Where should I stay as a woman travelling on her own?

[Anna G]

Hi,

I'd really appreciate some advice about this!

I'm going to Tobago in September but can't decide where to stay - I'm going on my own (I work with my partner and we can't get the same holiday!) and I have been to Tobago on my own before and stayed at the Grafton, where I learnt to dive with Adventure Eco Divers (who were great, by the way). I had a fabulous holiday at the Grafton but, having been to Tobago before I am now more confident and don't feel that I need all inclusive, and the Grafton was friendly but a bit lacking in character (although the staff made me very welcome). Also, and perhaps importantly, I don't drive so I ruled out the Half Moon at Blue Haven and places in Speyside because I'm assuming they are beautiful but that I won't be able to get anywhere else - is that correct? I'm not a party animal, but a visit to Sunday School and a night out once or twice might be fun...

So..I've been considering the Toucan Inn and diving with R and Sea divers because all of the reviews look really good. But, can anyone with experience of the Toucan tell me whether a/ they'd make a single traveller comfortable? Could I, for example, have dinner at Bonkers on my own without feeling like a freak? b/ would I feel/be safe in the hotel? c/ is there a lot of hassle by men towards women on their own on the Crown Point beaches (there was a bit at the Grafton, but bearable!), d/ would I be okay in the Crown Point area on my own e/ would it be more relaxing to go elsewhere???!

I am a pretty confident person (have grown up and live in London so fairly streetwise), mid-30s, make friends pretty easily, and love Tobago, but I'm wondering if I am being too optimistic in thinking that I might enjoy a visit to the Toucan and Crown Point more than a re-visit to the Grafton? And might I have just as good a time in the Speyside area? Any ideas or views much appreciated!

Anna G

[Rachel Harries]

Hi Anna
I think the Toucan Inn is an inspired choice. Lively enough but not too much, a cool place to eat but not too romantic or intimate. A bit of a bar vibe, an eclectic mix of guests, and yes, near Crown Point for that essential social bit if you feel like it.
I would stay there on my own, no probs
Rachel

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Anna

Welcome aboard!

As Rachel says, the Toucan Inn is probably a good choice. Have you read our review? If not, its available through the Reviews/Accommodation menu at the top of the page.

No, I don't think you would feel like a 'freak' at Bonkers. In fact, small but busy hotels like this are very much more friendly than the larger hotels in our experience - we liken it to the difference between living in the country as opposed to living in a city.

Yes, I'm sure you will get some chat from the lads at Store Bay and Pigeon Point. However, its all good natured and you simply have to be firm and leave no room for doubt. Store Bay will be your nearest beach and you can hire sun loungers there. Take the time to chat and befriend the guy who hires the chairs and let him know about your concerns - he'll look after you and make sure the younger lads don't pester you unduly.

Yes, you'll be perfectly safe walking around the area as long as you apply normal common sense. While we were staying at the Toucan Inn back in February, Jill used to walk up to Store Bay every day while I was working on the review back at the hotel.

[Tiff Lynch]

Hi Anna,

I am also going to be in Tobago with friends in September. When is ur trip planned?
I have stayed at the Toucan, albeit only for one night. I can say though that if I were travelling on my own I would be more than happy to stay there. The accomodation setting is lovely. Mostly centered around the pool area. The staff are very friendly and the menu isn't too bad either. It also helps having R&sea based up there too. Tracey and the team are just fantastic. I was there in May this year and completed my PADI OW with them. I have already made plans to get some dives in when I go back.Tobago Fest is also on at the end of September Which I can also reccommend if you are out there during that time. I have been some five times and travelled on my own this last time. I have to say that everyone made me feel so very welcome. If u are out there during the same time. I and my friends who are also Tobago junkies will be more than willing to hook up.

[Linda P]

Hi Anna

My friends came out to Tobago with us in May for our wedding and stayed at Scarborough House in Bon Accord. There were three of them, Yvonne, her daughter and future son-in-law, although Yvonne did spend quite a bit of time exploring the surrounding area on her own. Scarborough House is a very friendly guest house with self catering accomodation, ran by Joyce and Clive, an english couple who cannot do enough to help, they also have a very good friend, Owen who will take you out and about if you wish.
Yvonnes husband could not make the trip and she did recieve quite a bit of attention from the male population tostart with, however, once she made it clear that she was not looking fo a Shirley Valentine experience they did back off and some became very good friends, introducing her to their families and taking her out in the evenings.

I hope this of some use to you, have a great hol.

Linda