Holidays alone

Just You are brilliant, went to Italy with them, but they do UK breaks as well. Yes, not cheap, but well worth it, good friendly group, lots of local trips and good accommodation. Also one of my best holidays ever was in a rented cottage in Cornwall- on my own and a real relaxing escape!

Luckygirl, something for the future, if you join the widow's network WAY UP, it's free, there is a a forum on travel, and a special travel agent organises single holidays. People that go have had a marvellous experience. I went on holiday with four other widows to Cornwall just after my husband died, it was a very welcome break from the relentless paperwork.

Those worried about giving ID to Airbnb, it's been a year and a half since I last went, I don't remember giving ID but I can see that it is probably a good idea for hosts to know that you are who you say you are, you do give reviews and the people review you, so if the person has been doing it for a while you can see what people think of them, also once you've been to stay with them they can see if you are a considerate guest or someone you wouldn't want to have visit.
The last time I went it was to an event, to an area not at all easy to find somewhere to stay coming on public transport, but it was easy access to both the venue and the station, It was a young lady who was pleased that I'd made a fuss of her cats when she was out. Had I not found her it would have been a lot dearer and a lot more inconvenient for me, it's often not just the cost of the accomodation it's getting from the station to the accomodation then from there to where you are going.

I really want a few days away on my own but as i dont drive i was wondering how i would get anywhere. Having read this i am going to book a coach trip, hoping people wont think "poor woman on her own"

Solo holidays are definitely more expensive, but if you want company you will feel more comfortable. I am quite happy now to do my own thing, even eating alone, I frequently meet lovely people to chat to, beware the couple when the husband speaks with you more than just hello, the wives look daggers as if you would be interested in their spouses, some
old enough to be your father only not as fit. Romance when you're older is as rare as hens teeth, most of us widows are not looking for anyone, I go for a change of scenery, different people and the sun of course, so I'm prepared to be the odd single if it offers me what I want from that holiday..

I did several with Explore, when my ex didn’t want to go anywhere, really good. I shared with another lady so no extra cost, the guide was with us 24/7 and arranged everything for the whole group so nobody gets left out.

I had two very good singles holidays with One Traveller - one to Puglia and the other to India. They were very well organised and made sure (by shuffling people) that people didn’t gather in cliques and everyone met everyone. It was expensive but all meals included - I came back with money!

Have a look on all the holiday cottage/house rental sites and put ‘2’ where number of people is asked for. I have found loads of lovely looking small seaside cottages on the south coast. Of course, I don’t know where you are located.

Couple of years after my husband died I plucked up courage to go on a Solo holiday.
First year it was Skiathos, then the following year went to Madeira. Both holidays were great. Lots of company, laughter and you just joined in when you felt like it.
It was quite expensive, but it gave me the confidence, to organise future holidays.
Not sure if they are still trading under SOLO,S now, but there must be similar companies.
Think the worst part was waiting at Manchester Airport the first time and thinking Oh god what am I doing here.! However we had a lovely tour guide, who looked after those of us who were rather "unsure" about the whole experience.
Hope you find a holiday, and enjoy yourself.

If you're on Facebook OP, look at Croc Rock Studio Apartment Millport. It's on a small but convenient Scottish island which has beaches, walks, cafes, bike hire, a cathedral, beautiful views. Lots of people holiday alone there and if you post something on the local fb page before you go, the locals look out for you. Safe enough to go into the local pub alone, people talk to you! The girl that owns the apartment is very friendly and helpful. It's about an hour from Glasgow so there are lots of tourist things to see too.

One Traveller . Highly recommend . First glance seems expensive . However other than spending money & a few lunches , all included . Double room for single occupancy. Guide with you 24/7 . Excellent coach trips to places of interest . Loved it . Have been to Switzerland & Austria . Met some wonderful people . Very friendly . UK holidays available

Try One Traveller . Highly recommend . Initial reaction , expensive , but on working out costs , good value . Practically everything included . A double room to yourself . A guide on call at all times . I went to Switzerland in June and Austria in December 2019 . I thought I was being very extravagant but after covid so pleased I did . Life is short

Luckygirl solo holidays seem the way to go. As others have said you won’t feel like a fish out of water, as I know when I‘ve travelled on my own, just about every body else seems to have a travelling companion. Well done and good luck!

Would you be interested in cruising?
There are some great solo cruiser forums on Facebook

There are loads of one bedroom self catering properties. Have you a particular area in mind??

Just been looking at solo holidays on Newmarket holidays. Look reasonable too. Anyone used them ?

Have a look at HF holidays. Good for singles

I know things have changed now but after I was widowed 38 years ago until I had to give up in my early eighties I went on coach holidays both home and abroad three or four times a year. I preferred to go alone and didn’t always go on the optional trips. I found other travellers were very friendly when they found I was alone and after the first meal never had to dine
I used Shearings, Saga and a local coach company.

message for lucky girl...Would you like company on a short break? Perhaps I could go with you somewhere. I was widowed in 2019. Live in Wales. Daughter in Yorkshire and rest of family all well away from here. Got some really good friends but cannot see them yet..

I go on marella cruises a lot with my husband and always notice there is a singles group who sit together at night and have a good chat about what they’ve been doing . There is a solo cruise organiser who has a chat about what they want to join in with , watching the shows or day trips etc . It’s also very safe on the ship and the staff are always very friendly to chat to . So I would definitely recommend them .

You could consider the Travelodge website just now. Prices are reasonable and there is no single supplement. They will accommodate disabled people in ground floor rooms, and there are always lifts too. There are hotels by the sea in Devon, where I live, but I don't think you could be certain of a sea view. Hotels in some of our most beautiful cities, like Bath, are also available. Eating out in the evening on your own can be lonely. Having your main meal at lunchtime may be preferable. I do wish you luck in your search.

My sister was widowed just before Lockdown and has also been wary about going places on her own. In 3 weeks she will take a train up to us, we will take her up to our other sister, then a trip to the borders, then back down to our house and drive around the area before she goes home. She is hoping to fly to her daughter in France at some point, or might join us on another break in September - do you have Siblings Luckygirl that you can join?

I thought Way Up was for people under 50.

LuckyGirl I have no family or close friends I would want to share a room with so as you say put on your big girl pants either go alone or no holiday which I di lots of coach companys , Daisha, Grand Hotel, Shearings, Alpha , Coachstyle]Yes they charge a small single supplement, and I do request a Quiet room, like you, do not do Hotel entertainment. if trips are offered it is your choice if you do go, I have always let the driver know if Not going. in your case ask for downstairs bur most have lifts, as a lot have mobility problems but I have found that these companys do cater for the older person. I have been using them for past 12 years since I retired so try and see troll round the websites and get a brochure I personally have found Daisha the best value but their pickup points are limited

I endorse coach travel. I rather like Grand UK. There is no single supplement on normal tours and quite often they solo travellers tours. They have a tour manager to help as well.