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jle
member


Reged: 27/05/2009
Posts: 5
Holidaying Alone!
      #404300 - 08/06/2009 18:28

Having fairly recently been separated (usual story - another woman, grass 'supposedly' greener!) I am starting to think about a holiday.

Can anyone advise me on holidaying alone! I'm not sure whether I want to go on your typical singles holiday or go in a group with a mixture of couples and singles.

Holidaying alone will be a first for me and am feeling very nervous and apprehensive. I am a young 57 (honest,I am!) and would rather go abroad to get some sun.

I would appreciate any help or guidance.

Luv
Jen


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jules62
member


Reged: 22/04/2009
Posts: 122
Loc: Lancashire
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: jle]
      #404351 - 08/06/2009 19:16

I am going on holiday on my own for the first time this year. My two teenage sons (19 and 16) think they are too old to go with mum and so i thought why not. I booked on a walking break with a company called Walking Women and they cater for women going on their own or with friends if they want to. I'm walking in the Lakes but it's not strenuous, just 4 miles a day plus plenty of time to chat and have a drink ( alcoholic or coffee whatever you want). I've never done this before but it sounded really good so i took the plunge and booked it. It's only 4 nights so if i don't like it its not the end of the world but i'm sure i will enjoy my freedom. I know this isn't abroad and you say you fancy going abroad and walking isn't everyone's cup of tea but just though i'd mention it!
Good luck in whatever you decide to do anyway!


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Bizibee
member


Reged: 25/03/2009
Posts: 613
Loc: North Wales
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: jules62]
      #404357 - 08/06/2009 19:23

Hi jle,
One of my oldest friends is single having been divorced for ages. I talked (nagged) her into joining the Ramblers as she is a keen walker. She eventually joined and absolutely loves it. So much so that in January she actually went on a 2 week holiday to Nerja in Spain with a crowd of people most of whom she didn't know at all. Although there were some there from her own walking group. She has not stopped thanking me for nagging her into it after years of trying. She has also booked for another 2 week holiday next January. She has made some good friendships too and keeps in touch with a few ladies she met there. So I would say, give it a go, try whichever type of holiday you think best suits your lifestyle and likes and dislikes. If walking doesn't appeal then do a spot of homework and see what else is out there. Good luck to you - go for it!


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Joff
member


Reged: 27/12/2008
Posts: 359
Loc: Sussex
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: Bizibee]
      #404365 - 08/06/2009 19:36

Hi Jen
Not sure of your budget but my OH and I went on a Martin Randall organised holiday earlier this year. They're based around various 'interests' (ours was a WW1 tour of the Somme - present for my OH) It was actually called 'Poets of the Somme' and was excellent and very professional. We went after I'd read a review in the Telegraph. We were the youngest by some way (I'm mid 40s, OH 50 this year);but this didn't matter; eveyone mixed as a group and there were quite a few singles - we all ate together, etc. Had a real laugh at the bar some nights. A genuinely lovely time. If I was by myself, I'd consider using them again. Perhaps have a look at their web site - I've put a link at the end. I'm sure on a holiday with them you would meet some lovely people and not mind being by yourself. Obviously the more 'active' the holiday itinary the younger the age group!

www.martinrandall.co.uk

Hope of some help and good luck!

Joff

--------------------


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JanieM
member


Reged: 31/08/2006
Posts: 302
Loc: Oxfordshire
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: Joff]
      #404878 - 09/06/2009 17:33

Hi jle,
I have said this before on here but when I separated in my 50's I had 2 extremely enjoyable holidays in Skyros, Greece.

Mostly folk on their own, mainly women and a very wide age range but truly that didn't matter a jot.

Highly recommended. Happy to PM you more if you are interested.

http://www.skyros.com/

Jane x

--------------------
Jane X



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slambert
member


Reged: 11/09/2008
Posts: 36
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: jle]
      #404909 - 09/06/2009 18:16

I was in need of some rest and relaxation but had never been away on my own. I am a bit of a nervous nelly at times, but no-one could get away so I went to the Fortuna Spa hotel in Malta. I had the best time ever and met some lovely people including one lady who I still see regularly.I think because of the spa the hotel attracted women, even though some men were brave enough to come along. There are six gorgeous restaurants and I found taking a book was the only way I could be left alone as I always got invited to join other tables. Malta is English speaking which helped and the capital Valletta is lovely. Its so safe to walk round at night and I think for a singles trip its ideal. I hope that convnces you to give going it alone a go. Good luck.
Sue


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strawberry
member


Reged: 23/06/2008
Posts: 13
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: jle]
      #405938 - 11/06/2009 14:00

Hi Jen, if you fancied a completely relaxing break in India, I can recommend Kailasam Yoga - Diana is a very good (and kind) teacher whose partner does amazing massage, and you stay as part of a small group in a guest house 2 minutes from the beach. It might be a good combination of a bit of structure to the day, with company if you want it, or the option just to relax at the guest house with a book, but also things to do if you want to explore.

Diana also hosts painting holidays which I've heard good things about. The yoga is as gentle or not as you want, with a very laid back & caring atmosphere that seems to attract a nice bunch of people. don't have the website but I'm sure if you google it you'll find it. Or I think free spirit travel based in Brighton also will book for the holidays.

If walking appeals, then Walking Women do holidays abroad which combine touristy things as well as walking - and I'd recommend these holidays too, though have only taken their UK breaks.

Good luck, and all best wishes for a wonderful break - once you've taken the plunge and been on holiday alone, it's really liberating!


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Rhapsody_in_Pink
member


Reged: 05/02/2008
Posts: 85
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: strawberry]
      #405981 - 11/06/2009 14:45

Hi Jen,

Holidaying alone takes a lot of courage.

I used www.justyou.co.uk

Hope you find what your looking for

Have fun


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rjaly
member


Reged: 09/02/2007
Posts: 172
Loc: Leicestershire
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: Rhapsody_in_Pink]
      #405990 - 11/06/2009 15:00

Hi there.
I go to Cyprus each year on my own, because I CAN. If you start from that point,that it is a privilege rather than something which deserves pity!( I have a happilymarried friend who says she would love to be able to go abroad on her own,but can't)
.
Cyprus is friendly and the hotel I stay at enables me to feel safe and secure. I have also been to Malta on my own which I enjoyed.
If you are used to going abroad, and not worried about airports,luggage etc, you could try one of these.
If you're a bit uncertain,try a few days in the UK first.
You can people watch wherever you are.
I used to take a book with me to all meals,but now I don't need it!
The Just you site recommended has some good holidays.

GO FOR IT,loads of people will envy your independence.



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carol1
member


Reged: 11/05/2008
Posts: 57
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: rjaly]
      #406174 - 11/06/2009 18:02

i have a house in southern spain and go there on my own. in fact i am off this sunday for a month.there is such a lot to do and see.the weather is glorious and of course it stays light till well after 10 pm. although i have neighbours and see the ladies during the day if i want to, i am not really included in very much socially as i am a 'single'. maybe an apartment would be better because the you have a reason to try different resturants each evening or if you have been out for the day you can cook something and sit outside and read or whatever.do be prepared that if you go anywhere that has the euro currency,the prices have risen very very much. even the food in the supermarket is usually double what we pay here and thats local produce.i have seen 160 tea bags for £7.enjoy whatever you decide.

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Psyche
member


Reged: 23/01/2007
Posts: 2866
Loc: Bicester OXON
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: carol1]
      #406674 - 12/06/2009 15:12

I'm just about to book an apartment in Seville for a week in October (when it's cooler) really looking forward to it. Yes I'll be on my own but it will be fun exploring.

--------------------
Psyche.

So many books...so little time!.


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carol1
member


Reged: 11/05/2008
Posts: 57
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: Psyche]
      #407177 - 13/06/2009 15:39

i am off tomorrow for a month and am just packing some essential foody bits.dont need to take clothes as they are all there.taking lots to read as well and intend having nice rest and recharging my batteries after long cold winter.take as much as you can with you and have a great time.

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jle
member


Reged: 27/05/2009
Posts: 5
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: carol1]
      #408729 - 16/06/2009 18:46

This is a big thank you to those who replied to my email. Your ideas have definitley given me something to work on.

It was especially comforting to know that there are others out there who are holidaying alone - it's given me confidence.

Take Care
Jen
x


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SueEllen
member


Reged: 02/09/2008
Posts: 225
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: jle]
      #408897 - 17/06/2009 01:26

Hi Jen

I recently went on a Solos holiday and it was great. A mix of ages and male/female. It was just like a bunch of friends holidaying together. They are very well organized and there's excursions available nearly every day but no pressure to go on them if you don't want to. The reps are with you most of the time, they arrive at breakfast, take you on the excursions and meet everyone in the bar for pre-dinner drinks. On my holiday we all ate as a group but it's not compulsary and no pressure if you choose not to. I would definitely go on another one and I've come away with a few new friends who I'm in contact with. I also recommend Spice UK. I am a member of Spice and do social activities with them already and they have lots of holidays and weekends away. I haven't been on a Spice holiday but know of people who have and they're highly recommended. The average ages for Solos and Spice is 40s. On my Solos holiday the ages ranged from 22 to 74 and believe me, at 43 I had trouble keeping up with the 74 year old! I say don't hesitate just do it. I dithered for years and wish I hadn't now.


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JulieJ
member


Reged: 29/12/2008
Posts: 505
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: SueEllen]
      #408983 - 17/06/2009 09:30

Thank you so much for mentioning Spice - I've just looked at their website and it looks really good. I'd never heard of it before.

I don't see any mention of kids though, so I take it it's basically for adults only.

Julie.


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apples3
member


Reged: 06/04/2009
Posts: 13
Loc: Worcestershire
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: jle]
      #410618 - 19/06/2009 11:22

Like you I am recently single and my children don't want/cant't do a holiday with Mum! I am having surgery in mid-July and with a month off work afterwards am trying to pluck up courage to go abroad on my own. I last did this in 1984 and went to Malta - like one of the other ladies I thought it was lovely and I have decided to look further into returning. Another website I was looking at is www.friendshiptravel.com. Good luck with whatever you choose an enjoy!

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JulieJ
member


Reged: 29/12/2008
Posts: 505
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: apples3]
      #411422 - 21/06/2009 12:55

Apple- just looked at their website and it looks really good. Many thanks for posting it here - much appreciated.

Best Julie


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nuttysue
member


Reged: 21/06/2009
Posts: 1
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: jle]
      #411641 - 21/06/2009 21:28

Hi Jen,
Having been seperated from my husband last October i decided to go on a holiday on my own. I went on a Fred Olsen cruise. I had the time of my life, although at 47 i was probably one of the youngest, it made me realise just how many single people there are. You meet so many people and they are all so friendly. You feel completely safe and you don't have to get off the ship if you don't want to. There's non stop entertainment if you want it. or you can do as litle or as much as you like.
Sue


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JeannieW
member


Reged: 11/09/2009
Posts: 11
Re: Holidaying Alone! [Re: nuttysue]
      #467024 - 17/09/2009 17:27

Hi Jen
I'm also newly separated this year and am (a young) 61. I have just booked a P & O cruise to the Caribbean on the Artemis for Nov 28th for two weeks this year. They offered a no single supplement so I got a fantastic deal. I would love a cruise Buddy so if you (or anyone else) is interested just PM me.
Love

Jeannie xx


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