magnificent lake garda

[anita]

thinking of booking late june early july will be first time a little nervous just retired

[sheila1950]

Oh, goodness, what a co-incidence. I'm a Dyke, too, that's my maiden name. You're not one of the Dykes from Kidderminster are you? I know it's quite common but from the research I've done there were several regional collections of Dykes dating back to the early 1400s. It would be amazing if we were somehow related.

I'm nervous too about booking a holiday but from the people I've spoken to I think it's just a matter of getting it over and done with. I'm planning to book very soon - sadly not for Lake Garda, I weas looking at a cruise.

Whatever you decide to do, I hope it works for you.

Sheila

[Brenda]

Hello Anita
I went on a "Just You" holiday last year (my 6th or 7th - losing count!) and I thoroughly recommend Lake Garda - it is absolutely beautiful and I intend to return in the not-too-distance future.

No need to be nervous about coming on your first holiday. You will find lots of other people in the same boat. My first tip to you is to put a "Just You" label on your hand luggage - this will often attract fellow "Just You" travellers at the airport to come and talk to you - those of us who are seasoned travellers with this company love talking to others to see which holidays they have been on.

Even if you don't meet anyone on the journey out, when you get on the coach at your destination you will find that everyone starts chatting and is very friendly. My second tip is that when you get on the coach say hello and smile at everyone - don't forget there wil be other first timers just as nervous as you. I promise you that by the time you have shared your first evening meal with the group you will be wondering why on earth you were worried in the first place.

You will find the group bonds very quickly and the tour managers are marvellous at looking after you. There is no pressure to go on trips and no pressure to be the life and soul of the party. If you want some to have some peace and quiet on your own then there is plenty of opportunity and, equally, there are always people to join in for leisure time activities in the evenings. You will meet a variety of people from all professions and all ages. And you will find that everyone is as ordinary as you.

So Anita, pluck up the courage and book that holiday because once you have been on one trip you will open the door to a world of holidays and opportunities to meet like-minded companions. You will not regret it and I promise you that you will have a wonderful holiday in a stunning location.