Spirited singles are new breed of traveller

According to a recent report by Mintel, singles are more adventurous than ever before and crave new experiences to far flung destinations around the world. Singles specialist, Just You (justyou.co.uk), is reaping the benefits due to their approach and vast portfolio of worldwide escorted tours.

2007 is the year of diversity for single travellers as countries like China, Vietnam and Peru welcome savvy singles eager to experience adventurous itineraries, safe in the knowledge they are travelling as part of an escorted tour with like-minded people and an experienced Tour Manager. The experts at Just You predict a fantastic year for ten countries in particular…

1. China
With the Olympics set for 2008, interest in China is exploding. The country is capitalising on its abundance of natural and cultural treasures, with visitors set to be enchanted by the beauty, history and extraordinary way of life behind the ‘Bamboo Curtain’. Just You’s 10-day ‘The Wonder of China’ tour kicks off by exploring the fascinating capital, Beijing including Tian an Men Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. The tour continues by train to the Imperial Summer Resort in Chengde and then by air to Xian, home to the legendary Terracotta Army. Departures are available throughout the year. Prices start from just £1045 and include all travel, meals and sightseeing.

2. Italy
The beauty of Italy remains a must for British holidaymakers and has proved an absolute winner with single travellers hungry to experience its diverse history, culture and breathtaking scenery. Just You’s five-day ‘Flavours of Italy’ tour will certainly tempt the tastebuds. Discover the region of Emilia-Romagna, birthplace of Parmesan cheese, Bolognese sauce, Tortellini pasta and Parma ham. Highlights include wine and local produce tastings around the pretty Castello di Serravalle area and a visit to an acetaia to watch the production of balsamic vinegar. Regular departures between May and October. Prices start from just £549 on a half-board basis.

3. South Africa
It’s all about new experiences – and South Africa offers them in droves. Meet Zulu Warriors, take a ride on the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam train, explore the awesome Cango Caves or spot black and white rhino in Kruger National Park. Special departure dates also include opportunities to whale-watch, feel the rush of Victoria Falls or sample the wines from the famous regions of Franschoek and Constantia. Just You’s 16-day ‘South African Explorer’ itinerary departs throughout the year. Prices start from just £2095 on a half-board basis.

4. Czech Republic
Can’t get away for a long holiday? Then Prague is an excellent choice for a city break and just under two hours by air from the UK! Just You’s four-day getaway takes in the best the Czech city has to offer, including Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square. Regular departures between March and October. Prices start at £499 on a half-board basis.

5. Croatia
Everyone’s talking about Croatia - the ‘hot’ destination on everyone’s lips in 2007! The country is home to some of the most magnificent coastal scenery in Europe. Just You’s 8-day ‘Opatija Riviera’ break features a lovely four-star hotel in the beach resort of Opatija. Visit the picturesque town of Rovinj, enjoy a boat trip to the village of Lovran across the Opatija bay and pop across to neighbouring Slovenia for a tour of the historic capital, Ljubljana and the breathtaking Postojna Caves. Regular departures between May and October. Prices start at £769 on a half-board basis.

6. USA
With the dollar at its weakest for some years, there has never been a better time to visit America. The popular Just You 12-day West Coast tour features stays in San Francisco, LA and Palm Springs with a final three nights’ in the 24-hour city of Vegas. Highlights include a tour of San Francisco by night, the famous Hollywood Strip, a trip to Disneyland and the opportunity to take a once in a lifetime flight over the awesome Grand Canyon. Regular departures throughout the year. Prices start at £1135 on a B&B basis.

7. New Zealand
Consistently voted one of the most favoured destinations by British travellers, New Zealand’s inspiring beauty continues to inspire. Just You’s 18-day tour visits both the North and South Islands and features a stunning journey on the Tranz Alpine Express from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass. The itinerary allows you the freedom to extend your stay to visit family or friends or stopover in Los Angeles or Fiji in either direction. Regular departures throughout the year. Prices start at £2295 per person on a B&B basis with lunch and dinner included on some days.

8. Canada
Recent news has placed Polar Bears on the list for severely endangered species. As global warming affects their natural environments, opportunities to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat are being restricted. Just You offers a 10-day, once in a lifetime ‘Polar Bear Adventure’ visiting the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’ in the port of Churchill on the edge of the Hudson Bay. Numbers are limited to adhere to strict conservation policies – so early booking is advised. The tour departs 9 November and costs £2745 per person on a B&B basis with lunch and dinner included on some days.

9. South America
The lure of Argentina and Brazil has never been more powerful. With tango clubs springing up all over London and Buenos Aires declared one of the coolest city’s in the world, there has never been a better time to go! Explore the magnificent Iguacu Falls, the beaches of Rio and the tango bars of Argentina on Just You’s vibrant 10-day ‘Argentina & Brazil’ itinerary. Departures between March and November. Prices start from just £2295 per person and include many meals, excursions and added extras.

10. Vietnam
First time visitors to Vietnam are always overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of the country’s natural setting. More exotic than Thailand or Singapore, Vietnam offers a melange of French and Asian influences, from majestic mountains and untouched beaches, to rice paddies, breathtaking rainforests and lagoons. The itinerary takes you on a remarkable journey travelling from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Highlights include a tour to the fabled Mekong Delta and Halong Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage beauty spot. Travellers can also add-on visits to Angkor Wat or a Mekong River cruise. Departures between February and November. Prices start from just £1595 per person and include all travel, meals and sightseeing.

For more information and bookings visit justyou.co.uk.