Traveling Alone, good or bad idea?

[Jessica S]

Vacationing alone?

So I have been wanting to go on Vacay for more than a year now. I have tried numerous times to book with friends who back out for one reason or the other . Some have to work, or can't afford it at the time which I completely understand. Other friends just talk about going away and that's all it adds up to. I really want a change of scenery. My top places to go would be the Bahamas, Costa Rica or Dominican Republic. I want to lay on a beach, read a book and drink. Maybe a little bit of partying to. So I'm toying around with the idea of just going on my own. I'm a little nervous though being a female traveling on her own to a place I have not been before. I could be seen as an easy target for creeps. Also I'm a little on the shy side so I'm not sure if I would make friends easily on the resort. I suppose their would be plenty of activities such as scuba diving and local shopping to keep me busy. Can I really have fun on my own while vacationing? Has anyone ever vacationed on their own and what were the results? Or should I just wait until one of my friends can come along with me?

 

[5hummer]

Vacationing alone?

Consult with a travel agent. There are group travels you can join, etc.

I've had to travel alone (business), but I find it's easy to meet people everywhere. Besides, I'm sure you're easy on the eyes. :wink:

 

[Rockslinger]

I called this SP a few years ago. She picked up and we chatted a bit and then she told me she was in Mexico with a "client". Hint, hint.

 

[sircumsalot69]

Vacationing alone?

So I have been wanting to go on Vacay for more than a year now. I have tried numerous times to book with friends who back out for one reason or the other . Some have to work, or can't afford it at the time which I completely understand. Other friends just talk about going away and that's all it adds up to. I really want a change of scenery. My top places to go would be the Bahamas, Costa Rica or Dominican Republic. I want to lay on a beach, read a book and drink. Maybe a little bit of partying to. So I'm toying around with the idea of just going on my own. I'm a little nervous though being a female traveling on her own to a place I have not been before. I could be seen as an easy target for creeps. Also I'm a little on the shy side so I'm not sure if I would make friends easily on the resort. I suppose their would be plenty of activities such as scuba diving and local shopping to keep me busy. Can I really have fun on my own while vacationing? Has anyone ever vacationed on their own and what were the results? Or should I just wait until one of my friends can come along with me?

Sent you a PM with some recommendations....didn't want all of TERB to be booking trips and following you around. LOL

 

[xyconyx]

Vacationing alone?

So I have been wanting to go on Vacay for more than a year now. I have tried numerous times to book with friends who back out for one reason or the other . Some have to work, or can't afford it at the time which I completely understand. Other friends just talk about going away and that's all it adds up to. I really want a change of scenery. My top places to go would be the Bahamas, Costa Rica or Dominican Republic. I want to lay on a beach, read a book and drink. Maybe a little bit of partying to. So I'm toying around with the idea of just going on my own. I'm a little nervous though being a female traveling on her own to a place I have not been before. I could be seen as an easy target for creeps. Also I'm a little on the shy side so I'm not sure if I would make friends easily on the resort. I suppose their would be plenty of activities such as scuba diving and local shopping to keep me busy. Can I really have fun on my own while vacationing? Has anyone ever vacationed on their own and what were the results? Or should I just wait until one of my friends can come along with me?

I've been many places alone and I have to say that in some places even being a guy alone can be daunting.
But meeting people comes way easier alone too
Just be aware of yourself and your surroundings
And inform yourself of your destination before you even book your flight

Hope you have fun

X

 

[Aardvark154]

Speak with a travel agent you trust, some places are perfectly fine for a woman traveling alone, others I wouldn't wish on my least favorite person in the world. A travel agent worthy of your business should know all about this.

 

[pusher69]

Nothing wrong with travelling alone. I do it all the time for work and the last time I went on vacation.
Just be aware of your surroundings and do not accept any drinks/food/gifts from strangers.

Stay on the resort and only venture out in groups with a hotel or resort approved guide.

Keep a contact at home and check in every day or two.

 

[Fifi_ulla]

Just like you, I have travelled solo sometimes to all-inclusives because I couldn't schedule with a friend at the same time. I've never regretted it. Just go for it, you'll have a great time.

If your requirement really is to lay on the beach, read a book and drink, you could pick a 5 star all-inclusive resort, (Personally I like the equivalent of Riu or Iberostar) and only leave the hotel with organized excursions, you'll be fine. The people who get hassled are those who want the 'local' experience and decide to venture out on their own with trips, clubbing and transportation. Of course, other tourists will try to be friendly in the hotel, so it really is up to you who to respond to and not. Use Tripadvisor to check out other travelers reviews.

Some resorts don't allow children, so if you want to avoid screaming kids running around, that is something to consider.

Also be aware that some hotels charge an additional single supplement if you are travelling alone, depending on the time of year.

 

[Jessica S]

Thanks everyone for the tips and those who PM me I have replied. I shall look into getting a good travel agent who can further advise me of safe places to travel alone. I'm hoping to get away by the end of this month or early October for a week. We shall see what happens

 

[nobody123]

It totally depends on your personality. I found travelling alone to be kinda sad and lonely. I know others who love it.

 

[Fifi_ulla]

In my opinion, it's only sad and lonely if
a- You go to a 'honeymoon' resort where everyone is a couple. They tend to be pricey packages too so with a little research and travel agent, I don't think the OP would end up in one of those.
b- You keep to yourself and refuse to talk to anyone, including the staff (bartenders and animation staff tend to be very friendly if you reciprocate), and then feel sorry for yourself (in which case, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy)
c- You talk only to couples and honeymooners who feel obligated to 'feel sorry for you'. Don't waste your time on these couples. If they give you the 'oh that's so sad you're travelling without a friend or man/girlfriend" crap (I've had it happen to me), say thanks and walk away and find the people who are more positive. Most hotels have a mixed demographic of single, newlyweds and older folk...even women travelling together. If there is no one, even the animation crew will do their job which is to say hello to you - they work long hours but are INCREDIBLY upbeat and positive. They can then introduce you to others with the activities. If you do start to have fun with a group of people you click with, who you will see on a daily basis anyway, these same couples who felt sorry for you will look your way and wish they were having as much fun as you. But you know the rules like "the wife won't let me drink alcohol"..or "my husband doesn't like me talking to men" stops them from enjoying the experience.

 

[pipelayer]

I've travellerd extensively myself all over the world. I meet people pretty easily. The only times traveling alone is a bit difficult is at dinnertime. If you don't find a friend/companion/group to hang with, eating alone isn't much fun....But the good is you are on your own agenda. Do what you want when you want! Have fun and DO IT! Nothing to regret.

 

[punter]

Don't go to India.

 

[bestman007]

Don't go to India.

Don't go to Syria!

 

[Rockslinger]

Don't go to India.

Don't go to Mexico!

 

[kaempferrand]

I love traveling alone. Especially to places like Vegas. I don't hobby there but I love playing baccarat there. Having friends, significant others, family, etc, gets in my way of making money. A hell I see Vegas especially the baccarat tables at the Wynn/Encore, MGM Grand and the Aria as my office!

Well for Montreal and Toronto I definitely travel alone. LOL.

 

[Fifi_ulla]

Why no to Mexico all-inclusives? Playa Del Carmen and Cancun are just fine.

 

[bazokajoe]

I travel alone all the time.Whats the big deal?
Why deny yourself the desire to travel just because your friends don't/can't go.If your going to 3rd world countries like Cuba/DR/Mexico,then you should be worried about your safety and health.
Best thing to do is sign up for activities to keep yourself busy and it will be with groups of people so it's much safer.

 

[spendin2much]

Try Club Med at Turks and Caicos....its adults only and lots of singles there to mingle with. You don't have to leave the resort unless you want to....great beach and ocean, excellent food and lots of people to meet up with,

 

[bolt.upright]

I have a female friend, early 50s, divorced, who went to Turkey alone and had a great time. She was with a tour group but still...