I know many people on the solo travel forum have a different opinion on this than I do, but I think a beach vacation is the most boring possible solo vacation. You can't just leave all of your stuff on the beach and go into the water to cool off. Will your stuff be there when you get back to your beach chair or beach towel? Maybe if you went to a super-secure high-end all-inclusive beach resort, but what's the point of traveling to a foreign land just to be in a bubble where your not being exposed to life in the country you are visiting.

End of my anti-beach vacation rant.

Here are my takeaways from your post. You want to relax at a beach. You're thinking of Thailand but are open to suggestions. You are afraid you'll get bored traveling solo or anchoring yourself in one place for the duration of the vacation, or both. You don't think you can talk to strangers for some reason even though you seem to be quite gregarious. Well, you seem gregarious at least from the eight or so paragraphs I read above.

One comment before I get to my vacation suggestion. I find it much easier to talk to strangers -- whether locals or fellow travelers -- when I'm traveling simply because there is no pressure. I don't have to worry about making a bad impression or saying something inappropriate. Pressure is off. I just act friendly and polite at all times and that creates a bad impression, c'est la vie. I'll probably not see the person I inadvertently offended ever again. So if you're friendly and polite, you'll find yourself in conversations, even if it is with people at the next table in a cozy restaurant.

That said, here's my recommendation. You said you are interested in Thailand. January is the window of opportunity for visiting Thailand. It's the dry season (relatively speaking). For Thailand, there are three main vacation zones: Bangkok. The beaches. Northern Thailand. Pick a destination in each one of those zones. One from Column A (Bangkok), one from Column B ("B" for beach), and one from Column C (Northern Thailand, would be either Chiang Mai or the smaller Chiang Rai). That approach probably would work best for you, given what you've said about your vacationing proclivities. You're not locked into any one place for longer than your attention span.

Spend four nights (or so) in each one, which, with transportation to each stop in each of the vacation zones, gives you three days. It takes a pretty miserable and pathetic place to get boring more quickly than three days/four nights. That pace should work for you. I know this sort of vacation tempo is more American than European or British, but it might suit you better.

If Thailand is too hot, you could try the southern cone of South America. Either Argentina or Chile, with the same three destinations, four nights per destination approach. January is summer in South America and unless you are in the far north of Chile, summers in South America are not blisteringly hot.

I vacation solo at beach destinations all the time... Mexico or Hawaii. It's not boring and it's not like you sit on the beach all day long. Some trips I never even make it to the beach. But I love being in the tropics and in an interesting town/city. I like Waikiki on Oahu and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. Loads of things to do there... book stores, farmers markets, live music, dance performances, art galleries, walking tours, cooking classes, etc.

But I like to be on my own. I'm not interested in seeking out other solo travelers, although sometime I do end up meeting like-minded people. Or even people from the Destination Forums here on Trip Advisor, where I've often met up with someone for lunch or a drink when we're in the same place at the same time. I don't stay at a "resort" rather a normal local hotel or rent an apartment.

{am questioning if I might just be the kind of person who prefers familiar company and if there's no one to share things with I'll get bored after a few days}

The only way you will ever know the answer to that, is to try it out for yourself.

As far as planning ahead not to travel light... I am not a backpacker, but as a single female I find it important that you can easily handle your own luggage (to find a taxi, to take a train, whatever) plus for safety's sake. You are at a disadvantage in many circumstances if you have more bags than you can deal with. Besides, how much do you need for a week or two at the beach?

If you really want to plan a trip, just pick a place or two, then research hotels or other options for a place to stay, make a reservation, buy a plane ticket. That's really all it takes to make it happen.

Best wishes, suze

Exactly how long do you have? Thailand is far away and you'll lose travel time and jet lag.

Honestly with what you've mentioned just pick one of the Canary islands.

Relatively short hop from London. Same time zone. It should be in the 20s.

Nothing really to plan. Some of the airlines will even hook you up with an airport shuttle to the hotel.

I found the AI resorts to be the loniest being solo. You're constantly negotiating around families and couples with not much else to occupy you.

I think you are right to think of somewhere you really are keen on - but that's a lot for first time on your own, long journey, another country language customs.

What about somewhere nearer which has things to see, a hotel half board so you are covered for meals if you don't find somewhere to eat out. It gives you options.

Seville comes to mind. Beautiful city with lots of sights, day trips out with a small group.

You do have a misconception about travelling on your own. Couples will talk to you, families may if not to busy.

And when you say not travelling light, remember you have to deal with the suitcase at the airport. If you want a coffee getting round the tables, going to the toilet you need to take it in with you. So have a compromise. Being on your own you don't need a constant change of clothes. You aren't dressing for dinner and no one will judge you if you wear the same thing twice.

Take entertainment with you for when you are on your own - books, puzzles, music etc. I find by the time I've sorted photos and indulged in a large shower on my own that fills a lot of time. Maybe a strol to the bar or a walk in the evening.

As someone new to this, maybe you'd like to read some of the Top Questions posts which the forum regulars have compiled over the years. It's a lot of really good links to information/blogs. While a lot is basic stuff it can be valuable in your case. Good Luck.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12357-k9529592-o10-The_Power_of_Going_It_Alone-Solo_Travel.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12357-k9636327-Blogs_Websites_which_share_solo_travel_experiences-Solo_Travel.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12357-k8602384-Information_Item_Top_100_Tips_for_Planning_A_Solo_Trip-Solo_Travel.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12357-k3711819-o130-Is_travelling_as_a_single_woman_safe-Solo_Travel.html

BK and I had the same idea - almost.

I suddenly thought to read the Trip Reports listed on the right of the forum under Top Questions.

They give a very good idea of what it's like. It's just different and you need to attack things with a bit of optimism if you get a problem.

But being bored is up to you. You can do whatever you like when you like so you pick things that you'd really enjoy.

Perhaps do a Whats App contact with your husband so you can share what you do and photos.

I do have my laptop with me and email friends from trips. I also take photos. I read books. But I probably have a head-start on the solo thing, as I've always been single. So I'm used to being alone. I can honestly say I have never been 'bored' on a trip. I have never stayed at a resort because I wouldn't want a 'singles' place and I do think there would be more families and couples at a place like that.

How about something easy, like go to Paris for one week?

RE Bordom

To me, this is all on you and up to you.

If you know yourself and hope you do so now. Then you should know whats boring to you.

Since i love horses i may pickup a ride here or there. Its not that i MUST, its an OPTION to do so.

I also take cooking classes locally just to see what and how things are done. IF its something thats easy/fast, i will add it to my recipe collection. If not, than i dont. Its as easy as that. THere are no cooking police to make you do either way.

Do you have ANY interests or hobbies? Ones that you do or wish to do? If you are on holiday, it maybe a good option. You will have the time. why not take the chance/opportunity.

My trip in 2023 i went to the Galapagos. It was my 1st time snorkeling. I was up to that point afraid of the water after seeing JAWS. But i was willing to TRY and get out of my comfort zone. And im glad i did. I plan to go back and to see other parts of the Galapagos and to snorkel too. I may even try snorkeling in other parts of the world.

YOu have a unique OPPORTUNITY to see other parts of the world and if you dare, challenge yourself and or get out of your comfort zone. Its all on you. No one can make you do it, only you.

good luck

Sure you can do something adventurous - said with humor - but you can also simply choose a city and go stay in a nice hotel and walk around and see a few things. If you are feeling timid no need to push out of your "comfort zone" more than simply getting on a plane and going to a new place to check it out for a few days.

I don't see how you could go wrong with a city like Amsterdam, Paris, or Venice (just happen to be places I have done it)... get a hotel, get a street map, and take some time off. Have a few nice meals. Stick close to the hotel if you are feeling timid. It will still be a fun adventure. No need to jump off a cliff -haha!