Many companies have realised the potential in the rapidly growing market for single travel and started to sell holidays specially designed for solos. This article will highlight some of this companies, their strengths and weaknesses.
1. Solos Holidays
specialises in group holidays.
Summary:
Probably the best known single tour operator in UK with a wide choice of destinations all over the world. The tour operator has got over 30 years of experience in organising group holidays exclusively for single travellers over 20s.
Target group:
Solos Holidays offers vacations for age banded groups, for example (25-45; 30- 59; 45+; all) with balance of women and men. They are accompanied by the tour leaders who usually started as a solo travellers themselves.
Weaknesses :
The tours sell very quickly, therefore to get a good deal you need to book a holidays well in advance to secure the preferred date and destination.
Strengths:
This tour operator is great for those single travellers who don’t wish to travel or attend social events on their own. It’s their chance to experience new destinations, take part in an activity and socialise with a group of new friends.
2. Solitair
enables you to customise your own single holidays.
Summary:
This tour operator has over 15 years of experience single holidays and brands itself as the most trusted when it comes to carefree travel to the most exotic destinations across the globe.
Target group:
Adults of all ages.
Weaknesses :
Holidays are offered for all adults despite their age which could be a weakness if there is a big age gap in the group, also the holidays could be cancelled if there is not enough interest in a particular vacation.
Strengths:
Solitair offers variety of packages with possibility of customising them to suit individual needs and requirements. There is a opportunity to meet the fellow travellers before the holiday through the operator’s matching website. Also by registering, you could get to know other single travellrs and create your own travelling group.
3. Just You
specialises in touring holidays.
Summary:
This tour operator offers escorted tours in more than 40 countries. The tours are all about enjoying new destinations with other likeminded tourists with a professional tour manager. It is a relatively new company created in 2005, however it is a part of Page & Moy Travel Group which has got more that 50 years of experience in organising escorted tours. In 2009 the company has introduced all inclusive holidays for singles giving them opportunity relax in the sun.
Target group:
Everyone – the minimum age of participants permitted on Worldwide, European coaching, rail, and touring America and Canada holidays is 12 years. The minimum age on walking and activity holidays is 18. There is no minimum age on European resort-based flight holidays.
Weaknesses :
All holidays featured in Just You brochures are subject to availability and most of the prices are based on two people sharing a twin or double room, the single supplement may be applied unless otherwise stated.
Strengths:
The tour operator has launched Just You Community website where you can ask for some advice from people who have been to your destination before, find out who will be joining the tour this time, and ask questions. After your trip you could upload your pictures and post some testimonials.
4. One Traveller
escorted holidays for mature travellers.
Summary:
The company was created in 2007 with the aim of giving single travellers the opportunity to go away with like-minded individuals in a safe environment. One Traveller’s philosophy is to: ‘bring small groups of mature single travellers with lust for life together on the same great holiday in a non-dating environment’ (onetraveller.co.uk).
Target group:
The company targets for mature single travellers with the age group being over fifty.
Weaknesses :
To make a booking to make a booking you need to send an email or make a call. Ladies usually outnumber men on holidays. According to the company’s website in a typical group of 25 people two thirds are ladies.
Strengths:
Company offers small group sizes so the single travellers have more personal experience and freedom. There is a possibility to travel with a friend if person does not feel confident to be on their own for the first time. The holidays include flights, many excursions, most meals, transport and the services of an experienced Tour Manager.
Some companies specialise in particular destinations and have an expertise in different fields. If you plan to go for a single holiday, choose the operator that suits your needs the most.