Solo holidays have grown in popularity this year. In fact, some operators have seen over 50% of tour bookings from solo travellers. Will you be one of them in the new year? Life is short but the world is open!
Although the assumption is that most solo travellers are youngsters, the average age of a Jules Vern’s customer is now 67. Jules Vern’s organises small group escorted tours for both single people and those on an adventure – away from their long-term partner’s. Together, solo travellers discover a unique destination with the opportunity to make new friends.
Whatever your reason for sourcing a solo holiday, they’ve always been there for free spirits. Get ready to grasp a new sense of freedom! We believe that travel frees our spirit. So, if you’re set to become a solo traveller or are starting to consider it, let us give you the confidence to do so.
You may want to travel independently to plan every twist and turn or contact a travel agent to guide you in the right direction – from door to destination. From solo holidays within the UK to luxury solo safaris across the Savannah. Give yourself time to reflect, travelling with the wind in your hair. You may even make new travelling companions, to share your holiday experiences with along the way.
Whatever your thoughts on solo holidays, view our top trips to embrace solo travel…
Singles Ski Holidays
Think that a super ski holiday in Europe can only be enjoyed by families or large groups? Think again. Solo ski holidays are available across France and Austria, within many friendly resorts. Give yourself the freedom to glide across the slopes, or make snow friends après-ski. You could even share a luxurious chalet with a group of ski enthusiasts and explore the snowcapped wonderland together. Beginner, novice, or expert? Attend the ski school led by an instructor, to improve your technique. Whether skiing solo or with others, you’ll soon enhance your health.
On balance, walking holidays for singles and solo travellers will always provide you with many health benefits too, such as an increase in energy…
Solo walking and hiking holidays
On your solo walking holiday pause for thought within a natural setting. Switch off and relax. Whether you’re on a walking holiday in the UK or across Europe, you’ll always discover a new landscape to admire and capture. You could opt for a self-guided walking holiday or a guided walking holiday to make new friends. A solo hiking holiday in a fabulous destination such as Tuscany, Brittany, or around a Greek Island is not to be missed! By immersing yourself in a new culture and embracing some good food after a long walk, you’ll want to book another solo walking holiday soon after.
Why not combine a solo hiking holiday with wildlife watching? There are lots of National Parks to explore in every part of Europe, so you really do have a huge range of choices. Observe and photograph at your leisure. You could even plan a bigger adventure by booking yourself a luxury solo holiday.
Luxury singles holidays
A luxury solo holiday is all about you choosing your own bespoke itinerary and tours so you can immerse yourself in your chosen destination. From tours around enchanted islands to a tour of Edinburgh you can travel close to home or far away. Is a solo safari holiday on your bucket list? Surprisingly, there are a number of destinations in Africa that are suited to solo travellers, such as Kenya.
Start by asking for a tailor-made safari to ensure you see all your favourite animals, like lions and elephants. With your game driver on hand, visit the top game reserves, like Serengeti National Park with a handful of solo travellers. Finish the day relaxing at your own glass-fronted suite or lodge, with its private pool. Want to meet more travellers? Stay and dine within a social, safari camp and share your stories over dinner.
Solo Adventure Holidays
Looking at adventure holidays for singles? See yourself as a daring solo traveller? Make sure you plan every detail in advance. Also, research a country’s customs, traditions, and rules. You can check these out by visiting the Foreign Travel Advice webpage. Plus, learn some of the language – especially if you’re travelling off the beaten track. On the other hand, if you don’t want to ‘go it alone’ but wish for an adventure to discover all the delights of a single destination, book a small group adventure holiday. With other adventurers, explore Iceland and see the Northern lights in winter or try an outdoor activity like cycling around Morocco.
Solo cycling holidays for solo travellers
There are many cycling holidays in attractive locations across the UK and Europe. However, you can also find solo bike trips and tours, which come with an expert guide. With a well-planned itinerary, accommodation, and the occasional boat tour, paddle along the riverside by day. Then relax by watching the world go by on the water. You can visit the vineyards of Provence and Camargue during a holiday in France, to do just that. Small group cycling holidays for solo travellers are also an option. They provide cycling trips so you can discover different destinations like the Dalmatian coast, Croatia. Want to explore without the need to pedal? Try a solo coach holiday…
Solo coach holidays for single travellers
If you wish to travel through a country and not over it, give a nod to eco-tourism and travel solo via coach. You can also travel among a group of single, solo travellers during solo travel tours. You could roam the Emerald Isle (Ireland), along Spain’s sunny Catalonia coastline, or throughout Germany and Austria’s heartland. With meals, comfortable accommodation and transport included, the only thing you’ll need to consider is which exciting excursions to book. You could experience the sights of a city as a solo traveller or take your new friends with you! Like to plan in advance? There are a selection of Christmas coach holidays for singles too.
If you’re looking for travel insurance for a coach holiday we suggest Coach Plus. Some coach holidays will just include coach trips; others include air travel or a cruise…
Cruises for Solo Travellers
Going on a solo cruise? You can expect many delights during an international cruise holiday. Many cruise lines welcome those who want a solo cruise holiday, with contemporary studio cabins and balconies but book quickly! During your break, a tailored activity programme awaits you.
After spotting dolphins from your cabin, attend a cocktail party or gala dinner. This will give you the opportunity to dress to impress and meet new friends. During ‘sea days’, grab a coffee, before attending a seminar or cookery class to learn how to cook delightful dishes from the destinations you visit. Onshore, choose from hiking through a rainforest to sightseeing.
Of course, if a cruise is not for you but you’d still like to drift through somewhere picturesque, how about a river cruise?
River cruises for solo travellers
Sometimes combined with a train holiday, a solo river cruise is a great way to escape the crowds, and even enjoy some peace and quiet in your own space. Some of the best river cruises can be found across Europe, during the shoulder seasons (early spring or autumn). To welcome spring, cruise along a canal in Amsterdam. Otherwise, prolong your summer when you set off to Portugal in September. Just sit back and glide along the river of gold (river Douro) in the sun with a cool beverage in hand.
Want to stretch your legs? Visit captivating cities to capture their charm – all included with your trip – then enjoy a taste of their local cuisine onboard at mealtimes. In the evening, relax in your cabin or in one of the bars with travelling companions. If you take the opportunity to paint a sunset and twinkling stars, you’ll sleep well too.
Creative retreats for solo travellers
Do you find comfort in being creative and focusing on something that distracts you from your routine? Or maybe you’re looking to get into a long-neglected hobby again? Either way, there’s nothing stopping you from pursuing a long-held passion at a creative retreat. You could travel to the Mediterranean for inspiration, visiting rural villages and sampling the unique culture. Bound to fill you with inspiration. Back at the retreat, you develop your skills with the aid of an instructor, and your supportive fellow learners. If you wish to carry on your craft once home, visit a creative wellness retreat to keep the momentum up.
Know someone who enjoys solo holidays? We spoke with a member of the Free Spirit team – Trisha – who overcame her concerns for solo travel this year.
This is Trisha’s solo holiday story…
‘I’ve never travelled abroad on my own. I also suffer from depression and anxiety but due to lockdown and personal issues I fought my demons to go. I won!’
In March, Trisha travelled to Paris, France after buying a ticket to see rock band – The Stranglers at Paris, L’Olympia. Ahead of time, she booked a small but clean hotel and train to Paris via the Euro Star. Plus, a ticket to The Louvre Museum. Although Trisha finds following a Sat Nav challenging, she found that hailing taxi’s or asking the hotel to book her one was a good solution to navigate around Paris. Not only did she go to the concert but Trish enjoyed strolling along the Seine to admire Paris’s architecture. Also, she took a trip to Montmartre where the Stranglers recorded their video for La Folie.
‘All I can say about the concert is Wow Wow Wow! The paintings at the Louve Museum were fascinating to see how different artists depict different aspects of history. The architecture along the Seine was beautiful. – no skyscrapers’.
‘I am very proud of myself for coping with all the stress and felt that I should have done this several times before. I gave myself a good talking to on several occasions to cope with the anxiety. In the end I had an amazing time. A big thank you to The Strangers, Euro Star, UK train services and of course France.’
Free Spirit Travel Insurance for solo holidays
Do you feel ready for a solo holiday? Wherever the path may take you, whatever you may experience, and whoever you meet along the way – travel with confidence with Free Spirit travel insurance. All our policies include Coronavirus Cover, so when you’re ready to travel solo we can give you the protection you need.