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travelling alone - how & where??

I am 30s male and reasonably active.

I am looking to travel abroad and seek ideas and advice on how one can travel abroad alone.

I would like a holiday in a nice warm sunny place. When married (now divorced) i liked to stay at 4* hotels with all the comforts.

I am open to ideas and suggestions on types of holidays and locations. (not into water sports). I would love to do a big holiday to australia and asia (Thailand, Malaysia, India etc)....but travelling alone is what is putting me off.

I have never travelled alone apart from the odd UK business trip. I find the thought dauting to go on holiday alone, but its either go alone or dont go. Quite frankly i love to get away somewhere nice.
Is there any comapnies that specialise in single trips; or single touring holidays with like minded mature people??

Thanks in advance.....
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Comments

  • lynn44
    lynn44 Posts: 1,096 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Photogenic Combo Breaker
    atpug
    we have been travelling australia,amercia,cyprus etc normally just book our flights and find hostels on arrive ( or you can book on line) at lot of people ' frown' upon hostels...but we have stayed in many nice ones with our own room bathroom etc and you meet many single people young and old, my partner stayad in one in miami and said how wonderful it was just like 4* hotel on the beach.... just take a look at some hostels or yha
    I would love to be a Travel Agent :j
  • richardw
    richardw Posts: 19,459 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts
    You will pay more going on a holiday with a tour operator that does this kind of thing.

    Have a browse of http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/ and travel.guardian.co.uk for ideas.

    Stayed in a hostel in Sydney, was very good and sociable.
    Posts are not advice and must not be relied upon.
  • Chell
    Chell Posts: 1,683 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Have you thought of doing a Trek for charity? You won't get 4 star hotels but the majority of people do them alone. I did a trek along the Great Wall in 2001. It was an amazing experience. There was approx 60people who didn't know each other, all of different ages and from very different backgrounds.
    I treked for National deaf Childrens Society but Mencap, Scope etc run similar trips.
    Nevermind the dog, beware of the kids!
  • Jay-Jay_4
    Jay-Jay_4 Posts: 7,351 Forumite
    I spent a few days alone in Greece when I was younger. Like the others have suggested I stayed in a hostel. It's a sure fire way of 'easily' meeting people. By that I mean that people just start talking to you and sit with you unlike in hotels where everyone avoids each other and gets on with their own thing.

    It can be a culture shock and you may set off as a business man and come back with long hair, beads and a bandanna but if you choose to go this way then I guarantee that you'll have a great time.

    Being alone in another country is quite liberating really.
    Just run, run and keep on running!

  • albalad
    albalad Posts: 1,194 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    another great way of meeting people is interailing , i did this solo when i was younger (had a great time)and am considering doing it again with my oh , get to see lots of places you've always wanted to - if you don't like somewhere just jump on another train
    "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page."
    happy travels !!
    "No matter where you go, there you are."
    albalad
  • mutley74
    mutley74 Posts: 4,033 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    I think a charity trek is something i want to do but notthis year, have other commitments right now.

    The specialist single holidays are expensive. Thanks for the other links.
    Inter-railing sounds like fun - is there any links for more info on this?

    which website does one use to book overseas hostels?

    any other ideas welcome....thanks
  • nearlyrich
    nearlyrich Posts: 13,698 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker Hung up my suit!
    We just came back from New Zealand recently and we met lots of solo travellers, book a flight and get a car or hop on a bus and see a fantastic country at your own pace.

    Don't be afraid of being on your own, people are really friendly and if you stay in a backpackers ( believe me some of these are quality ) you will meet like-minded travellers.

    Have a great time.
    Free impartial debt advice from: National Debtline or Stepchange[/CENTER]
  • reverie
    reverie Posts: 427 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    If you did fancy meeting someone to go with there are a few sites where you can meet other people looking for travel companions like https://www.travelmatesonline.co.uk. Hope you have a fab time.
  • Jay-Jay_4
    Jay-Jay_4 Posts: 7,351 Forumite
    Here's the link for Inter-rail

    I did this for a month the year before I stayed in Greece alone. It's more of a life experience than an actual 'holiday' but I've often said that this kind of thing should be compulsory for everyone.

    It requires some planning and it's not exactly 'relaxing' but it's one of those experiences that will stick in your mind forever.
    Just run, run and keep on running!

  • Donnie
    Donnie Posts: 9,862 Forumite
    I travel alone now for my longer breaks. For short breaks it's better to travel with someone as there is less time to meet others. It's something you should do at least once in your life.
    Nothing like leaving your comfort zone. Forced me into being more sociable, though also more comfortable being alone.
    I used to wait for my friends before going on holiday. Waste of time. Now I spend up to nine months every year out and about abroad.

    Thailand is a good choice as it's a hub for many travellers. People are very friendly and helpful in Malaysia. Australia? It's a big country, so expect the big city experience.

    When you decide where you would like to go, jump back on here for more advice.
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