GILLY PICKUP recommends some great holidays for older travellers travelling on their own and offers tips to avoiding the dreaded single-room supplement
So, you’re going on holiday alone. Perhaps it is for the first time and you feel a little apprehensive or you are a seasoned traveller who just wants to spend time doing what you want to do.
Some single travellers want to meet people but prefer not to be with a group all the time, while others favour the security of group travel. One thing is certain, whichever type of holiday you fancy, you’ll find something to suit you. Travelling by yourself can be a great experience, giving the opportunity to make new friendships to last a lifetime.
Solos (www.solosholidays.co.uk /0844 815 0001) have a huge variety of holidays for the active older person to choose from including ski, tennis, golf, discovery tours and city breaks, while Leger Holidays ‘Extra Value’ tours (www.leger.co.uk/Experiences/Single Travellers 0844 324 9256) make it easier for single travellers to budget for their holiday as they include drinks with dinner in selected hotels, as well as day trip lunches.
Cruise holidays
Cruise holidays have long been popular with older people, and particular single travellers. It’s easy to make friends at mealtimes and during activities but the biggest problem can be the single-room/cabin supplement. Few ships have single cabins so passengers often have to pay single-occupancy charges for double cabins.
Fred. Olsen (www.fredolsencruises.com /0800 0355 150) has introduced a ‘no single supplement’ offer on certain twin grade cabins for sole occupancy on a selection of cruises.
Nathan Philpot, the line’s Sales and Marketing Director says: “We understand how difficult it can be to find holidays for one person without single supplements. So, to extend a warm welcome to single travellers, we are offering special deals on selected 2014/15 twin cabins for sole occupancy.”
On board Fred. Olsen ships there are exclusive gatherings for solo travellers to get to know one other. Staff seat passengers together for dinner and if required, arrange companions for solo travellers when going ashore. Besides that, there are Gentleman Hosts and Dance Couples on board to provide dancing partners.
The relatively small size of the ships and relaxed, friendly atmosphere make these cruises especially attractive for those travelling alone. Around 75 per cent of guests are over 50 years old, with the average age being mid-sixties. However, mini cruises tend to attract a younger crowd. Fred. Olsen’s 2014/15 cruise programme includes the cruise line’s first-ever series of two-night ‘Introductory Cruises’ making it easier for solos to try this kind of holiday to see if it suits.
Saga (www.saga.co.uk/cruises /0800 50 50 30) is also a good bet. On its ships, about a quarter of cabins are for single occupants. They almost always sell out, so book well ahead. Saga also has dance hosts on hand in the evenings should ladies wish to take to the floor. Saga also runs a programme of exciting holidays exclusively for solo travellers aged 50 and over, including trips to China, South Africa and Central America.
Guided walking breaks
HF Holidays (www.hfholidays.co.uk /0845 470 7558) offer guided walking holidays for solo travellers based at country houses. PR Manager Vladi Harris says: “We welcome single guests on all our holidays but on solos’ holidays the house is set aside for singles with no supplement charged.” Price includes full-board accommodation, walks and social activities.
Seasoned solo traveller Jane Williams, 53, says, “I’ve booked five or six HF Holidays and although there are special weeks just for single people, I have always booked the ‘ordinary’ holidays with a mix of couples and people on their own.
“The country houses are in beautiful locations. I have enjoyed the sociability of guided walking holidays, and special interest ones like painting, and I’ve also done a Freedom Break, which is where you do your own thing in the daytime – sightseeing, or just relaxing around the house – but you have other people to talk to over dinner and at breakfast.
“Meals are family-style with tables of 8 or 10. And though it’s optional, there’s usually something laid on in the evening, like a quiz or talk. The holidays are good value too, because so much is included in the price and apart from a glass of wine in the evening, I spend hardly any extra!”
Or how about taking an organised coach tour? Just the job for individual travellers. Sit back, enjoy the view, listen to the guide and choose whether or not to talk to your neighbour! They are all inclusive with travel, hotel and visits to attractions included in the price, so are great value for money. There’s a huge choice of destinations to choose from both in the UK and overseas. Better still, you won’t get lost trying to find your way or lose your luggage. You won’t be the only person on their own and will have plenty of company. (www.findacoachholiday.com /0870 850 2839).
Specialist singles operators
Specialist singles tour operator Just You (www.justyou.co.uk /0800 112 3311) offers an incredible range of tours in Europe and further afield. Their customers cover a wide age range up to the late 80s; the majority being in their 50s and 60s.
Trips vary from a few days, including ‘taster weekends’ for those who are perhaps slightly nervous to venture on their first trip alone, to longer discovery tours including a 36-day trip to explore Australia and New Zealand. All tours feature the services of a Just You tour manager. There are no single supplements, guests always have their own room and welcome drinks and farewell get-togethers are included as part of the package.
Cindy Dinsmore from Langley, 54, started travelling alone in 2006. Since then she has travelled far and wide with Just You visiting destinations including the USA, Poland, Austria, Tuscany, Hong Kong and Kenya. “These holidays are great value for money and attract all age groups. For anyone hesitating about travelling alone, I say, just go for it. You’ll have so much fun.”
Tips for solo travellers
• Safaris, special-interest trips and expedition cruises tend to have a high percentage of solo travellers.
• If willing to share a room with a same sex member, you could save the single supplement if you travel with operators that charge extra.
• You may be able to negotiate a deal with companies that normally charge a single room supplement. Some offer supplement-free trips during the low season.
• If you don’t like eating alone, find out before you book what happens at dinner on organised trips. On a cruise, ask if seating is allocated or if you can vary where you sit.
• Ask before you book if there will be other solo travellers like yourself. This can give you peace of mind if you feel apprehensive.
Freelance journalist Gilly Pickup specialises in destination and cruise travel but also produces features on a range of subject including wellbeing, food, lifestyle, beauty and real life. She writes for the Daily Telegraph, Daily Express and various magazine. She has also written two books, The A-Z of Curious London, published in July this year and Haunted London West End, to be published in December. For more information visit: www.gillypickup.co.uk
