Babyboomers find travel companions online

Research shows that the number of people living alone in the UK has doubled since 1971 and, while many are happy to live alone, when it comes to travelling, a great number of them would prefer a companion. For those approaching fifty and beyond, the thought of planning and taking a solo holiday can be a daunting, lonely and expensive prospect.

To give older, single people the opportunity to find a like-minded companion to share their holiday experience an online group called Travel Mates has been set up on Aboutmygeneration.com, the social networking site for babyboomers.

It is simplicity itself to join Travel Mates and members can connect in a number of ways. They can start off by posting a message to the group on the public message board indicating the sort of trip they would like to make. This could be anything from a world cruise to meeting up with someone locally for a day out. They can also choose to send a private message to another member. And as members get to know each other through the group they can use personal message boards to plan holidays or days out and even share their photos when the trip is over.

Even for those who prefer to remain solo travellers, the group will provide an opportunity to share experiences and exchange information on the best (and worst) destinations and deals.

Commenting on Travel Mates Chris Hurley, one of the founders of Aboutmygeneration.com, said “This group has been set up to address a need on several different levels. There are many middle-aged people who are widowed or separated, who have the freedom and desire to make an adventurous trip but would like to share the experience with someone.

“Also, with a few exceptions, single accommodation and specialised singles holidays for the over fifties tend to be expensive, so by travelling together people will be able to reduce the costs. Travel Mates will also provide information on companies who are more accommodating to the single traveller. An example of this is that Fred Olsen Lines offer the largest number of single cabins as well as providing a service to pair passengers of the same sex in twin cabins to keep down costs.”

Any registered member of Aboutmygeneration.com can join Travel Mates. Membership of Aboutmygeneration.com is free.