So you’re all set to take the solo holiday plunge or maybe you’ve been doing it for years; what’s for sure is that solo travellers are on the increase, which means that there’s so much more on offer whatever your holiday preferences. Hurray! In fact, not only are there several companies exclusively for single travellers, some of which specialise in mature guests, but larger touring, cruise and rail companies are running dedicated singles trips too.
We’ve a few ideas below for what over 50s single travellers might try year round. And if you’ve other thoughts, just ring our helpful team on 0800 412 5678 to find out what’s possible.
Spring
Escorted group tours which enjoy the delights of new places make the most of spring at the beginning of the holiday season. You could be joining our Silver Travel Advisor 12 night tour of India, where we’ll be fully hosted, sightseeing in Delhi and Jaipur, visiting the Taj Mahal and spending time on safari at Ranthambore searching for tigers. With just 20 over 50s guests and a tour manager travelling together, this is a comfortable and safe way to experience India’s many wonders. We’re not in back-packing mode on this trip!
And if you’d like to travel in a women-only group, for walking or a tour, there are now plenty to choose from, Italy’s Tuscany to absorb the extraordinary culture and art or Austria to visit Salzberg and Vienna. You’ll have your own room and bathroom, so you can retreat to relax happily.
Ocean cruises to the Canaries, Madeira or the Mediterranean take you to early sunshine and many ships offer great welcomes to single cruisers: drinks receptions, shared dining tables and even gentlemen hosts as dancing partners. You may be travelling alone however there’s always good camaraderie amongst solo mature cruisers and new friends will soon be made.
Summer
A wide variety of escorted tours is on offer around the UK and to Europe, as are worldwide river and ocean cruises. Call our Silver Travel Advisors 0800 412 5678 with your holidays wishes and they’ll assist you in finding an ideal trip. If you’re after a beach holiday with other solo travellers, in Greece or Turkey, you’ll find smaller hotels, exclusively for your group, an option. These breaks provide a tour leader too, so you can enjoy evenings out together and excursions, should you wish.
Scotland is marvellous in summer and what finer way to discover the Highlands and islands than on a small ship cruise? Join a mixed group who are all keen on nature’s wonders and local history along with a dram of whisky and good food.
Fancy a tour by rail with other solos? Take a hassle-free journey by Eurostar from St Pancreas, perhaps heading for the Alps and a journey on the breath-taking Glacier Express. Or travel on a longer journey down to Puglia in Italy, crossing Europe and staying overnight on the way. A real adventure indeed.
Winter
There’s nothing better than a treat in the diary for gloomy winter months. A ski trip perhaps, with a group all staying in a chalet, in France or Austria, with your own room and en suite of course, and all skiing abilities catered for.
How about a short break to visit the charming Christmas markets at Bath or York, with an overnight hotel stay for dinner and drinks, sharing your experience with new friends? And there is the opportunity to get right away for the Festive period, celebrate Christmas overseas in Cyprus or Budapest with all the hard work done for you. Alternatively try a Turkey and Tinsel break close to home. Come the New Year, you could be joining a group in the UK for a traditional dinner dance, ideal if you’re new to solo holidays, or heading off more exotically to the Dominican Republic.
This is a great time of year for cruising too, up to the Arctic to see the mesmerising Northern Lights. Many of our cruise partners offer single cabins and you can keep an eye out for special offers too. Of course, it’s summer in the Southern hemisphere so head to Antarctica for a once in a lifetime voyage and again, the expedition cruise companies look after over 50s single travellers really well.
Autumn
As the leaves start to fall and the air is crisper, this is fabulous walking weather, particularly in the UK and Europe. Join a group to explore the Eastern Algarve, still very pleasant later in the year or take a short break in Somerset to hike in the Quantock Hills. You’ll be sharing time with other walkers and a group leader, plus accommodation and meals are all organised. So you can stride out happily.
If walking’s not your thing, there are plenty of UK coach tours available too, some specifically for singles, others where you join a mixed group, however, rest assured that these are jolly trips where everyone is included. And single rooms are offered frequently so you won’t pay extra.
Group city breaks are a good Autumn option after the frantic summer season: museums and attractions are less busy, hotels more relaxed. There can be walking on these breaks too as you explore with a local guide. There’s great fun in discovering somewhere unknown with new companions. Barcelona, Lisbon and Dublin are superb in October or November.
You might also take a sports break, golf on the Algarve for example, where you meet new players and have the joy of playing on beautiful world-class courses. Tee-off times are pre-booked and a local professional will organise appropriate fours.
Next steps:
Read our in-depth Guide for Solo Silver Travellers or call 0800 412 5678 to discuss your plans with our Silver Travel Advisors.
One Response
When traveling alone I feel sad but this article is very helpful. I feel that traveling alone is also a great kind of experience.