A survey of 10,000 UK holidaymakers has revealed that almost a third of over-50s have taken a solo trip in the last year, with many of them planning to do so again. Of those who’ve never done it, 17 percent said they would like to try it.
Top reasons cited for flying solo include doing what you want whenever you want, eating and drinking without any judgement from anyone, and getting quality ‘me’ time.
The research (by over-50s travel and insurance specialist Stay sure) looked into the reasons behind changing attitudes to solo travel.
Almost a third of over-50s cited said that enjoying their own company was one of their top reasons for going away alone, followed by being single or widowed, while seven percent said their children were now adults and would no longer go on holiday with them. Almost a quarter felt that they did not want to rely on partners or friends to plan their holidays. Others said they enjoyed the sense of adventure in a solo trip.
Making new friends was also highlighted as a reason to book a trip for one, with 16 per cent considering a solo trip as a chance to meet new people. Some said they had made a new friendship when they were on holiday alone, and had subsequently planned a trip together afterwards.
The research also highlighted common concerns about travelling alone. Paying single supplements for hotel rooms top of the list of anxieties, followed by personal safety worries and anxiety about having to eat alone in restaurants.
Making new friends was also highlighted as a reason to book a trip for one, with 16 per cent considering a solo trip as a chance to meet new people. Some said they had made a new friendship when they were on holiday alone, and had subsequently planned a trip together afterwards.
The research also highlighted common concerns about travelling alone. Paying single supplements for hotel rooms top of the list of anxieties, followed by personal safety worries and anxiety about having to eat alone in restaurants.
Chris Rolland, Staysure CEO said: ‘Our customer research confirms that people in their 60s, 70s and 80s have the sense of adventure for things that may have seemed unexpected from this age group in previous generations. Brits are now choosing to leave their partners at home to expand their horizons by planning incredible solo trips and discovering a world of truly unique experiences, including new friendships and even romance.
In light of this trend, it’s important that travel and insurance providers are able to offer an increasingly wide range of affordable options to help Brits fulfil their ambitions.’
Top destinations that people travelling alone would choose to travel
1. Barcelona
2. Venice
3. New York
4. Rome
5. Malta
6. Sydney
7. Algarve
8. Amsterdam
9. California
10. Dublin
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