Going Solo – Taking the Plunge
“For anyone thinking of going alone I would say just do it you will not be disappointed. You are not alone from the moment you step through the gates. I have met people I will never forget and will hold in my heart and memories forever “
Dee , solo traveller
I get it. Going away on your own or joining a group holiday can trigger all sorts of anxieties. It’s difficult to make the break! One of the (many!) reasons I set up Free Spirits was because I’m on my own, the kids have left home and I didn’t always want to travel alone. Running group holidays to my favourite place seemed like the perfect solution and it’s definitely worked well so far as I now have so many new swim fiends to adventure with!
We’ve run many escapes to Turkey now and hand on heart I can say that it’s the perfect break for anyone on their own. Dee came on her own for the first time in 2023 – she’s now a regular. I remember just how anxious she was in the run up to coming for the first time. I asked her to write a few words about her experience of going solo. This is what she wrote, reading it made me very emotional because every word resonated with me. This is what she said:
As I approached my 60th birthday one thing I knew was I didn't want to be at home "celebrating" my next decade. I couldn't see or feel anything worthy of celebration. My mental health had been a challenge all year. I was feeling lost, invisible and alone.
Free Spirit escapes had popped up on my Facebook feed and I'd looked at it and started following the page. Talked myself in and out of booking then all places were filled and any decision was taken out of my hands, until I noticed a last minute cancellation I borrowed money for the deposit and immediately felt a sense of relief I'd be away for the looming birthday.
Booking and correspondence was easy and I just relaxed and waited.
While I felt excited and somewhat empowered that I was going away by myself, other people’s reactions started to make me slightly nervous, constant "oh you’re going on your own that's brave" comments. As the date drew nearer I suddenly started to panic silly questions like, What should I pack? What will I wear? What if no one speaks to me? What if I hate it?
I was reassured by Sarah and her warm, easy responses to my questions and the wonderful social media presence of all the guest comments, pictures and videos.
From the moment I arrived I was welcomed by the warmth of the Turkish evening and the reassuring hugs from Sarah Fi and fellow travellers who had stayed up late to greet me.
It is very difficult to put into words the feeling that is a Free Spirit Escapes experience surrounded by women of differing ages and backgrounds but all with similar interests, a love of water, adventure and just genuine souls. The whole holiday is woven together to create a beautiful tapestry of experiences where the wonderful venue and its hosts Feridun and Hatice welcome you to enjoy their hotel and hospitality sharing authentic amazing food along the way.
The week is packed with adventures, opportunities and fun and the passion Sarah has for Turkey and sharing everything Free Spirits means everything is catered for. There is no pressure to join in everything and plenty of time to just be with a book or yourself but in all honesty I and everyone else just embraced every opportunity.
The whole experience left me feeling at peace with myself, who I was, totally accepted and loved. women supporting women laughing together crying together encouraging each other to try new experiences.
or anyone thinking of going alone I would say just do it you will not be disappointed. You are not alone from the moment you step through the gates. I have met people I will never forget and will hold in my heart and memories forever. I found Free Escapes and beautiful Turkey and I found me again.
So, take it from Dee! If you’re thinking of booking a Free Spirit Escape but you’re feeling nervous, don’t be! Get booked and get excited for the possibilities that await! We’re here to answer any questions you might have, just get in touch.
