Lone female

Jasmine81

Hi I'm a new poster but a long term lurker I would appreciate any advice/recommendations and sorry for all of the questions.

Back story- I'm a female in her 30's and divorced last year. I haven't been away on holiday for a couple of years and need one after the eventful couple of years. My friends are coupled up with children so they holiday with their family. If I want a holiday, it looks like I need to do it on my own. I'm very shy and quiet so a solo holiday is daunting.

Anyway, so far I have booked a three night holiday in Spain. It is an activity based so the loneliness factor won't be an issue and they seem to have quite a few solo travellers. I am toying with the idea of spending two nights at the end in one of the beach resorts. I guess it would be nicer to recover from the activity holiday lying by a pool in the sun rather than at home.

So has anyone been to a Spanish holiday resort on their own and did they feel uncomfortable as they were on their own? What did you do at meal times? Did you get any looks? I am thinking about Benalmadena and plan just to read my books by the pool/on the beach, wonder around and visit a couple of things. I just get self-conscious and would worry that people would think I'm a bit weird. I have mentioned the holiday to a couple of work mates and they have raised an eyebrow.

I would also be grateful for any tips if I decide to book something. Also if you have any recommendations for future holidays as the activity one I have booked isn't very MSE so the next holiday will have to be more low key.

zagfles

Stay in hostels. Very MSE, and you'll meet loads of other solo female (and male) travellers. If you don't want a dorm, most do private rooms.

There's also this Airbnb thing though I've never used used - I think others here have.

Discussed quite a lot here, search the board.

missbiggles1

Jasmine81 wrote: »

Hi I'm a new poster but a long term lurker I would appreciate any advice/recommendations and sorry for all of the questions.

Back story- I'm a female in her 30's and divorced last year. I haven't been away on holiday for a couple of years and need one after the eventful couple of years. My friends are coupled up with children so they holiday with their family. If I want a holiday, it looks like I need to do it on my own. I'm very shy and quiet so a solo holiday is daunting.

Anyway, so far I have booked a three night holiday in Spain. It is an activity based so the loneliness factor won't be an issue and they seem to have quite a few solo travellers. I am toying with the idea of spending two nights at the end in one of the beach resorts. I guess it would be nicer to recover from the activity holiday lying by a pool in the sun rather than at home.

So has anyone been to a Spanish holiday resort on their own and did they feel uncomfortable as they were on their own? What did you do at meal times? Did you get any looks? I am thinking about Benalmadena and plan just to read my books by the pool/on the beach, wonder around and visit a couple of things. I just get self-conscious and would worry that people would think I'm a bit weird. I have mentioned the holiday to a couple of work mates and they have raised an eyebrow.

I would also be grateful for any tips if I decide to book something. Also if you have any recommendations for future holidays as the activity one I have booked isn't very MSE so the next holiday will have to be more low key.

I spent a week in Calpe once (out of season) but I sunbathed on my balcony or in outdoor cafes rather than on the beach (don't like beaches). I ate out in a variety of restaurants, mainly at lunch time. I never thought it was odd and nobody looked as if they did either.

I'm recently widowed so have been going on city breaks which might be something to think about for the future but, if I liked beach holidays I'd just do that instead. Perhaps look at going to a city which has beaches (or beaches nearby), Barcelona, Palma, Lisbon, Nice come to mind so you can have a choice.

I'm sure when you've done it once you'll never look back.

Jasmine81

Thanks for your replies. The thing is I'm quiet so don't tend to make friends easily so for most people they can go away make friends with the other solo travellers at hostels whereas I tend to be left behind .

I'm thinking of renting an apartment and then heading to the local supermarket so I can make my own meals.

I would love to travel more and don't see why being single should put me off

comeandgo

Hi Jasmine, I don't go on holiday alone but do work away and stay on my own in hotels. I did find it strange eating alone to start with but am used to it now. There will probably be other lone diners, nobody looks at them and thinks negative things about them. Many of the lone diners I see in hotels bring a book or iPad with them to give them something to do between courses.
For future holidays would you be interested in The Ramblers or Explore or some of the group walking companies? We have done a few as a couple and there are single people there too.

missbiggles1

Jasmine81 wrote: »

Thanks for your replies. The thing is I'm quiet so don't tend to make friends easily so for most people they can go away make friends with the other solo travellers at hostels whereas I tend to be left behind .

I'm thinking of renting an apartment and then heading to the local supermarket so I can make my own meals.

I would love to travel more and don't see why being single should put me off

I'm pretty quiet myself and rarely speak to anybody when I'm away. I think self catering could be a really good idea as you may be more comfortable eating out alone at lunchtime.

richardw

You're not weird, you'll just be on holiday.

Nothing else to say really, just pick places and accommodation that you'll like.

Doshwaster

Jasmine81 wrote: »

So has anyone been to a Spanish holiday resort on their own and did they feel uncomfortable as they were on their own? What did you do at meal times? Did you get any looks? I am thinking about Benalmadena and plan just to read my books by the pool/on the beach, wonder around and visit a couple of things. I just get self-conscious and would worry that people would think I'm a bit weird. I have mentioned the holiday to a couple of work mates and they have raised an eyebrow.

There's no need to feel self conscious in Benalmadena or any of the nearby resorts (personally I prefer Fuengirola as it's flatter) as they get a load of solo visitors. Anyway, who care if they think you are odd? They are more likely to be thinking "look at that self confident young woman out on her own. I wish I could do that!"

Rather than spending time by the pool or the beach by yourself, just try sitting outside one of the many cafes with your book. You'll soon get to know the staff and other regulars.

One tip I've heard from female friends who travel on their own is to take a cheap ring with you which you can pop on to get rid of unwanted male attention.

melanzana

Hi OP.

I am going to San Sebastian and Bilbao with my friend for a long weekend.

As I am early retired and she is not, I thought why not add a few days on to the end, like you are thinking.

So I have decided on a studio apartment in Bayonne. It looks great, is only a euro on the bus to the airport, and I can fix myself a bit of grub there if I feel like it.

I have done a bit of solo travelling before now, but not for long trips, just a few days.

Once you have figured out how to get to where you are going, and how to get back to the airport, everything else will be absolutely fine!

I usually go out for a bite to eat earlier than most. Suits me. Never a problem being on my own ever. And I mean that. It is about your body language, your attitude and confidence, and whatever else makes you comfortable.

Anyway, I'd definitely say go for it. Why waste that lovely time in the sun by coming home when you can stay on!

Have done it loads of times... Enjoy

DCFC79

OP its not weird at all.

Once you do 1 the next 1 will be easier as you will be used to it.

mum2one

I havent travelled to Spain, I have been a lone female traveller, will admit the first time I went on holiday, I almost didnt get on the plane, a bit of what am I doing moment... but went and have never looked back...

My 1st solo trip was at 28 yrs old

I've travelled
Tunisia (lost count of the times)
Cyprus
Turkey
Dom Rep
Mexico
Prague

Best experiences I have had xxx