Singles holidays for over 50s
11th Jul 2022 Travel Guides
More and more people are embarking on singles holidays. If you’re over 50, it's the perfect opportunity for you to travel independently and meet new people
There are so many ways to travel, whether it is with a group of friends, your family, your significant other, or even just by yourself.
More and more people are embarking on singles holidays, regardless of their age. If you’re over 50, a singles holiday is the perfect opportunity for you to travel independently, navigate unfamiliar cities and landscapes, and converse with people you may otherwise have never had the chance to meet.
Who knows where the adventure could take you?
Whether you are a seasoned traveller or you are just beginning to explore the world, that first step towards taking a singles holiday can seem daunting.
Our friends at Mirthy have written this comprehensive guide so that you can ensure that you have the perfect journey, and make the most of every moment of a truly life-changing opportunity.
What is a singles holiday?
For the unacquainted, solo travelling is an intimidating prospect. For others, it is the chance to enjoy some precious moments of peace whilst exploring. Regardless of your experiences or reasons, a singles holiday is an incredibly effective alternative for the solo traveller. The beauty of a singles holiday is that it can be tailored to your requirements and expectations. For example, you can schedule an itinerary that is filled with excursions, activities and guided tours. On the other hand, you don’t have to arrange anything, and can just wait and see where your journey will take you.
"It’s an excellent way to connect with different people"
What’s more, you will be embarking on your adventures with a select group of solo travellers such as yourself. Even though you’re technically travelling alone, you can still enjoy the security of being in a group as well as the company of your travel companions. It’s an excellent way to connect with different people, and since they’re solo travellers as well you can be assured that you already have something in common.
There will be opportunities for you to participate in social activities, or you can arrange to have some time to yourself if that’s what you want. Essentially, a singles holiday is a way for solo travellers to enjoy the advantages that come with travelling within a group, and at the same time be as independent and in control as you want to be.
Who goes on these breaks?
A singles holiday is a great way to make new friends
Anyone and everyone can embark on a singles holiday. For many people, solo travelling is a liberating and freeing experience that has no comparison to travelling with family or friends. Several travel agencies have created packages that are curated specifically to those who are over 50 as well. When you do embark on your singles holiday, you’ll probably notice that each of your travel companions has a fascinating story that is unique to them.
Some solo travellers are widowed or divorced, but that isn’t always the case. For example, there are those who are happily married or otherwise in a relationship, but their significant other might not be able to travel with them because of their work, health or they’re simply not keen on travelling. Others may be parents whose children have long since flown the nest, or they may still have a young family and their children are living with an ex or a grandparent whilst they’re away.
Amongst the over 50s, there will be many solo travellers who have retired or are approaching retirement. Alternatively, there will be those who intend to work for many years more, but they don’t want their careers to stand in the way of their longing for adventure.
Pros and cons
As with anything, there are some considerations you should keep in mind before deciding whether or not a singles holiday is for you. For many people, it is an adventure of a lifetime that is as exciting and inspiring as it is liberating. However, it is always helpful to understand the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Travelling in a group: Although you’re a solo traveller, you will be travelling within a group. There is always safety in numbers, so you can be assured that you’re not alone.
- There are no rules: Whilst booking a singles holiday, you will have the option to participate in various excursions, activities or guided tours. Alternatively, you can just sit back and enjoy the tranquillity of the pool. It’s entirely your choice.
- Create friendships: When you embark on a singles holiday, you will interact with people like you who have a passion for travelling and an openness to different experiences. It’s a wonderful way to meet people from all walks of life, and there may be some
- Broaden your experiences: If you have never travelled alone, then a singles holiday can encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and do something that you have never done before.
- Personal growth: When solo travelling, you will be adapting and adjusting to unexpected situations and unknown environments without your usual support system around you. As you do this, however, you will probably feel so much more
- It can be expensive: Considering that singles holidays are tailored to particular travellers, this may be reflected in the amount that you
- Interacting with strangers: If you’re naturally more hesitant around people that you don’t know, then you might struggle to interact with the travellers in your group. Initially, putting yourself out there can be uncomfortable, and it might take some time to warm up.
- Feeling lonely: When we experience something that is exciting, we instinctively want to share it with our loved ones. When you’re solo travelling, you might miss your family and friends more for this reason.
- Adventure holiday: If you’re passionate about exploration, then
- Beach holiday: These are holidays that are set against the backdrop of gorgeous beaches. They encompass everything from
- Cruises: Sailing to stunning places around the world is as timeless as it is enchanting. Many cruises will offer excellent accommodation, dining and entertainment for a luxurious experience.
- Walking holiday: These are perfect for city sightseeing, especially if you want to experience the history, culture and heritage of your destination first-hand. You’ll also be able to explore restaurants, museums and architecture.
- Train holiday: When travelling by train, you’ll get to see so much more of your destination, and even traverse multiple countries on your trip whilst enjoying the stunning scenery from your carriage.
You could meet all sorts of interesting people on a singles holiday
Cons:
- Travelling in a group: Although you’re a solo traveller, you will be travelling within a group. There is always safety in numbers, so you can be assured that you’re not alone.
- There are no rules: Whilst booking a singles holiday, you will have the option to participate in various excursions, activities or guided tours. Alternatively, you can just sit back and enjoy the tranquillity of the pool. It’s entirely your choice.
- Create friendships: When you embark on a singles holiday, you will interact with people like you who have a passion for travelling and an openness to different experiences. It’s a wonderful way to meet people from all walks of life, and there may be some
- Broaden your experiences: If you have never travelled alone, then a singles holiday can encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and do something that you have never done before.
- Personal growth: When solo travelling, you will be adapting and adjusting to unexpected situations and unknown environments without your usual support system around you. As you do this, however, you will probably feel so much more
- It can be expensive: Considering that singles holidays are tailored to particular travellers, this may be reflected in the amount that you
- Interacting with strangers: If you’re naturally more hesitant around people that you don’t know, then you might struggle to interact with the travellers in your group. Initially, putting yourself out there can be uncomfortable, and it might take some time to warm up.
- Feeling lonely: When we experience something that is exciting, we instinctively want to share it with our loved ones. When you’re solo travelling, you might miss your family and friends more for this reason.
- Adventure holiday: If you’re passionate about exploration, then
- Beach holiday: These are holidays that are set against the backdrop of gorgeous beaches. They encompass everything from
- Cruises: Sailing to stunning places around the world is as timeless as it is enchanting. Many cruises will offer excellent accommodation, dining and entertainment for a luxurious experience.
- Walking holiday: These are perfect for city sightseeing, especially if you want to experience the history, culture and heritage of your destination first-hand. You’ll also be able to explore restaurants, museums and architecture.
- Train holiday: When travelling by train, you’ll get to see so much more of your destination, and even traverse multiple countries on your trip whilst enjoying the stunning scenery from your carriage.
How to meet fellow travellers
By default, a singles holiday will mean that you have the chance to forge connections and relationships with the people within your group. As a solo traveller, however, there are other ways to meet people as well. For example, you can participate in guided tours or social activities so that you can interact with people with similar interests and passions to you.
Many singles holidays involve social activities such as dance classes
At the hotel or resort where you are staying, there will probably be a place where everyone can come together to eat or sit beside the pool. By attending these places, there are plenty of opportunities for you to come across someone that you might instantly bond with.
"In many instances, these friendships and relationships will blossom without too much effor"
In many instances, these friendships and relationships will blossom without too much effort, as long as you make the most of the sociable and friendly environment that a singles holiday has to offer. By arranging the holiday in the first place, you have done most of the work already.
Types of holiday
There are so many wonderful ways to holiday, and one isn’t more enjoyable or preferable than the other. It depends entirely upon you, your lifestyle, your expectations and your requirements. It should be the holiday that brings you the most happiness, unforgettable memories and exciting experiences. This will be different for everyone, and if you’re still deciding what you want to do then the following list is an excellent starting point:
- Travelling in a group: Although you’re a solo traveller, you will be travelling within a group. There is always safety in numbers, so you can be assured that you’re not alone.
- There are no rules: Whilst booking a singles holiday, you will have the option to participate in various excursions, activities or guided tours. Alternatively, you can just sit back and enjoy the tranquillity of the pool. It’s entirely your choice.
- Create friendships: When you embark on a singles holiday, you will interact with people like you who have a passion for travelling and an openness to different experiences. It’s a wonderful way to meet people from all walks of life, and there may be some
- Broaden your experiences: If you have never travelled alone, then a singles holiday can encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and do something that you have never done before.
- Personal growth: When solo travelling, you will be adapting and adjusting to unexpected situations and unknown environments without your usual support system around you. As you do this, however, you will probably feel so much more
- It can be expensive: Considering that singles holidays are tailored to particular travellers, this may be reflected in the amount that you
- Interacting with strangers: If you’re naturally more hesitant around people that you don’t know, then you might struggle to interact with the travellers in your group. Initially, putting yourself out there can be uncomfortable, and it might take some time to warm up.
- Feeling lonely: When we experience something that is exciting, we instinctively want to share it with our loved ones. When you’re solo travelling, you might miss your family and friends more for this reason.
- Adventure holiday: If you’re passionate about exploration, then
- Beach holiday: These are holidays that are set against the backdrop of gorgeous beaches. They encompass everything from
- Cruises: Sailing to stunning places around the world is as timeless as it is enchanting. Many cruises will offer excellent accommodation, dining and entertainment for a luxurious experience.
- Walking holiday: These are perfect for city sightseeing, especially if you want to experience the history, culture and heritage of your destination first-hand. You’ll also be able to explore restaurants, museums and architecture.
- Train holiday: When travelling by train, you’ll get to see so much more of your destination, and even traverse multiple countries on your trip whilst enjoying the stunning scenery from your carriage.
The best holiday destinations
Singles holidays are a great way to see the world
With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming deciding where to go. Hopefully, this summary of some of the best holiday destinations will give you some inspiration:
- Travelling in a group: Although you’re a solo traveller, you will be travelling within a group. There is always safety in numbers, so you can be assured that you’re not alone.
- There are no rules: Whilst booking a singles holiday, you will have the option to participate in various excursions, activities or guided tours. Alternatively, you can just sit back and enjoy the tranquillity of the pool. It’s entirely your choice.
- Create friendships: When you embark on a singles holiday, you will interact with people like you who have a passion for travelling and an openness to different experiences. It’s a wonderful way to meet people from all walks of life, and there may be some
- Broaden your experiences: If you have never travelled alone, then a singles holiday can encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and do something that you have never done before.
- Personal growth: When solo travelling, you will be adapting and adjusting to unexpected situations and unknown environments without your usual support system around you. As you do this, however, you will probably feel so much more
- It can be expensive: Considering that singles holidays are tailored to particular travellers, this may be reflected in the amount that you
- Interacting with strangers: If you’re naturally more hesitant around people that you don’t know, then you might struggle to interact with the travellers in your group. Initially, putting yourself out there can be uncomfortable, and it might take some time to warm up.
- Feeling lonely: When we experience something that is exciting, we instinctively want to share it with our loved ones. When you’re solo travelling, you might miss your family and friends more for this reason.
- Adventure holiday: If you’re passionate about exploration, then
- Beach holiday: These are holidays that are set against the backdrop of gorgeous beaches. They encompass everything from
- Cruises: Sailing to stunning places around the world is as timeless as it is enchanting. Many cruises will offer excellent accommodation, dining and entertainment for a luxurious experience.
- Walking holiday: These are perfect for city sightseeing, especially if you want to experience the history, culture and heritage of your destination first-hand. You’ll also be able to explore restaurants, museums and architecture.
- Train holiday: When travelling by train, you’ll get to see so much more of your destination, and even traverse multiple countries on your trip whilst enjoying the stunning scenery from your carriage.
Singles holidays for over 50s—the final word
More and more people are choosing to holiday alone, and there are a number of reasons why. For some, it is an opportunity to meet new people and make friends, while for others it is a chance to relax and escape the pressures of day-to-day life.
Whatever the reason, there is no need to feel lonely on a solo holiday—these holidays offer all the benefits of a traditional group tour, but without the hassle of having to find a travel buddy. Instead, you can simply enjoy the company of other like-minded individuals while exploring new destinations.
"It is a chance to relax and escape the pressures of day-to-day life"
There are now a number of companies specialising in singles holidays for over 50s. So whether you are looking for an active adventure or a relaxing beach break, there is sure to be an adventure that suits your needs. So why not give it a try? You might just find that holidaying alone is the best way to travel!
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