From pampering escapes to a long dreamed-of adventure, the chance to make new friends or to indulge your interests, even trips to plan where life goes next, there’s a singles holiday to suit everyone. We talked to Cathy Winston, editor of 101 Singles Holidays for advice and she recommends the following.

1) MEET NEW PEOPLE
Travelyes International


No-one wants to be surrounded by loved-up couples fresh from a break-up – but there’s no reason to head off totally alone either when you can join group holidays solely for singles and small group tours from companies specialising in solo travel.

Friendship Travel, Solos Holidays and Travel One all offer short sunshine breaks exclusively for single travellers, often with a house party style atmosphere. Some are for specific age groups while others are open to all. If you want more than beach, you could try one of Friendship Travel’s gulet cruises or a skiing break instead.

If you want to venture further afield, Solo Travellers runs group holidays for singles to some of Europe’s less well-known destinations, as well as into Asia – discover Myanmar or Uzbekistan for example - as well as spying the Northern Lights in Norway.

Cox & Kings has group tours for solo travellers too, from India and Iran to Costa Rica and Chile. Popular with over-50s, it proves there are no age limits to taking a solo trip – in fact, Saga Holidays has its own singles-only tours exclusively for those over 50.

For a sociable trip with a difference, check out Traveleyes International where sighted travellers are teamed with blind or visually impaired companions to bring to life the destination as you visit. Matched with a different person each day, you could be painting a verbal picture of lemurs in Madagascar, the colours of the Bay of Naples or the astonishing spectacle of Zambia’s Victoria Falls.

2) HAVE AN ADVENTURE
Gorilla Trekking


With the freedom to go wherever you fancy, there’s nothing like a bucket list adventure to take your mind off a break-up.

How about seeing Mayan ruins and cloud forest before white water rafting on a tour of Central America, or discovering volcanoes, unspoiled islands and Central America’s oldest city in Nicaragua? Around 40% of participants on Journey Latin America’s group tours travel solo.

Explore the pyramids in Egypt, ancient cities and rock palaces in Sri Lanka or temples and tribes in Thailand with On The Go Tours, which has some trips with no single supplements.

Or choose a true once-in-a-lifetime adventure such as a horseback safari of Rajasthan and galloping across the Mongolian steppes with Wild Frontiers or spotting gorillas in the Ugandan rainforest with Rainbow Tours.

3) PAMPER BODY AND SOUL
The Healthy Holiday Company


What better way to make yourself feel better about life than a bit of self-indulgence – especially treating yourself with a luxurious spa or wellness break which will leave you feeling rejuvenated and restored.

Pamper yourself with an all-inclusive stay at The Body Holiday in St Lucia, where watersports, spa treatments and other activities are included along with food and drink. With dedicated single rooms and a special September Solos promotion, it’s ideal for solo travellers.

The Healthy Holiday Company does what it says on the tin! They offer a wide range of tailormade fitness, yoga, weight-loss, detox and spa holidays worldwideas well as some group holidays with virtually all participants travelling on their own – and no single supplement.

4) BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE
Skyros


There’s nothing like seeing the world solo to give you a confidence boost, but learning something new along the way is the perfect added lift – whether that’s an interest you’ve always wanted to indulge or the chance to improve your skills.

It’s ideal if you’re nervous about a first solo trip too, as you’ll be meeting others with shared passions as well as having an instant ice-breaker for conversation. The huge array of activities available range from photography and painting to tennis and golf, as well as learning a language or trying your hand at something creative, such as creative writing courses at the Skyros Centre in Greece.

You needn’t even leave the UK to get a taste. The luxurious Lucknam Park hotel cookery courses cover everything from the perfect steak and chips to delicious desserts, as well as street food and vegetarian options. It’s also home to one of the UK’s finest spas.

Challenge your body rather than your mind with a walking holiday. Ramblers Walking Holidays has breaks with no single supplement on the Jurassic Coast, Lake District and Wye Valley as well as tackling the mountains of Andalucia in Spain and snow-shoe holidays in the Italian Dolomites.

If it’s life and relationships you’d rather work on, Cortijo Romero in southern Spain runs workshops on personal development along with dance and music.

5) FORGE FAMILY BONDS


The end of a relationship doesn’t spell the end of family time of course so if you’re approaching travel as a solo parent for the first time, it’s worth checking out specialist companies and tours.

Single with Kids has a mix of breaks in Europe and the UK, and you’re guaranteed not to be surrounded by nuclear families. They even have a forum to help stay in touch or get advice, so you’ll keep benefiting after you get home.

If you’re travelling with older kids, On The Go’s Thailand for Teens tour is aimed at those with children aged 12 years and above. While the group is likely to be a mix of families, you’ll get other adult company and a tour leader to take over the practical details while you enjoy time with your kids.

Or for those with a younger family, Sands Resort in Cornwall has special deals for single parents as well as baby listening and a kids’ club for babies upwards, plus two-room suites so you needn’t tiptoe around after your little ones are asleep.

6) FIND NEW ROMANCE


If you’re fresh from a break-up, a new relationship may be the last thing on your mind – probably wisely. But if you’re ready to move on, there’s a good reason holidays are known for their romances.

While no travel company can guarantee sparks will fly, there’s always a chance of finding someone to get your heart racing. Cruising into the sunset together is a good start – try Norwegian Epic with its single staterooms and dedicated lounge, as well as informal dining if you prefer a table for two to sharing with a dozen.

And Saga Travel has two ships exclusively for over-50s, both with some singles cabins, welcome drinks and singles lunch to help you get to know other travellers.

Or let the laid-back atmosphere of the Caribbean work its magic, with resorts like the adults-only Breathless Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic which promises a party atmosphere, a guest chatroom on its app to break the ice virtually, plus communal tables in some of its all-inclusive restaurants and bars.

For more inspiration visit 101 Singles Holidays.

September 2017