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starting to go away on my own

(12 Posts)
suninthewest Tue 28-Feb-23 19:04:46

Have been single for years and have gone away with my grown up children. They are all settled with partners now and when I am off work I get really lonely. I feel like life is passing me by. I want to start going away now when on my annual leave but feel a bit nervous and self conscious. Would appreciate advice and to hear about the experiences of others. I don't want to go far to start and I just want to go for a few days to see how it goes. I want to stay in the north of England, Cumbria, North Yorks, Lancashire or North East or south of Scotland. I can drive or get train. I don't have a huge budget. I like the country side and the coast but also towns - history, art, museums, stately homes. I want to stay somewhere I won't stick out like a sore thumb being on my own, want to feel safe and where people are friendly. I love a drink or two but equally I can do without and clubbing is not for me. Thanks to all in advance, it's much appreciated.

Luckygirl3 Tue 28-Feb-23 19:36:04

I have been on the same search for a long time. My situation is complicated by poor mobility - can't lift luggage.

I am hoping to go to a cottage in Pembrokeshire in June - I know the route well. I will see how it goes. But it is of course expensive, as intended for two.

And that is the problem with every other holiday I have looked at. Various organised coach/train/river cruise options have huge single supplements; and my health insurance is high.

Jane71 Tue 28-Feb-23 19:36:16

Have you thought about a group holiday for singles? If you like the outdoors and walking, then a Ramblers holiday could be ok for you. there are different standards for different abilities.
Good luck whatever you decide.

suninthewest Tue 28-Feb-23 19:43:02

Thank you both. Haven’t thought about a group holiday, sounds worth looking at

Juliet27 Tue 28-Feb-23 19:43:37

How about a Shearings coach trip just as a start.

suninthewest Tue 28-Feb-23 19:49:43

Thankyou @Juliet27 will do, went on them years ago and enjoyed

SachaMac Tue 28-Feb-23 19:54:11

I have just been on a coach holiday for the first time, four nights in Scotland, lots of people travelling alone, no single supplement with the company I went with and I got a large double room, no carrying heavy luggage as it is taken up to your room for you. Best of all no driving so a great opportunity to take in all of the wonderful scenery. Definitely worth a try, I will certainly do it again.

Iam64 Tue 28-Feb-23 19:57:21

Group holidays, walking or other hobbies like yoga, Pilates, tai chi, painting drawing etc.

suninthewest Tue 28-Feb-23 20:35:21

@SachaMac Thankyou I think I’d like that

suninthewest Tue 28-Feb-23 20:36:32

@Iam60 Thankyou. I like both Pilates and drawing. I guess it’s just Googling and finding out the companies that do them.

mokryna Sun 05-Mar-23 14:15:28

I toured Scotland in August, alone, before covid. I drove myself from Paris and stayed in Airbnb and hotels. It was beautiful. The roads were not as busy as I thought they would be, pretty easy going, although I wouldn’t recommend Edinburgh from the last week in July, too crowded even before The Fringe.
Last autumn I was in Barcelona and I have just come back from another lone trip, Seville/Cordoba/Granada for a holiday in the sun, which was present but at -1 to 15 degrees.
I rarely holiday with the DDs and GC these days.
Bon voyage.

Scribbles Sun 05-Mar-23 14:54:42

Take a look at some of the specialist holidays for solo travellers. I have been on and enjoyed a couple of breaks with One Traveller but other similar organisations exist. You won't stand out for being alone because everybody is travelling alone but the tour managers are skilled at getting people to mix and socialise. I have also travelled alone with Inside Track, a specialist provider of holidays with a vintage railway and transport heritage theme. Usually, there's a mix of couples, groups and singles and having a common interest helps to break the ice and it's easy to make friends.