Familiies can make travel for Solos difficult

Vacationing Groups vs Solo Travelers

 
I have always traveled off season, not ONLY because prices are affordable but to avoid the crowds who go on vacation and particularly families.   I have no objection to family travelers but the travel mentality of a group is different than an individual.

Groups loose their sense of personal space.  They fill whatever space is available.  Just watch a group walk along a sidewalk.  Try to pass and they are oblivious to your presence.   Groups feel they must walk abreast no matter the width of a path or sidewalk.  
  
 
Many simple activities can take far more time when the family vacationers are out in force.
Eating a quick service lunch takes longer when each member of the 'group' is asked  "what do you want?"  and all the accompanying questions on how the item should be garnished or prepared.
Entrance fees for groups is time consuming:  adults, seniors, children, calculating the cost for each group member.

Tours are often filled to capacity during peak travel times and a solo traveler must find a seat with the odd family member of a group or walk at the perimeter of the tour 'group'.  

Most solo travelers will not notice or care about any of this.  One of the big losses of traveling at peak vacation times is that locals have little time or interest in interacting.   I meet many locals and have great conversations when I travel 'off season'.   I might be the only visitor  to a church or shop and the attendant will often take the time to tell me about a town treasure, a shop product or even talk about themselves.

As a solo traveler how do you interact with families traveling on vacation?     Are you 'adopted' into their group?   Do they consider you an interesting oddity as a solo traveler?  Or as often can happen are you invisible to other travelers? 

Finding hotel accommodations can be more expensive during family vacation times.    Hotels and resorts prefer families to solo travelers.   Simple fact, 3 or more travelers SPEND more money. 

Obtaining a table at busy restaurants for a solo is another challenge.   But eating before the crowds arrive or take out meals is normal for some solo travelers. 

London:  Church Cafe in Kensington

Café Portico

RE-OPENS MARCH 2014
The cafe at St Luke's opened during the summer of 2011 and has become a popular spot for breakfasts, lunches and afternoon tea. It is open from 9.00am and, depending on the great British weather, closes at 5pm.
Come and try it out.

• Sandwiches, baguettes and snacks
• Cakes, ice cream
• Teas, coffees, chilled drinks
• Eat in or Take Away 

St Luke's & Christ Church, St Luke's Crypt,
Sydney Street, London SW3 6NH
Tel: 020 7351 7365

London Alternative Cafe at Sotheby's



photo credit to Sothby's web page

Eating in the Crypts of London churches 
http://bit.ly/MFG7LW    another post on this site covers several of the restaurants and cafes I visited in London.    Alternatives to formal restaurants are also found in department stores, museums and even in Sotheby's!

Everyone has heard of Sotheby's Auction House.  Exclusive and high end treasures pass through these portals to become cherished heirlooms .                                                                                     
But did you know you can enjoy meals in the Café at Sothebys?    Thanks to  Maggie the owner of At Home in London http://www.athomeinlondon.co.uk/ for sharing this post with me.     Although perhaps on the pricey end of café choices in London, you could stop in for tea or even breakfast.    You may wish to purchase an old master or even a tiara while you are there.  http://bit.ly/M34sLJ

From the Sotheby web page, enjoy part of the tea menu.....I can't wait to return to London...wonder if I need to wear gloves?  www.sotheby.com

• Sotheby's
  34-35 New Bond Street
  London
  W1A 2AA
• Tel:+44 (0)207 293 5077