Gransnet forums

Travel

Advice for (reluctant) single traveller

(9 Posts)
GrAnne2 Tue 09-Apr-19 14:07:21

We have a recently retired headmaster friend (late 60s) who is unmarried, lives alone & has suffered a number of health setbacks since stopping work (a measure of hypochondria also at play). I thought a cruise holiday that included lectures from respected experts might be right up his street - it would get him out of his ever-diminishing surroundings & exercise his lively brain cells. He might also meet like-minded individuals with whom he could develop friendships. Can anyone suggest a company or cruise line i could contact so that i can give him some info? Thanks!

aggie Tue 09-Apr-19 14:10:47

Poor man ! Have you discussed this with him ?

Countrylife Tue 09-Apr-19 14:11:55

Hi don’t know about specific cruise lines but may I suggest river cruises. They are based on mainline Europe easy to get to, usually arranged by the companies, far less people onboard with no loud flashy young people dashing about a stage. Lovely views all day from windows as you are travelling through countryside and towns instead of being stuck out on the ocean. Lots of culture stops. Just a thought. I always think an ocean cruise stopping here and there but being stuck otherwise is a bit like a holiday camp except you can’t walk out! Just a thought.

FountainPen Tue 09-Apr-19 14:18:16

Your intentions are kind but has he ever expressed an interest in this kind of holiday? Some people love cruises but for others it would be their worst nightmare. Please don't push and pressurise him. He has had a demanding working life and needs some time to settle into retirement at his own pace.

GrAnne2 Tue 09-Apr-19 16:50:46

Thanks for the responses so far. I’m not going to push or force the issue - I just want to put a few suggestions his way that might help as he’s gone from a man who would travel to Australia or Canada for a sporting event to someone who rarely leaves the confine of his (small) flat. I think if an idea was attractive enough, it might give him a reason to stop dwelling on his physical ‘conditions’ and propel him back into taking an interest in other people and other things ... He has had 3 years of retirement already. Just open to suggestions.

MrsJamJam Tue 09-Apr-19 17:06:44

A friend has done Titan river cruises and they pick her up from her home - and that was west Cornwall. Takes a lot of stress off.

Nonnie Tue 09-Apr-19 17:26:16

Never done a cruise but I have done an escorted coach tour and it was wonderful. Our Tour Director was very knowledgeable and we learned so much about the countries we visited. Most of the people in the group were in couples but there were a few singles and they related to the rest of us so were not lonely.

If he has been to Australia and Canada for sport perhaps a tour of one of those would be appropriate?

GrAnne2 Tue 09-Apr-19 17:41:46

Thanks, both!

Grammaretto Tue 09-Apr-19 17:54:18

Can you go with him? I guess not as you would have said but if he suffers from a form of agoraphobia or depression he may need medical help before he can start enjoying life again. Some people find retirement very hard after a lifetime of having a purpose.