Taking a holiday alone

jason1231972

Hi all,

Following a recent bereavement, I'm feeling like I'm desperately in need of a break, but I want to (or think I want to) do it alone.

Myself and my OH travel a lot - thanks to budget airlines and relatively few financial responsibilities, we take around 3-4 holidays per year (one sun & sand, and a couple of city breaks).

We're off on holiday in October together, so that's sorted, but I was thinking of taking a short break myself in early September.

I've been to pretty much every capital city (or city of interest) in Northern, Western and Eastern Europe (excluding Scandanavia).

Aside from Spain, which I've done to death, I've never really done Southern Europe. Nor have I ever been to France!

So, I'm looking to get away somewhere for between say 3-5 nights, and ideally somewhere I've never been. It must be lively (cities preferred), with things to keep me occupied. Being alone, I'm unlikely to go out drinking and eating much, but will be mostly found in museums, art galleries, cultural centres, etc.

Any ideas? Open to anywhere within, say, a 4hr flight of the UK. The region we live in is pretty well connected for air travel, but not for rail or sea travel.

More to the point, what's it like holidaying alone? Anyone have any experiences?

marisco_2

Have you been to Moscow or St Petersburg? Both are fascinating and fabulous if you like museums, art galleries and culture.

Stockholm is another great place to visit. Have you been to Prague or Budapest? They are brilliant. As is Barcelona.

Holidaying alone is fantastic. I travelled round the world alone in my late teens and early 20s and loved it.

moodydonkey

My sis went abroad as a single but in a group of singles (if that makes any sense!) She travelled alone but there were activities if you wished to involve yourself in them. I think she felt it gave a little more safety and security. Think she went to Prague a few months ago which she loved.

jason1231972

marisco wrote: »

Have you been to Moscow or St Petersburg? Both are fascinating and fabulous if you like museums, art galleries and culture.

Stockholm is another great place to visit. Have you been to Prague or Budapest? They are brilliant. As is Barcelona.

Holidaying alone is fantastic. I travelled round the world alone in my late teens and early 20s and loved it.

Been to Prague, not Budapest - flights from here are cheap.

Not sure if I can catch a flight to Stockholm from a reasonable distance from where I live, but I think I can to Gothenberg (looks boring though!).

Toyed with St. Pete's a few years back. Was going to travel there from Tallinn, Estonia (which is fab) for a few days, but was put off by exhorbitant tourist visa fees, the visa application process in general, and silly rules re: having to register with local police, etc. - how do these 'problems' pan out in reality, for the western visitor??

Went to Helsinki from Tallinn instead. Loved it.

Without even dreaming of playing the race card, I'm also mixed race. Have gotten funny looks, minor abuse (just backhanded murmurs) and so on in the Baltics and Poland, so not sure if I'm brave enough for Russia!! :rotfl:

Dunroamin

If you've never been to France, Paris is the obvious choice.

jason1231972

Dunroamin wrote: »

If you've never been to France, Paris is the obvious choice.

It seemed obvious to me, too. I'm not the biggest Francophile, but wouldn't rule it out. I've always viewed it as a place I can go "anytime", but have never bothered (save for driving through dirty industrial backwaters to get to the Netherlands via Belguim!).

marisco_2

When I have travelled to Russia I have never had any problem registering my passport. The hotel does it all for you. Both the Russian cities I have recommended are amazing. As you are a seasoned traveller I think you would get back alive. It can come as a bit of a culture shock, but is so worth it. If you do go to Moscow make sure you travel on the underground system. You will never get a better view of incredible art and grandeur for the price of a tube ticket anywhere else.

Person_one

What about Italy? I like Venice, its only small and its a very relaxed pace and easy to stroll round at your leisure. Good food, nice buildings, tacky shops, no major culture shock so an easy intro to solo travel.

Its not too difficult to learn a few words of Italian before you go either, while the Scandinavian languages are much less beginner friendly!

If it was me though I'd go to Iceland, there's loads to see and do in organised groups depending how active you want to be, and at that time of year you might get a glimpse of the northern lights.

I've never travelled entirely alone, I've often done bits on my own in between meeting up with various friends though. I think if you're happy with your own company the rest of the time you'll be fine when you're away too.

annie_d

Barcelona should tick your boxes

southoftheriver

I would suggest Nice. A city by the sea, food influenced by both italy and france. Lovely walks and cultural things to do. Beautiful mountain villages you can get to easily, and if you feel like it you can pop over the monaco and hob nob with the posh lot!

londoner1998

jason1231972 wrote: »

It seemed obvious to me, too. I'm not the biggest Francophile, but wouldn't rule it out. I've always viewed it as a place I can go "anytime", but have never bothered (save for driving through dirty industrial backwaters to get to the Netherlands via Belguim!).

How about Biarritz? Basque-French country, small and quiet but really beautiful. Fabulous food too. Madonna was in the that area recently and went away in love with it. So much so that is now learning Euskera (=Basque language).
I believe some low-cost airlines fly there.