Holidays on my own ? Am i brave enough

I've always enjoyed visiting interesting places on my own, not tied to another person's schedule and expectations. The exception was when my DS2 took me on a city break to Rome. He proved to be an ideal travelling companion, having many of the same interests as I do. Even when I've been in a group like a Ramblers' holiday, I've often taken the opportunity, on a 'free' day, to split off and find my way around. Not so easy now that I'm less mobile, but I still want to have a go at Florence!

I have never been on holiday on my own and could never see myself travelling alone, I could get lost between home and the airport as I have no sense of direction.
I am the odd one out as DD has been all over the world on her own and DH travelled everywhere for work, he is happy to no longer do the long haul flights.

I had a fantastic time on the two cruises I went on earlier this year. I found I could pick and choose whether I wanted company or not, and luckily do not mind being on my own.
Already have another cruise booked for next year, and have just booked a week in the Italian Lakes in the spring. Looks like we will be well looked after, with included excursions, and a couple of free days, but suggestions of things to do.

Try Just You as they are very good.

I couldn’t go anywhere on my own, I’m too afraid of getting lost or getting left behind. I’ve only ever had short breaks away, never a proper holiday, and only flown with family members.
Gosh, that makes me sound disabled! I’m waiting for a personality change which enables me to see the world before I die.

Holiday coach trips in UK for one, anyone who has ideas for me

Go for it, JeanLizzie! I can't remember who said that we regret most keenly the things we didn't do, but if you don't try it you will never know if you are brave enough.

I have spent time in Venice on my own, and that was very interesting but I found choosing places to eat stressful. Much more enjoyable are activity breaks, especially if meals are sorted- I have been on archeological and battlefield tours, and found couples welcoming and inclusive. I'd suggest you think about your favourite hobbies/pastimes/interests/activities, and choose a holiday of about a week - if you hate it, it will soon be over. If you love it, go for longer next time. Good luck! I think we will all be interested to hear what you decide and how you get on.

I would recommend One Traveller too. I have now been on 3 holidays with them and think they are wonderful. Like you I was worried if I was brave enough to go alone but the way they run the trip takes the worry away. For instance they give you all a number and place them round the dinner table randomly each evening so you mix with everyone and no one is left out. Everything is organised for you. Yes it is expensive but mostly all food is included and great excursions. The tour managers have all been so helpful too. I have spoken to others on these holidays and often they have tried other companies but I have been told that One Traveller is the best one. I hope you pluck up courage to go as I am sure you won't look back once you have travelled solo.

I was widowed just over 2 and a half years ago. I have thought about holidaying on my own, but am not sure that I`m brave enough. I don`t get about very well, can`t walk very far, and need a lift to go upstairs. I think my family would think I was crazy to go away on my own.

Wow! I certainly wouldn't do that Luckygirl
An intrepid traveller indeed.

My sis-in-law in her 60s has just returned from back-packing on her own round Vietnam and Cambodia.

Fy Fly

I am single with an OH but we don't live together.
He has young children whereas mine are well into middle age therefore our holiday preferences are slightly different.
I like going away on my own, when I like and to places I prefer, often on the spur of the moment.
Meeting new people, making friends outside my home circle is fun and you're not having to consider anyone but yourself.
Leafing through a weekend magazine I saw an 11 day shopping trip to NY.
Fy out, 4 days in 4* hotel and 7 day cruise bsck on QM2.
I booked.
Go for it.
Malta is a great place.
Have fun...you only live once despite what James Bond said.

I have just been on holiday on my own but on a coach tour. I made friends with 2 other single ladies and we all enjoyed it, 25 years ago I went on a cruise on my own and met my husband but he has unfortunately passed away recently. I am planning to go on a solo holiday later this year and will use Silver Travel Advisor to help get the best deal. They offer good discounts and great reviews,

Jeanlizzie, I have lived in Malta for 37 years! If you, or any other gransnetters, are visiting and would like to meet, just let me know.

I’m a widow and never thought I could go anywhere on my own, but I’ve found I can! Life’s too short and we have to grab these opportunities while we can.

Anyway, do let me know if you come to Malta as I would be happy to give you some moral support.

Good luck, whatever you decide.?

I haven't been on my own but have several friends who do holiday on their own = one enjoys walking and has a great time with a mixed group. I was on a Baltic Cruise last year and there were several people - men and women travelling on their own - they joined in the tours and the Cruise company had a few events for single travellers. I made friends with an American lady who seemed to go on a number of cruises on her own - she said she had an inside cabin and was seated by the restaurant staff with other singles. If you like the sun

then maybe not the Baltic! Be brave and have a go. I have been to Malta - if I was holidaying alone it would not be my choice. I think I would try renting an apartment or villa in Majorca - even Tenerife = cheap flights - you can eat in or out. Have fun and let us know what you decide. x

I am just back from a wonderful holiday in Austria with One Traveller, who specialise in single travel for the mature traveller ?. They are an absolutely brilliant company and you won't need to feel nervous at all. Our group was 30 strong and several were on their first singles holiday, but realised on the first day that any worries they had were groundless.
We were a great group and everybody had a fantastic time ... I feel as if I now have 29 new friends! Look them up on line and go for it.

I travel by myself all the time. I love it. Someone said about One Traveller they are really good but a bit on the expensive side. Why not try a couple of nights away first rather than a fortnight. This last couple of years I have gone away with DD and family BUT they understand that at least one day is all for me, and no thank you I don't want company ? Baby steps x

Go fo it!

I went on holiday alone the summer after my marriage ended. I went on my first package tour to Lake Garda. I nearly chickened out when I got to Gatwick at 11a.m. and saw people who were getting my plane drinking lager and quite merry. However, I had chosen a quiet resort, so all the lager drinkers (who were actually decent folk just having a good time, and a self- reprimand for me for being snobbish) got off the coach at more lively places. I reasoned that it was only a five day holiday, so if it was awful it wouldn’t be for long. In the event it was thoroughly enjoyable. Since then I have been on a few holidays on my own, by train, independently booked. I would counsel against a long holiday at first, and I think your idea of a short break in the UK is a good one.

Have you a friend who you could consider going on holiday with?

I've a feeling lots of women are in the same boat.

CrazyH. Don’t say no more holidays for you. Buck up courage and try a short coach holiday where they do sight seeing. You will not be alone but make new friends.

I am divorced. For the past couple of years, I've been going on holiday with a couple of single friends, my age, and had some great times. This year the two of them are going with their own children . I could go with my daughter and her family I suppose, but I have been with them once or twice before, and as someone earlier said, it doesn't work. My daughter and kids just sit by the pool, whereas I like to do some sight seeing.
So no more holidays for me ?- my sons never ask me to join them haha

Yes you can do this. I would go for somewhere with a mixed age group. It depends what you like doing. I would find Malta too quiet as I like to walk early eves mooch around the shops etc. I think 14 days is too long for a first solo holiday.

Yes, you’re brave enough, it’s liberating! Haven’t travelled much on my own before but am currently sitting in the departure lounge of Perth WA airport waiting for flight home!