If the thought of travelling by yourself conjures up images of getting lost, lonely meals and expensive single supplements, think again. Greg Moffat of Redpoint holidays explains how the travel industry is accommodating the increasing demand for solo travel.

Solo Travel: Going it Alone - Solo Travel Ideas

Society is constantly changing and evolving – and with it our habits. The traditional once-a year fortnight with the family on a soggy part of the British coastline or in sunny Benidorm is thing of the past. Families are no longer the stable unit they once were, and people are growing more adventurous and looking for new experiences.

One of the trends that has emerged and grown in the travel industry over recent years is the practice of travelling alone. Once an unthinkable thing to do due to social stigma and/or safety issues, it is no longer a matter of necessity, but of choice. Not surprisingly, research suggests that men are happier to holiday solo than women – as travelling alone is still more threatening and worrying for a woman. But with an estimated 15.4 million Brits holidaying solo last year, it is a demand that we in the travel industry are rushing to fulfil.

Solo Travel: Reasons to Go Solo

Having run my own ski and activity company in Austria for over 12 years, I have noticed a definite up swing in the demand for singles holidays in groups. This doesn’t mean that our guests are actually unattached and looking for romance – there are many reasons why somebody chooses to holiday alone.

• It may be that their partner or friends don’t share the same interests and don’t want to go hill walking or sit sweltering on a beach in the Mediterranean.
• Work commitments can be an obstacle and holidays don’t always correspond.
• The increase in divorce rates combined with the fact that people are marrying later means that there are more single people around.
• People of all ages are more willing to travel alone. Instead of sitting at home twiddling their thumbs, today’s more adventurous travellers are getting up and going off by themselves.
• Some people just prefer it that way!

You have worked hard to earn your leisure time, and you have the right to spend that time in which ever way you like. Travelling solo but taking part in activities as part of a group appeals to many people – they can maintain their independence but still have someone to share a laugh and a joke with if they want.

Our solo adventure activity weeks, and others like them offered by other tour operators, are increasingly popular and perfectly suited to those who are holidaying alone but don’t want to completely forgo the company of others. There is also a safety issue: if you are river rafting, mountain biking, glacier or canyoning it really is better to have someone with you. Having run these weeks for a several years now, it is true to say that each group has its own different dynamic and the overall feeling of camaraderie and support on solo weeks is always fantastic.

Solo Travel: Single Supplements - Just Say No!

Despite the fact that the singles travel market has rapidly expanded during the last decade, the solo traveller often gets a poor deal from the industry: most hotels still charge supplements for single occupancy and guests may be crammed into smaller rooms despite paying over the odds for the privilege of sleeping alone. However, as demand increases, many holiday companies are offering solo holidays – without the dreaded single supplement, which can transform a bargain break into one with 5 star prices but none of the luxury. It is worth looking around for companies who can offer holidays without the supplement because they are out there – and they are increasing.

Whether you want to cycle across the mountains, ski down the piste or laze on the beach, I’m happy to say that there are more opportunities for solo travellers than ever before. So, whether you are a seasoned solo traveller or a solo virgin thinking of taking the plunge and going on holiday alone, go for it! Do your homework and choose the right kind of trip for you and you’ll have the time of your life. After all, it’s got to be better than staying at home with the cat!

For more information about the solo summer activity weeks or solo ski weeks that Redpoint run, visit www.redpoint.co.uk.