Travelling solo? You’re not the only one!
Deciding where to holiday can be fun but invariably involves a degree of compromise. Finding a solution to suit every member of the family, or one that will keep both partners content, isn’t always the easiest task. For single folk, however, it’s a far simpler process. With only yourself to think about and an ever-expanding array of trips available from which to choose, travelling solo is becoming an increasingly popular option.
Indeed, according to a recent survey - conducted by LV = travel insurance – the trend to travel solo is not confined to those without a partner. It found that, in the past year, up to 27% of people in a relationship chose ‘me time’ and enjoyed a solo break. This compares to ten years ago, when just 10% of those polled admitted to having a holiday without their other half.
And, if further evidence was needed, a quick look at specialist tour operator Solos’ latest selection of holidays will leave single travellers in little doubt that the world really is their oyster. Whether venturing abroad or staying closer to home, seeking an active break or a sun lounger, looking to travel in the height of summer or during a quieter time of year, Solos’ new brochure – covering departures until April 2015 – ticks all the boxes.
Just added to its programme of short breaks and longer itineraries in the UK, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas and Asia are:
Rail Holidays…
A brand-new category with departures from August onwards, Solos has introduced three new rail-based itineraries aimed at travellers who appreciate that ‘getting there’ can often be as enjoyable as the destination itself. Travel on the Legendary Trains of Switzerland through stunning scenery (four nights are £999 pp) or let the train take the strain on a relaxing weekend break to the pretty European cities of Lille (three nights are £659 pp) or Bruges (three nights are £689 pp).
In the UK…
Katherine Jenkins weekend: Enjoy an unforgettable concert by one of the UK’s most celebrated vocalists as Katherine Jenkins performs some of her favourite works at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, in Gloucestershire. This two-night break also includes ample free time to explore the local area or to pamper yourself in the hotel’s spa and leisure complex. The price is £319 pp.
Discover Solos Weekends: Interested in travelling solo but still a bit unsure about taking the first step? These two-night breaks, in either Cambridgeshire, Hampshire or Suffolk, give singles the chance to find out more about what a Solos holiday entails, to meet others in a similar position and to enjoy a weekend of fun and activities. The price is from £245 pp.
Dinner Dances: Perennially popular with its regular clientele and a fabulous way for newcomers to join the Solos community, strut your stuff at new Dinner Dance locations in Nottingham or Kettering (dance only and one-night packages available) or make a weekend of it with a new Dinner Dance break at the four-star Hampshire Court Hotel near Basingstoke. The price is from £55 pp for a Dinner Dance, from £120 pp for a one-night break and £309 pp for a two-night break.
Escorted Tours worldwide…
Joining Solos’ selection of escorted Discovery Tours to fascinating destinations around the world are five new itineraries – ranging from Lake Bled to Laos. In Europe, explore the Imperial Cities of Prague, Vienna & Budapest (six nights, price is £1,289 pp) or visit some of Austria & Slovenia’s most scenic spots on a trip that includes both countries’ beautiful lake regions, the famous Postojna Caves and city sightseeing in Ljubljana and Zagreb (seven nights from £1,319 pp).
Further afield, choose from a 14-night Malaysian Gems tour that encompasses Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands, Belum, Penang and Lankawi (14 nights, price is £2,799 pp), A China Experience - highlights include Shanghai, Beijing, the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriers, with the option to add Hong Kong - (eight or 11 nights from £1,975 pp) - or Enchanting Indochina, a 15-night South East Asia odyssey that visits Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia (15 nights from £3,359 pp).
Cruise…
Tick off five of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands on a seven-night Latin Gems cruise that takes in Barbados, Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada and St. Lucia (from £1,659 pp) or enjoy a Mexican Medley (seven nights, price is from £1,721 pp), blending shore stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya with the Honduran island of Roatán and Jamaica’s Falmouth & Montego Bay. Mexico, Honduras and Jamaica also feature in Solos’ third new cruise, where they are augmented by Belize on a seven-night Mayan Treasures itinerary (from £1,709 pp).
Sun…
In travel terms, there can be few greater pleasures than heading off to warmer climes whilst friends, family and colleagues brace themselves for the vagaries of a British autumn or winter. Come September, swap crowds for quiet beaches on the scenic Greek island of Santorini (seven nights from £849 pp) whilst warm, welcoming climates await even later in the year in Tenerife (seven nights from £835 pp) and Agadir (seven nights from £769 pp). Or why not treat yourself to even more exotic winter sun escape, heading to Barbados for ten nights of beachside bliss (from £2,079 pp) or 10 nights’ all-inclusive indulgence in the Indian Ocean on Mauritius (from £2,719 pp).
For Active Singles…
Responding to an ongoing increase in demand from single travellers keen to incorporate more soft activity into their holidays, Solos continues to expand its range of tennis, golf, ski, walking and multi-activity itineraries. Clients keen to catch the natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis (weather conditions permitting) will enjoy a four-night Northern Lights Adventure in Iceland (£1,299 pp) whilst winter sports enthusiasts can now choose from the Italian ski resort of Santa Caterina (seven nights are £1,029 pp) or Austria’s Bad Hofgastein (seven nights are £1,079 pp) to perfect their parallels.
For those seeking a milder climate in which to exercise, Solos has added three new trips to its popular Walks & Treks programme: in Gran Canaria (seven nights from £1,089 pp); in Spain’s least known but arguably most spectacular province, Almeria (seven nights from £749 pp); and on the beautiful Greek island of Zakynthos (seven nights from £799 pp). And winter need not mean fleeing indoors for tennis lovers – head instead to the wonderfully-warm climate and sumptuous surroundings of Sharm El Sheikh, where Solos serves up a seven-night break from £999 pp.
Golfers wishing to play a round alongside fellow single travellers now have the option to tee off in Madeira (seven nights are £1,085 pp), at Spain’s El Rompido Autumn Festival (seven nights are £999 pp) or - guaranteed to make you the envy of the golf club back home – why not try Vietnam, now firmly established on South East Asia’s golfing map. This nine-night, two-centre trip includes the chance to play on five of the country’s impressive courses as well as memorable sightseeing highlights such as Halong Bay, Hanoi and Hoi An (price is £2,799 pp).
Prices are based on sole occupancy of a single, double or twin room, except where necessary for customers to share due to the style of accommodation e.g. on safari. Solos’ holidays include return flights (choice of regional airports where available), coach or rail travel as per the itinerary, airport taxes, fees & charges, hand-picked hotels (some exclusive to Solos), an experienced Tour Leader, transfers, meals as specified and a welcome drinks reception.
Awarded Best Singles Holiday Tour Operator at the British Travel Awards for the last three years, Solos’ expertise in understanding the needs of single travellers is undisputed. Proud to be a community rather than just a holiday company, Solos has over 30 years’ experience of creating trips that strike just the right balance between time spent mixing with others and time spent alone.
For more information, visit solosholidays.co.uk.