Hi and yes I do!

Last year I went to Venice, Turkey and Portugal. Admittedly this year I am only going to Turkey twice - but varying it by visiting a different city which looks absolutely amazing!

Next year I have a few destinations in mind, but I know that if I am travelling solo, the resort in Turkey which I go to is somewhere hot to relax and somewhere that I feel safe as I have made lots of friends over there and feel comfortable.

So it's not really about varying as a solo traveller it's about where you also feel safe.

It's also about your personal budget - how much you can afford when travelling - I for one could never afford a cruise or to take longer than 2 weeks off work at a time for a holiday - so therefore long haul travelling is off the cards for me too (to the far away destinations)....

Turkey is actually a fairly cheap destination to go in current climates - especially if you are on a budget! You get the sunshine (practically guaranteed), the exchange rate is very good, and its far enough away to feel like you've been somewhere exotic! For example I spent less on a two week holiday to Turkey than I did on a 4 night break to Portugal!

Everyone is different and some people do not mind going to brand new places on their own, some people prefer familiarity - after all it's their holiday they can choose where and what they like to do - can't they?

Happy Holidays everyone!

C

Me too...I have been lucky enough to have a friend who gets staff travel - so have had great long haul breaks for little money. Short ones also. Been spoilt - Palma, Marrakesch for £20 and Barbados for £100. Unfortunately, I no longer get her travel as BA took over BMI...:O( so its back to looking on the internet - There are usually lots of good deals around - its luck I think finding something you want. I think 2 weeks is fine for long haul travel Char, these all inclusives now are a brilliant deal. Much cheaper option - and if the food is good even better!....S

ahh, I understand what you are saying, but over £1,000 for a 2 week all inclusive to Barbados vs 3 smaller holidays throughout the year??

For example if booked in advance I got my 15 night trip to turkey, airfares, transfers and b&b accom for £279.00 each person! We went for my birthday. I originally wanted to go to Barcelona, but the price for that long weekend was coming up over £350 so as I was travelling with a friend also on a budget, value for money became more apparent!

I prefer not to use AI as I like to eat at different places and not be bound - I am a fairly free spirit and like to have choice.... but that is my personal preference!

Also, trips like travelling to India, Thailand and backpacking type ventures do not appeal to me at this stage in my life. I much prefer to be on a beach somewhere relaxing and de-stressing from every day reality.

So on my budget 2 weeks to somewhere like Greece, Turkey, Egypt is just fine :-)

Maybe when i meet that millionnaire Mr Right he'll take me on some more exotic trips but for now, on a single girls budget I'm happy with the place I get to see around the world and I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store....

Happy Holidays!

C

Worked hard all my life - now pleased to be reaping the benefits of being retired and enjoying it !! With other ladies on T & L we all have a fabulous time......

That's really Good Campbell - I hope that when I'm retired I'll be able to do the same and reap the benefits.

I too have had some amazing trips with T&L members and look forward to continuing the trend. Afterall, that's what this site is all about, meeting travel buddies to travel with that enjoy the same type of holiday experience as you do as an idividual.

Happy Holidays...!

Hi Campbell

I try to vary my holiday destinations.. as beens said theres a whole wide world out there and I want to see as much as I can of it. I'll only go to the same place twice if either its an occasion (birthday, hen do etc) or there was so much to do I want to go back to experience it all.

I break my year up with long weekends away and even the odd day coach trip which is always fun so theres always something to look forward too!

Being on a single wage I try to keep it cheap but ive always got a holiday saving pot on the go because my bucket travel list is constantly growing lol

Morningsong - are you the artist formally known as CharChar?!

C.

Hi Val, mmm thats awkward when I have just booked what must be my 12th trip to Lanzarote!!! When time and money are of the essence its nice to know that you're guaranteed to have a great time and some sunshine. Once time and money are no longer an issue then I agree the world can be your oyster! I am also finding that my list of places to go just gets longer because some places are so wonderful they deserve to be revisited such as Kalami on Corfu, Venice, Barcelona, Barbados The Lake District x

Hi Pam, that's great you have booked - we had such a fab time last December, but you do other holidays too. lol . Life would be boring if we all chose to do the same things all the time - but l agree Lanzarote is a good choice for a Winter sun holiday and l would certainly return...also thoroughly enjoyed our cruise !! My list is fairly long too.......

Val x

For me, it's not the places that draw me back to revisit , but the people. I went to Cuba, met some lovely Cubans, and returned the following year, not only to see more of the island, but to reconnect with those people. It's very tempting to return again this winter, just to visit them, knowing I'll have a fab time if I do. But there are so many other places I want to see in the world, and don't have forever to do it, so I've booked to go to Burma and Thailand this winter, where I've never been. I hear the people there are also very welcoming. However, I think maybe I'd better start learning Thai if I want to make any connections! That, or improve my mime! I would not be bored going back to the same place where the people remembered me and so made sure to give me a good time. I seem to remember Pam has been to Lanzarote so many times, she gets chocolates on her bed every day!

I think you read me wrong there Charlotte - I didnt pay over £1,000 for a 2 week holiday to Barbados and couldnt afford to either . I took the offer whilst it was there. Like most of us - i have a budget and being single and working full time - sometimes its not happening. Have had lots of cheaper holidays in Europe and the US, staying with friends. I love beach holidays and at this moment in time, anywhere sounds appealing. Val, if I was retired etc - i would be doing exactly the same! I envy you and wish you Happy Holidays and enjoying life to the full!" Its what you make it and who you are with that counts - wherever you are. As long as you have fun and a good rest. I love reading everyones holiday stories, especially, Roserevived India trip - it was fabulous and Anita's Cuba trip. A beach and sun, nice food and wine, good company is a great stress reliever..unfortunately, sometimes other things take priority over a holiday...but I will get there - somewhere soon and nxt years friends 60th in the pipeline. Enjoy, wherever you go.........

Hi Sharyn,

Thanks for your kind words and yes l am enjoying my life - l have met some super ladies on here, holidayed with them and long may it continue !! Enjoy your next holiday whatever you decide to do......

Val x

HI..You're welcome..maybe we'll meet in the near future. x

Agree with Anita - the people are a significant factor that draws me to places and back again Marrakesh is an ideal example Samira who runs the Riad we stayed at last year is amazing and so hospitable so going back this year hope to meet up with you all soon M x

Hi Sharyn, Sorry to have missed you at Kent weekend - look forward to meeting up at the Manor if not before.......thanks for your comments.

Val x

so in summary it looks like people in general do like to vary their holiday destinations depending on their budgets and personal choices but also like to re-visit places they feel "at home" at! or where they feel the locals have been great hosts etc.

great topic..... ! and great to see I'm not alone with my thoughts either!

Rockmylobster - will PM you.

Happy Holidays!

Hi Anita - the intrepid traveller !
Maybe some Thai's speak Spanish - then you would be ok! l seem to remember your mime is excellent too.... Sounds a wonderful trip and l also have heard the people are lovely. Agree with you about seeing other places in the world - all about life's experiences, however l would also return to some places again especially our group ones - good memories !

So in essence we all have different opinions on the topic but all enjoy our holidays!

Val x

Currently I have opted to go to different resorts in Turkey. The reason being the recession. I think that you get a lot for your money in Turkey.
I do generally like to visit different continents and still will if something is appealing enough.

hi sarah (superwoman) can you suggest any really good places in turkey for history / architecture etc have you been to instanbul ? Michelle

My favourite place in Turkey is Ephesus, its wonderful, I wpould like to go again sometime.

I've been lucky to work as a travel guide and tour leader for a while, so I got to visit many wonderful places over and over again. I've got to know the people working there and make friends, so I perfectly understand what you are saying Anita. It's a wonderful feeling to revisit places and people and see what's changed since you've last been there.
However, it's a big world out there and I would love to see it all, so now I'm going to new places each time, try new things and add new experiences to my list.
Would love to hear more about your holidays: are you planning to explore the world or are you happy to go back to places that love ?