Hi everyone,

I'm new to the world of travelling solo on holiday and found the idea of going it alone quite daunting. As a 48 year old divorcee, I had so many concerns about such a trip, you would have thought I was the first person in the world to undertake such a thing. What would I do? Where could I go? Would people stare at me for being alone? How could I walk into a bar or restaurant and plonk myself down amongst people who would be with someone or with the whole family? Such similar thoughts were endless, but in a moment of sudden bravery, I decided, yes, I want a holiday and it had to be done.

As many Brits had decided to stay within our shores this year according to reports, I decided to do the same. I would go to sunny Devon, Woolacombe in fact, where I spent many a happy summer holiday when I was little with all the family, mum, dad, 2 brothers and a sister. We used to set off at night and drive the 300 miles on A roads and even smaller ones. No motorways then in the early 1960's; it took forever.

So the hotel (B+B) was booked and the car loaded; suitcase, walking boots, extra clothes just in case, pillow and blanket on the back seat, sleeping bag, cool box full of goodies and of course my umbrella. It was a four day trip but I looked like I was going on safari. I was prepared for every eventuality.

Forty years on, I had the pleasures of the M6 and M5 and the pouring rain to accompany me on my journey. A simple journey in comparison. Setting off at precisely 8.30am on Sunday morning, I hit the road and had a smooth uneventful journey past Birmingham, onto the M5. Stopped for a light snack from the cool box mid way and continued on my way wondering how on earth I was going to dare and go into a restaurant in Devon that evening on my own. Giving myself a good talking to on the M5, I decided that it would have to be done. Afterall I had no choice. I had to eat. Couldn't come home looking like I had starved myself.

I arrived at woolacombe slightly daunted by the thought of holidaying alone, but determined that a silly thing like eating out alone was not going to stop me having a good time. I had gone there to find childhood places and to walk along the coastal paths and that was just what I was going to do, otherwise i knew I would have been so annoyed at myself if I had come away not having done what I was there to do.

That evening I dined at a brasserie on chicken piri piri and Mediterranean vegetables, a glass of rosé and some scrumptious chocolate ice cream. How proud I was when I had passed my first test with flying colours. I left the restaurant thinking, "see you can do it". Now let the holiday begin.

I went to bed feeling confident and looking forward to morning when I would begin my walks along the cliff tops from Croyde to Baggy point. The sea was choppy and it looked amazing, filling me with energy and wonder. I could stand and stare at the waves crashing against the rocky coastline forever.

The next day was filled by walking from Ilfracombe to Lea Bay. The boats were bobbing about in the harbour waiting for holidaymakers to climb aboard so they could set sail. The coastline is dramatic and wild in parts. I love the ruggedness.

If anyone needs encouragement to holiday alone, I would say, "do it". I was so happy to have made this first trip. The sea was invigorating and made me feel as high as a kite, I conquered some fears and gained confidence.

Please don't stay at home just because you have nobody to travel with. Life is short and there is a lot to do. It is better to have done something alone than not at all. Don't live with regrets at not having done something when it is possible to go it alone.