The editor of 101 Singles Holidays, Cathy Winston, picks her top ten solo holidays for autumn.
1. Celebrate the equinox
The majestic temple at Abu Simbel in Egypt was created precisely so that the sun would illuminate it on particular dates. And while it’s not quite as King Ramses II would have remembered, you can still discover the experience on an unforgettable group trip with On The Go Tours, with your own room for no single supplement.
2. Singles only sun
Whilst the UK is shivering by October, Crete still has temperatures in the low 20s – the perfect short-haul escape to top up your Vitamin D. The island’s Mistral Hotel is exclusively for solo travellers, with just 35 double-bedded rooms. It’s the only hotel of its kind in the Greek Islands if not Europe. There’s a special walking week in October, but otherwise you’re free to enjoy the pool, the beach and the delicious food in an unforced but social atmosphere.
3. An exotic adventure
There’s more to autumn travel than sunshine – head off the beaten track for an adventure in one of the world’s most exciting destinations. YellowWood Adventures has a special eight-day escape discovering the origins of coffee in Ethiopia, along with spotting monkeys and discovering some of the country’s fascinating history. There’s no compulsory single supplement and the small groups are popular with solo travellers.
4. Single parent breaks
There’s no reason not to make the most of half-term just because you’re a single parent – but avoid the supplements by travelling with a specialist company; ideal too if you’d prefer to avoid all those nuclear families. Single Parents On Holiday is purely for single parent families, with more luxurious getaways if you’re looking for a pampering beach break – this year, there’s a week in a four-star hotel on one of Fuerteventura’s best beaches.
5. Step back to the past
Cruise along the Aegean coastline, exploring some of Ancient Greece’s most fascinating historic sites, on an archaeological holiday in the Peleponnese with award-winning company Peter Sommer Travels. Popular with singles, and accompanied by expert guides, you sail in a traditional gulet boat for a trip that’s as relaxing as it is informative.
6. Book a cultured escape
October is one of the best months to explore southern Europe – without the crowds and high temperatures of peak season, it’s an ideal time to wander the cities and soak up the culture. The Cultural Travel Company specialises in small group tours themed around art, architecture, archaeology, history and music, such as the chance to explore art in Andalucia from the incomparable Alhambra to Picasso.
7. Take a volcanic walk
Off the coast of Africa, the sun shines year-round on the islands of Cape Verde – but there’s more than just beach to discover. With its Portuguese heritage and volcanic past, you can find spectacular landscapes to walk through, colourful cities as well as coastal scenery to enjoy. Ramblers Walking Holidays has a 14-night break with no single supplement.
8. Hit the beach
Cast away any thought of winter with a tropical escape to the Indian Ocean sunshine of Mauritius. October is one of the driest months of the year to visit, before the humidity of their summer kicks in. Mercury Holidays has a string of hotels with no single supplement so you can enjoy the crystal clear waters, snorkel some of the world’s best reefs or simply relax with a cocktail and warm sand between your toes.
9. Fall for fall
The fabulous colours of the autumn leaves in New England are famous the world over, an explosion of gold and crimson along the north eastern coast. But if you’d rather sit back and enjoy the sights without worrying about the practicalities, American Sky has an Autumn Colours coach tour which is ideal for solo travellers, including a room share option.
10. Embrace the winter
If you’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights, you needn’t wait until deepest midwinter. Head to the far north of Finland on an Autumn Aurora tour with Regent Holidays for the chance to the famous dancing green of the Aurora Borealis without the coldest temperatures or shortest days.
October 2018