THINKING OF TRAVELLING SOLO AFTER DIVORCE? WHY A SINGLES HOLIDAY CAN BE THE ANSWER

Many divorcees find it hard travelling solo for the first time. You don’t really want to feel ‘alone’, but you equally probably don’t want to be surrounded by families and a lot of kids. What you really need is a holiday amongst like-minded single people who can provide genuine good company over dinner, around the bar and in the pool. If you’re looking to holiday as a divorcee for the first time, a Singles in Crete holiday could be the perfect answer.

One of our valued visitors very kindly wrote this heartfelt article in the hope that it inspires others to take the first step into their newly single life.

“After 25 years of marriage, raising two children and adopting a rescue dog called Trio, I suddenly found myself alone – completely unexpectedly, but that’s a whole other story.

One morning, I received a letter dressed in a very formal-looking envelope – it was my Decree Absolute. I will never forget the sheer emptiness – not to mention the utter loneliness – I felt, and the thought that my life would never be the same again. It is no exaggeration when I tell you that I was absolutely heartbroken and terrified.

“Go on a singles holiday. What have you got to lose?” my friend said.

After licking my wounds for the best part of 18 months, I decided to take my friend’s advice and began looking at different solo holiday options that might suit me as a single divorcee. The thought of travelling as a ‘single’ compounded my fear, so I set off more with the intention of being a ‘solo’ traveller – no expectations, no preconceived ideas – just a mixture of being scared and excited at the same time.

First solo holiday thought: Airbnb – definitely Europe as I wanted to get away from UK memories and risky weather. I’d have the freedom to do whatever I want; come and go as I please, and, if I did meet someone, I’d have plenty of space to entertain. Then I thought of the downside: going out to dinner on my own (and sensing that everyone was feeling sorry for me), no guarantee of meeting anyone and not really being in an environment conducive to meeting any other solo travellers in the first place.

Ok, so that one was out the window. Next: a solo-traveller group tour.

Sounded good on paper – lots of single people, plenty of activities to get involved with and opportunities to interact – where’s the bad bit? I wanted a relaxing holiday where I can do as much or as little I was feeling to, without the pressure of following an itinerary or being somewhere at a certain time.  Sleep in as late as I want, laze on a sunbed, read a book, swim in the sea; basically just relaxing my mind. I didn’t have the energy to absorb any cultural or sightseeing trip. So, another dead end.

“Just try this hotel in Crete – it’s nice.”

I soon realised that I had merely been wasting time. I was subconsciously doing everything I could to avoid one simple truth: if you’re single, solo, or whatever… go where those kinds of people go. No families, no children, and I get to be among an age group with like-minded people very similar to me.

Racked with nerves and not knowing what to expect, all of my fears, negative thoughts and silly ideas evaporated within seconds of arriving and being greeted. And what a greeting it was… as warm and bright as the July Cretan sunshine itself.

No pressure to do anything

The first thing that struck me was the completely chilled, easy-going pace, followed by the friendliness and ease with which people were happily chatting with each other. It was like being with old friends. I have never felt such an instant feeling of belonging – an absolute godsend after the previous months spent feeling so low and alone.

In that first evening there was no awkwardness. I didn’t have to worry about sitting on my own or being ‘matched’ with someone. We were all together, just bonding over the dinner table. Some, like me, had just arrived. Others were coming to the end of their fortnight’s holiday. I also learnt that many had been coming for years. It had become a home from home.

Every day there was something to see, do or discover. Or I could simply lie by the pool, punctuated by visits to the bar and chatting to the others who, I must say, were all on good form – the sun and atmosphere just seemed to bring out the best in everyone.

And, if I didn’t want to do anything or even sit with anyone for any length of time, I didn’t have to. I didn’t feel bad about it; the point was that I could do as I pleased, whenever I wanted, without feeling guilty or like I was letting anyone down.

Did I meet someone?

I met and made many new, wonderful friends of both genders. But no, I didn’t meet ‘the one’ on that occasion. But, you know what? That wasn’t really the point. I went there a broken person with not much more than hope. And I came back completely reset and ready to embrace life with confidence, a positive attitude and a new zest for life.

If you are in a similar situation and thinking about doing something like this, here’s my advice: stop thinking and just get on that plane – it will be the best decision you’ve ever made. Good luck!”

The Mistral Hotel in Maleme, Crete, has been welcoming solo travellers for more than 30 years. Known for its relaxed and sociable atmosphere, it brings together independent travellers, typically aged from their 30s to 70s, creating a friendly environment where guests can easily meet like-minded people and enjoy their holiday together.