Europe travel tips for singles
Written by Karen Bryan
Some single women are choosing not to go on holiday if they would have to go alone. Of the 11% of women who never take a break, almost half are single and most often aged 45 – 54 and separated, divorced or widowed. I think it can be a daunting thought to go on holiday alone, especially if you are recently single, never mind paying the high single supplements. I think that similar issues must exist for some single men too.
I was approached by a recently divorced lady last month, asking if I had any ideas for European travel tips for singles. I said that perhaps some type of activity holiday would be a good option. I think the problem with singles holidays is all that you have in common with other participants is that you are single. If you go on a holiday where the focus is a topic or hobby, whether that’s walking, painting, cycling, yoga or learning a language, then a least you will not have to think about how to fill your days, you will be doing something that is of interest to you and you will have this common bond with the other participants.
I’ve travelled alone a lot for business over the years. I am fine during the day, usually meeting up with suppliers, exploring etc but I have to admit the evenings can be a problem. I still don’t feel entirely comfortable sitting eating alone over dinner. Do you have any strategies for travelling alone?
photo by Randy OHC
Interesting to see that Francisca Kellett of the Telegraph has picked up on this:
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/travel/franciscakellett/may/women.htm
However she adopts a rather scathing, scolding tone asking these non travelling single women what’s wrong with them and saying that travelling alone can be a complete joy! Her advice is to take an accompanied tour with similarly minded singles. That’s my beef, being single does not mean you will anything in common with other single people.
On my solo roadtrip across the USA, it is obvious that I was a lone traveller to the locals when I visit a cafe/pub/restaurant, and you usually be able to strike up a conversation with the staff or one of the locals.
One thing you have to remember that when travelling abroad, not every country is like Britain, keeping a stiff upper lip – so drop the British reserve and pluck up the courage. On the US trip, talking about the presidential elections that was going on at the time was a good conversation starter – so get to know about current affairs. Failing that, look up on football and talk about that instead!
Good tips about being up on current affairs, a lot easier doing this in English though! Might be hard for the average female to be enthusiastic about football.
I also think that a lot depends on your personality and positive feedback. I’m quite happy to chat away to strangers, years of practice being a market research interviewer. If you chat to a few people and get a positive response you’re more like to keep doing it, Whereas if you get a lukewarm or cold response it could put you off.
Maybe talk about the pin-up football stars, whoever is the most attractive, or something?
As for English, I find that it is worth trying as people do like to try it out, and if you get short shrift, you’re not going to be there long anyway and unlikely to come across them!
I think a positive attitude is needed and this would be conveyed – if you’re pessimitic, the other person will pick up on it and most likely to be pessimitic back to you, reinforcing the problem!
I’m normally quite a quiet person, but when I’m abroad, I do sometimes make an effort if one of the evenings is too quiet for my taste.
As long as a woman doesn’t chat to a guy about her favourite pin-up, in case he thinks you are comparing him unfavourably with the pin-up or are only interested in men for their looks rather than their riveting personalities. Seriously I think your are right. Kyle about having a cheerful, upbeat attitude. I do realise that this is very difficult for some shy or reserved person and can understand why they’ might rather stay at home. That’s why I suggest a themed holiday as you have a ready topic in which all there are interested.