Hi, I'm Andrew and they say life begins at 40 and I want to see the world. I never thought of a singles holiday before but have my eye on two - one to Paris for May 20th for 4 days and Icelandic Splendors for 5 days for Oct 30th or Nov 13th. I'm currently recovering from mental illness, and recovering well I might add and given that previous travel plans have been aborted due to anxiety, or perhaps it's more uncertainty that troubles my frazzled mind. I do like the look of Just You - and your radio show on The Wireless is rather good too - because as they say, you're not alone, you're with other singletons or solo travelers and there's a tour manager.

I'm due to pop up to London in a few weeks to test the waters to see where my mental health recovery is but all being well, namely if I don't have any mental "wobbles" or spend too much time resting in my hotel room, I will be looking to book my first Just You trip upon my return. I was just wondering, if anyone else is considering the Paris trip; if the tour manager has been assigned yet and if you can offer me any advice or perspectives about travelling on this, or any other trip on the Just You holidays.

Thanks for popping by my thread post, hope I've done it right and it's all in the right place on the message board.

Andrew.

Welcome! You will find loads of us on the message board who have been using JY for many years and love the confidence and companionship of travelling 'alone' but 'together'. There are no strangers here, just friends you haven't met yet!

I haven't done the Paris trip but went to Iceland last year and had a fabulous time. You'll find a number of reviews and tips on the Community from myself, Bob Gray, MikeW and SallyC. Just search on 'Iceland'. It's a very friendly place with amazing food, incredible views and slightly wacky weather!

Happy to help if you have any questions, as I'm sure all the other JYers will be.

All the best

Mandy

I hope that all will go well and you dip your toe in the water with a JY Tour.

I started with JY in 2006 and have been on many tours now, near and far, they have all been well organised, and having a tour manager keeping an eye on things Is really good, the tours work well, great things to see and people to meet.

Cindy

Welcome to Just You! I haven't done the Paris trip but I have been there several times and I'm sure you would love it. I did the Iceland trip last year and really enjoyed it - fantastic scenery and incredible food! I hope you do decide to go on a JY holiday and that you have a great time. I find once everyone gathers at the gate any nerves just disappear!

Best wishes,

Bob

Welcome to the forum and congratulations !

I first travelled with JY in 2010 to NZ via Hong Kong. Was filled with trepidation and oh so nervous. Not any more. I've been on numerous holidays and have more planned for the future. Travelling solo, with a group, is a great way of boosting your confidence and providing you continue to progress, it should be the making of you.

I've not been on the Paris trip but I'm sure it will be good. As for Iceland its's different and in October/November the days will be getting shorter. I've been for the New Year and in March a few years ago.

The Review forum is a good place to research past holidays etc.

Good luck with your trip to London and think positive thoughts!

Sylvia

Welcome to Just You! I sincerely hope that your London trip goes well and you will have the courage to book the Just You Paris or Iceland trip. You will have a great time. Travelling with Just You is stress free and you will have lots of fun along the way. I am sure listening to the Wireless Radio Just You shows have given you lots of tips and assurance about travelling with Just You. Do let us know how you get on in London and which Just You trip you decide to book. Not sure if you have heard me on the Wireless show - I have been on 2!

Jaya

Welcome to the world of Just You. I went on my first JY holiday after my husband died, we used to love holidays and I didn't want to not go away again. With JY you have other travellers to eat with, go on trips with and share the holiday experience. If you need time out from the group that is ok too, it's your holiday so you choose.

I agree it's hard to take that step, I chose an eight day holiday for my first as I figured I could get through that even if I shut myself away, that didn't happen and I had a lovely time.

Take the plunge Andrew, good luck and have fun

Ange

Thanks one and all for the feedback.

I do hope you feel able to go ahead and book when you get back from your London break.

Kind regards

Ange

I am back from the capital now, and it did me good on a few levels. I am focusing on booking my first JY tour as a stepping stone, sort of, into solo holidays - I have some time so probably won't book until at some point next month, I don't want to rush and risk anxiety thwarting me again.

It occurs to me that to get to Paris in fact over laps with London in that I have to get to London Paddington (done) and across to St Pancreas before meeting up the JY rep and fellow travellers and boarding the Eurostar. I don't know to what extent I will require the JY tour manager and local guide as I don't know how I will respond to the new, unfamiliar city but then who does until they do it and take the plunge?

I think for me, the only point where a rep/tour manager could be worth their weight in gold is at the commencement of the trip (St Pancreas, or Heathrow if I do one later in the year) and making sure I adhere to the right process and procedure and get in the right queue. I'll likely pick up a map and guide book in advance, just in case I feel brave enough to make it a truly solo trip - jury's still out on that.

Thanks JY'ers, I'll keep in touch with this board - never know what interesting gem of information you might come across.

Glad to hear that the London trip went well and you will soon be making progress towards booking your first Just You trip. Good luck.

Jaya

I am so pleased that your London trip went well and you are feeling encouraged to take a JY holiday. I am sure you will enjoy whatever you choose.

I am off to Croatia at the end of May with JY, I am looking forward to some sun !

Kind regards.

Ange