Solo Summer Holiday

[real]

Good afternoon,

I am after some advice from some seasoned travellers and especially those that have holidayed on their own.

I have three weeks annual leave in June 10th – 28th and am looking to book myself ~10 days away somewhere. I am struggling to think where to go but think I have narrowed it down to Rio de Janeiro as South America has always intrigued me; although, I am open to any ideas. I did briefly flirt with the idea of going to Thailand and splitting my time between Phuket and Bangkok.

The requirements of the holiday are as follows:

• Budget £1.5 max (incl spending money)
• Beach and corresponding hot or warm weather
• Culture of warm and friendly people as I would like to mix with the locals
• Itinerary of 50/50 just plain relaxing or seeing the sights preferably with a group of other solo travellers
• Willing to split the holiday into sections i.e. own room or apartment somewhere and then a few days in hostel etc.

Assuming I do choose Brazil I have seen flights to from London to Rio for just over £500 which seems reasonable. So would need to sort accommodation: Book a hotel separately? Book a room/apartment on Airbnb or such like? Hostel? The package deals I have seen look relatively pricey.

Anyone got any ideas or advice?

Cheers

[JohnFirth]

Not sure what to advise but enjou yourself

[LuS1fer]

Sounds interesting. Go for it.
http://www.holiday-weather.com/rio_de_janeiro/aver...

[s3fella]

JohnFirth said:

Not sure what to advise but enjou yourself

Watch out for diesel spills

[MocMocaMoc]

I was faced with a similar predicament over December, but couldn't think of where to go.

Ended up spending the whole three weeks at home, drifting between extreme exercise routines, and heavy drinking with mates.

Bought a 330 BMW with the left over cash to cheer myself up. I didn't get to see the world, but at least now I've got rear drive back in my life!

I'm an idiot - go see the world. Don't buy a BMW.

[real]

If nothing else, thanks for the laugh!

[blueg33]

I would recommend Thailand apart from the obvious assumption people will make about a single bloke going to Bangkok!

[real]

I'd certainly have to have a good cover story prepared that I only stuck to exploring the natural beauty of the location as opposed to the women!

But in all seriousness I am starting to favour Thailand as it might be easier to meet other single travellers for day excursions and such like. Much cheaper overall too.

[Wolff]

I'd recommend central america... Belize has some amazing things to do, Guatemala has some stunning sights and places to see.... And, Guatemala is cheap. And on the backpackers trail (as is Belize).

I went there last year, and will be going back again in the not too distant future to do some of what I didn't have time for

[Munka01]

I spent three weeks in Thailand on my own in 2011. Best trip of my life and a brilliant place to go alone.

How old are you?

I would advise not bothering with Phuket - Expensive (for Thailand)and far too commercialised.

Anywhere north (i.e Chiang Mai, Pai)is where you will see the real cultural side of Thailand. Bangkok is a place you will not want to spend more than a few days. Krabi, Koh Phangan (north), koh Chang are all beautiful places for chilling out on the beach.

Stay away from Patong/Pattaya unless you are looking for a thai we.

[g3org3y]

Another vote for Thailand. I went on my own when I finished uni. Was there for around two weeks. Booked nothing in advance, just 'freestyled' it when I was out there. Good atmosphere and there will be plenty of other travellers doing the similar thing.

Grab a Rough Guide or Lonely planet and job's a good 'un imo.

I did:
- Bangkok
- Kanchanaburi inc Tiger Temple & Bridge over River Kwai
- Erawan National Park & riding elephants
- Ayutthaya
- Chiang Mai trek inc staying with a tribe
- Kho Phi Phi

Great holiday, great fun and if you're going on your own a real sense of freedom and adventure. Recommended.

Brave man wrestles tiger cub! Grrrrrr!

Edited by g3org3y on Friday 12th April 15:16

[real]

I'm 26 if that makes a difference.

Cheers guys, some good advice.

[Munka01]

real said:

I'm 26 if that makes a difference.

Cheers guys, some good advice.

I was 26 when I did it, met plenty of like minded people and still in touch with quite a few now.

Liked it so much I went back last year on my own as well.

If your going for ten days I would at least decide on exactly where you want to go and how you plan to get there and scope out places to stay. I say this as with only ten days why waste time while your there finding accommodation and planning trips.

I would recommend Chiang Mai and Koh Samui/Koh Phangan.

If you go to Koh Phangan I would recommend this place - Amazing place for a solo traveller - the reviews say it all.

http://www.shiralea.net/

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g303907...

http://www.shiralea.net/

[real]

That does look good. I have never seen so many positive reviews before!

Thanks for the links.

[David Beer]

I can recommend Rio, had three weeks over Christmas and new year , the most expensive I have had though! New year on the beach was the best. Iam sure you can do it on a reasonable budget, just don't stay at ceaser park on ipanima. Around Rio is beautiful, you need to have a car though.
Iam doing New York to LA in July, via Nashville and Yellowstone, in a mix of hotel,motel and my tepee.

Just read 500 quid for flight! Bargain, with what airline?

Edited by David Beer on Friday 12th April 18:54

[American iv]

Wolff said:

I'd recommend central america... Belize has some amazing things to do, Guatemala has some stunning sights and places to see.... And, Guatemala is cheap. And on the backpackers trail (as is Belize).

I went there last year, and will be going back again in the not too distant future to do some of what I didn't have time for

This!

S.E. Asia (backpacker trail) is fine if you want to go drinking / partying, whereas Central America has a drinking backpacker train and adventures...

I wasn't fond of Belize personally, but can highly recommend Guatemala, Utila (island in Honduras) and most of Nicaragua. I met plenty of backpackers and plenty of holiday makers - everyone just mucked in together and it was awesome.

Check out Semuc Champey, Tikal, Caye Caulker...

[Wolff]

American iv said:

his!

S.E. Asia (backpacker trail) is fine if you want to go drinking / partying, whereas Central America has a drinking backpacker train and adventures...

I wasn't fond of Belize personally, but can highly recommend Guatemala, Utila (island in Honduras) and most of Nicaragua. I met plenty of backpackers and plenty of holiday makers - everyone just mucked in together and it was awesome.

Check out Semuc Champey, Tikal, Caye Caulker...

Ahhh Caye Caulker.... The Split Bar.... happy relaxing days & stunning sunsets!!! Swimming with sting rays & sharks... great memories

Belize - head to San Ignacio and do the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave - absolutely amazing! Tubing down the rivers is supposed to be excellent too.

Need to go back soon to do Honduras & Nicaragua. Such a stunning part of the world.

[real]

David Beer said:

Just read 500 quid for flight! Bargain, with what airline?

Iberia or KLM.