Isabella36

Hi,

I'd like to get away but having a hard time deciding where to go. I think it's because I'm going solo and I was hoping to go with someone but that doesn't seem to be working out. I was planning on going with a friend and her friend but wasn't comfortable with the idea of sharing a bedroom with two women for a week. There were also some other issues such as my friend and her friend wanting to meet with a travel agent before the three of us even sat down together to talk about it. I felt a little uncomfortable and upset by this that I then decided to go solo. However, I'm having a hard time feeling excited about going on my own. I had a weak moment today (after hearing how wonderful my sister's trip was with her husband and their friends in DR), I called my friend and told her that I was reconsidering and would like to join her and her friend (in their 50's; I'm in my 30's) but she didn't seem anxious to have me join them. She reminded me of why I didn't want to go with them instead of being more encouraging and supportive. I was secretly hoping that she would say something to make me feel better, tell me that we would have a good time and that it was great that I changed my mind but it wasn't like that at all. I don't mind traveling on my own, (I have done it before) but it would have been nice to have that companionship and feel excited about going with someone. However, I don't want to dwell on it and let it bring me down anymore. I want to make the most of my singlehood and look at the positives of my situation.

So, I'm trying to figure out what type of vacation would be good for me so that I'm not feeling lonely when I'm away. I travelled to solo to Europe for 3 months, and to Red Mountain Spa in Utah a few years ago. I travelled mostly around Italy & France visiting friends/family and then off on my own, which I enjoyed. I found it easy and enjoyable meeting new people, and walking the streets day/evening, or take public transit. I felt safe. When I was at Red Mountain Spa, I did kayaking, mountain climbing, hiking, yoga, and biking through the mountains. I also had a few spa treatments but for the most part, I went to Red Mountain b/c of the activities, and healthy meals. I also found it easy to meet/mingle with new people.

These are the places that I considered:

1. Mexico - Playa del Carmen, Cabo, Riviera Maya. I am still learning about Mexico and the different locations that are safe and not so safe. I read the safest are: Tlaxcala, Yucatán, and Baja California Sur. I don't know much about these areas but did read a few details about them on-line.

I found this place in Mexico, which sounds lovely and quaint: Hotel Petit Lafitte in Playa del Carmen. This is another place that I was looking at: Casa Caribe Bed and Breakfast in Puerto Morelos, Mexico.

2. Costa Rica - I read mixed reviews about CR. It seems that some people travelling solo felt safe and comfortable being in CR whereas others swore they would never return b/c they felt unsafe, were robbed or assaulted.

3. Caribbean

These destinations were also suggested to me and deemed to be safe for solo female travellers: Aruba (minus what happened several years ago with the American high school student), Turks & Caicos, Bermuda, Hawaii, and Cayman Islands.

I have also thought about California for another spa resort destination but would like for there to be some type of activities such as kayaking, yoga, mountain climbing, etc. Or if there is another spa/resort destination that someone can suggest?

I was looking at The Body Holiday, and The Landings in St. Lucia but they seem $$$$. Ideally, I don't want to go over $1000 and would like if breakfast and dinner were included. I'm a single income earner so I don't have a lot of money to play around with.

I am looking for some R&R, but I also like to walk around the town, meeting/talking to new people, some activities/entertainment - I'm not looking to go clubbing or drinking. Just something light - even in the lounge or dinner area - some music and people hanging out or being able to go for a walk in the evenings instead of staying in my room watching TV, even though I probably won't mind.

I'm in my 30's and not looking for gourmet meals but delicious/good food. I'm vegetarian but eat fish. I don't want fast food/junk food. I want something more on the healthier side. I would like a nice beach and don't want to be around a lot of kids. I work with them Mon-Fri so I want a break from them. Unfortunately, I was looking to go away during March Break (b/c I don't want to lose days/pay from work) but I would be willing to go mid-late March Break and miss a few days at the end of the break.

Thanks for your input.

fouDor

If I had a crystal ball, I am sure I would see you at a Club Med village: lots of sports activities and a possibility to connect with other people singles and otherwise. It might be a bit more expensive than your budget allows, but it is pretty much all inclusive. Do book it as a share - with another female and non-smok or smk as per your preference, to save $$$. You really do not spend much time in a room anyway and they do have two safes in each room... BTW is your budget of $1000 just for the "land portion" or you are hoping to include the airfare in that too??!

If Club Med is out because of the budget - your Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen ideas sound quite good - Pto Morelos is quiet and laid back, Playa is much busier but there is enough hotels and restaurants that are reasonably priced, however, you might need to get going on booking the space soon (check booking.com - a great hotel website)!
N.B. Casa Caribe has great reviews on Trip Advisor - so that would be a "go" for me!

Now regarding your queries concerning safety:
1. Mexico has a lot of safe areas and very few unsafe ones - if you use your head/common sense you will not encounter much trouble most anywhere really.
2. Costa Rica - hmm - you would need to research this one.
3. Caribbean - so many different areas - one can not generalise really...
But all the areas there, that were suggested to you sound rather expensive to me (same for Hawaii)
Bon Voyage!

kja

I FAR prefer solo travel to traveling with anyone, and I do mean ANYone! Among other things, traveling on your own is an incredible opportunity to indulge yourself without compromising on anything that your budget permits. Do give it some thought! For some other experiences:

http://www.fodors.com/community/trav...s/solo-travel/

emd3

I own a condo in PDC and have spent a lot of time there in the last yr. Last wk I was in that area, and stayed in Puerto Morelos for 3 nights at Posada el Moro (my condo was rented and I needed to be there for the annual owners mtg).

Puerto Morelos is a scruffy little town. The streets (including the main rd. in and out of town are very torn up right now. Govt. workers are tearing them up every day; I was told when I asked the police about it that they are installing pipes to drain the mangrove swamps (which run along the 2 KM road into and out of PM) into the ocean, because they have been flodding and when the main rd flodds, NO ONE can get in or out of town.

This is creating A LOT of dust in the air all over the little town. ANd it makes it noisy during the day, lots of major road equipment being used on those little streets. On several occassions I waited for 20 min to drive out of town bc they road workers had the traffic down to one lane instead of two due to the construction.

The town itself is ok for a short day trip, but for me (and I like small Mexican towns, I have traveled all over MX for 25 yrs) I found it depressing. Most of the restaurants are mediocore at best. The only two I would and have returned to (and I have checked many of them out in multiple day trips to the town as well as last wk over a longer stay) are John Grays (been there twice) and LA PAnza es Primero (been there 5 times).

The water and beach are nice, but the town just isn't that great, IMO. And the town is important for me when I am traveling alone.

Personally I prefer PDC much better. Tthere to restaurants, good beach, and in PDC you are he north end of PDC is quieter, but you are still closer to southern locations like Akumal for snorkeling w/the turtles, Coba and Tulum ruins, cenotes to swim in (and snorkel in, very cool underground rivers, get a guide, DOs Ojos is amazing).

Close to our condo is a lovely small hotel (the furthest north in ODC, but on a block w/several great restaurants) called Hotel Casa Ticul. It looks nice, and is in quiet area on 5th Ave.

No hawkers outside their stores in the north end. Good restaurants though, a blk from Cueva del Change and Piola, Origenes, etc. The new hotel Arena Banxa is at 38th Calle and Avenida 10 in the north end quiter area, it also get s good reviews. From the north end you are a 10 min. walk into the area of 5th ave that is pedestrian only, but you r in a world apart from that vibe.

Defnitely try Piola (38th btwn 5th Ave and 1st Ave) if you are a vegetarian. Wonderful freshly made pasta dishes, ve creative, and the small bar there is a good place to meet and talk to locals (who are from all over, I've met Germans, Argentinans, etc, at that bar who live in PDC). Manager there is very sweet and will recognize you the 2nd time you come in. I get a peck on the cheek from him every time I see him now.

It sounds like u want beach, but I travel solo throughout MX and am now in Puebla (flew here direct from Cancum on Sat.) , heading to Tlaxcala tomorrow. I highly recommend the colonial towns and cities in MX as a solo traveler. They are beautiful and so walkable, very relaxing and excellent food in the colonial towns. A weeklong trip in and out of Mexico City and going by bus two hrs to Puebla and Tlaxcala, that is great solo trip IMO.

emd3

Well, that is what I get for posting from my bed at Hotel Colonial in Puebla, lol. Parts of one paragraph above got transposed. Check out the north end of Playa del Carmen. And you should act quickly in gettng your reservations for a hotelsettled, bc March is still high season and you might get shut out of places u want to stay.

emd3

oops and that new hotel on the north end is Arena BLANCA...

volcanogirl

You could check out the Arenal and Manuel Antonio areas of Costa Rica. They both offer a lot of adventure activities and natural beauty. The Arenal area has a volcano and beautiful lake, but not a beach if that's something that you really want. Great hiking in the area including a beautiful waterfall, the volcano, and Hanging Bridges. There are gorgeous natural hot springs where you can swim. Lots of activities like rafting, kayaking, ziplining, etc. Manuel Antonio has a very pretty beach inside the park and lots of wildlife. Good restaurants choices as well.

suze

I love Puerto Vallarta Mexico, I've been there 20 times, most of those trips solo. It's a great town to be on your own.

I have heard Playa del Carmen is great too (for me in Seattle PV is just easier and quicker to get to).

I've been to Cabo San Lucas solo. That was fun but I much prefer the town of PV. The people are friendlier, there's more to see and do.

All three of these destinations are "safe".

I've also done a few solo trips to Hawaii, staying in Honolulu/Waikiki. Also a great time.

I've been solo in Negril Jamaica. While that is a great destination, it's one of the few places I felt more comfortable going with friends than when I was solo.

I never feel "lonely" when I'm away or wish I was with friends instead, so I'm not sure how to address that concern.

I don't think you need to necessarily worry first and foremost about being robbed in Costa Rica, but I do think it's a slightly more difficult trip, especially to do solo (most people rent cars and go multiple locations) than the places in Mexico.

JeanH

I used to like Playa del Carmen, now, I find it far too busy and developed. Too many US chains there now.

I do still like Isla Mujeres. A short ferry ride away from Cancun, but, very different. It's a nice Mexican town, definitely a tourist town, but pleasant. Really good food at very reasonable prices. Large range of places to stay. And, a truly beautiful beach.

That said, I also enjoyed my one stay in Puerto Vallarta.

I'd also be comfortable going solo to Key West. It's getting increasingly corporate, but, still retains some of its quirkiness. Great people watching, fun bars, live music all day long. Wonderful restaurants. Not great beaches, though there are some ok ones.

suze

Don't cross Hawaii of the list because of expense. You can have high-end or budget vacations there, same as any other locations. It'd be cheaper than some of the Caribbean islands.

Maybe I'm missing it in the original post, but where are you flying from? Thath would determine costs somewhat as far as airfare (back East US Caribbean flights or Mayan Riviera would be less, West Coast US then Pacific coast Mexico or Hawaii are more economical).

Isabella36

Wow! Thank you everyone for you suggestions and encouragement on traveling solo. I know that there are perks to traveling solo (as I have been to Europe on my own) but when I started thinking of this trip, I thought that it might be better to travel with someone. However, I think that I will be okay. I'm going to look into all of your trip ideas and hopefully decide soon. Even if I go later in March or early April, than I guess I will have to miss work.
I will be flying out of Toronto Pearson International Airport, where they charge ridiculous fees and high taxes. I know that it would be cheaper to fly out of Buffalo but it's about a 2.5-3 hour drive from where I live and since I have never been, I don't know how comfortable I feel although I could always go the night before and stay in a hotel but it would depend on how much I'm really saving. Toronto is about 1 hour away.

With regards to Club Med, I read the reviews for the one in Turks & Caicos and it seems more of a 'party' resort for adults. The reviews were positive and there seemed to be a lot to do but I'm not sure if it's exactly what I'm looking for. I think too, I feel a little uncomfortable b/c it seems big and even though it's all singles, I don't want to feel like I'm in a 'singles club'. I can be shy especially in that type of atmosphere so I think that's probably another reason why I'm nervous about going to a place like this. This is why I was looking for something smaller and more quaint. I wouldn't feel as overwhelmed compared to a big resort.
For some reason, I would feel more comfortable going with someone but I will reconsider it and read some of the other reviews for other Club Med locations.

I would like to know if I can wander off the Club Med resorts to explore the town, if I was interested in doing so?

suze

As I mentioned I often travel solo to beach-y destination. You wouldn't catch me at a Club Med! Just not my style. I like to travel independently and have never stayed at an All-Inclusive or party resort. But it's hard to answer for a stranger on an internet forum, because we don't really know you or your personality.

It would depend the location of the resort, how comfortable and wise it is going to explore around a town on your own. I know the places I've been solo -Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Waikiki, Negril- it's just fine to go out alone.

Sayulitapita

Just north of Puerto Vallarta is the funky beach town of Sayulita, it has a terrific vibe with an eclectic mix of surfers, artists, retired snowbirds and locals. It's just the right size for walking about and meeting people. A very friendly,relaxed atomosphere and a foodie's delight.

emd3

Sayulitapita, thanks for mentioning Sayulita. For Christmas my son gave me a book written by a man from Manhattan who along w/his wife bought property in Sayulita and had a house built. It is a very good ok, funny but also describes the process and trials and tribulations they went through getting the house built (in time for family get together for the holidays)and becoming part of the retiree community there. The book made me want to check out the town sometime. Can't think of the name of the book now, I am not at home, I am in Tlaxcala, Mexico right now. (OMG what a great town, but that is another post).

tcomp

This is the funniest thing. Reading your message was like reading a page out pf my life.
I recently went through an awful breakup and decided I really just needed to get away. I initially planned on aruba but then ended up deciding on playa del carmen. I too planned on going with two friends but ulimately decided against it due to disagreements in how our time would be spent. So I resolved to go alone...hating the idea at times. Wondering if it would be lonely or remind me of my ex...blah blah blah
I too discussed going again .. with same two friends and finally came to the conclusion that I will be better off on my own. I just turned forty and they were both in their fifties as well. I have traveled alone before but for work...not vacation. It will be different. I have done some reading about travelling solo in playa and it seems like it will be excellent
A great place to meet people and/or watch people! A good friend of mine went to playa when she turned forty with her husband she is now divorcing. They spent alot of painful time apart during that trip.

But she said she still had a great time by herself. She said she could have made it

tcomp

She said she met tons of people on her own and a far better time than she would have if husband we're with her lol. She said there we're many singles
But if u dint want to talk u didn't have to
Sheets said that Dinners were great and as a matter of fact fodors had an exellent article about being unexpectedly solo in playa del carmen its well worth reading! I am going the week of march 17 thru 24.
I hope u go and enjoy. I will wrote if u go after me how it was
very

tcomp

Sorry my messages keep separating
I meant to say that im staying at a royal resort
Which looks quieter than some of the other areas. Has beach spa pools and those should the biggest decision I should have make is which one of those areas I will spend my time! I can't wait!!!!!! Good luck with your planning..maybe we will run into one another! I will let u know!