Holidaying alone

Showergel How alone do you want to be? There are many groups who run holidays that are every easy to go with as a single person.

www.hfholidays.co.uk (others are available.) this lot do holidays of special interest of all sorts, walking holidays, coach holidays, sightseeing for those who can't do the walking etc.

It is understood that the whole atmosphere is geared to being friendly and a single person does not stick out like a sore thumb at mealtimes etc. It does mean that you get someone to talk and share an experience with when you feel like it.

I have never been to Malta, but have done quite a bit of lone travelling. At the airport I always find it helps to have the name of the hotel written down to show the taxi driver - avoids possible misunderstandings. It's usually obvious which are the 'official' taxis, but if you're worried about this, maybe contact the hotel and ask them to send someone to meet you. A lot of the other advice about security and so on applies to all travellers, but I'd be a bit cautious about letting people know that you are on your own. Sorry to say that in my experience couples travelling together don't want to be sociable with a singleton - understandable, I guess. There are probably more opportunities for a bit of chit chat in the bar rather than in the dining room - one of the reasons why I always make sure the hotel has a bar!

Thanks Jane10 - there is no tour operator but I can take the iPad and a book of crosswords with me.
I'll do my best to avoid any bores

Hi ShowerGel, good on you for going it alone on holiday. I have travelled quite far afield on my own before and am racking my brains for helpful suggestions. No luck so far! Apart, of course, from the obvious about personal safety etc. We`ve been to Malta before but it was a while ago now. I do remember that everyone seemed to speak English which was a help. You may fall in with similar company on your holiday and end up as part of a nice group. If you want to get talking to people I expect meal times would be fairly sociable so you might join others at a table. The Maître D should be able to help here. Otherwise sitting on your own either playing Patience, looking at photos or even just reading can be good. If you sit in a corner location facing out and smile pleasantly someone might just pass the time of day with you, comment on your photos or suggest a game of cards. It may be that the tour operator will have a few organised activities or can carry out introductions. Its extremely unlikely that you`ll be the only traveller on their own. BTW- avoid bores if poss or you could be stuck with them!!