Going Solo

Hi Everyone,

Having been going to our favorite island for over thirty years but recently went through a divorce. My question is what is everyone's thought on going solo? I went single many times in by thirties but that was long time ago, lol. Wondering your thoughts and any ideas on good places to hang as a single. Any insight would be appreciated.

I am in my mid-70s and have been going for about 15 years, many times solo. I don't do the club scene at night so can't give advice on that. Anyplace is a good place to go solo IMO. I have never felt out of place anywhere I have gone by myself; I usually will have my Kindle with me to keep me company. Often, folks will come up and strike up a conversation. I'm also blessed to know some island residents so will hang out with them from time to time.

Just go and enjoy yourself; you won't regret it!

Been going solo for 25 years - I have a time share and have made many friends there over the years, but I also venture out quite a bit on my own. I know after 30 years it must be a difficult adjustment, but try to think of it as an opportunity to meet new and interesting people.

IMO, 50+ year-old me is here to proclaim that, regardless of the destination, solo travel is highly underrated.

After visiting SXM 10+ times as a married man, in February 2023 I was on the island for the third time as a solo traveler.

I don't recall ever saying to somebody, "Hey, do you wanna get lunch?" "Wanna head back to the hotel?" "Whadda ya want for dinner tonight?" "Hey, today, you wanna hit Pinel or Happy Bay?"

You get the point. The main message is that, as a solo person, the trip becomes what you make of it. If you want to be social, you go to where people are, and you strike up conversations with strangers. If you wanna chill solo... you keep to yourself. Your trip, your rules.

In February, during the day I spent a lot of time alone on the beach reading my books. In the evening, I sometimes chilled in my room, alone. And sometimes I went out and was social at bars in restaurants (no nightclubs... too damn old for that). When I went out, sometimes made a friend, sometimes got the cold shoulder. Meh.... no big deal. My life, my rules. I decide when I'm happy.

Regarding "where to go as a single..." Dude, go where you wanna go. Seriously, just go. To places you know. And also try new places. This is YOUR trip.

My message: Don't let your life situation confine you. Go live the life that you wanna live. For me? The life I wanna live involves regular processing in the immigration line at SXM.

I'll see you at your favorite SXM bar. First round is on me.

Well said. I prey it's not my situation.

Been going solo since my wife passed away in 2016. Keeps the great memories fresh.

I find this conversation very interesting. For many years, my husband and I vacationed in SXM, sometimes twice a year. It was the one place we kept going back to. When he passed away, about 5 years ago now, I stopped thinking of SXM as a vacation spot as I was not sure I would enjoy the island as much on my own. I'm not sure I would feel safe travelling around the island and wonder if I would feel comfortable renting a car or if I would uses taxis.

I think I could stay somewhere like Maho (we stayed there many times) as the all-inclusive plan would eliminate the need to move around too much. But travelling any distance alone at night would be a definite no-no.

I suspect that solo travel might be easier for a man than a woman, especially as I am getting on in years (in my 70's)

Life is worth living, live every day to the fullest. Being back on the island might allow you to relive some cherished memories.

I understand your feelings totally. My husband passed away 6 years ago and I thought it would be so different for me vacationing in our favourite spot without the love of my life. In 2018, I decided to give it a try as I have many friends who we have always met up with in November. Through the years, we have made friends with many local residents as well , so it is always a "home coming" each year. It was my first year renting a car there alone and driving alone on the roads at night. I prefer to stay close to the Simpson Bay area at night as I stay at Beachside Villas or The Atrium and I feel safer in that area. The trip went well and I returned again in 2019 and 2022. I missed 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid 19 Pandemic. I adjusted my time from our usual 5 weeks to three weeks and that feels just right for being alone there. I usually travel with Westjet, but they have changed their flights from Ottawa for this year so I have not made my plans yet for November. Travelling alone and staying alone is not fun, but it now becomes a necessity.

You have to do what feels right for you. I know my husband would want me to live my best life and in a way I feel very close to him when I am there. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me here by Private message and we can chat about things pertaining to our island paradise.

Elizabeth, I give you a ton of credit for traveling alone without Dave!! He was a great guy!!! I'm happy to say that we had a lot of fun together!! Hope to see you at BSV in the fall!! PS you two always had good costumes!!!

Thank you for your kind words. It is not easy travelling alone and even staying alone there is not fun. If I want to travel, it is just something I have to do.We did enjoy Halloween there a few times and the costumes were always amazing at the party at the Red Piano. Your costumes were always the best!

I have been going solo for 13 years but not into the night life or gambling. I stay on the French side near the Village. I had no idea that there were so many singles that visit the island. I am going this year May 17 -24.

REAL SIMPLE magazine has a great informative article in this issue about traveling solo.

As a solo middle aged women, I have travelled extensively throughout the carib , S Pacific, Europe and Middle East with my shadow.

SXM is very welcoming to soloists. We have the best outlook on vacationing as we are approachable... and a simple introduction turns into an adventure, or not.

The key is selecting comfy accom. A place where you can chill or explore, depending on your mood, and weather.

My take? Traveling is like a box a choc'lats...

PS Bartenders usually take care of us.. Aloha and L'Orange will connect you with friendly locals, update you on events, etc. GC Java Beach Bar will entertain you with people watching and mostly let you chill. You pick your vibes/box a choc'lats... Vacations are meant to be freeing. So let down your hair, wear a big smile and see where you land.

bless!

au plaisir

C'est la vie! Profitez-en.