What else do you do solo?

[ozliz]

I’m hoping to find the views of other solo travellers here. I’ve been single for a long time now and quite confidently do most things solo. Movies, eating out, travelling, cruising, etc. However, every now and then I see something aimed at couples that I would love to do. Even if I could find a friend to do it with (most have partners, kids, etc. and need to use their $ for family travel) I feel like some of these experiences really aren’t suited to friends. I’m talking about the type of thing where getting rooms with two separate beds isn’t even an option. Also, there are times where being surrounded by couples for a romantic night out feels a bit awkward and potentially intrusive. Have any of the other solo travellers out there found a way around these? Or, is there anything you’ve tried solo and been surprised how great it was?

Most of the time I’m quite happy single which is probably why I haven’t made much effort to partner up again but on these rare occasions I feel like I’m missing out. I think it’s most obvious at the moment with all the COVID closures limiting activities but I still think it’s worth talking about here.

 

[brad813]

I’m hoping to find the views of other solo travellers here. I’ve been single for a long time now and quite confidently do most things solo. Movies, eating out, travelling, cruising, etc. However, every now and then I see something aimed at couples that I would love to do. Even if I could find a friend to do it with (most have partners, kids, etc. and need to use their $ for family travel) I feel like some of these experiences really aren’t suited to friends. I’m talking about the type of thing where getting rooms with two separate beds isn’t even an option. Also, there are times where being surrounded by couples for a romantic night out feels a bit awkward and potentially intrusive. Have any of the other solo travellers out there found a way around these? Or, is there anything you’ve tried solo and been surprised how great it was?

Most of the time I’m quite happy single which is probably why I haven’t made much effort to partner up again but on these rare occasions I feel like I’m missing out. I think it’s most obvious at the moment with all the COVID closures limiting activities but I still think it’s worth talking about here.

I too am among the perpetually single and do pretty much everything alone as you do(including getting the dreaded singles supplement when cruising). The only place where I seem to have an issue is really couples only resorts like Sandals(although they do have a family oriented brand as well). There are all-inclusives that are more accepting of singles, but most are oriented towards couples and families, and the ones that accept solo travelers usually charge double their already exorbitant prices, so that tends to anger me more than a little. Could I get a single female friend to go with me? Probably, but it wouldn’t feel right unless I am very close with them.

 

[DustWocky]

I hear you both on this one. Generally, even as a female, I’m completely comfortable and confident doing the solo thing, but I definitely find situations where I step back because it’s geared to couples. Haven’t found much of a way around that one. I too have paid supplemental fees for traveling solo on tours when no friend or family is available to tag along. If I want to do something or go somewhere and no one is around to join in, I just go it alone.

I don’t find this to be a huge issue at Disney to be honest. Because I’m a Floridian with an Annual Pass I also have a lot of flexibility and can usually find someone to join me if it’s more of a shared experience. Maybe I’ve just been oblivious to the more coupley events?

 

[brad813]

I hear you both on this one. Generally, even as a female, I’m completely comfortable and confident doing the solo thing, but I definitely find situations where I step back because it’s geared to couples. Haven’t found much of a way around that one. I too have paid supplemental fees for traveling solo on tours when no friend or family is available to tag along. If I want to do something or go somewhere and no one is around to join in, I just go it alone.

I don’t find this to be a huge issue at Disney to be honest. Because I’m a Floridian with an Annual Pass I also have a lot of flexibility and can usually find someone to join me if it’s more of a shared experience. Maybe I’ve just been oblivious to the more coupley events?

Disney does seem to go out of it’s way to make everyone feel welcome, for the most part. Theme parks are really good for solo. Even cruise lines are making strides in this, particularly NCL, but yes, tours and all inclusives can be hit or miss. Of course, there is always the option of organizing a group of solo travelers for tours and cruises, even if just a group of friends. Singles cruises, unfortunately, are geared towards those seeking to meet someone to some extent or another.

 

[Spinster Travel]

Just this morning I found a couple of great travel packages (non-Disney) that are totally geared to solo travelers (no penalty for single room). I travel solo for work all the time (well not currently thanks to the Rona), and am comfortable in my circumstances, but admit that the "couples" events are something I avoid because I think the best part about solo travel is meeting new people. With couples events, people aren't looking to make friends; they are looking to spend time with their partner, so its just not as fun. I find Disney to be great for solo trips...I love the trips I take with my friends to the Mouse House, but when I'm solo I can do whatever I want. The only thing I've not done solo at Disney is to dine at a table service restaurant. I usually prefer to eat at the bar when solo, and the table service options aren't as easy to find a spot at the bar, so I wind up eating Quick Service. My next trip is coming up and I'm considering booking a few reservations to see if I find that worthwhile.

 

[brad813]

Just this morning I found a couple of great travel packages (non-Disney) that are totally geared to solo travelers (no penalty for single room). I travel solo for work all the time (well not currently thanks to the Rona), and am comfortable in my circumstances, but admit that the "couples" events are something I avoid because I think the best part about solo travel is meeting new people. With couples events, people aren't looking to make friends; they are looking to spend time with their partner, so its just not as fun. I find Disney to be great for solo trips...I love the trips I take with my friends to the Mouse House, but when I'm solo I can do whatever I want. The only thing I've not done solo at Disney is to dine at a table service restaurant. I usually prefer to eat at the bar when solo, and the table service options aren't as easy to find a spot at the bar, so I wind up eating Quick Service. My next trip is coming up and I'm considering booking a few reservations to see if I find that worthwhile.

I went on a cruise once and was hanging out at a piano bar on board in the evenings. There was a couple of couples in the group, and I ended up keeping the wives company in the bar while their husbands went off to gamble one evening. Everyone got along and clearly I was trusted. Nice people. We had a good group of regulars until the last evening when this crazy(likely drunk) woman found the bar and managed to get on everyone’s nerves.

 

[ozliz]

Just this morning I found a couple of great travel packages (non-Disney) that are totally geared to solo travelers (no penalty for single room). I travel solo for work all the time (well not currently thanks to the Rona), and am comfortable in my circumstances, but admit that the "couples" events are something I avoid because I think the best part about solo travel is meeting new people. With couples events, people aren't looking to make friends; they are looking to spend time with their partner, so its just not as fun. I find Disney to be great for solo trips...I love the trips I take with my friends to the Mouse House, but when I'm solo I can do whatever I want. The only thing I've not done solo at Disney is to dine at a table service restaurant. I usually prefer to eat at the bar when solo, and the table service options aren't as easy to find a spot at the bar, so I wind up eating Quick Service. My next trip is coming up and I'm considering booking a few reservations to see if I find that worthwhile.

I say give it a try. If you’re like me and have travelled for work solo then chances are you’ve eaten in a restaurant solo before. I’ve done it plenty at Disney. One time even with a reservation they asked if I would be happy to sit at the bar - I said no. While I don’t mind sitting at a bar for dinner when I’m after a quick bite, in the parks my meals are to rest my feet and relax, I don’t want to perch on a stool as it’s not as relaxing as having a regular chair.

Also, I’ve done the solo bus tour thing plenty of times and last time it was a small group of all solo travellers. Was fantastic so I’m going to look for that more when the pandemic is done.

 

[mhf]

Does anyone else think cruise lines appear to be increasing solo rates after Covid? I occasionally could find 10%, sometimes 25%, now I"m seeing a lot of 50%, 75%, 100% supplements. The river cruises often will offer 0% so may try one of those once Europe opens up.
Thinking about WDW solo for the first time in late April...

 

[brad813]

Does anyone else think cruise lines appear to be increasing solo rates after Covid? I occasionally could find 10%, sometimes 25%, now I"m seeing a lot of 50%, 75%, 100% supplements. The river cruises often will offer 0% so may try one of those once Europe opens up.
Thinking about WDW solo for the first time in late April...

On cruises, a 100% single supplement is pretty standard. I don’t know if you were lucky enough to catch a special with your preferred line or you are seeing rates closer to brochure rates now(fares for cruises have gone up overall), but 100% single supplement is pretty standard.

 

[mhf]

On cruises, a 100% single supplement is pretty standard. I don’t know if you were lucky enough to catch a special with your preferred line or you are seeing rates closer to brochure rates now(fares for cruises have gone up overall), but 100% single supplement is pretty standard.

I usually check my favorite line's Solo Specials on their website. Snagged November 2021 to Med and MidEast at 25%. I also look at Cruise Plum which is a website that just lists deals and then you have to go to the cruise line or your TA to book

 

[brad813]

I usually check my favorite line's Solo Specials on their website. Snagged November 2021 to Med and MidEast at 25%. I also look at Cruise Plum which is a website that just lists deals and then you have to go to the cruise line or your TA to book

Direct message me the link to Cruise Plum if you will. I am about to rebook a cruise to 2022.

 

[Wild4Walt]

One of my best vacations have been solo trips. After my divorce I went to Hawaii and spent a week on the big island just chilling out at the pool but my favorite trip ever was a solo cruise to the Southern Caribbean. I was on a ship that had an adult only pool section and it was fabulous. I did tours as a single with others from the ship and I met some really nice people. I dined nightly in the dining room with a group of 7 other adults ( there was also another single woman in our dining party ) and it was wonderful. I am naturally an introvert so I did have to stretch myself to speak more with others. I found that once others on the tours knew I was on my own they were very friendly and most approached me first.

 

[mhf]

Direct message me the link to Cruise Plum if you will. I am about to rebook a cruise to 2022.

Sent a note but not sure I did it properly. A lot of Celebrity cruises showing up at 10%.

 

[The WDW 3]

Make Whoopee

 

[goofyernmost]

Make Whoopee

All you need for that is a Whoopee Cushion.

 

[brad813]

Sent a note but not sure I did it properly. A lot of Celebrity cruises showing up at 10%.

I actually prefer that line. Used to work in travel and I would personally choose that over it’s sister line, Royal Caribbean. I did get the message just fine, so thank you.

 

[ScubaCat]

The only thing I've not done solo at Disney is to dine at a table service restaurant. I usually prefer to eat at the bar when solo, and the table service options aren't as easy to find a spot at the bar, so I wind up eating Quick Service. My next trip is coming up and I'm considering booking a few reservations to see if I find that worthwhile.

I went solo for my first time last August and am going solo again in March. I had no issue at all sitting at a table for TS, although I eat out solo a lot for business travel so I guess it just isn't a big deal to me. It's just more comfortable to sit at a table than on a bar stool, especially after spending hours trekking around a park. My suggestion is to just try it. Most likely you'll be glad you did and will realize that it's quite pleasant.

Small tip - a lot of times the site/app won't show availability unless you select "2" guests, but you then just select "1" adult when you do mobile check-in so it's no issue from that standpoint. (Just a little tip in case you think something's not available, search for a party of 2 instead.)

 

[DaisyGeorgeLily]

The only thing I've not done solo at Disney is to dine at a table service restaurant. I usually prefer to eat at the bar when solo, and the table service options aren't as easy to find a spot at the bar, so I wind up eating Quick Service. My next trip is coming up and I'm considering booking a few reservations to see if I find that worthwhile.

Definitely give it a try. It's somewhat unlike dining solo in "real life" because everybody else is also out of their element and generally going to be too wrapped up in their own trip and companions to spend much time looking around at who else is dining. In general at WDW there's always something more interesting for people to be looking at than each other, which makes it good for solo trips! Even in linen tablecloth table service restaurants I haven't felt self conscious reading at the table, though I generally put the kindle/phone away when actually eating.

Table service is so much more of a "break" from the parks than quick service. I always leave much more recharged.

 

[jimmymc]

I do a lot of travel solo, and I always enjoy it. Oddly enough, the only place I've felt weird has been tapas or family dining restaurants. I think people assume you'll share Tapas dishes, but I'm still going to try Jaleo in March.

 

[Pinkshoos]

Traveling in a sleeper compartment on an Amtrak is an awesome thing to do solo. The roomettes are perfect for a single person. Plus, they're so quiet, and relaxing. They have these dim, sort of night light in them that give an incredible ambiance. I've actually traveled to Orlando that way a couple of times, and it was pretty amazing. And taking a shower on a train moving at about 80 mph is.... interesting.