I started travelling with Just You in March 2010, a few years after the loss of my parents. I had previously spent holidays with friends and family, but as circumstances changed I found myself alone and spending time at home.

In the summer of 2009, my boss at the time mentioned that his uncle travelled on his own and that I should try it. At primary school, my teacher was from New Zealand so my interest in that country stems from there. I had been following newspaper ads for trips to New Zealand and discovered Just You. I followed this up by looking on the internet at Just You and other similar companies.

Just You sounded good but I was unsure if it was for me. Not having the confidence to book, I emailed Just You expressing my interest and asking if someone could ring me to discuss. A week or so later, I received a phone call and without further procrastination took the plunge and booked New Zealand there and then. I decided if it didn’t work out, at least I’ve visited my favourite country.

Family and friends were delighted and some said I was very brave. I felt it too, until I reached the airport, where doubts were creeping in, as I had not done long haul before. A fab tour manager and chats with the group soon allayed my fears as we shared our experiences and expectations. The odd glass of wine helped, too!

I had a fabulous trip doing most of the excursions including the float plane to Mount Tarawera, a helicopter flight over and landing on the glaciers, there was superb weather on the Milford Sound voyage and I met two ladies who I still keep in contact with. On return to the UK, though jet-lagged, I was buzzing and couldn’t wait to book another holiday. I chose Prague, Vienna & Budapest in September 2010.

As my confidence grew, I decided to do a long haul trip every two years in March, with lots of shorter ones in between. That did not last and I found myself doing a long haul every year. I’ve discovered if you plan your holidays around bank holidays, your annual leave entitlement goes further!

Like many other Just You travellers I am now addicted to travel and I have visited many amazing places including Iceland, where I saw spectacular fireworks and the Blue Lagoon, Canada, to enjoy its mountains, lakes and waterfalls, the stunning scenery in Hawaii, Norway – twice – to see the Northern Lights and take a husky ride, Alaska for superb wildlife and Austria, where I drove my fellow travellers crazy singing ‘The Sound of Music’!

So, anyone interested in travelling alone but hesitant, just go for it. You’ll have a wonderful time and it will boost your confidence no end. You’ll also make life-long friends.