Does anyone here holiday alone?

DoYouEvenLift

whatismyname wrote: »

Yep, I personally think we'll start to see it become a bit more accepted.

First time I did it, I thought people would think it was odd, like I'd no friends, etc... but those who knew me know I do, and that I'm the type of the person to have the confidence to do what I want.

But what surprised me is I've had a lot of people say that they would love to do the same. I haven't met a whole lot of solo travellers when I've been travelling, but yesterday met a lovely lady who is with her partner, but they're definitely there, and in speaking to people at the resort yesterday, people generally seemed to think that they've seen more and more of it over the years...

Doesn't really matter if it's accepted or not to be honest. If someone is too close minded to realise how beneficial solo travelling can be then they're really people to be avoided. It's the same as people who only think of the negatives about certain places when you tell them you're interested in going there, like Amsterdam and how some idiots don't have the capacity to consider how much more there is to the city besides the drugs and red light district. People like this are just really sheltered.

magicmushroom

I'm actually in the process of planning a trip to Rome by myself in September.

Had no one to go with, dying to see Italy so I said F it, I'll do it by myself!

I wouldn't want to go on a sun holiday alone though, I can imagine I'd get very bored and I most definitely wouldn't go near a club by myself!!

Agricola

Haven't tried it myself yet as I prefer the company of at least one friend to people I've just met on a trip. I'm a bit of a shy Seamus and wouldnt be naturally looking to meet people while abroad on hols. I think solo travel works well for those that want no human contact for a time, to relax, read, chill out and just be on their own or those who are looking to put themselves out there, strike up conversations with strangers etc. If you've always travelled with OH's / friends and mainly kept to yourselves, thats a bit of a learning curve I'd say.

You should give it a blast OP. Worst that can happen is you find it doesnt suit you, you're bored etc and you may not bother with it again. But you'll still have gotten a week in the sun seeing some amazing sights.

whatismyname

magicmushroom wrote: »

I'm actually in the process of planning a trip to Rome by myself in September.

Had no one to go with, dying to see Italy so I said F it, I'll do it by myself!

I wouldn't want to go on a sun holiday alone though, I can imagine I'd get very bored and I most definitely wouldn't go near a club by myself!!

Hope the trip to Rome goes well!

Re sun holiday, I have brought lots of books, music etc... but feel like I've chatted to way more people than I probably would have done if I'd come on my own. Last night was up singing and dancing and doing karaoke with two groups of Irish people I met, and we're meeting in the pub tonight to do the same again. Can't wait!

A club I think is different, especially as a single girl, I'd half expect to just stand out way too much, and be seen as a potentially vulnerable target, but at the hotel bar there is a nice feeling, and when people are on holiday themselves they seem very willing generally to join up and socialise with other people also on holiday, so it's been grand really.

Only difficulty I had was when I went to a country that has a very different culture... and not just the different culture, but there was very few english people around, and as a single traveller I found that so very isolating, so in a way this sun holiday where everyone speaks english is so much easier.

whatismyname

Agricola wrote: »

I think solo travel works well for those that want no human contact for a time, to relax, read, chill out and just be on their own or those who are looking to put themselves out there, strike up conversations with strangers etc.

Yep I agree with this. I think I'm a bit of both. During the day on holiday alone I really want just to be on my own and just switch off and chill... but at nighttime in the bar etc, good to interact with others.

Mister Vain

I've always traveled alone, not because I prefer to, but because I like to travel. When I was younger my mates would have been more into the Santa Ponsa and Costa del sol, in other words sun and binge drinking. Not my cup of tea. I'm more into cities; culture, sight seeing and the like. So I started traveling alone, going to the places I wanted to see and doing the things I wanted to do.

My family thought I was crazy at first, but I've done it so often now it has just become the norm. However people in work never believe me when I say I'm traveling alone. They just look at me as if I've 10 heads. I often just lie and say I'm going with a friend.

magicmushroom

Mister Vain wrote: »

I've always traveled alone, not because I prefer to, but because I like to travel. When I was younger my mates would have been more into the Santa Ponsa and Costa del sol, in other words sun and binge drinking. Not my cup of tea. I'm more into cities; culture, sight seeing and the like. So I started traveling alone, going to the places I wanted to see and doing the things I wanted to do.

My family thought I was crazy at first, but I've done it so often now it has just become the norm. However people in work never believe me when I say I'm traveling alone. They just look at me as if I've 10 heads. I often just lie and say I'm going with a friend.

Haha, when I told the people in my office I was going to Rome by myself and thinking of staying in someone's house (air bnb) they nearly passed out with the shock! Then I got a lecture about safety, travelling alone, being mugged etc...
I'm not saying more anything about it to them, keeping my plans to myself because I don't really want or need the negativity.

walkingshadow

If I say I'm going abroad on a holiday alone, why is it that parents/relations are always expecting me to come home in a body bag?

scdublin

seamusk84 wrote: »

Going clubbing in general in your late twenties would be weird in my opinion lol

Why? There's loads of people in their 30's who still go clubbing in Ibiza and the likes. Never really understood why it's considered weird at a certain age. Maybe it's because a lot of people that age are settling down having kids, getting married etc but that's not for everyone either.

Agricola

walkingshadow wrote: »

If I say I'm going abroad on a holiday alone, why is it that parents/relations are always expecting me to come home in a body bag?

Usually the case with cautious protective parents that arent well travelled themselves, from my experience anyway.

To be fair to them, there is as added risk solo travelling which is especially relevant for women. But if you have your head screwed on, its no problem.

kylith

magicmushroom wrote: »

Haha, when I told the people in my office I was going to Rome by myself and thinking of staying in someone's house (air bnb) they nearly passed out with the shock! Then I got a lecture about safety, travelling alone, being mugged etc...
I'm not saying more anything about it to them, keeping my plans to myself because I don't really want or need the negativity.

Air BnB is actually something that would give me pause. There have been people attacked on both sides of it because you simply don't know who you're inviting into your house, or into whose house you'll be going.

Egginacup

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

Yes, only recently in fact.

I was starting to let work get on top of me, and was having a few relationship difficulties with my partner. Decided to pack my suitcase and head back to Ireland for a week. Spent a few days travelling around Kerry - hiking, sea swimming, cycling, eating seafood.

Then headed over to West Cork for a 3 day mindfulness retreat. Deep meditation, no Internet or phone, no talking, and most importantly, no incessant nagging.

Didn't cure you of your own infernal dronings though, did it?

Mister Vain

magicmushroom wrote: »

Haha, when I told the people in my office I was going to Rome by myself and thinking of staying in someone's house (air bnb) they nearly passed out with the shock! Then I got a lecture about safety, travelling alone, being mugged etc...
I'm not saying more anything about it to them, keeping my plans to myself because I don't really want or need the negativity.

Same here. I don't give away much. I can't understand the negativity a lot of people have about it. I don't question anybody who goes abroad just to sit in an Irish bar and get pissed when you could do that here. If that's what they want let them at it.

scdublin wrote: »

Why? There's loads of people in their 30's who still go clubbing in Ibiza and the likes. Never really understood why it's considered weird at a certain age. Maybe it's because a lot of people that age are settling down having kids, getting married etc but that's not for everyone either.

It depends on the place too I reckon. My local nightclub, (its closed now) but it always had a more mature crowd on a Saturday night. Then there's Time in Naas for example which is full of teeny boppers and anybody over 25 is a dinosaur.

scdublin

Mister Vain wrote: »

It depends on the place too I reckon. My local nightclub, (its closed now) but it always had a more mature crowd on a Saturday night. Then there's Time in Naas for example which is full of teeny boppers and anybody over 25 is a dinosaur.

That's true yeah!

ScumLord

eternal wrote: »

I've been abroad a lot on my own. PM me if you need advice, I couldn't be bothered writing about it.

What's the point in sending you a PM if you're not going to write anything?


Always go alone, whenever I go on holidays with people I know I seem to spend half the day waiting around for people. It's much better to go alone and do as you please, it's a real holiday.

Stay in hostels and once people find out your Irish they'll drag you everywhere using your nationality as an excuse to party.

whatismyname

ScumLord wrote: »

What's the point in sending you a PM if you're not going to write anything?


Always go alone, whenever I go on holidays with people I know I seem to spend half the day waiting around for people. It's much better to go alone and do as you please, it's a real holiday.

Stay in hostels and once people find out your Irish they'll drag you everywhere using your nationality as an excuse to party.

Haha yes, in my experience, being Irish when abroad alone can be a great advantage

eternal

ScumLord wrote: »

What's the point in sending you a PM if you're not going to write anything?


Always go alone, whenever I go on holidays with people I know I seem to spend half the day waiting around for people. It's much better to go alone and do as you please, it's a real holiday.

Stay in hostels and once people find out your Irish they'll drag you everywhere using your nationality as an excuse to party.

To give the person advice as stated which I did eventually.

Wondering Sunflower

Hi, I'm new on here, didn't know how to post my own thread and found this discussion. I'm heading off on my own for a weekend to a busy town in Ireland during the busy summer months, going to stay in a hotel and do active stuff while I'm away, walking, cycling etc. I've never gone away on my own before. Would it seem odd to others at where I'm staying if I'm eating on my own etc. Just wondering what people's thoughts on it would be?

lennyloulou

Delighted to read this thread
I'm in my 30s. Widowed three months and have no kids. All my friends have kids and no time or money for that get away.
I would love to see a bit of the world. Looked at adventure tour groups but seems a big step for me right now.
I am thinking of booking a night away for myself in a posh hotel and spa. Have gone through hell the past few months. Kinda dreading being in my own in case something happens to me. I still think I will try a wee break away. It will be the first time in years away from my husband who sadly won't be with me.

Mister Vain

Wondering Sunflower wrote: »

Hi, I'm new on here, didn't know how to post my own thread and found this discussion. I'm heading off on my own for a weekend to a busy town in Ireland during the busy summer months, going to stay in a hotel and do active stuff while I'm away, walking, cycling etc. I've never gone away on my own before. Would it seem odd to others at where I'm staying if I'm eating on my own etc. Just wondering what people's thoughts on it would be?

Not at all, and even if they do, so what? You'll probably never see them again. Go go it.

The Adversary

Being in a strange country with even stranger people all on your lonesome? Couldn't think of anything worse to be honest.

jaymcg91

lennyloulou wrote: »

Delighted to read this thread
I'm in my 30s. Widowed three months and have no kids. All my friends have kids and no time or money for that get away.
I would love to see a bit of the world. Looked at adventure tour groups but seems a big step for me right now.
I am thinking of booking a night away for myself in a posh hotel and spa. Have gone through hell the past few months. Kinda dreading being in my own in case something happens to me. I still think I will try a wee break away. It will be the first time in years away from my husband who sadly won't be with me.

I'm sorry to hear that but definitely do it! The most important relationship that you'll ever have is with yourself, and a spa would be perfect for some TLC and relaxation for yourself.

I go traveling multiple times a year across the world on my own; my friends are either in college, broke, or in relationships and the (usually GFs) have an issue with their other half going away. Life is too short to be held back by fear guys .

Heat_Wave

Sometimes I genuinely consider taking out a loan just to book myself into a health spa/spa resort for a good week.

No phone. No earphones. No company. Just myself and a book by the vitality pool = bliss

MRnotlob606

i want ****ing hash

JoseJones

The Adversary wrote: »

Being in a strange country with even stranger people all on your lonesome? Couldn't think of anything worse to be honest.

Can't be much worse than being in a familiar country full of even stranger people.

RoyalMarine

I went to Lanzarote 2 years ago on my own. Spent 10 days there, and loved every second of it.

DoYouEvenLift

The Adversary wrote: »

Being in a strange country with even stranger people all on your lonesome? Couldn't think of anything worse to be honest.

Stick to confining yourself to your comfort zone then.

silverfeather

Personally no I would usually prefer someone.

TheLastMohican

Some of my best holliers were before I married. Deadly exciting, lots of leg-over, the dynamics of a new mating and the can't keep my hands off you time.
Grab it while you can. Before you get grabbed.

Aglomerado

ScumLord wrote: »

What's the point in sending you a PM if you're not going to write anything?


Always go alone, whenever I go on holidays with people I know I seem to spend half the day waiting around for people. It's much better to go alone and do as you please, it's a real holiday.

Stay in hostels and once people find out your Irish they'll drag you everywhere using your nationality as an excuse to party.

This drives me mad when I go on holidays with friends who just want to stay in bed. Once I went for a long walk in the morning thinking they'd be up when I got back, so we could go to a museum we'd talked about the night before. I got back around 2pm and there was still snoring going on!

I'm happy enough if there are plenty of places within walking distance to go and have a quiet beer/ coffee by myself.

More recently I've been taking 4-7 day city breaks by myself. I've done Lisbon, Rome, Krakow, as well as bits of the Camino de Santiago. Also, Lorient this August for the Interceltique festival. The list of future places I plan to visit by myself is as long as my arm!

kylith

Aglomerado wrote: »

This drives me mad when I go on holidays with friends who just want to stay in bed. Once I went for a long walk in the morning thinking they'd be up when I got back, so we could go to a museum we'd talked about the night before. I got back around 2pm and there was still snoring going on!

I'm happy enough if there are plenty of places within walking distance to go and have a quiet beer/ coffee by myself.

More recently I've been taking city breaks by myself. I've done Lisbon, Rome, Krakow, as well as bits of the Camino de Santiago. Also, Lorient this August for the Interceltique festival. The list of future places I plan to visit by myself is as long as my arm!

I had the same experience. Got up, went for breakfast, did some sightseeing, went back to the hotel about lunchtime and they were still asleep. Left a message basically saying 'Fck the lot of ye' and went off to do my own thing for the rest of the day. Much happier by myself when I don't have to be waiting on other people.

mrcheez

walkingshadow wrote: »

Anyone here holiday alone? I'm in my late 20s and anxious to take a sun holiday this summer to Greece, but for one reason or another friends, etc. cannot go. Do people here ever go on holidays alone? Does it get lonely? Would a guy alone be weird going clubbing etc?!

I would always travel solo when possible. Been around the world 3 times and have met countless people that I wouldn't have had I been part of a large group.

As a solo traveller it's easier to meet other travellers as ironically solo travellers tend to stick together and would generally avoid a large group of friends who sometimes create an impenetrable wall around them.

Spur-of-the-moment decision changes and not having to coordinate with someone else is one of the main benefits, plus you have lots of good tales to tell when you meet up with your mates back home.

Thargor

mrcheez wrote: »

I would always travel solo when possible. Been around the world 3 times and have met countless people that I wouldn't have had I been part of a large group.

As a solo traveller it's easier to meet other travellers as ironically solo travellers tend to stick together and would generally avoid a large group of friends who sometimes create an impenetrable wall around them.

Spur-of-the-moment decision changes and not having to coordinate with someone else is one of the main benefits, plus you have lots of good tales to tell when you meet up with your mates back home.

A bit o/t but when you say "been around the world", I always have to ask how people do this? I find one week holidays such as skiing or a couple of weeks interrailing utterly exhausting. How did you travel and did it cost a fortune?

Mister Vain

Thargor wrote: »

A bit o/t but when you say "been around the world", I always have to ask how people do this? I find one week holidays such as skiing or a couple of weeks interrailing utterly exhausting. How did you travel and did it cost a fortune?

Yeah I've often wondered about that too, and also, how much of the world they've actually seen.

Sleepy

As a family man with a very limited amount of free-time and disposable cash I don't really get to do it any more (would feel guilty depriving the kids of a holiday to go on one myself) but I loved the holidays I took on my own. The hostels really are the key to it imo, in a hotel, you're unlikely to meet many fellow travellers where as in a hostel it's pretty much mandatory to join in the party at least some of the time.

I reckon a week in a generic beach holiday resort on my own would be pretty miserable for me tbh. I'm not the most out-going and can be a bit socially awkward at times so it'd involve an awful lot of time just wandering around, reading and eating way too much. In a city environment or more cultural destination (e.g. Split in Croatia, Amalfi Coast in Italy) where there's plenty to do and see, I'm in my element. The hostels being such social places, it really doesn't take much effort for even a naturally shy person to find a group to enjoy a few drinks with in the evening and often to go see things the next day... I once went to see the Russian State Ballet doing The Nutcracker in the Vienna Opera House with a Welsh student, a Texan magician and a sheep farmer from New Zealand!

Would love to go do more solo-travel but it'll have to wait for the finances to improve significantly and the kids to be a bit older!

mrcheez

Thargor wrote: »

A bit o/t but when you say "been around the world", I always have to ask how people do this? I find one week holidays such as skiing or a couple of weeks interrailing utterly exhausting. How did you travel and did it cost a fortune?

Mister Vain wrote: »

Yeah I've often wondered about that too, and also, how much of the world they've actually seen.

Saved up lots and travelled cheaply, came back broke after 18 months. Rinse and repeat!

Can't say I'm doing the same now that I have a mortgage

How much have I seen? Jesus dunno. All of the Americas / half of Africa / all of SEA / Oz / NZ / half of mid-East / India / most of Europe.

Thinking China / Japan next, but these days I mostly just take a relaxing sun holiday somewhere like Spain :rolleyes:

Aglomerado

Sleepy wrote: »

As a family man with a very limited amount of free-time and disposable cash I don't really get to do it any more (would feel guilty depriving the kids of a holiday to go on one myself) but I loved the holidays I took on my own. The hostels really are the key to it imo, in a hotel, you're unlikely to meet many fellow travellers where as in a hostel it's pretty much mandatory to join in the party at least some of the time.

+1 - hostels are the best for solo travellers! I'm quite introverted but I find if I force myself to sit in the communal areas I get talking to people easily enough.
Sometimes you can get hostels that organise events for guests, pub crawls, sangria nights etc. Joining these is always good!

Spanish Eyes

I am going to travel on my own for the first time. Partner is going on a boys only golfing trip later in the year, so I decided I would do something myself. I am hoping to fly into Naples, get the train to Sorrento and base myself there. I can get to Pompeii, Positano and Capri etc. from there. Sounds idyllic with plenty to see and do.

BUT I am a bit nervous. Well excited but terrified I must be honest. Anyway, as a more ahem....mature in age person I decided on an hotel.

But having read some of your posts here, I would love the idea of a hostel (I would need my own room, I snore like hell and I wouldn't inflict that on anyone!) so would anyone be able to recommend a website for hostels that they have used, and found ok.

I suppose it would be OK to use a hostel when I am waaaaay past my twenties now. or would I feel awkward or anything?

Sorry for the stupid questions.

Thanks.

Mister Vain

mrcheez wrote: »

Saved up lots and travelled cheaply, came back broke after 18 months. Rinse and repeat!

Can't say I'm doing the same now that I have a mortgage

How much have I seen? Jesus dunno. All of the Americas / half of Africa / all of SEA / Oz / NZ / half of mid-East / India / most of Europe.

Thinking China / Japan next, but these days I mostly just take a relaxing sun holiday somewhere like Spain :rolleyes:

Yes poor you.

Aglomerado

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

I am going to travel on my own for the first time. Partner is going on a boys only golfing trip later in the year, so I decided I would do something myself. I am hoping to fly into Naples, get the train to Sorrento and base myself there. I can get to Pompeii, Positano and Capri etc. from there. Sounds idyllic with plenty to see and do.

BUT I am a bit nervous. Well excited but terrified I must be honest. Anyway, as a more ahem....mature in age person I decided on an hotel.

But having read some of your posts here, I would love the idea of a hostel (I would need my own room, I snore like hell and I wouldn't inflict that on anyone!) so would anyone be able to recommend a website for hostels that they have used, and found ok.

I suppose it would be OK to use a hostel when I am waaaaay past my twenties now. or would I feel awkward or anything?

Sorry for the stupid questions.

Thanks.

I thought I would be the oldest in the hostel I stayed in in Krakow. (35 at the time). But there were a few grey haired folk in the communal areas!
I did pay extra for a private room, though, I like my comforts! Dormitories for the Camino Albergues only!

Hostelworld is the main one I use.

Spanish Eyes

Aglomerado wrote: »

I thought I would be the oldest in the hostel I stayed in in Krakow. (35 at the time). But there were a few grey haired folk in the communal areas!
I did pay extra for a private room, though, I like my comforts! Dormitories for the Camino Albergues only!

Hostelworld is the main one I use.

Thanks for the encouragement!

The Camino is on the list too. Not sure about the albergues though, they sounds awful on the Camino website, bedbugs, snorers, very early risers disturbing everyone else, and a curfew!

I suppose I could stay a night or two, and slum it in a private room other times. I know the albergues are part of the fun, meeting people etc. Just sounds a bit..... I dunno, awful to me! But each to their own I suppose.

Aglomerado

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Thanks for the encouragement!

The Camino is on the list too. Not sure about the albergues though, they sounds awful on the Camino website, bedbugs, snorers, very early risers disturbing everyone else, and a curfew!

I suppose I could stay a night or two, and slum it in a private room other times. I know the albergues are part of the fun, meeting people etc. Just sounds a bit..... I dunno, awful to me! But each to their own I suppose.

I thought they would be awful. But I was pleasantly surprised last year. After walking 20 miles you tend to sleep very well and I think only once or twice was I disturbed by snoring.

You need to be out early if you want to stop walking before the sun gets too hot so it's worth getting up. Common sense applies - prepare your kit for the morning the evening before for minimum flapping about, and don't rustle plastic bags to disturb others.

Some albergues have bars and provide communal dinners with wine/ beer etc, which helps with the social aspect, and the wine aids sleep!

Didn't experience bedbugs myself though.(Thankfully!) A good sleeping bag liner is a worthwhile investment.

I'm picking up where I left off last year later this summer. It'll entail a couple of days exploring Bilbao at each end so I'm looking forward to that too!

Thargor

mrcheez wrote: »

Saved up lots and travelled cheaply, came back broke after 18 months. Rinse and repeat!

Can't say I'm doing the same now that I have a mortgage

How much have I seen? Jesus dunno. All of the Americas / half of Africa / all of SEA / Oz / NZ / half of mid-East / India / most of Europe.

Thinking China / Japan next, but these days I mostly just take a relaxing sun holiday somewhere like Spain :rolleyes:

Thanks. Whats the travelling cheaply though? Are you flying between those locations or hitching/jumping trains etc? Id love to do it but I really dont know where to start looking. Ive looked at independent traveling blogs loads of times but their figures are always bullsh1t, stated fares literally thousands of Euro less than anything I could book...

Do you have a definitive guide to doing it or did you make it up as you went yourself?

Sleepy

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

I am going to travel on my own for the first time. Partner is going on a boys only golfing trip later in the year, so I decided I would do something myself. I am hoping to fly into Naples, get the train to Sorrento and base myself there. I can get to Pompeii, Positano and Capri etc. from there. Sounds idyllic with plenty to see and do.

You'll have a blast, that part of Italy is heaven.

BUT I am a bit nervous. Well excited but terrified I must be honest. Anyway, as a more ahem....mature in age person I decided on an hotel.

I'm in my mid-thirties myself and my mother just embarked on a second career working as a holiday rep in precisely the area you're planning on visiting!

But having read some of your posts here, I would love the idea of a hostel (I would need my own room, I snore like hell and I wouldn't inflict that on anyone!) so would anyone be able to recommend a website for hostels that they have used, and found ok.

I suppose it would be OK to use a hostel when I am waaaaay past my twenties now. or would I feel awkward or anything?

Most hostels have private rooms and I've certainly enjoyed the company of many silver haired travellers in the hostels before. You can meet some very odd people but often they're the best ones to make you re-evaluate some of your views on things and/or give you a great laugh!

Sorry for the stupid questions.

The only stupid question is the one that goes unasked!

Spanish Eyes

Aglomerado wrote: »

I thought they would be awful. But I was pleasantly surprised last year. After walking 20 miles you tend to sleep very well and I think only once or twice was I disturbed by snoring.

You need to be out early if you want to stop walking before the sun gets too hot so it's worth getting up. Common sense applies - prepare your kit for the morning the evening before for minimum flapping about, and don't rustle plastic bags to disturb others.

Some albergues have bars and provide communal dinners with wine/ beer etc, which helps with the social aspect, and the wine aids sleep!

Didn't experience bedbugs myself though.(Thankfully!) A good sleeping bag liner is a worthwhile investment.

I'm picking up where I left off last year later this summer. It'll entail a couple of days exploring Bilbao at each end so I'm looking forward to that too!

It does seem like a great adventure alright, and meeting lots of different people along the way.

I think the Albergues are out for me, because I wouldn't sleep at all, I'd be too afraid of keeping everyone awake with MY snoring. lols.

Am hoping to do the first leg of the CF from St. Jean in May next year, all going well. Haven't figured how far to go but am doing my research! And walking up and down a lot of hills in training. A year of pretend training should just about do it!!

The Backwards Man

I wouldn't be one for the hostels now, fancy hotels all the way. Well, by fancy I mean private bathroom. Nothing puts you off a stranger like the smell of their poo.

Aglomerado

The Backwards Man wrote: »

I wouldn't be one for the hostels now, fancy hotels all the way. Well, by fancy I mean private bathroom. Nothing puts you off a stranger like the smell of their poo.

Yeah on the Camino you will hear the sounds of "bum trumpets" and "piles of old shoes falling out of lofts" from the communal toilets.

Still gave me a giggle though!!!

Spanish Eyes

Sleepy wrote: »

You'll have a blast, that part of Italy is heaven.


I'm in my mid-thirties myself and my mother just embarked on a second career working as a holiday rep in precisely the area you're planning on visiting!


Most hostels have private rooms and I've certainly enjoyed the company of many silver haired travellers in the hostels before. You can meet some very odd people but often they're the best ones to make you re-evaluate some of your views on things and/or give you a great laugh!


The only stupid question is the one that goes unasked!

Thank you SO much for the encouragement. Exactly what I need, a right kick up the eighties, and just DO IT!

What could possibly go wrong lol.

Yes, I was in Northern Italy for the first time in March in Sirmione on Lake Garda. OMG OMG, what a beautiful part of the world that is. And the people are hilarious and so welcoming. As for the grub, well, I don't need to say it was good do I?

So for my solo trip, I'm hoping to go South. It looks fabulous, and the Pompeii aspect suits me down to the ground. I love archaeology, and I can do it at my own pace. Even go back to it a second or third time. Easy to get to on the train I see.

Thanks again for the wonderful encouragement. I'm so excited, but very nervous too. I think that's natural though.

mrcheez

Thargor wrote: »

Thanks. Whats the travelling cheaply though? Are you flying between those locations or hitching/jumping trains etc? Id love to do it but I really dont know where to start looking. Ive looked at independent traveling blogs loads of times but their figures are always bullsh1t, stated fares literally thousands of Euro less than anything I could book...

For most places the expensive part is getting there (i.e. airfare). Once there you can skimp on luxuries and take the local buses and organise trips once at your destination as, depending on the country, you can usually haggle some sort of price (it would be costly to get a travel agency to do it from here, for example).

If it's your first time travelling solo, do the South-East Asia (onward to Oz if you have time) leg as it's a good introduction to backpacking. South America would be the second-best option but you'll need Spanish/Portuguese to really enjoy it.

So, assuming you choose SEA, head for Bangkok. Stay first night in a nice hotel to get over jet-lag, then head to Khao San Road (or just off it is better) for cheap accommodation and meeting fellow travellers and booking your next onward trip for a cheap price.

Thargor wrote: »

Do you have a definitive guide to doing it or did you make it up as you went yourself?

Lonely Planet is really the bible for these kinds of trips. You make it up as you go along, but generally start out with recommendations from a travel guide.

PM me if you have any questions

eisenberg1

Talib Fiasco wrote: »

Yeah I go to magaluf on my own every summer to ride loads of scruffy young ones to make up for the lack of company in my non-holiday life.

I was on hols in Majorca a few years ago. For the return to the airport, a coach collected us at about 3am, and we passed they Magaluf approx 4am. Sweet divine Jesus, what a **** hole, union flags Everywhere and people puking and fighting all over the place. Maybe I just caught it a bad time:D