Solo holidays

[bluebird34]

I am 74 and wondering about going on a holiday alone. Since I was widowed I have been away with my good friend who is now too ill too travel, so it is alone or not at all. i will be quite happy alone but do not want to go on a singles holiday because I assume you will have to all join in together and that is not what I want. I would only go in this country and have in fact booked just one night away with a local firm to see how i get on. I would appreciate any tips or suggestions from anyone who has tried this. Thank you in anticipation. Jane

[VHG]

Perhaps a Warner break?

http://www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/

These are adults-only holidays, mostly staying in nice country houses or other interesting buildings.

They provide activities during the day and evening (which you can chose to take part or not as you wish).

The tend to be for the over 50 generation so you will feel quite at home.

[VHG]

Also maybe contact your local Age Concern to see if they have any ideas, or maybe can suggest local companies or groups you can go away with.

You could go away with a group of people, but then chose to spend time on your own it that is waht you want.

That way you have the best of both worlds, people if you want them, or if you dont.

[VHG]

Saga holidays specialize in holidays for the over 50s.

In fact they do holiday for single travellers as well.

See more on their web page for single travellers here

http://www.saga.co.uk/travel-shop/special-inte rests/single-travellers.asp

Here is Saga's main holiday page

http://www.saga.co.uk/travel/general3/

[mrrossi]

I work for a travel company in South Wales - my suggestion would be someone like Wallace Arnold/ Shearings. They do local pick ups and are a coach holiday firm. They go over a wide range of places in the UK and stay in nice hotels which are usually breakfast and evening meal. You would get to know the other people travelling on your coach so you could make friends, or do your own thing. Happy travelling. The main thing is you go - don't be affraid ! We used to do a lot of holidays for a single chap in his 70's who was deaf and dumb - he went all over the world.

[Mr Veritas]

I agree with VHG.
If you want to go abroad at 74 then do give SAGA a chance.
Not only do they specialise in over 50's holidays,if you are a single you usually get a twin/double room at no supplement.
We have been with them several times.
The last time was last year to Thailand last year,it was great!
BTW we are 86(me) & 85(wife)) so if we can do it you can too.

[bluebird34]

Thank you all for taking the time to answer my query. My husband and I used to go to Warners, but they seemed to be ALL couples and my greatest worry is to be the only single on the trip. I have looked at Saga singles but you have to get yourself to the destination, and the local coach trip I have booked is door to door. I think when I have tried this short break I will have more of an idea of how I feel and how far I want to take it, but it was very helpful to hear all your views and I shall keep in mind your suggestion for when I book a longer holiday, which I am now sure I will be doing. Thanks again x Jane

[pippa1981]

Warner breas are ment to be good. My grand mother goes twice a year & she loves it as it is an adults only hotel & 90% of guests are in her age range (70's)
She had said before that some people stay there on the own.

Hope you find something & have a good time x

[burbie]

A couple of weeks ago I was on a National Holidays coach tour with a friend, and there were about 5 people on that coach who were travelling alone. There was a lady who used to have her evening meal, and then went up to her room to watch read and watch tv, even though she was asked to join others in the lounge in the evening.
She said the day out was enough and was tired and wanted to relax.
Others used to join in and were very sociable
Shearing are also another good company to travel with. The pick up feeder coaches mean you can be picked up at a location within a short distance of wherever you live, and they take you to the main depot where you join the coach to your destination.
They take care of all your luggage from the moment it is put on the feeder coach, to your hotel, where it is put outside the door of you hotel room.
Included are trips out most days.
Depending how many nights you stay, there may be a free day when you can explore the resort as you want
It really is up to you if you want to join others or not.
The longer the holiday the more likely you are to get to know other travellers.
Good luck with your trip I hope you enjoy it, but if you dont, then dont give up, you may love the next one.

[Dee Sa]

I agree that Warners is for couples or groups and is quite "clicky" but Saga is great for singles, my neighbour went to Minorca for a xmas with Saga because he did not want to be alone and came back having made lots of new friends one of which he has since married !
surely Saga can make travel arrangements for you ?
what about David Urquart coach holidays I have seen "singletons" with them.
Do you belong to any local afternoon social clubs ? they usually arrange holidays for their members.
good luck

[Dee Sa]

I have just Googled -- "holidays for singles over 60" and lots of companies have come up for you to browse through.
Hope this helps.

[bluebird34]

Burbie, Been transferring my internet connection so have been on for a while. Just seen your message and would like to say thanks. I am definitely going for a one night break in a couple of weeks and unless I really hate it I shall go on a slightly longer break later in the year. I have been thinking of probably Shearings and thanks for your comments, they sound very positive and I am grateful for you taking the time to reassure me. Thank again Jane

[bluebird34]

Thank you Dee as well I really fancy Saga, and will look into them again but they don't do that many singles surprisingly and it is the fact that I have to get myself to maybe Cornwall to participate. Anyway when I have had my one night away I shall really look into the options and make a decision thanks again Jane

[tamikablackwell]

See, traveling alone will make you feel even happier at this stage of life. It is one of the fact that you are quite old therefore try to carry less stuff and lightweight luggage. When my grandparents moved for holidays last month, I bought luggage at https://travel-point.org and also suggested them some genuine health tips so that their journey would be comfortable.