Being let down by a holiday companion

Our u3a has an Outings Group and as well as day trips they organise a couple of short holidays in the UK as well, all by coach. They are always over-booked and for many it is their only chance to get a holiday with people they know. Most share rooms but some are prepared to pay extra for singles. They go time and time again so it must be good. I'd certainly try it if it weren't for my scoliosis that prevents me sitting in one position for any length of time.

In the past we've holidayed with groups of friends and couples and it does mean a degree of compromise, especially if one person is particularly "bossy". It hasn't spoilt any holidays for us though and we're still friends with them all.

Glad it worked out well for you, biglouis.

My mother was once let down by a friend - they’d booked a cruise around the Hebrides, but while they could still cancel, the friend decided it was too expensive.

My mother was very disappointed but she’d never have gone on her own - particularly since my father died she had lacked social confidence, so she cancelled, too.

Weirdly, not long afterwards, I was visiting a friend in The Priory, and on a coffee table in the waiting room was a copy of the Shearings (remember them?) brochure. Not exactly the sort of place you’d expect to find one! But on flicking through it I found a 9 or 10 day coach trip to the Shetlands.

TBH neither of us would ever have previously considered a
Shearings holiday, but it seemed excellent value, so we booked it. And I have to say, I was very impressed with everything - all the organisation went like clockwork, and we had a lovely holiday - even had amazing weather!

I was very sorry to read that COVID lockdowns had meant the end of Shearings - our experience with them was excellent.

Cabbie21

Pascal30, my local company is very good but very local.

actually that is very useful Cabbie.. I will look at local companies too.. many thanks

"At the last minute she announced that her car needed a new engine and she could not afford the holiday, which was already paid for. In effect she did not have the spending money!

Your friend did not have the money and felt her car was more important ..
What would u have done if it was the other way round ?

I had one other disasterous holiday when I went with 3 other people on a trip to Patis. Found myself doing all the organizing, translating, admin etc because none of them spoke French. They were making no effort themselves and using me as an unpaid toru guide. I took a few hours away from them during which one of them lost all her money, travel cheques (yes it was that long ago) and passport.

I stepped back and let them sort out the replacement passport and money themselves. We made the tain journey back sitting on separate seats. Oh dear.

I’m not surprised! Just reading it frightened me half to death! You are a very scary woman by the sound of it!!

Crossstitchfan

I’m not surprised! Just reading it frightened me half to death! You are a very scary woman by the sound of it!!

Sorry, posted this on here in error!

TheWeirdo

I'm single and live alone, I've never married so I only ever travel alone but the trouble I've had is when I've arrived at a hotel complete with luggage ready to get my room key and the male receptionist asks ''is your husband parking the car?''.

I snap at them quite loudly ''no, I've never married and I'm more than capable of parking my own car, I don't need a bloke to do it for me and keep your repulsive sexist attitude to yourself unless you want me to have you sacked!''.

That knocks them for six!

Goodness!

Indeed! 😳

are you allowed to recommend a good company Cabbie?

I don't know where you are based pascal30 but we've had excellent day coach trips with Johnson's, who are in Henley in Arden.
We drive to the depot but they do a pickup service as well.
They also run a good selection of coach holidays.

mabon1

How dare you tell anyone to put a holiday on their credit card.

Try reading and comprehending before following up judgement with aggressive comments, which would help no one even if the were apposite.

" the holiday, which was already paid for."

V3ra

^are you allowed to recommend a good company Cabbie?^

I don't know where you are based pascal30 but we've had excellent day coach trips with Johnson's, who are in Henley in Arden.
We drive to the depot but they do a pickup service as well.
They also run a good selection of coach holidays.

That's kind of you V3ra thankyou

Georgesgran - love your positive post!! Long may you enjoy your different style holidays 😁

Wow! The original poster - deep routed views - are you always right?
As we get older and, sometimes, not as comfortable as we don’t have our orinigal travel companion, these things can become problematic.
Some people have loads of choice, some very little, and may end up travelling alone.
Whatever you end up doing, please make the most of your time and money and try to enjoy.
Pascal, there are companies out there that do local coach breaks. I suggest trying a day trip, then one a bit longer.
Plus, as I’m now alone and no longer wish to go abroad by myself, have decided to explore places in the UK that I’ve never visited. Therefore, plenty to occupy yourself with exploring as much or as little as you can. Good Luck everyone!

Thank you Tilly8.
I’m off to Cyprus this afternoon with the Fly and Flopper - so I’ve a carry-on bag full of books!
We will of course indulge in the odd cocktail or two and enjoy eating out. Now I’m on my own, life is what you make it. X

She was only being selfish in that she put the expense of HER new car engine before YOUR holiday. Your suggestion of her putting holiday spends on a credit card was incredibly crass of you. Inviting someone to get themselves in to debt isn't nice. You had a nice time anyway . Well done.

Georgesgran

Thank you Tilly8.
I’m off to Cyprus this afternoon with the Fly and Flopper - so I’ve a carry-on bag full of books!
We will of course indulge in the odd cocktail or two and enjoy eating out. Now I’m on my own, life is what you make it. X

Fly and Flopp what a great name for a travel company

Apart from close family, I'd rather travel alone any time. It's the only way that I get to do what I actually want to do, instead of fitting in with other peoples wishes.

Goodness me The Weirdo, were you the unpleasant woman who made my DD cry when she had a temp hotel job while she was a student? Why on earth is anyone proud of being rude and aggressive

I’ve holidayed with different girlfriends and had great fun, no issues, but I’m pretty flexible. We’ve also holidayed with couples, enjoyed them too, including abroad and it’s been my pleasure to speak French and pave our way.