Solo Holiday

[pips1]

Looking for somewhere to go on holiday on my own for the first time. I am 65, female and don't like it too hot. Any ideas? Has anyone else on here braved it alone and what was it like? TIA

[Buenchico]

I'm 62 (male) and I take loads of day trips (on my own) all over Europe. (Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Bratislava, Rome, Barcelona, etc, etc), so I might have been to a few places that you'd enjoy. However you've not told us what you like, so providing a decent answer might be a bit difficult!

Even so, one place comes to mind that's simply got just about everything that you might possibly want, whether that be beautiful beaches, fantastic architecture, quiet bars, vibrant nightlife, superb restaurants, fantastic shopping, wonderful historical and cultural attractions, an excellent fully-integrated public transport system, or whatever: Barcelona
http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/

So that's my top recommendation. However the Italian Riviera is also fantastic. (Fly to Genoa. Hop on the direct bus to the rail station and travel on the rail line, which hugs the coast, to Santa Margherita Ligure or Rapallo. The area is stunningly beautiful, while Genoa itself has a fantastic old town and offers excellent shopping opportunities.

[Cloverjo]

I've not done it myself, but I have a friend who goes toGran Canaria on her own every year. She loves it and knows that she can find company if she wants it, or can be alone too.

[pips1]

Thank you both, I realise I didn't really put much information up about what I like to do, sorry. I am not a 'lie on the beach' person as I am very fair skinned which is why I don't like it too hot, it also saps my energy. Our Spring here is perfect climate for me and I like the light nights. Barcelona sounds wonderful and I will certainly make a point of going there soon, however your description of Italy buenchico sounds just my cup of tea! I am seriously going to look into that and hopefully do it this year, I love trains. My mum has just passed away, she was 92 so had a good life but I feel bereft and need something to look forward to.

My son has been to Gran Caneria cloverjo and loved it so I will bear that in mind too, thanks.

[Jennykenny]

As another 65 year old female, I have travelled alone over most of Western Europe, Turkey, Cuba, and New York, and am quite comfortable in Barcelona solo,- (I lived in Spain for 13 years), but am not sure I would recommend it for a female first-timer. Perhaps later when you feel more confident.
It is a beautiful and amazing city, but I think you might be better off in Amsterdam for a starter holiday. Almost everyone speaks some English (unlike Spain), the layout of the streets is very simple and almost impossible to get lost, (Barcelona is much bigger and can be confusing if you are not used to the place), and there is loads to do and see. The last time I went I took an overnight ferry from Harwich to Rotterdam which was great fun, and then a train to Brussels, and the Eurostar back to UK. You could do that but get the train to Amsterdam. Or go there and back by train. Have a look at the website - maninseat61 - excellent and full of information.
Take only hand luggage so that you are not trailing a huge heavy case around, and wear a shoulder bag across your chest. It's not a dangerous place by any means but you want to feel comfortable. Keep a copy of your passport, travel details and travel insurance separately, and know the cancellation number(s) of your mobile phone and credit cards. You will almost certainly not need these but it gives you a bit extra security. Walk confidently, know where you are going, and relax. You will have a wonderful time.

[mikey4444]

Pips.....Have you thought of somewhere like Austria or even better, Switzerland ?

Marvelous scenery and hardly any of the loud Brits in football shirts that infest parts of the Med. I would recommend Grindelwald.

[mikey4444]

The last two times I have been abroad, I went to Sorrento, in September.

Its a very beautiful area, with lots to see but if you don't like it too hot
( like me ! ) I wouldn't go in high summer....bit crowded as well.

[pips1]

More welcome answers, thanks everyone. I will take on board all you have said and plan my break carefully. At the moment I am leaning towards Italy as it sounds wonderful. I have been to Austria with my son and Switzerland when I was at school many moons ago. My mum said I came back with rosy cheeks as the air was so pure.

[pips1]

Amsterdam may be my first weekend break though to get me started - good idea.

[Sycamore3House]

I went on my first singles holiday after I was divorced and in my forties at the time. I think I booked through Thomson and their single holiday choice. I went to Malta. I went in June and wanted sun, to relax by the pool and a couple of day trips and some company to sit with at meal times. There I met seven other people and had a great time. We all would meet in the bar each evening and have dinner together, chat about the next day and would make arrangements with each other accordingly if we wanted company. I had a great time.

[SpikeyBush]

Visit Galway. Fly to Shannon and get a bus up the N17 made famous(ish) by the Saw Doctors. My career has taken me all over the world and I can vouch for the west coast of Ireland being in the top three.

[sunny-dave]

Palma (Mallorca) is a lovely place for a break - friendly, plenty to do and easy to get around on foot.

Flights are cheap, a cab from the airport into the city takes about 12 minutes and costs buttons. Find somewhere to stay in the old town & just relax - out of peak season it's a civilised, warm and happy place.

There is plenty of culture if you want it (the Cathedral is awe inspiring), but I just loved pottering around. The fish market is a must - try eating in one of the upstairs cafes there - endless wonderful fish dishes for just a few euros.

[pips1]

Wow I have lots of ideas now, thank you SO much for all your replies. I hope I keep going long enough to enjoy them all.

[LaughingGravy]

Definitely a cruise !!!!

[-SharonA-]

Checkout:
https://www.thelmandlouise.com/en-gb/

[shoota]

A river cruise, maybe on the Rhine or one of the big French rivers?

[1581960]

And now for something completely different! If you like it outdoors, like the birds, like the flowers, like light evenings (11.00pm ish) and not too hot - try the Outer Hebrides, went there for a couple of weeks in June 2014 and stayed for six. Fantastic place.

[Samuraisan]

I have nevver done it, but it is on my bucket list , MrSam just won't. But if I was alone, I would do a cruise. An adult only one.

[pizza]

Hi pips firstly sorry to hear about your Mum, secondly I love to have a break on my own in May to relax for my birthday
I have a lovely partner but he has a busy business and although I miss him I love the adventure of being away just doing my own thing.
I have been to Turkey, Tenerife and Cuba on my own and I do like hot weather, I am just in the process of deciding where to go this year, thinking of Benidorm as not been for years. The hot Blackpool as often known as lol
I am a very friendly and social person and chat freely to people, I never go away to tag on to others but have made some lovely friends along the way.
Wherever you decide I hope you have a really lovely time.

Regards,
Lesley.