Is It Weird to Go on Holiday Alone? An Honest Answer

Short answer: no, and it stopped being unusual a while ago. ABTA's Holiday Habits research found that around 19% of British holidaymakers took a solo trip in the past year — the highest it has recorded, and growing fastest among people under 45. If it feels like a bold thing to do, that is your own head talking, not the world watching.

Why does it feel a bit weird, then?

Because most of us learned to holiday in twos and fours, and the travel industry spent decades pricing and photographing holidays for couples and families. So the idea lags behind the reality. In practice, nobody at dinner is wondering why you came on your own — half of them did too.

What actually feels different when you travel alone?

The good bits: you go at your own pace, change your mind whenever you like, and meet more people than you would behind a couple's table for two. The bit people worry about: the evenings — arriving somewhere and eating alone. That is real, and it is worth choosing a holiday that solves it rather than one that leaves you to it.

How a hosted week removes the awkward part

At Casa Agara the day is yours — walk from the door, learn to surf, or do nothing by the river — but the evening is shared. Everyone sits down to one home-cooked dinner at the same long table, with the house wine and beer poured, and Rob and María host in person and make the introductions so you are never the person hovering at the edge of a room. Come alone; you simply won't feel alone.

So — should you go?

If you have been waiting for a sign, or for a friend's diary to line up, this is it. A gentle, hosted week in a quiet green valley is about the kindest way there is to prove to yourself that solo travel suits you.

Fancy trying it? Tell us what you're after and we'll help you find the right week.