TRAVELLING SOLO - WOULD YOU?

OK holidaying alone isn't quite as easy as holidaying with someone else. It can take courage to think about going away on your own, especially if you haven't done it before or don't know anyone else who has.
 

Take heart, however.  There's a definite demographic trend towards singles holidays.  Why?  More people are not marrying at all and/or not having children.  More people are divorcing.  Some women who do have partners or children may choose to holiday alone for a whole host of reasons.  Singles holidays are not necessarily just for single people!

In 2006, more than 4 million people undertook singles holidays - that's one in five holidaymakers. Some of them do travel completely alone; others prefer the safety and companionship that travelling with a group provides.
 
Travelling with a group

This is an increasingly popular way of taking a singles holiday because of the obvious benefits of security, safety and companionship.  As a result, more and more companies are springing up to cater for this growing market.

While some of us do love the solitude of going away truly alone, for many  the opportunity to share the travelling with a group can be extremely attractive. It is easier and perhaps safer to strike up a conversation with someone who is in your group rather than trying your chances with a random stranger.
 
There are a few ways you might go about arranging this:

The first is to to find a travelling companion who wants to do the same thing as you. There is a certain amount of risk in this but there are a number of organisations that help you to do this in relative safety. You can register with a travel companion website where you'll find other people who want to travel.  Sites include:

companions2travel.co.uk
travellersconnected.com
travelmatesonline.com

The second option is to holiday with a company specialiing in holidays for singles. Some offer a 'compromise' ie they'll arrange for you to travel alone but also offer the opportunity to join in with a group if you wish.  Companies include:

soloholidays.co.uk
justyou.co.uk
solitairhols.co.uk
travelscope.co.uk
saga.co.uk
friendshiptravel.com
travelone.co.uk
singulartravel.co.uk

Adventure Holidays 

For those of you who're more adventurous, you can also link up with others on holidays that are a bit more out-of-the-ordinary. There are many opportunities for you to do more adventurous and, perhaps, unusual activities as a single person.  Activity holidays are particularly well suited to singles holidays, since they're often not ideal for family groups. So take a look and see if there is something that appeals to you and take the plunge - perhaps literally!  Companies include:

adventurecompany.co.uk
activitiesabroad.com

 


Holidays in the UK

If you prefer to stay in the UK, you can take a singles holiday.  Companies specialising in UK single holidays UK include:

eventstogether.co.uk

  
Volunteering Holidays

Volunteering Holidays are a fantastic way of holidaying on your own as you'll feel part of a  group all working towards the same goals. Click here to visit our information pages on volunteering holidays

 
Top Tips for Travelling Alone

It's sensible to make arrangements through a travel company largely because they can give you advice on security, where it's safe to go and not to go and so on.

If you want to visit more remote or 'unusual' destinations around the world, check the Foreign Office website to see what they have to say about safety  in the country or countries you wish to visit. Always tell your friends and/or family where you are going and what your planned itinerary is.


If you plan to go with a companion you've met online ensure you read the website thoroughly to get a feel for it. Email them to ask what security precautions they take about the people who post details on the site and always try to meet your prospective companion(s) in a public place before you decide to take things further.

If you're joining an organised group:

You'll need to feel comfortable with how the trip will be organised. Don't be afraid to ask questions - good companies welcome them.

Check out how many there will be in the group; you might feel uncomfortable in a very small group.

Ask if there will be a tour guide facilitating the holiday. A good one will ensure that everyone feels included, whilst at the same time allowing people to do their own thing if they wish.

What is the age-range of the group? Would you feel happy going with a group that is much older or younger than you?

Check out the male/female balance. Cultural holidays will generally have more women, whilst the balance is likely to be more even on activity holidays.

Use the web site forum, if there is one, to ask experienced travellers their views on the holiday in which you are interested.

Ask about meals, activities and tours: do you have to do everything as a group or will you be left to your own devices if you wish?

What about social events either before or after the holiday?  Some companies organise them so that you can meet the people you will be travelling with or to have a reunion.

Some companies allow children to travel with single travellers. if this is an issue for you, check first, before you sign up.
 
Have Your Say

Do YOU have experience of holidaying alone or is it something you'd consider?  Click here to visit our forums or why not post a comment below....