There’s an incredibly diverse range of experiences and destinations out there for holidaymakers who chose to go it alone.
Whether you are looking for a sun-soaked beach holiday, an activity-fuelled adventure, or a chance to meet other solo travellers with similar interests, check our guide to the best holidays for singles.
Solo beach holidays
Sun-loving single travellers have their pick of a fantastic range of beach destinations and hotels where they don’t have to pay expensive single occupancy supplements. For those wanting to mingle with others on their beach holiday, destinations such as Magalluf offer all the benefits of a sandy beach, coupled with plenty of nightlife and a lively atmosphere.
For a fun-packed holiday, the adults-only Magalluf Playa offers a swimming pool, sangria and sunbeds, with the lively resorts of Palma Nova and Torrenova within walking distance – as is the beautiful sandy beach.
For a more relaxing vibe, The Algarve offers panoramic coastal views, quiet coves and laid-back bars for singles who want to kick back and take it easy. We recommend an organised singles tour of the historic towns and sleepy fishing villages. This seven-night tour takes in all the sights – and there are no single occupancy rates.
Activity and adventure holidays
Get the adrenaline pumping on a solo adventure holiday and enjoy your favourite activity – or try out some new experiences.
From whale watching to water sports, there are plenty of options to travel with a like-minded group to enjoy your action-packed break.
You don’t have to travel far from home to experience a fun-filled kayak holiday. The rugged Highlands are the destination for this water sports break where instructors are on hand to help beginners take their first paddle strokes – while seasoned kayakers can take to the trickier white-water courses.
Wilderness trail safari holidays
Experience life in the bush with a safari holiday in South Africa – with the bonus of giving nature lovers the chance to learn how to track animals, navigate and wild camp under the stars.
Not only is the stripped-back safari a fraction of the usual cost, but solo travellers can mingle with others who share a passion for nature and conservation.
The adventures are instructed by some of the most experienced guides in Africa and offer a choice of stunning venues within the Makuleke Concession, Kruger National Park.
Solo cruising holidays
Cruising solo used to come with a hefty price tag for single cabin occupancy, but many cruise operators have abandoned single supplements, meaning cruising is now more affordable than ever for solo travellers.
Norwegian Cruise Line even offers award-winning stateroom-style cabins for solo travellers who want a touch of added luxury. The surprisingly spacious cabins offer a full-sized bed, flat-screen TV, and a shower area where guests can relax after a busy day of excursions.
Alternatively, cruisers can spend some pampering time at the onboard spa or join other guests in the bar before taking in a spectacular Broadway-style show.
Norwegian Cruise Line has some fantastic later deals on offer, with Canary Island cruises from just £227 and Caribbean getaways from £394.
Skiing holidays
Ski Gathering is a company that specialises in providing ski holidays for the single traveller. The chalet accommodation is shared, so solo travellers save money by sharing their space with other skiers and snowboarders holidaying alone.
The company provide a varied itinerary including world-class ski slopes during the day – with all abilities catered for – while the evening is designed for après ski fun in the resort centre where guests gather to discuss the day’s skiing before heading back to the chalet.
Destinations include Chamonix, France and Zell Am See, Austria and prices for a 4-night stay start from just £495.
Relaxing getaways
For travellers who want to get away from the daily grind, a UK getaway that highlights the best of everything Great Britain has to offer is the perfect remedy to de-stress and relax.
Experience star-gazing under the vast Northumberland skies – which boast Europe’s biggest dark sky patch and the impressive Kielder Observatory – by booking a break at Beacon Hill Farm, in one of their Shepherd’s Hut hideaways that are ideal for the solo traveller.
Alternatively, guests can recharge their batteries at Middle Piccadilly, a healing retreat in rural Dorset that welcomes singles. Indulge in an Indian head massage or a seaweed soak and enjoy home-cooked vegetarian cuisine from this unique wellness venue located in a chocolate-box style thatched cottage.
Solo walking holidays
Joining a small group for a trekking holiday as a single traveller is a wonderful way to explore new destinations and meet fellow walkers.
With walking holidays graded from ‘easy’ to ‘challenging’, solo walking holiday specialists Explore offer hassle-free walking trips with all routes planned by their expert tour leaders.
Some of the most popular walking holidays include the Jordan Spice Trail Trek, which follows the ancient spice roads from the breath-taking canyons of Wadi Rum to the rock-carved city of Petra. Round off your trip with a muscle-relaxing float in the Dead Sea.
For a gentler walking holiday, the Amalfi Coastline Tour takes in woodlands, clifftops, and farmland. Based at a traditional Italian farm, guests also have the chance to venture further afield with optional excursions to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii.
Top tips for your first solo holiday
Travelling solo for the first time may feel a little daunting- so here are a few tips for your first singles holiday:
- Start small – dip your toe into solo holidays by booking a weekend break or staying in the UK.
- Join a ‘solos Facebook group’ – there are plenty of community groups on social media where you can ask questions and get advice from seasoned solo travellers before you set off.
- Have some talking points in mind – if you are nervous about starting a conversation with fellow travellers, think of a few topics in advance so the conversation flows more easily.