Booking first holiday - tips please

carryonjulie

My daughter (22) wants to go on holiday on her own. She just wants a break by the pool and excursions but wants to go late July which is obviously pricey. It's been ages since I looked for one myself but was happy to help, at her request, while she is on shifts. After experiencing two travel agents in person today, I think it's best to look online ourselves but wondered if you had any tips/advice/great deals for a single girl on holiday.

Thanks in advance

Emmia

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6674207/booking-first-holiday-tips-please

I think she should pick her destination very carefully, a young woman alone in a foreign country is unfortunately likely to face some unwanted attention (I'm sorry to say this). I'd probably avoid the "party capitals".

I've done city break type holidays alone, including a solo trip to Malta last year, staying in Valletta. Malta has lots of interesting places to visit - and excellent public transport.

What sort of excursions is she interested in?

Robin9

Have a look at solosholidays

carryonjulie

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82051011#Comment_82051011

Hi Emmia,

I completely agree with destination choice. It's a lot different now compared to my solo holidays and even then, you had to be careful. I believe she just wants somewhere in Spain. Malta is lovely though so that's a good idea. It was me who suggested excursions so she had some sort of variety.

Thanks

carryonjulie

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82051018#Comment_82051018

I never thought of that.Thanks, we will take a look.

strawb_shortcake

My friend went solo to Seville this year and said she felt very safe.

Lots of hotels can arrange excursions and have pick up and drop off at the hotel. Perhaps look at the excursion pages or websites and see what hotels they collect from.

We've been to Los Gigantes in Tenerife a few times and that feels a very safe resort, I'd happily go and wander round alone there. If she did happen to go there avoid Crab Island it's a natural pool and can be incredibly dangerous for swimmers

Neil49

Make sure she has a GHIC from the government to provide basic health insurance cover. It's free from the government website.

TELLIT01

Did you visit independent travel agents or something like TUI shops? I would have thought independents would be likely to be more helpful.

Please don't make the mistake of thinking GHIC provides comprehensive travel insurance - it doesn't. Proper travel insurance policy as well is essential.

Rosa_Damascena

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82051011#Comment_82051011

The heyday of cheap travel is now over, and your daughter must be aware that a solo booking will cost a premium. I'm guessing that if she wants excursions, your daughter wants to be looked after rather than travel independently? I think the Italian Lakes - Garda in particular - might be ideal for her.

As a single female traveller the only wisdom I will dispense is to stay away from any country that disrespects unaccompanied women. I don't want to cover my head but nor do I deserve to be leered at, at every turn. If she doesn't like heat and humidity she can forget South East Asia, stick to Europe / the US instead. Canada is somewhere I would happily return to.

eskbanker

The heyday of cheap travel is now over…

That comes across as a huge generalisation! What makes you say that, when low cost airlines continue to offer giveaway fares and there are more accommodation options than ever before, for those looking to book on a budget?

Emily_Joy

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82051034#Comment_82051034

I am travelling a lot and generally spend at least 4 full months abroad every year. The only time when something has been stolen from me was a hall of a hotel in Barcelona. 10th floor to be precise. I wouldn't go to Spain on my own simply because I would be constantly worrying about my belongings.