Taking the plunge to travel on your own (after bereavement or separation) have you manged to overcome it.

My husband died whilst we were touring Europe by caravan. The bungalow in U.K.was let. I didn’t drive. My son towed me back to U.K.
I put the van in the Caravan Club storage site and rented a van on mobile home site in Spain for the winter. I travelled there by Eurolines coach. Quite an experience. Spent a lot of time visiting people we had met on various camp sites.i

Thankfully I still have my husband and so we travel together. A widowed friend plucked up courage to go with a local coach firm on holiday but was surprised (and somewhat amused) by the fact that several of the wives on the coach kept a close hold on their hubbies on the trips out. My friend said she felt like announcing that she wasn't on the lookout for a replacement husband! Other couples though were very friendly.

Has any other sole traveller been made to feel they were predators?

I travel abroad and uk on my own several times a year. Sometimes before a big trip that involves lots of organisation/tickets etc I do wonder what I’m doing but I can guarantee that on every trip at least once - usually somewhere hot, by the sea and with a glass of something cold in my hand - I think “ this is blooming marvellous”. I love not having to plan/fit in with or, even worse, organise other people.

Currently on a train to Brighton to my old home town on my own ! Liberating travelling alone! Just been to Singapore, Australia and NZ alone to visit family and friends! Had a great time !! Partner only wants sun and lager so I just go it alone
Be brave

Oh….and in britain of course ….just pack your big girl pants and go for it!

I've never been away on my own since my husband died as would find it hard. I like company, and going places and having a laugh. Maybe we should all get together for a weekend away,?

I don’t drive but have travelled over Europe in trains ….. France…Spain….Portugal…italy…. Austria….Germany…Netherlands ….belgium….most people have a smattering of English and I speak un poco Spanish !
You can’t get lost on trains …I love them.

bikergran, your assumptions seem quite strange to me. You ask if we've 'taken the plunge' - but I've always gone here, there and everywhere on my own - regularly. I've been married twice but wasn't glued to either of them.

I've enjoyed trips, flights, meals out and days out alone - as I can do what I want, when I want, without having to consider others. The only time I felt my confidence dip was after several years in the company of small children - returning to the adult world!

Lathyrus thankyou I will do my very best

I always seem to find an excuse not to go on holiday on my own. I would like to but apart from an odd night away on my own I have never had a full holiday alone.

I did loads of solo travelling when I was widowed. I wanted to see the world! Organised companies like Saga or OneTraveller are good if you’re hesitant to begin with.

Then I met OH and we saw some more of the world together.

I’ve always travelled in the UK by myself though as he would rather stay at home then. I like a change of scene and really there’s nothing to be nervous about in Britain. Same language, same money and you drive on the left! What’s not to like😬

Enjoy your break bikergran😁

I've travelled alone quite a lot since my relationship ended and
have found two particular things. One is the kindness of strangers which is quite amazing, and how easy it is to make friends on holiday.

Cabbie21 I am sure your singing weekend will hopefully lift your spirits at the time, good for you and yes we just have to push ourselves that little bit more. It is so easy to say "ohh I just can't be bothered for what ever reason" travel arrangements, eating alone, driving or what ever we can think of many excuses.

This night away I booked yesterday morning, I am already thinking, ohh why should I bother, but we have to try and step forward a little. What is the alternative? sit at home looking at the walls ,doing yet more housework, decorating etc etc.

Also I think when you have managed to conquer going away solo, it gives you more knowledge and then maybe you/we can encourage others to follow.

I love travelling on my own (I'm no longer married) anywhere, any mode of transport. I use Youth Hostels where there are usually similar lone types to chat to over cooking supper, which is enough company for me. When I'm free from crutches, Jan '24 all being well, I want to travel around France by train. My daughter and I are planning a trip to America and one of my sons wants to go back to Jerusalem with me, and I will enjoy their company of course, but generally I like my own company.

It is also the sheer cost, I took a solo saga cruise a few months after I was widowed and at that time my mindset was `whatever the cost` and it cost me an arm and a leg. I would not do that now

I did b and b solo and got the `look` as in saying they would rather have a couple to spend more money. I did the airport thing, a uk flight somerset to Glasgow. No transport to the airport so car it was, horrible fast roads and very expensive parking

Trains are impossible, no trains here but possible if I get two buses to a station. It would take half a day and then what about getting back home? Will the trains be running and will I be in time to get a bus?

I have not discounted travelling alone and may explore coach holidays or trips in the sw by car to an air BnB. In all honesty, I love where I live, my own bed, the scenery,the cycling I can do from my house and my passport will run out in a few months. I won`t be renewing

I blame lockdown for this confidence blip and also the sheer increase in number of cars

Since DH announced he isn’t going on holiday with me anymore more 🙄 I’m planning solo trips.
It is very daunting and I don’t enjoy driving so I’m looking at rail holidays, coach trips etc.
I’m definitely going to plan one to Ireland and I’ve found a lovely one by rail to Scotland and the Western Isles.
It is very daunting but the alternative of just staying at home isn’t an option,
I will also look at taking the dog to the coast too, off season and self-catering.
Lots to learn and see!

Although I still have my DH, he lives in France so we’re not always together. For those who dislike airports, ferries to various parts of Europe could be an option or cruises from British ports. Some companies (eg Fred Olsen) cater for singles on their cruises so you’d always have the option of company for meals, if that’s what you prefer.

Regarding France, the riots are generally centred on the big cities, especially Paris and Marseilles. Elsewhere appears to be unaffected. DH was in the centre of Le Mans on Friday where there were no signs of trouble.

Good luck to the solo travellers and well done for braving that first trip alone.

Topical thread for me as I am currently away from home for the first time since DH died, though I am not alone, I am with my daughter. It was a last minute offer, not planned. It is lovely to just get away from all the hard work of admin and clearing, even just for a couple of nights.

I have got another trip booked in a fortnight’s time, a singing weekend, staying in an Airbnb. My DH was going to come too, so that will be poignant, but the singing is for me only. Now I am going to have to drive because there is a train strike the day I travel. It is an easy journey, but it will be the furthest I have driven on my own.
I also plan to get out and about more, on day trips or a night or two. I need to push myself to do this. I hate eating out in the evening on my own, so it will need to be a hotel or self catering. Not many B & Bs offer an evening meal. As said earlier, I will need to plan carefully. I am not someone who can just set off and go with the flow.
I also fancy a steam train trip in Scotland. My passport has expired, and I am not keen on airports. I would do Eurostar but glad not to be going to France just now.

I do Isle of Wight regularly. I stop off in London for a couple of shows and then a train to the ferry only takes an hour and a half. Very pleasant.

Oh yes Robin Hood bay, not been there for many many years.

Robin Hood’s Bay is very exciting too … Yorkshire is pretty special come to think of it.

Iam64 oh that's good you went to the village, did you climb the steps I wonder lol.

Maybe you will visit again.

It was only 3 weeks ago I was in Whitby, but I have felt low since coming back, I just have! to go back if only for a night.

Then who knows!! where to next.

Just been watching programme about the "Isle of wight" whew my mum and dad also went twice with Robinsons coaches.

Not sure if I will make it to there just yet but maybe in the future.

Keep stepping forward everyone.

biker, I’m another one who loves Whitby. We had our honeymoon there 40 years ago and many happy times there with our children.
My husband died last year, just after we returned from our favourite Greek village. I’ve felt a pull like the one you describe about unfinished things and your mum,
I went back to the village recently, on my own, for a week. It was an important part of my grief
I hope your trip helps you x

I have moved to Surrey from South Wales and travel back to stay in an Airbnb so I can see friends and travel around where I used to live, but scary staying alone the first time but it was fine.

More scary driving down to Hampshire where I’d never been to see my friend after she moved house. Got totally lost because it was a new house and the Sat nav didn’t recognise the post code.

I have to force myself to go by train as it causes me anxiety especially now we have all the strikes prefer to drive usually or love a coach journey .

Yes I ventured on holiday alone once my husband died. Not easy but totally doable. I'm now into my own comfort zone and happily venture wherever I fancy. Never total joy on my own but absolutely enjoyable most of the time. Of course a lot depends on whether you have lots of interests and hobbies and if you are an outgoing person. I've pushed myself a bit because the thought of being only at home (beautiful though it is) forever is an absolute no no whilst I'm still able.