Where would you go for first solo trip?

No cruising for me either - I would hate not to be able to get away from people except to my cabin. I have to compromise on my snorkeling holidays, although I have found very remote beaches in the Caribbean and Malaysia where I was the only person (I know, it is not recommended to swim alone, but that is how I like it). The Maldives island where I stayed was torment - absolutely nowhere to escape from people, and the coral was bleached.
However, a short river cruise sounds tempting - either along the Rhine or the Douro.

Bruges or Ghent are lovely towns - I can't recommend Brussels,but Paris is always exciting.
I did go on one trip through my local paper when I lived in Kent - it was called Winter Wonderland and we went by coach to Salzburg. I was the only single person, but all the couples were about my age and very friendly.

Thanks all..I'm going to have a or two to counter all the coffee I've been drinking. Only another 3large piles of files to read! Think I'll leave them til tomorrow, and tomorrow and tomorrow. I'm fed up of creeping petty days!

Many thanks for all the replies. I have contacted Just You and asked them for their brochure and I will look into the idea of a river cruise. A short city break also seems like a good idea. Again many thanks

Another thought - why not go with a friend to avoid single supplements?

An excellent idea, granjura.

Most of my friends are married or in partnerships and obviously want to spend holidays with their partners. I do have a friend who is single but we have different tastes - she loves to sit on a beach for hours on end whereas I get fidgety after 15 mins! I also like to visit places of interest whereas she finds that sort of thing a big yawn! Actually thinking about it, it seems odd that we are friends as we are so different but I have known her for over 20 years and when my husband died she was one of the first, not a family member, to call to offer help and condolences.

Barrow... my first solo trip was to Nice. It was a great decision. Lovely weather. Hop on hop off bus tour takes you up to Matisse House/Gallery, free entry! Lots to see and lovely places to see all very 'walkable'. Local buses only 1 Euro ( I went to Villa Euphresi Rothschild at Cap Ferat, wonderful gardens).
As I was on my own I pushed the boat out and travelled first class, Eurostar and TGV altho I discovered that 1st class on TGV buys you extra room and no more so wouldn't bother with that again!
Do p.m. me if you want details. Using the same company to go to Florence in May!!!

Hi
I went to greece alone i went to rodes and stayed at the pallidum hotel it was a lovely hotel just 10 mins bus ride in to rodes town it was a bit strange going alone but needed some time on my own away from hubby .
i enjoyed it you can go most places i think on your own go where you like leave if you dont like it . hope this helps

Not too everyones tast, but have you thought about a coach trip ?? DH and I have travelled with Newmarket Holidays a few time, we usually meet a couple of singles on each trip.
Also check out Superbreaks for your city break

I have been to Madeira twice on my own and would really recommend it - good weather, reasonably priced, friendly people, lovely gardens and plenty of walking along the Levadas (canals that encircle the mountains). I've felt very safe there. If you stay at Vila Teresinha (Rua des Cruzes, Funchal), Tel 351 291 741 723, email [email protected], webpage www.vilateresinha.com - you will be well looked after, their breakfasts are amazing and its extremely good value (It's B and B, no evening meal but you won't need it as there are so many great places to eat).

Hope you have a good time wherever you go

Gwen

Can everyone on this site afford a break let alone a passport?

I had some great holidays with Ramblers. They do a range of graded holidays from easy sightseeing ones to hard-core climbing, all with experienced leaders. Need I say that I did the easy ones? Lots of singles go on these and everyone is very friendly and inclusive. The only thing that has stopped me in the past 9 years has been the hip replacement. I miss them!

www.ramblersholidays.co.uk/?seref=adwords_Generic_Ramblers_Walking_Holiday&serad=2&gclid=CKKVn6eB368CFQ0KtAodhTphCg

fieldwake No I don't think everyone can afford breaks and passports. I am saving like mad and working from time to time to be able to take my mum who is 91 to Southwold for a week self catering at the end of the summer. I have got to come clean though and admit that I still smoke although I give up every evening, like a glass of wine or two, run a dog and other money-eating pastimes. I could doubtless afford several holidays on the fag money alone. Someone suggested on another thread that you should have a benefit check to see if you are getting all entitlements - might be worth a go.

An afterthought: we retired people have the great advantage of being able to go on holiday out of season which can make a big difference in the price of the holiday.

I think it's called SKI-ing (spending the kids inheritance).
The OG was assiduously saving for old age. A couple of years ago when he realised his next big birthday would be the big seven-o, he decided old age was about to arrive. Since then he has been prepared to push the boat out a little bit more. Annobel all out of season, of course.

What about a residential cookery course in Italy ? I am lucky in that my daughter and her family live north of Milan in the stunning lakes area. I can recommend the food and scenery and the locals are very friendly ! The link below I got from Google I have not personally tried them. Just for info.
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Re the above I have been divorced for many years and I would not have it any other way. Much more fun being single !!

I've just skimmed through the above. My single holiday of choice would be a European river cruise. Saga do some without single supplements. You get a chance to visit interesting countries with fascinating cities. Even the bigger boats only take a hundred or so passengers, you get a chance to meet people and it has none of the awfulness of ocean going cruise boats that look like apartment blocks! Our last trip was on a 5 star boat with 5 star food and comfort all very leisurely

My first solo trip was to New Zealand where I hired a car and spent one month exploring staying where I fancied. Everybody was friendly and it is a very easy thing to do lots of information places who will book B and B accommodation for you. I also went to Malaysia, I enjoyed exploring Kula Lumpar which was quite an adventure, easier to have a 'doing' holiday rather than a beach holiday.

You could go to the web site Thelma and Lousie which matches people who want to travel also 5W (women welcome women world wide). If you join you get a list of women all over the world. I found this invaluable when travelling either to meet up for some local knowledge or for a place to stay. As long as you don't mind someone contacting you, I have met many interesting people through belonging to 5W.

lujaha....yes, a lovely area. We visited last year looking for family! Got hold of my Grandfather's birth certificate from the Comune in Vigano. Stayed at a fantastic B&B, such a friendly family. The family had moved nearer to Milan but we also found my GD's brother's grave. I had hoped to find an Italian cousin/member of the family but didn't have time to pursue any more leads..... another year????
A bit off the thread, just wanted to endorse what you said.

Hi there! Solo trips is a great idea. I feel it kinda gives you perspective about life. I went for one way back my graduating days.

hmm...few questions i would like to ask..Will you like a peaceful place or something too exotic(larger than life types)? you can look up at sites like tripadvisor or kayak for help. And i would suggest go with an itinerary as this assures your whole vacation.

Hope this helps. Have a wonderful trip

Message deleted by Gransnet.

Once again many thanks for the suggestions and advice. I am now thinking about a cruise - since I mentioned it to one of my sisters in law she has said she would be interested in coming so I may not be alone after all.

I am also planning on a couple of long weekend coach trips around UK. I don't really have hobbies as such, I like to read but when I am on holiday I like to see the sights and find out about the local culture. A cookery course I'm afraid is not for me - I cook because I have to not because I enjoy it! (although I do like eating the results as can be seen from my ever expanding waistline - especially now I am on my own).

Just to let all you lovely people who answered my query know - I have booked a Med. cruise leaving 2nd September. My sister in law is unable to come with me after all so I will be holidaying alone for the first time - but looking forward to it.

Again many thanks to all of you for your suggestions - I have filed them away for next year!

have a wonderful time Barrow