Where would you go for first solo trip?

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

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!

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.

jeni hope it works. If you lose the link just Google it again.

residential harp courses UK .... and bingo

Meant I think saga do.

I don't think saga do, also some last minute deals when they're trying to offload cruises. Cunard used to .

Thanks, that looks a distict possibility. Need to sort out the equipment. Skype etc:
Will probably enroll in the autum. Hope I don't lose the link.

Jeni which cruise companies do you know that don't slap on single supplements? Would be interested to know.

Barrow the first solo holiday I did was a cruise to Greenland ...somewhere I'd always dreamed of visiting...found everyone very helpful. haven't looked back.

Find something you've always wanted to do ...then find a company to that will fullfil that dream . Just remember every journey starts with a small step...enjoy!!

www.cornwallharpcentre.co.uk/

That link doesn't seem to work?

How about Cornwall ?

[email protected]

I've looked at summer schools. Can't find one. Just have to teach myself. Well I'm not aiming to be harpist to HRH after all.

jeni there used to be a good one on the Isle of Lewis run by Alison Kinnaird.

www.summer-schools.info

I'm still trying to find a harp course!

Another idea would be to go on a residential course. Think of something you've always wanted to do, Google residential courses for it - and there you are.
That way you spend your time with a small group of people you have something in common with.

@jack - I am not sure why the cruise idea really does not appeal. Possibly because I like to turn right, or left, go behind, over and all over. The thought of getting off the boat to visit a town, and have to rush back to the boat again without having a 'proper' look around. Must say too that the recent accidents have put me off even more - and give me a sense of being 'trapped'. I always travel with DH or a friend/s - not on my own- although traveling on my own wouldn't scare me.

Personally I am much happier visiting a small area really well, and get to know locals and the 'behind' the show places, then doing a big hop from place to place. First time we went to the States, we took 3 weeks to 'do' north Arizona and southern Colorado - and we kept meeting people who were visiting the whole of the US in 10 days. Just can't see the point of that.

Funny, again. how were are all so different.

I'm off to Paris next month with "Travel Editions" for three days and they also do a trip to Bruges which is on the cards for later in the year

I think I would go to the Bruges Early Music Festival.

Granjura. Why would cruising be a nightmare for you? Have you ever been on a cruise?

I used to think cruising would be nightmarish but have changed my mind after going on three cruises in the last couple of years (the Baltics, the Med and the Norwegian Fjords). Admittedly I was with DH so was not travelling alone but we did meet several solo travellers who seemed to be having a ball.

Perhaps you should try a river cruise which would be a lot more intimate than a sea cruise. We're hoping to go on one next year. This year we're going on a Great Rail holiday in a group of about 30 people (Prague, Berlin, Vienna and Budapest) travelling first class - and I know there will be several single people in our party and they'll all be made incredibly welcome.

Hope you find a dream holiday soon.

Cruising for me would be a nightmare. Funny how we are all different

As many of you know, I swear by cruising. Expensive I know but some lines are cheaper with no single sups.i always meet new people and really enjoy it

For a first trip solo I'd say don't go where the contrast is too great and might make you feel vulnerable. Perhaps a part of the UK you've never been to- be it Cornwall or Scotland, Norfolk or wherever and stay in a small friendly hotel where you are likely to meet nice people. Good luck.
And then venture a bit further into France or Switzerland (tell me if you come and we'll have coffee somewhere) - before going to Mallorca or the Canaries. Then you'll be ready for more 'exotic' locations.

The only time I was unable to spend Christmas with one or other of my daughters I went with Saga to an hotel for a few days. There was a good mixture of single people (mostly women) and couples. I also went on many Solos (their spelling) weekends, but they were mostly just for people hoping to meet a partner, and could be a bit like a meat market.
For many years I have travelled alone - I am not keen on being in guided groups as I like to do my own exploring. I have never had a problem in my worldwide wandering -just the odd question from taxi-drivers in certain countries about why I am not with a husband!

Another alternative is to go with Riviera or Travel Editions or Leger where there will be a mixed group. People tend to be friendly and you have the support of a group and a tour manager. Pick a trip that is h/b.
Good luck