Hi there, this would be my first time to go on holiday alone, and finding it a bit frightening, so I wonder if any one can help me with a few suggestions as to where I should go with Just You  for first holiday.

Or if there is anyone from Scotland who are members could give me some information, as I'm a bit worried because all the destinations seem to leave from English Airports, so does that mean you have to travel on your own to get to London.

so if would be grateful from anyone who would like to talk to me and give me some confidence to join the group.

also is there anywhere you all meet prior to going on holiday, to have a chat.

Thank you so much for any help.

Eliz09

 

Hi there ... first time solo travel is daunting, but the best way to overcome that is to, as they say, just do it!  Then you will realise that there is nothing to worry about.  I have travelled all over the world alone, either with solo traveller companies or are ones that aren't.   It is great for building confidence and the vast majority of people are friendly.  Why would they not be?  I live in Bristol and spent a few days in Edinburgh last November, travelling by plane up there.  It is as straightforward as getting on a bus these days.  As you will see, JY cover a wealth of destinations and where to go is for you to decide.  You know what your interests are!  I have not heard of people getting together before a trip, people live all over the UK after all, but there is a good chance you will want to keep in touch with some you meet while you are away.  But ... you have to take that first step.     

It's only natural to be nervous when travelling solo for the first time, but we've all done it and come back to do it again so it's really nothing to be scared of.  These days (post covid) most trips do seem to go from London, I go down the day before and stay in one of the Premier Inns (or similar) near to the airport. That means I have all day to get there and I'm not worrying about missing my flight. Hotels at the airports have some form of shuttle or hoppa bus services to the terminals. It's an extra expense but it's also peace of mind.

When you get to the terminal it's quite easy to check the departures board to see which area you need to be in, you shoudl then spot a JY representative who will help you to check in, If you can't find them don't worry there are also airport staff who will help.

Once you get off the plane at the other end, head through passport control and on to baggage claim. If you put one of your luggage labels on your hand luggage that helps other JY travellers to identify you, if you spot someone with a JY label on their bag then go up and say hello. You will often find that you're all seated together on the plane. If you still haven't identified any fellow traveller after you've picked up your case then head out to arrivals and you'll find a JY tour manager who will be looking out for you.

If you book a hotel for the night before the flight then you can post on here and ask if anyone else is staying there and if they'd like to meet in the bar for a drink/coffee.

But try not to worry, you will be fine, you will get to where you need to be and you will meet some lovely people.

For my first trip I chose Flavours of Tuscany (I'm not sure if it still runs) because it had a couple of very simple cookery lessons, I thought those would be good ice breakers. They were, and I made 2 friends who I'm still in touch with some 5 years later. Since then I've been to Canada, Croatia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Slovenia, Pantellaria, Borneo and Myanmar to name a few.

Find an area you'd like to visit, take the plunge and book, you won't regret it. Good luck and happy travels.

Rose

Hi Lizbet,

I would echo most of what other replies have said. Nearly all of JY's tours seem to depart from Heathrow or Gatwick these days so it's worth asking about connecting flights to London. I'm sure a JY travel advisor will be able to help you with that. If your outbound flight from London is a morning departure it's worth booking a hotel near to your departure airport for the night before. I'm not too well informed about hotels near Gatwick but I can recommend the Premier Inn on Bath Road for Heathrow departures from T2 & T3. Other PI's will be available that are more convenient for departures from T4 & T5.

Maybe there's a country that you've always wanted to visit? Well, just look through the JY brochure and take the plunge is the best advice I can give you. Whether it's short or long haul I'm sure you'll be made welcome by the rest of the group. I hope you find your dream destination and happy travels.

Cheers

Mike

Hi Lizbet

Sounds like you feel like I do about booking a trip - I really want to, but as it would be my first time too, never flown alone and feel a bit scared and nervous, and just need to speak with someone going on the same trip on same date from Heathrow, prior to booking, ideally with a view to arranging to meet at the departure lounge, to give me enough confidence to book!  I see you would travel from Scotland.  Have you any idea which trip you fancy going on? Would be great to meet you at Heathrow on the same trip - anyway good luck with your travels  Sheryl  sheryll20@yahoo.co.uk

Hi   I'm from South Wales and I've just booked my first trip to Sicily in May.   I'm flying from Gatwick so have booked the Megabus the day before and the travel inn in Gatwick to stay overnight 

Never travelled on my own before but really looking forward to it.     

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Hello

im not sure if you have booked your trip yet but I am going on the Canada and New England in the fall on 2nd October from Heathrow and I am also a first time solo traveller and very nervous. If you decide to do that one then I could meet you at the airport? Regards Dawn