Originally Posted by
CarmenOM
...Hanging out on a beach by yourself is not fun; beach resorts are filled with couples and families. The least enjoyable trip I ever took alone was to Hawaii.
Exploring Paris/Amsterdam/Prague/Ljubljana/Luang Prabang/Bangkok or XXX beautiful city is interesting and fun, whether you investigate odd corners of the city on foot, visit museums, look at architecture, go to concerts, or hang out in cafes. ...
I realize this may be way off base as advice for a young guy and I may be underestimating your ability to pick up a companion on a beach. Just my $0.02 worth.
To each her own.
Something I've figured out for myself - there's a difference between a vacation and an adventure. An adventure is an active trip where I'm going to learn, experience and do. A vacation is when I'm going to rest and clear my head. I've gone on adventures, returned home and realized I didn't get the rest and head clearing that I really needed. Thankfully, I work for a company that allows enough time off per year to do both. (32 personal days/year + 11 holidays, although starting next year I get an additional five.)
While I've had a wonderful time exploring four or five (depends on XXX) of the places you have mentioned, both alone and with travel companions, sometimes being alone at the beach for a few days can be the best vacation of all. No companions. No noise. Not having to talk to anyone. Just watching the sun go up and the sun go down. It can do wonders to clear my head and get me back to functioning in my real life. It's the very things you don't like about a solo beach vacation that make it one of my favorite solo journeys.
Given the OP's current predicament, it's doubtful he's looking to pick up a companion on the beach. He may just want to clear his head, for which peace, quiet, the ocean breeze and the sound of crashing waves could be perfect.