Am going to show this thread to my family, who think I am a bit of an anti-social numpty because I like to travel on my own.

Travelling with a friend works if both agree that you need not be attached at the hip for the entire holiday; I've travelled successfully with friends when that's been understood.

My ex belongs to the 'we must board immediately the row is called or else the plane will leave without us' school of thought, which is yet another reason he's the ex.