Just wanted to get some perspectives and thoughts on this. I have a couple of weeks holiday coming up very shortly and have nothing planned for it yet, I did have something but it fell through so I'm left in the wilderness of nothing.

I'd really like to go somewhere and do something but it will mean travelling on my own - none of my friends have holiday left or are busy or attached and not really interested in going with me. I've travelled on my own before and it was okay but I did find it quite lonely.

I'd really like to go to Madrid and Barcelona but worried that I'll just end up feeling lonely again - I mean, there are loads of great places to sightsee so I know I would be kept busy. There are also some "days out" I'd like to do in this country as well - places I'd like to go and see that don't normally get the chance. But again it means doing it by myself.

I know I need to have a bit of bravado about it otherwise I'll just do nothing and stay at home stroking the cat for a fortnight (lovely as he is, we might both get a bit bored). Any ideas how to conquer the fear?

I can imagine how you feel, but at the same time there are often times I would lOVE to be able to explore somewhere e.g. barcelona without someone (usually my hubby) moaning that its boring, he's too hot, he wants to go somewhere else (i.e. a football stadium), he's tired etc etc (not just hubby, ALL my friends do the same - not the football stadium bit though).

So I'd look at the positives. Plus if you get bored, you can leave when you want without having someone else annoying you. :-)

I would imagine the main time when lonliness may hit, would be mealtimes. But a good book, ooh maybe a kindle, could be handy here!

I would also do a little project - maybe a photographic project, while you're there. So you are using the time constructively, not just moping about under some beautiful building

I'm very jealous. (sprout)

Well, the mere fact that you're considering it makes you very different than me! I would hate it! I remember this horrible feeling of dread and fear I felt when, as a child, I got lost in a park and thought I'd never see my family again. I would expect to feel the same way travelling alone.

But, clearly, you're braver than me! You only have a couple of reservations so you should bite the bullet. Given your reservations, my advice would be not to go for too long - or, in the very least, not to stay in the same place for too long. A few days exploring on your own shouldn't be long enough for you to feel lonely. (up)

I'd say definitely go for it! I've not been on holiday by myself before but a few years ago I went to a conference in Amsterdam and travelled by myself. I was nervous about it beforehand, but ended up loving it. I arrived a few days early so I could do some sightseeing and really enjoyed being able to explore the place at my own pace and took lots of photos. It definitely improved my self-confidence that I was able to find my way around by myself. :-)

I say go for it! The best times I've had recently have been when I have had time to just potter around by myself in art galleries, museums and castles etc. I do freelance work away from home so end up in hotels or b&bs by myself but I like the time to be able to read, watch tv in the evening, eat food in bed, and slob out. Then if I have free time I love being able to visit somewhere by myself.
Mealtimes are probably the worst though but I take a book to read while waiting to be served. Sometimes I get talking to the locals though. If you have a laptop take that with you if you can carry it (if not travelling by car) then you can update us on your travels each day and that should stop you feeling lonely.

I must admit I love the idea of doing a little "project". I guess it is mealtimes and just social time in the evenings I will miss having social interaction but I'm also quite friendly and don't have too much trouble talking to people. Failing that, I'll just wear myself out so much during the day I won't be wanting to party too much!

Over the last couple of years I have done a few trips by myself. I was really worried about doing these at first, but I just had to get out there and do it and realise it was not as scary as I thought.
I did find staying in hostels rather than hotels was helpful. I found that from here I could meet other people who were travelling alone and often find people who wanted to see the same things, so we would go together. Many hostels now also offer the option of having a private on suite room, so you don't have to share a room with lots of bunk beds in it!
I have found that there are a lot of advantages to travelling alone, you don't have to worry about what other people would like to do, and so spend time doing and seeing what you would like to.

dare I say the B word? maybe you could write a Blog? and update it each night with a journal entry and photos? That would keep you busy and be a great momento in years to come :-)

I'd say go for it too. I've done quite a lot of travelling on my own (including to Barcelona and Madrid) and really enjoy it. There are times when loneliness can strike - particularly at mealtimes, or in the evenings, I found. But I agree with whoever suggested staying in hostels - generally there are other lone travellers there, and people are generally open to chatting to people they don't know or even arranging to go out for meals etc with people they don't know. I found that was one of the most fun bits of travelling on my own in the end.

I agree with the suggestion of making a project of it. I always keep a detailed diary when I travel alone - writing the diary gives me something to do in the evenings if I don't meet up with other people, and somewhere to express my feelings or thoughts about the things I've done or seen. Also, a good book that you can bury yourself in is really important, and can be great camouflage if you ever feel conspicuous being alone.

Travelling alone can be awkward and lonely at times, but I still think it's well worth it. The control you have over what you do, the feeling of it being an intrepid adventure, it's really good fun.

Oooh Dan I am jealous - I would love to have some time in Barcelona on my own (I go every year with undergrads and it would be so nice just once not to keep doing head counts or telling them to take their note books out). I was also in Madrid for a conference and had most of a day to look around - it's a lovely city (as is Barcelona) - great art collections.

If you want an itinerary for Barcelona then I can send you my fieldwork itinerary (and the notes I base my talks on) if you like - we focus on urban regeneration and urban tourism (so we go to the Olympic sites etc but also go to some of the less touristy areas) but there's lots on Catalan nationalism and its impact on the city, art, history and so on. Barcelona has some pretty avant garde art / cultural centres (as well as the Gaudi which is just gorgeous). If you like seafood you can get fab food and the weather will be pleasant (nnot too hot) at this tiem of year.

GO FOR IT!!!!

Well in that case I think I'm gonna go for it and stop worrying so much - I have a few books I want to get through actually! And after a good day sightseeing I'm sure I'll not be going to bed late anyway. Plus it seems a friend of mine has moved to Barcelona for work (how did I not know!) so there will be someone to meet up with.

And the other week, I have seen a cookery class not far from here in the town my friend lives and was telling me about. So I think I'll sign up to that too and have a few days out shopping. Maybe a little flirting too...

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I travelled alone before going to Uni in SE Asia and Australia and spent very little time actually being alone. There were times when it wasn't easy but they were out wieghted by the great times and people I met- some on whom I'm still in contact with 10 years later!

Staying in hostels made it very easy to meet people. I quite liked being in dorm rooms as they became instant people to talk to, but as someone said you can also get a provate room and meet people in communal facilities.

Have a great trip :-)

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[quote]Quote From ra24:

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Right...And what's this got to do with the price of fish?

Yes, definitely do it! I find that it can sometimes be a bit lonely staying in hotels on your own; therefore, unless you really like your own company, I would suggest looking for some kind of alternative accommodation where you have the chance to meet people etc. There are some wonderful 'grown up' hostels on the continent, you just have to look for them. Take lots of books and music and you will be fine. I went to France on my own for seven weeks and it was one of the best things I ever did. Barcelona is wonderful too.. so much to do - you definitely won't get bored. Enjoy!