Cooking classes help the group bond
7DUJHW ŦHPSRZHUHG DGYHQWXUHUVŧ Amy Hope, managing director, The Aurora Zone: “Highlight that solo travel is a powerful choice and an opportunity for travellers to embrace adventure on their own terms. More
are now choosing to explore independently, not out of necessity, but to fulfil personal travel dreams without compromise. While there is a common stereotype that those travelling alone are lonely, it’s important for solo travellers to recognise they are empowered adventurers, choosing to immerse themselves in new experiences.”
5HFRJQLVH WKH PLQGVHW VKLƏW Ť SHRSOH ZRQŧW ZDLW IRU D WUDYHO FRPSDQLRQ Brian Young, managing director EMEA, G Adventures: “Traveller mindsets are changing – we have seen a rise in the more mature traveller who is no longer willing to wait for
a partner, friends or family to book an adventure. The average age of travellers booking our Solo-ish Adventures is 46, and for our Geluxe collection of trips, it’s 52. Agents should advise clients who may be thinking of a solo trip that small-group travel enables travellers to travel solo, but not alone.”
8VH SRVLWLYH ODQJXDJH WR SURPRWH IUHHGRP DQG ƏOH[LELOLW\ Colum McLornan, director, Friendship Travel: “When communicating to first-time solo travellers, agents should use positive language that emphasises the freedom,
empowerment and flexibility solo trips provide. Stress the balance between independence and community that tours offer and mention the safety benefits of travelling in a guided group, which can reduce the anxieties that often come with solo travel. We’ve expanded our product range to include more adventure and activity-led experiences: our newest collections include cycling tours in Spain, cultural experiences in Morocco and wellness retreats on the Greek islands.”
+LJKOLJKW WKH EHQHILWV RI KDYLQJ DQ H[SHULHQFHG WRXU OHDGHU Brendan Phelan, sales director, Exodus Adventure Travels: “We always encourage our agent partners to highlight the fact that each of our tours is hosted by a
tour leader who isn’t just a destination expert, but also masters bringing people and culture together. Solo travellers are a really important part of our business and always have been. We see first hand how much they love the group experience.”
38 3 APRIL 2025
6KRZ KRZ WR DYRLG SD\LQJ VLQJOH VXSSOHPHQWV Andrew Rix, head of tour operations, Grand UK Holidays: “Traditionally, solo travellers would often be widows or widowers, but now we’re seeing a growing number
&OLHQW YLHZ Helen McGlashan, 59, from Sale in south Manchester, lost her husband, Alistair, in 2019. She took her first solo trip later that year and has since taken five holidays with Riviera Travel, from India to Italy, including a dedicated solo departure. She
says: “If you travel solo, you have the best of both worlds: you can do exactly what you want, when you want and you can engage with the group as much or as little as you wish. I’ve been on solo tours, group tours, river cruises and land tours, and I have found people to be extremely friendly and willing to get together and do things as a group. I’ve never felt like I’m lacking company. When you suffer something significant in your life, travelling gives you an opportunity to rediscover yourself, to gain confidence and find that you can still have meaningful experiences. People sometimes say to me that I’m brave to travel on my own, but I think it’s a privilege.”
of divorced individuals and groups of friends, such as two ladies travelling together, leaving their husbands behind. We strive to offer as many single-bed rooms as possible without any supplement, so guests don’t have to pay extra for the privilege of travelling alone. For those booking twin or double rooms for sole occupancy, we aim to keep supplementary costs as low as possible, making solo travel more accessible to all.”
'RQŧW XQGHUHVWLPDWH WKH GHVLUH IRU DGYHQWXUH
Hayley Morris, head of trade sales and partnerships, Newmarket Holidays: “Don’t underestimate solo travellers’ sense of adventure – many are taking the
opportunity to tick off wish-list destinations. Italy is the most popular, with a tour soaking up the food and culture of western Sicily topping our bookings chart and a short break exploring the Scottish Highlands next on the list of favourites. However, interest is not limited to short- haul destinations, with India’s Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, and a Kenyan safari with a beachside escape, also among our most-booked options.”
Western Sicily
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURES: Shutterstock/
lenisecalleja.photography, Volodymyr Burdiak; Matt Keal Photography; Jarred Manasse; Magari Tours
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