FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Travelling solo

Travelling solo

By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

I really, really want to go on holiday but everyone I know is either busy or agrees at first and then when it's time to actually plan it they keep making excuses or not getting back to me about timings etc

It's really frustrating and I'm having so much FOMO watching everyone going away to all these countries all the time so I just feel like biting the bullet and going by myself. Has anyone ever done this? How do you like make friends when travelling and stuff? I'm not a beachy person (can't swim) so would just be planning on doing sightseeing and/or eating a lot lol

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I'm thinking about a few days away myself in August so I'll be following this one

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By *iamondCougarWoman over a year ago

Norfuck! / Lincolnshire

I’m off to Europe via Eurostar travelling solo

There are solo traveller fb pages and websites. Just do it!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I really, really want to go on holiday but everyone I know is either busy or agrees at first and then when it's time to actually plan it they keep making excuses or not getting back to me about timings etc

I will come with you, I just secured a month gardening leave. Yay!

(I will have to bring 2 little ones in my backpack though. And a dog. The cats can fend for themselves!).

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By *allySlinkyWoman over a year ago

Leeds

I'm going on my own on Monday on a small ship cruise. About a third of the passengers will be travelling solo. I have been going on holiday on my own for about seven years and really enjoy it.

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By *ong-leggedblondWoman over a year ago

Next Door

I've been going away on my own for quite a few yrs. It's nerve racking at first, but that soon goes.

Perhaps go away for a few days, plan the things you want to do. Have conversations with strangers in bars or cafe etc.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Tend to meet people at pick up points for excursions and at tea time if it's an all inclusive

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Lots of solo travellers on Instagram, look amazing, you only have one life so enjoy it

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By *he_Last_TitanMan over a year ago

Bristol

I’ve done it. I went to Hong Kong, Thailand, Barcelona, Belgium alone. were great experiences and there’s a lot of freedom and peace in going it alone. I didn’t really make friends along the way but I wonder whether that’s partly because it’s harder for older single guys to do (unless you want to get involved in someone’s stag do).

Actually going to Malaga alone in Sept.

The point is it can be done, it’s just a different experience.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I’m going on a retreat solo in august, one night in a city and then onto the place where it’s held.

Maybe something like that?

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Higher a motorhome and get going

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By *allySlinkyWoman over a year ago

Leeds

Last December I went on my own to the Gambia. Waiting for the flight lots of people were travelling solo but had chatted before hand in a Facebook group. I was invited to go to a pub quiz that night and lots of activities for the rest of my stay. Friendliest holiday I have ever been on.

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By *annaBeStrongMan over a year ago

wokingham

Are our friends the same?

I’ve planned like, easily, 500 holidays/trips with friends over the years. I’ve always been ready to go, serious about it. But it’s always just talk from them

If your nervous, do a little UK get away first. Go to the Lake District. No passport, it’s a long drive away so even if your not loving it you just head home. It’s a pretty low risk, any weekend you want, solo trip experiment

Then find new friends. Don’t lose the ones you have. But there’s people out there that want to do stuff. Go find them

I’m very lucky to have found one in the lockdown. We’ve already climbed 3 mountains in the UK, visited a bunch of cities, 2 beach holidays and she’s planning on taking me to Paris this year and Connecticut next year.

Find that person

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By *iltsTSgirlTV/TS over a year ago

chichester

Are our friends the same?

I’ve planned like, easily, 500 holidays/trips with friends over the years. I’ve always been ready to go, serious about it. But it’s always just talk from them

Then find new friends. Don’t lose the ones you have. But there’s people out there that want to do stuff. Go find them

Find that person "

See that’s my goal to find a new buddy to go travel / explore places with / overseas / uk ..

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By *oroRick1027Man over a year ago

Middlesbrough

I'm going camping nr Scarborough on Friday, on my own. I do this frequently. Lots of friendly people on camping and caravan sites. Never fail to make new friends.

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By *hiterosesCouple over a year ago

Stafford

We help organising tours with a very popular travel YT er. On his channel he has a video with loads of contributions from solo travelling females. For the actual tours we aim for a very balanced group.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I’m off to Europe via Eurostar travelling solo

There are solo traveller fb pages and websites. Just do it!

My gf got an interrail ticket and is doing the same

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By *luebell888Woman over a year ago

Glasgowish

I go on holiday alone and love it. I can do what I want and eat what I want whenever I want. I have met up with a few fabbers too by checking who's nearby. I find that going on holiday alone is more relaxing than going with others.

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By *a LunaWoman over a year ago

South Wales

If going abroad solo I’d use Travelsphere. They do escorted holidays/tours. So you travel about on a coach and have a hotel and a (local tour guide) and it’s the same folk on the coach. The coach is usually a luxury coach (so comfy) and it’s a great way to see lots of different places and you make friends with the folk on the coach.

I’ve been to Las Vegas with them (and surrounding areas) San Francisco (and surrounding areas) and Boston (and surrounding areas).

My mum went to China with them.

It’s not for everyone, but I’m really shy and I enjoyed it, company for when you want it but also time alone to do your own thing.

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By *adyHWoman over a year ago

South Glos

I go away alone quite a lot. You’ll find people tend to make conversion with you more when you’re on your own.

I’ve been to Australia (friends live there) the French Alps, lots of little long weekends in the UK - I tend to book quirky air bnbs

It’s nice going out exploring alone. Just the evenings get a little lonely sometimes

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By *ty31Man over a year ago

NW London

Consider staying at a hostel as you'll meet plenty of people doing the same and from many walks of life.

You'll also find lots of tour operators offering excursions and day trips etc.

I've enjoyed solo travelling and had many good experiences and met lots of friendly and interesting people

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Bite the bullet …. Can’t spend your life waiting for others to make their plans… you’ll discover so much because you’ll

Be doing what you want without compromise

And there are always others in bars, shops restaurants etc that are doing the same.

All you got to remember is be safe … make plans… tell trusted ones your plans so they can check in … and trust your gut

Go adventure

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I'm going camping nr Scarborough on Friday, on my own. I do this frequently. Lots of friendly people on camping and caravan sites. Never fail to make new friends."

I actually quite like the sound of this. Are site fees still relatively cheap for tents?

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By *avie65Man over a year ago

In the west.

I have done it before and I'm going away solo in August.

It takes a bit of time to adjust to it though but once you do it's just the same as going for a coffee etc at home.

I take a book with me during the day and sit in a coffeeshop in the sun and wait longer than I usually would. People come and go but someone will always speak about all sorts of things, keep your book title side up.

At night I look in restaurants yo see if there are any other solo travellers in them. If they do I will go in, I don't sit near them but it means I'm not the only solo there.

If, no when, I go for a beer at night I go to the same bar in each place, then the staff get to know you and you find out where to go and what to do during the day.

Organised walking and cycling tours are great things to do and meet people.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Do it. It's no big deal. I watch my single friends travel alone & often wish I could go alone, travelling with 4 kids isn't a lot of fun.

We met a lady who was travelling solo last year, made really good friends and now have a holiday booked together to Egypt this November. You will meet so many lovely people on your journey. Book it now, go on, you won't regret it

Claire

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By *allySlinkyWoman over a year ago

Leeds

I have been on holiday lots of times with a man I met on a cruise (separate rooms!). In September I'm going to Croatia with someone I met in Egypt in February. Easy to make friends when you travel solo

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I go on holiday alone and love it. I can do what I want and eat what I want whenever I want. I have met up with a few fabbers too by checking who's nearby. I find that going on holiday alone is more relaxing than going with others."

Nice rack

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By *ana_nana_MATTMAN!Man over a year ago

Haywood Village, Weston-super-Mare

Go for it.

I went to Turkey on my own for two weeks, a few years back, and absolutely loved it.

It felt a bit weird being on my own to begin with, but after the first night or so, I settled in, and it was awesome after that.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Ive travelled sono many times, even went to Japan by myself (half of my trip was work related)

I LOVED it, I’d say best way to make friends would be trying to get into airbnbs. I know maybe it isn’t the same when visiting a city.

Otherwise another way, would be find urself a retreat. They do it for almost anything, I did a yoga and surf one in Portugal, and I met some amazing people, we really bonded as a group and it was so good! You are basically there to do the activities but you also have some alone time to do what you like, or go explore.

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By *lassy lady 216Woman over a year ago

Craigavon

I went to London for 4days at Easter on my own I had an absolute ball went to see a show and even went to a naked spa on my own yes it is nerve wrecking but that soon goes as people have previously said just talk to strangers etc in bars or on a train I find if people know you are on your own they will try and talk to you good luck whatever you decide x

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By *exy4youxxWoman over a year ago

Pontefract

I went abroad for my first time just after covid Rules got relaxed but not been since as travelling is still all up in air and chaos travelling wise so I'm leaving it for now worst thing I could imagine is stuck stranded abroad alone so will be doing it again when it's calmed down just be careful I made massive first mistake trusting a couple of young lasses and a lad sure they robbed me but it made me wiser don't take all my money out with me lol other than that I had a great time on my own x

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By *lderflower_AppleWoman over a year ago

Basingstoke

I've been going away on my own for years now!

I started by joining a tour specifically for solo travellers. There's loads of companies out there that do it, so just Google 'solo traveller holidays'. Once I'd done a few of these I got my confidence up enough to do city breaks on my own. Anything longer than 3 or four days on my own is too long for me, but I can highly recommend something where you join a group of like minded individuals for a week or two of touring, sightseeing and activities.

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By *urora1912Woman over a year ago

Norfolk East anglia

I've thought about this too. May just say sod it and go

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By *acey_RedWoman over a year ago

Liverpool

When I went to Morocco with my partner we met someone who was travelling solo and she ended up joining us on some day trips. We just got chatting by the pool and she mentioned wanting to do some of the same things we already had plans to do so we invited her to join us. It was fun. I definitely admire her or anyone who travels solo, I'd be so nervous.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

Are our friends the same?

I’ve planned like, easily, 500 holidays/trips with friends over the years. I’ve always been ready to go, serious about it. But it’s always just talk from them

Then find new friends. Don’t lose the ones you have. But there’s people out there that want to do stuff. Go find them

Find that person "

Ah I'm so glad I'm not the only one!

I got into it a bit with one of my best friends recently. She's always going on holiday and said she'd be up for going somewhere over jubilee weekend but then when I was asking for exact dates etc said she couldn't anymore. Then she messaged me a few weeks later saying she'd changed her mind and booked a trip for that weekend - without me! Then got upset when I took it personally? People are fucking confusing.

Everyone else I know just seem to be getting invited on other people's holidays so I can't just tag along. Feels really shit being that one person that's left out all the time but like you said I need to somehow find other people to do things with

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By *irthandgirthMan over a year ago

Camberley occasionally doncaster

I often go away on my own. Just end up chatting to people in bars and stuff. I have even been in restaurants on my own and they asked if someone could sit with me. Ended up like impromptu dinner dates. I've met some really interesting people this way.

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By *annaBeStrongMan over a year ago

wokingham

Are our friends the same?

I’ve planned like, easily, 500 holidays/trips with friends over the years. I’ve always been ready to go, serious about it. But it’s always just talk from them

Then find new friends. Don’t lose the ones you have. But there’s people out there that want to do stuff. Go find them

Find that person

Ah I'm so glad I'm not the only one!

Thaf person doesn’t sound like your friend

Agree to a holiday, suddenly changes mind, then goes on holiday with someone else on the weekend we agreed, then gets annoyed that your upset?

You do whatever you want in your life. But if a person did that to me I would drop them from my life, forever.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Are our friends the same?

I’ve planned like, easily, 500 holidays/trips with friends over the years. I’ve always been ready to go, serious about it. But it’s always just talk from them

Then find new friends. Don’t lose the ones you have. But there’s people out there that want to do stuff. Go find them

Find that person

Ah I'm so glad I'm not the only one!

Thaf person doesn’t sound like your friend

Agree to a holiday, suddenly changes mind, then goes on holiday with someone else on the weekend we agreed, then gets annoyed that your upset?

You do whatever you want in your life. But if a person did that to me I would drop them from my life, forever."

Lol and thats why its better to go on your own....no one letting you down

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I've went on holidays and travelling on my own several times. I've heard that it can be more daunting for women, but I can't say I've had a bad time while on my own, always been able to meet people while out and about

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I'll be going away by myself later in the year.

I was hoping to go with a friend, but thats not possible now, so I'll go alone.

5 years ago I wouldn't have dared, but I'll be fine now.

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By *hrista BellendWoman over a year ago

Delightful Bliss

I go away on my own and try to avoid the friend making people because they feel sorry for me

A fully charged camera and architecture is all I need on a city holiday

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Are our friends the same?

I’ve planned like, easily, 500 holidays/trips with friends over the years. I’ve always been ready to go, serious about it. But it’s always just talk from them

Then find new friends. Don’t lose the ones you have. But there’s people out there that want to do stuff. Go find them

Find that person

Ah I'm so glad I'm not the only one!

That's shite! Hope you dumped her.

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By *ampWithABrainWoman over a year ago

Glasgow

I’m fine doing this in a spiritual sense but it’s the cost! All the “supplements” aka “no mates tax”

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By *avie65Man over a year ago

In the west.

"I’m fine doing this in a spiritual sense but it’s the cost! All the “supplements” aka “no mates tax” "

I check places on a well known booking site then book direct with the hotel.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

Are our friends the same?

I’ve planned like, easily, 500 holidays/trips with friends over the years. I’ve always been ready to go, serious about it. But it’s always just talk from them

Then find new friends. Don’t lose the ones you have. But there’s people out there that want to do stuff. Go find them

Find that person

Ah I'm so glad I'm not the only one!

Thaf person doesn’t sound like your friend

Agree to a holiday, suddenly changes mind, then goes on holiday with someone else on the weekend we agreed, then gets annoyed that your upset?

You do whatever you want in your life. But if a person did that to me I would drop them from my life, forever."

I mean... I get where you're coming from. Should have probably mentioned the trip she booked was solo, as she was super stressed and wanted some time to herself. And she didn't think the holiday would have been one I'd a) enjoy and b) fit within my budget. So I got it. But then she was like "ugh but [our other friend] might join me there so I might not even be alone". And then I got upset again. She didn't in the end, but it was the principle.

Idk I feel like I'm a lot more tolerant in my old age. I'm accepting of the fact that people can have toxic traits alongside good ones (me included). I tend not to let people go unless it reaches a point where the relationship is irreparable, and if I did that at every bust up I'd have no one left

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Do it OP go relax and have a nice break without having to worry about anyone else, I bet you have the time of your life and if not what’s the worst that can happen ?

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By *ampWithABrainWoman over a year ago

Glasgow

"I’m fine doing this in a spiritual sense but it’s the cost! All the “supplements” aka “no mates tax”

I check places on a well known booking site then book direct with the hotel. "

Tip noted thanks

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Do it OP go relax and have a nice break without having to worry about anyone else, I bet you have the time of your life and if not what’s the worst that can happen ? "

I get lost or robbed or both

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By *avie65Man over a year ago

In the west.

"I’m fine doing this in a spiritual sense but it’s the cost! All the “supplements” aka “no mates tax”

I check places on a well known booking site then book direct with the hotel.

Tip noted thanks "

I also sign-up to the hotel's loyalty scheme when I'm abroad, they promise to be the cheapest and some give a cashback that can be spent in the hotel bar or used to get money off thebroomrate on your next visit.

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By *adyBugsWoman over a year ago

cognito

I travelled to Bali & Singapore alone, I did meet friends while there but still had a lot of time traveling alone.

I’ve also traveled a lot in UK and Europe alone for work and leisure. It’s scary at first but life is too short to be scared of doing things.

Don’t hold yourself back from doing things just because you don’t have other people to do them with. I’ve had an incredible life of adventures all on my own and no regrets for following my heart.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I've done trips in the UK on my own and yoga retreats. I'm going on a trail running and wild swimming weekend soon. It's an organised trip and I won't know anyone. I'm really looking forward to it.

I'm going to renew my passport soon and I've put a goal for next year to take a trip abroad on my own. I also want to do a parkrun in a different country so I might combine them.

So I say go for it!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Most of my holidays have been by myself including a month long trip across the centre and top of the US by train.

On a couple of stops did meet up with people I already knew but mostly kept myself to myself

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

You just need to do it.

You’ll never know until you try.

I go away on my own for work and holidays and to be honest, I love it. People see you on yo ur own and seem to encourage you to join them and you get to see and do all the things you want without permission.

Your on your own but you never feel alone. It’s a strange thing but it’s true.

Admittedly it’s unnerving at first but soon your confidence picks up and you’ll have a great time

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By *adyBugsWoman over a year ago

cognito

Oh and I’m planning a trip to Cuba!

I can wait to do this one

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Have been doing lot of solo travels over the last 4 years. I am mostly into wilderness.

Lot of pros in doing this, like freedom to just do things you like, eat whatever you want etc. Negative being that it's more expensive and you feel lonely when you are back to room.

There are tour organisers who organise group trips specifically for solo travellers. I have never used it as I like to design my own itinerary. But it might be helpful for you if you want to socialise more.

Though I book tickets and stay for myself, I always book group activities for daytime like hikes, snowmobile trips, dogsled etc. This helps me meet other travellers. If you find someone interesting, you can continue and spend the evening with them. I have even been even invited by couples to have dinner with them(not swinging couples in case you are wondering). They are just curious about solo travellers from another country.

Being in room is when you feel lonely. I do my best to walk around wherever I am staying and go back to room only when it's time to sleep. The other option is staying in a hostel in shared room. But I need complete silence to fall asleep. Such an arrangement won't work for me. It might for you.

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By *oroRick1027Man over a year ago

Middlesbrough

"I'm going camping nr Scarborough on Friday, on my own. I do this frequently. Lots of friendly people on camping and caravan sites. Never fail to make new friends.

I actually quite like the sound of this. Are site fees still relatively cheap for tents? "

I'm paying £21 per night with electric hookup

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

I'm having a look at solo traveller group holidays - it's so expensive?!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I'm having a look at solo traveller group holidays - it's so expensive?!

Depends a lot on the location, number of days and the level of luxury. Intrepid travels seems to have some cheap options.

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