic so thank you LaCrepescule

I enjoy holidays, but not at the expense of other things. What I find boring is people who have no conversation outside of where they’ve been, where they’re going, which airlines they prefer and so on. I know too many people like that, and am try to find techniques for subtly changing the subject. If anyone has any tips, please share them?

I too have lost the confidence to do anything but holiday in this country and am reluctant to do even that on my own, although I did think about it this year. As long as I can get out into the nearby Peak District in my car, I’m more than happy, though they are mostly nostalgia trips these day - not active enough to roam the rocky fastnesses now! No longer a mountain goat - just an old goat😁!

Gosh! I thought I was the only one who doesn't like going on holiday. I've travelled a lot when I was working which I enjoyed but now I like my own peace and tranquillity. I loathe packing but do the occasional jaunt to visit family and friends for just a couple of days. I also always need to know where the nearest loo is en route which is a concern. I suppose it does me good though to have a change

And to all of you - I’m in good company 😊

Lovely post Terri 🙏

Definitely yes and love your name. I just say to people now that I am content with my everyday routine and enjoy whatever it is a I do, walking the dog on the beach, baking, gardening, etc. I ask them about their holidays and they think I am a good listener so happy all around.

I live alone and feel very vulnerable when going out as I can't walk unaided. So having lost my confidence I feel very anxious at the thought of going anywhere on my own. That means I am one of the stay at homers.

Ugh, to not too! And that’s another thing - I hear that good grammar is soon to become irrelevant 🤔

I can see from quite a few posts, of late, such feelings resonate with me.I also love just being at home in the home now. I really had the wanderlust when I was younger, and have visited many, not all, of countries on my wish list. Once what was exciting, no longer is. I hate the whole airport palaver, flying gives me a lot of anxiety these days, heaven knows how I got as far as Australia and numerous trips to the Americas. Every time I've read about the recent extreme turbulence I feel I'm living it vicariously, I hate even mild turbulence nowadays. I also feel I've developed a love of holidaying in my own country more, I wouldn't have once, but I certainly don't want to be part of the wave of tourism that some places are sick of. Shame! because The Canaries for example, are a good winter getaway without doing a long haul. I do miss the sun in our gloomy long winters.

I think your feelings are completely understandable OP, I wouldn't try to defend them, personal choices, there's no right or wrong in the individual choice in such matters.

Oh yes and I have my adored mutt too. He gets me out and about (15,000 steps a day!) and I meet so many lovely people. I also love day trips (RHS and National Trust) and visiting friends in other parts of the country.
Too me retirement is proving to be one long holiday 😊

Have you tried any of the organizations for solo travellers?

I always preferred travelling on my own but it does require a lot of confidence. For someone who was once half of a couple it must be a great challenge.

I've got a slightly different dilemma. I've always loved travelling but since my DH died I have nobody to go with. I tried a short holiday on my own but I felt so lost and lonely that I've no desire to repeat it. People keep asking me if I'm going/have been away and I feel I have to make excuses all the time. Fortunately I have the cat so he gets the blame!

When working I enjoyed several holidays a year, but since retiring I have no wish to be away from home, where I love being in my garden and also pampering my two elderly cats.

Travel isnt really a holiday. Its just another set of arrangements to make, particularly if you are the party lead and there are other people involved.

I dont think you need to feel defensive about any lifestyle you choose.

In the past I travelled solo to some interesting and unusual places (eg Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria). Its difficult to visit such places now without risking ones safety. However I no longer wish to travel due to mobility issues and the sheer hassle of it. And frankly I dont have the headspace to organize the logistics of it.

So I do understand your feelings. I can find plenty to do at home.

Us too. We've been to every country we've wanted to visit. Some several times. I hate flying and airports. Now it's short trips an hour or so away or days out to National Trusts.

We both feel similar. Short jaunts in this country are our limits.

I adore travel, plane, car or train, long haul, short haul all very exciting. I never get bored of that feeling when you step out of the aircraft the smell and feel of the air of your chosen destination.

I am also very content at home, I love my garden and house (despite the ongoing problems) always happy to walk through my front door after being away.

Definitely not ready to stow away the suitcases and let my passport lapse anytime soon.

How funny- I feel the same!
Yes there are places I would love to visit or revisit and I can remember thinking after DH died that now I could please myself if the spirit moved me- up sticks and away. But the pandemic nipped that in the bud and when we emerged the other side I no longer wanted to!
My home and garden, my dog, my friends around me - not joking, I could become a hermit!

I feel the same as you.
Quite happy at home or taking the occasional short break here in the UK.
Can’t stand airports and all the waiting around.
I doubt these people really care whether you travel or not in your retirement, they’re just making small talk and that’s the only thing they can think of to ask, they’d probably be bored stiff if you actually reeled off all your exotic travel plans.
Just say something like ‘oh I’m quite happy in my garden now, it’s my wonderful escape and all I need now I’m retired’

I just love being at home.

And I love to travel - and then return home. We never go long haul now, and often travel by car (with dog) or by train, all over Europe. Very rarely fly these days. So I like a mix of both, home and away.

I like being at home. I tend to say I don;t like to travel too far in case of an emergency with my daughter (who has a disability)

I would like to travel a bit, within Europe but long haul doesn't interest me at all and I am more than happy with one holiday in the UK and some short breaks. I'm just a home bird!