Following two years of travel restrictions it seems that Brits are embracing solo travel more than ever before – perhaps in a bid to not miss out on their dream holiday, even if they don’t have a travel buddy. It appears individuals are no longer deterred by – literally – ‘flying solo’ as they are keen to seize the day.
Simultaneously, according to “The Future of Wellness 2022” report published by the Global Wellness Summit, “survivalist wellness” is emerging, which describes travellers seeking resilience and self-reliance through spending time in nature.
Solo travel experts Friendship Travel know that holidaying by yourself is a great way to learn how to build self confidence, be comfortable in your own company, and become more resourceful. The tour operator offers a wide variety of different solo holidays across Europe and beyond that make it easy, safe and affordable to travel on your own.
The company has noted an increase of 9% in bookings in January 2023 when comparing figures to the same period in 2019. And there are plenty of good reasons to ‘go it alone’ – in 2023 and beyond. Apart from enabling individuals without a travel partner to go on the holiday of their dreams in a secure and sociable setting, there are plenty of other benefits to booking a solo trip.
BENEFITS OF ‘GOING IT ALONE’:
- Don’t miss out on your dream holiday: From active walking holidays in the New Forest to sunning yourself in Greece or wildlife-watching in Kenya, individuals who don’t have a travel buddy with similar interests can still go on their dream trip safe in the knowledge that they can connect as much – or as little – as they like with the rest of the group of solo travellers.
- Be flexible: no synching calendars or working out how many days your friends can take off work compared to your holiday allowance, the only person you have to consult before booking is yourself.
- Be safe: Travelling on your own can be daunting, but with Friendship Travel solo holidaymakers are accompanied by a dedicated host who will be onsite for the duration of the trip to help break the ice and answer any questions. Guided excursions and activities are also on the programme, meaning guests can explore their dream destination to the fullest extent without worrying about safety.
- Your trip, your rules: Travelling with family and friends often means compromise and (at times) bickering, but on a Friendship Travel trip there are several free days when guests have the option to go off and follow their own programme. There are plenty of opportunities to mingle with their fellow solo travellers, but absolutely no obligation to do so.
- Save a pretty penny: Savvy travellers will appreciate the fact that by booking a trip through a solo holiday tour operator, they can avoid hefty single supplement fees. With flights, local airport transports, accommodation, some meals and drinks, activities and host support included on all Friendship Travel itineraries, they are incredible value for money.
- Reconnect with yourself: Travelling by yourself, even if it is within the safe setting of a group trip, means time to reconnect with yourself, reflect and relax on a journey of self-discovery. It is also an excellent way to boost your confidence as you step outside your comfort zone, explore new destinations by yourself and make new connections.
- Learn a new skill: From painting in Portugal to skiing in the French Alps, if you want to pick up a new hobby or rekindle an old passion, Friendship Travel itineraries often include classes – whether you’re a total beginner or just a bit rusty!
- Avoid ‘festive blues’: Holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve can be a daunting time for those without family or other single friends, so why not escape on an exhilarating adventure and meet new people into the bargain? Friendship Travel offers a variety of festive getaway options, including shorter 2-3-night trips within the UK as well as 7, 9 and 14-night winter sun holidays in Cyprus, Morocco and St. Lucia to name just a few.
FOUR AMAZING ‘BUCKET LIST’ SOLO TOURS:
(Image from Shutterstock.)
Few cities in the world enjoy such a dramatic setting and lively atmosphere as Marrakech. Equally, few cities intimidate solo travellers more. During Friendship Travel’s four-night getaway, guests can enjoy the buzz while exploring the rose-pink walls of the ancient city with new friends.
From the acrobats and jugglers in the famous Jemaa el Fna to the ancient mosaics of the palaces and the vibrantly coloured Jardin Majorelle, after a fascinating day you can share tales over a mint tea with the dramatic soaring peaks of the Atlas Mountains visible from a rooftop terrace.
Four nights from £545 pp include:
- Return transfers from/to Marrakech International Airport (approx. 30 mins)
- Double room for sole use
- Buffet breakfast each day
- 2 dinners
- Half day city tour
- Friendship Host at your disposal throughout
- Return flights with CAA bonding for financial peace of mind
More details at: https://www.friendshiptravel.com/marrakech.html. To book, call 0289 446 2211.
(Image from Shutterstock)
The itinerary starts with two nights in mesmerising Cairo before guests begin their journey down the majestic river Nile.
Local Egyptologists share their country’s ancient history during visits to the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings, with excursions also including trips to the Temples of Horus and Hatshepsut, and a sail around Kitchener Island, to name just a few highlights.
Nine nights from £1695 pp include:
- Double room for sole use in Cairo on B&B basis
- Double cabin for sole use on cruise
- 2 guided tours in Cairo (with lunch)
- All meals during cruise from dinner on Day 3 to Breakfast on Day 10
- Guided tours & entrance fees unless noted
- Host support throughout
- ATOL-bonded flights from Heathrow to Cairo, internal flights to/from Luxor:
- Transfers Cairo/Luxor/Cairo & transport while sightseeing
Book: https://www.friendshiptravel.com/holiday/cairo-nile-cruise/ call 0289 446 2211.
(Image from Shutterstock)
New for 2023, solo skiers will enjoy the vast pistes of Trysil, Norway – and can enjoy some sociable apres-ski activities with their Friendship Travel holiday buddies during an upscale winter sports experience.
Often voted the best ski resort in Norway, Trysil has no less than 31 lifts and 68 slopes perfect for all levels. Guests will also love the luxury to ski-in/ski-out of the Radisson Blu Resort Hotel Trysil, where rooms come with beautiful views over the slopes and across the rolling fjells of Norway.
Seven nights from £1995 include:
- Return flights from Gatwick to Scandinavian Mountains Airport
- Airport transfers (approx. 40 minutes)
- 7 nights in own/shared room (as appropriate)
- Breakfast every day
- Dinner on 6 evenings
- Local Ski Scandinavia Host
Book: https://www.friendshiptravel.com/trysil-solos-ski.html, or call 0289 446 2211.
(Image from Shutterstock)
5* BodyHoliday in St Lucia
From the spectacular setting in St Lucia to the fantastic wellness offering and endless services, with three pools, four restaurants serving fresh and delicious meals, a watersport centre and spa, guests are truly spoiled.
From activities such as Pilates, archery, tennis and more, and a complimentary spa treatment included every day, heaven feels like a place on earth! While it may be tempting to not leave the resort, with St Lucia’s fabulous beaches, volcanic twin peaks – the Pitons – and a tropical rainforest nearby, a day trip to Diamond Falls or the drive-in volcano is well worth the effort.
Seven nights from £2,990pp include:
- Spacious Garden View Single Room
- Comprehensive all-inclusive plan with all meals and drinks throughout stay (some dishes in selected restaurants at a supplement)
- All activities, equipment and instruction (1:1 instruction at a charge)
- One personal training session
- A 50-minute Spa treatment each full day of your stay
- BodyHoliday Host support throughout
- ATOL-bonded flights from Gatwick only
- Road transfers from/to Hewanorra airport (approx 90 mins). Helicopter transfers also available: ask for details/price.
More details at https://www.friendshiptravel.com/bodyholiday.html. To book, call 0289 446 2211.