Sharp rise in solo travel
The number of people travelling solo has almost trebled since 2011, according to the latest research from ABTA.
A survey of 2,001 Brits found 15% had taken a holiday on their own in the 12 months to August, up from 12% in 2017 and from 6% in 2011.
The growth in popularity of solo travel is most noticeable among 35-44-year-olds, up from 5% to 16%.
ABTA said the widespread availability of Wi-Fi and use of smartphones and travel apps has made solo travel less daunting.
The most common reason for travelling alone was having the opportunity to do what they want – 76% compared to 73% last year.
This reason was particularly common among 35 to 44-year-olds at 92%.
Meeting new people is now less of a priority among solo travellers, with 31% citing this reason compared with 41% in 2017.
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "There has been significant growth in the number of people travelling by themselves over the last few years – with the majority choosing to holiday solo so that they can do what they want.
"Going on holiday by yourself means you don’t have to compromise on your choice of destination, your itinerary or the activities you take part in.
"Whether they’re single or just want some ‘me time’, people now have an incredible choice of holidays and destinations to choose from and it has become so much easier to explore the world. Travel companies have responded to demand by offering a diverse range of options for people booking by themselves."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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