Solus – issue 5 by Cruise Adviser

P R O M OT I O N

F I N D YO U R CO P Y O F S O L U S I N S I D E

TH E B EST CH O I CE FOR YOUR SOLO CLIENTS We never use a hotel or take you on an excursion unless we’ve seen it for ourselves, which means you can look forward to your holiday knowing we’ve done all the hard work for you.

TO U RS CU R ATE D FOR THE SOLO TR AVELLER The thought of travelling alone can be daunting, but with Riviera Travel, you can rest assured that you’ll be taken care of at every step on our escorted tours. Since 1984, we’ve been carefully curating holidays for customers, many of whom travel on their own, so we understand what makes your experience that extra bit special. We’re delighted to offer the same passionately curated holidays that our customers have come to love, especially for those who wish to travel solo.

WHY CHOOSE US? • Travel with like-minded people • Return flights from a selection of regional airports • Representation at UK check-in • Welcome dinner on the first night to meet your fellow travellers • No additional single supplements • Fascinating guided excursions included • The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager

Each day brings new opportunities for discovery, with visits to the iconic highlights and to the equally intriguing gems off the beaten path...

ISSUE FIVE

JAPAN IN BLOOM

INFOCUS: RIVIERA TREKKING COLOMBIA HOW TO SELL: SOLO TRAVEL

SAFETY AND QUALITY OF LIFE MAKE THE COUNTRY A TOP CHOICE FOR SOLOS

A world of choice for solo travellers More than a fifth of our guests travel solo, so we provide a fantastic range of holiday opportunities just for them. From escorted tours and special interest breaks to great value ocean and river cruises, your customers will receive the warmest possible welcome and experience the world with like-minded people. • • • • • •

A fantastic choice of holidays around the world Departures exclusively for solo guests, led by a dedicated host 100s of single rooms at no extra cost Over 100 single cabins aboard our new ship Spirit of Discovery 100s of single river cruise cabins Special singles mingles and meet ups.

They’ll enjoy incredible value too, with so much included in the price. So let us look after your solo customers today.

Call FREE on 0800 074 8021 or visit saga.co.uk/agents Or call Agency sales FREE on 0800 068 8732 Find us on social media Saga Trade Team Saga holidays are for anyone aged 50+. A travel companion may be 40+. NHA-AP5652.

Issue five | Check-in

WELCOME

Trade has woken up to the needs of solos Welcome to the fifth edition of Solus, the only trade magazine dedicated to solo travel. Since launching Solus in 2016, the market for indepedent travel has grown exponentially. Not only are more holidaymakers than ever going it alone, the industry has woken up and JAPAN IN BLOOM taken note: cruise ships are being built with single cabins, operators are dropping single supplements and there are more solo-only itineraries than ever before. Earlier in the year, Abta, the travel assocation, ran its event dedicated to the sector. We report from the conference on page 13, plus Joel Brandon-Bravo from Travelzoo shares his thoughts on the growing trend on page 16. For our cover feature this issue, Laura Millar visits Colombia with G Adventures, the small group specialists, trekking from Santa Marta to the Lost City, a settlement founded about 800 CE, some 650 years earlier than Machu Picchu (page 36). From page 30, we pick five destinations that are perfect for solo travellers. These are destinations that are easily accessible, safe, affordable and where trade-friendly operators run tours. On page 34, we also answer some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from those thinking of holidaying alone, plus there is our unique How to Sell guide, starting p42, which suggests nine great holiday options. There also a chance for you to win an afternoon tea for two with Attraction World on p49. For more news, comment and analysis, make sure you also log on to solusmagazine.com, and also subscribe to our newsletter (solusmagazine.com/subscribe)

THIS MONTH WHAT WE LEARNT P30

ISSUE FIVE

INFOCUS: RIVIERA TREKKING COLOMBIA HOW TO SELL: SOLO TRAVEL

SAFETY AND QUALITY OF LIFE MAKE THE COUNTRY A TOP CHOICE FOR SOLOS

TOKYO AND OSAKA TOP THE TABLES FOR SAFETY Two of the country’s largest cities came first and third in The Economist’s Safe Cities Index 2017 P13

SOLO TRAVEL SECTOR GREW BY 12% LAST YEAR Figures revealed at Abta’s inaugural solo travel conference reveal very strong growth P16

TODAY’S SOLO IS FEMALE, 35-PLUS AND MARRIED Travelzoo survey of 8,500 people reveals the merits and pitfalls of solo travel

SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

Issue five | Check-in

Solus

Issue five News All the latest news in independent travel

ISSUE FIVE

ABTA Solo Conference 13 Facts and figures from the inaugural conference held in conjunction with Solus Comment 16 Joel Brandon-Bravo, UK managing director of Travelzoo, on the potential for solo travel

JAPAN IN BLOOM

INFOCUS: RIVIERA TREKKING COLOMBIA HOW TO SELL: SOLO TRAVEL

Expedition cruises 21 Sam Ballard on how the solo travel market can tap into the growth of adventure cruising In Focus: Riviera Travel Sam Ballard reveals why the company's solo offering has been so popular

Famous five 30 We pick the top five destinations for solos to visit in 2019 FAQ 34 Four solo travel experts give advice on securing that all-important sale

SAFETY AND QUALITY OF LIFE MAKE THE COUNTRY A TOP CHOICE FOR SOLOS

DESTINATIONS

Jordan

Five fantastic places to visit in 2019

Issue five | Explore

With British Airways and Royal Jordanian offering direct flights from the UK, Jordan capital’s Amman is one of the Middle East’s most accessible cities. It’s also a gateway to Petra and Al-Khazneh – the breathtaking structure carved out of a sandstone rock face – and the Dead Sea. It’s affordable, making it great for travellers who want to completely go it alone and explore the wide region, but there are also plenty of tour and cruise options. Cosmos runs a seven-day Passage to Petra tour that includes Wadi Rum, the largest ravine in Jordan, and Mount Nebo, the holy site where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land.

What makes a destination great for solo travellers? There are a number of factors in play, including safety, ease of travel and cost. Of course, these are concerns all holidaymakers share, but become particularly relevant when travelling alone. Here, we have picked five fantastic destinations for 2019, in no particular order, that solo travellers will love because of their affordability, direct flight routes or the abundance of tours.

Greek islands British holidaymakers don’t need reminding of the delights of the Greek Islands. It’s been a summertime staple for decades, but mostly for families, couples and friends, particularly given how affordable villas can be. But being relatively cheap, easily accessible, and featuring great diversity across the islands, it makes perfect sense for the solo traveller, too. There are an increasing number of tours here. Saga runs A Taste of the Greek Islands for Solo Travellers, which takes in Santorini, Paros and Naxos. If island hopping isn’t your thing, Solos runs ClubSolos properties in Santorini, Crete and Corfu, which are adultonly and exclusively for solos.

Japan Tokyo and Osaka, two of Japan’s largest cities, are among the safest metropolises in the world (first and third respectively), according to The Economist’s Safe Cities Index 2017. Capital Tokyo is also regularly ranked among the most ‘liveable’, given its public transport infrastructure and the quality of life its citizens enjoy. There are plenty of tour operator options. Just You operates an 11-night Japan Revealed itinerary that takes in Tokyo, a Mount Fuji and Hakone bullet train ride, Kyoto, Nara Sake, Hiroshima and more. Wendy Wu, G Adventures, Intrepid Travel and others also run tours there. SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

Colombia’s Lost City 36 Laura Miller enjoys an epic trek to Colombia's answer to Machu Picchu How to Sell: Solo Travel

Directory

Games & competitions

Final word

Lost City slickers Laura Millar embarks on an epic five-day trek to the ancient Ciudad Perdida, Colombia's answer to Machu Picchu

Solus is brought to you by Waterfront Publishing

simon@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 9337

Sales manager Emily Snipe emily@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 4815 Publisher Sam Ballard sam@waterfront-publishing.com Publisher Anthony Pearce anthony@waterfront-publishing.com

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Waterfront Publishing, 12-18 Hoxton Street, London N1 6NG info@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 9360 Solus is published twice a year by Waterfront Publishing Limited (registered number: 08707515). All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited Solus is printed by Wyndeham Grange

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AAT King’s 19/20 rates are now available to book for your solo travellers* Since 1912, AAT Kings has been helping people from all over the world discover and explore Australia and New Zealand. With over 100 years of touring experience, we have the right holiday option for you. Whether it be a Guided Holiday, a Short Break, a Day Tour or a well-deserved luxury escape with our Inspiring Journeys portfolio – AAT Kings are the Guided Holiday experts. AAT Kings offers a Single supplement option for all Guided Holidays, or huge savings when you opt to share a room with a fellow like-minded traveller. So take your opportunity to create and share lifelong memories across Australia and New Zealand. FIRST CHOICE

BEST BUYS

AAT Kings offers Included Choice options on selected First Choice Guided Holidays where you have the choice to tailor your itinerary at no extra cost. Your dining options include special dining occasions like or ‘Highlight Dinners’ and ‘Be My Guest’ experiences. Your accommodation consists of premium hotels centrally located with great views and great service. Our Best Buys itineraries offer great value without compromising on visiting the must-see destinations and experiences available in Australia and New Zealand. Best Buys itineraries allow for more free time so you can relax and explore at your own pace.

For more information or to book visit aatkings.com, call 020 8225 4220 or email res@aatkings.co.uk *Conditions: If you choose to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same gender. If we fail to match you, we’ll provide the single room at no extra cost. Please request at time of booking. Valid for travel on Australia Guided Holidays 1 April 2019 – 31 Mar 2020. ATAS 10527 12825a

NEWS

Do you have a story for us? Email info@waterfront-publishing.com

SOLO SEPTEMBER

Travelzoo launches solo travel campaign

Joel Brandon-Bravo says the number of people who travel alone had doubled since 2010 Throughout September, Travelzoo is asking the industry to support the growing solo-travel market by promoting discounts for travel during September, or forward arrangements booked in September.

ONE

60% OF SOLO TRAVELLERS ARE

EITHER MARRIED

FOUR

MOST TAKE 2 OR MORE SOLO TRIPS EACH YEAR

77%

OR IN A RELATIONSHIP

INSPIRED BY A GREAT DEAL

HAVE TRAVELLED SOLO OR WOULD IN THE FUTURE

THE MAJORITY SPEND £500+ PER

TITAN Operator doubles solo tours 2019 Titan Travel has doubled the number of dedicated solo tours it is offering in 2019. The company is now running 22 itineraries that can only be booked by solo travellers, with no single supplement. Titan’s solo tours now include eight nights exploring India’s Golden Triangle, departing on August 14 and costing £2,099. Other tours include California and the Golden West, a 15-night tour from £3,749. Titan’s package includes VIP door-to-door transfers as well as flights. Tours are tailored to solo travellers, with tour managers hosting a drink reception on the first night for travellers to get to know each other.

SOLO LEISURE TRIP

L O TO :

C H OO

MY LOVE Travelzoo, the deals provider, TAKE TIME holidays withFULFIL family and TO MYSELF FOR TRAVELLING is launching a new solo travel friends.” Companies that have 80% on from website following already signed up include Just RECHARGE researchE the You, Aurora, SELF-DISCOVERY Collette, Contiki, TO deals E L provider MY BATTERIES T R AV conducted into the market Cox & Kings, Riviera Travel, Fred The company launched a new Olsen Cruise Lines, Titan Travel You can join the initiative by creating a dedicated solo travel page and providing no or low-cost singles supplements during the and month of September and by adding the website, solosseptember.com Saga. #SoloSeptember logo to your site. to back a push for the industry “We’re encouraging the travel We’re doing everything we can to drive awareness and bookings this to do more to support solos. industry to join us in marking #SoloSeptember and we hope you will join us in the eﬀort. To advertise your #Soloseptember dealsthe withUK our millions of#SoloSeptember. members, click here to ﬁnd more! Joel Brandon-Bravo, As aoutshoulder managing director, said that the season month following the Travezloo’s mission is to inspire people to travel the world and experience new places would have otherwise not considered. almost 5 million number of peoplethey who travelled school With holidays, it’s highly-engaged a great time members, our site generates over 10 million page views per month. Travelzoo members our hand-curated selection of the best travel with deals available. alone had doubled sincelove2010 – to really engage solo travel while 60 per cent of those were as a positive concept and shift already in a relationship. the focus from catering to singles Writing in Solus, Brandonand those travelling alone, to Bravo, said: “The data showed harnessing the enthusiasm of that once someone has travelled solos for great experiences.” solo, they are more likely to do so again at least twice a year, in Read Joel Brandon-Bravo’s addition to regularly planned comment piece on page 16

FRED OLSEN No single supplement for Warmer Cruising Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is offering zero single supplement on twin bedded rooms as part of its Warmer Cruising campaign. The offer includes cruises such as Boudicca’s 14-night Authentic India fly-cruise, departing on 4 October. Solo travellers will pay £1,599 for the cruise, including flights. Among the other cruises included in the offer is the Boudicca Mystery cruise in March, Braemar’s 14-night Caribbean cruise over Christmas. Bookings must be made before 17 October. SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

SU L PP OW LE S SE M OL LE EN O CT T O ED F SA IL IN GS

CRYSTAL DIFFERENCE the

V O YA G E S W I T H T H E W O R L D ’ S B E S T

CHRISTMAS TIME ON THE RHINE BASEL TO AMSTERDAM | VOYAGE RDB181210-07 CRYSTAL DEBUSSY | 10 DEC 2018 | 7 NIGHTS AMSTER RDAM Rhine River

G GERMANY

Mannheim M Kehl

Michael Dupont

Head of Sales Tel: 07921 949469 mick@cruiseportfolio.co.uk

Koblenz Rüdesheim

Colo olog ogne

Main River Ma

he Karlsruh

FRANCE

BASEL L

Cruise Only Fares From Petite Suite with Balcony Window (S5 Grade) from £3,386 per person Deluxe Suite with Balcony Window (S2 Grade) from £4,339 per person Itinerary Highlights: Basel, Kehl, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Rüdesheim (overnight), Koblenz, Cologne (overnight), Amsterdam (overnight).

Natalie Read

Jon Schoﬁeld Regional Sales Manager North & Scotland Tel: 07841 921533 jon@cruiseportfolio.co.uk

Regional Sales Manager South Tel: 07896 971316 natalieread@cruiseportfolio.co.uk

Nan Short

Representative Northern Ireland & Eire Tel: 02890 642252 nanshort@btopenworld.com

Megan Saunders

Trade Sales Support Executive Tel: 020 7399 7602 megan@cruiseportfolio.co.uk

CRYSTAL CRUISES – VOTED WORLD’S BEST MORE THAN ANY OTHER CRUISE LINE, HOTEL OR RESORT IN HISTORY

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING, PLEASE CALL:

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ABTA No.V8548

Fares are per person, cruise only in UK sterling based on double occupancy in an outside stateroom and include port, security and handling charges, which vary by departure. All fares, offers and itineraries are subject to change and availability and can be withdrawn at any time. Fares may fluctuate and should be used as a guide only. Prices may go up or down. You should contact us on 020 7399 7604 before booking, or visit our website www.crystalcruises.co.uk. The fares are available to new bookings only and are only available to UK & Eire residents. Restrictions apply. See crystalcruises.co.uk for complete terms and conditions of all offers. ©2018 Crystal Cruises, LLC. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas.

Issue five | Check-in

AZAMARA

Pursuit to add 40% new destinations Azamara Club Cruises christens its new ship at naming ceremony in Southampton Trade bookings for Azamara Club Cruises are up by 21 per cent, the company’s president and CEO Larry Pimentel said at the naming ceremony of its new ship, Azamara Pursuit. Ahead of a short sailing to Cherbourg, France, last month, the Royal Caribbean-owned line christened the ship in Southampton. The vessel, which was originally built for Renaissance Cruises, joins Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey in the fleet. Azamara owns three of the eight ships built for the defunct cruise line. The company said that Pursuit, which previously sailed under P&O Cruises as Adonia, has been embraced by British customers, who feel a strong connection to the ship. Carol Cabezas, the company’s COO, said that when the vessel was first launched, Brits accounted for 50 per cent of all

bookings – way up on the usual 25 per cent. Pimentel said that the ship, which represents 50 per growth for the line, means 40 per cent new destinations for guests. Pursuit, which visits 73 destinations including 15 maiden ports, will sail from Europe to South America, where it will visit Antofagasta (Chile), Lima (Peru), and sail the Beagle Channel. Pimentel added that it will sail from South Africa in 2020. “We’re a family with a mission because this is a brand with a purpose,” said Pimentel. “Today paints a picture of how far we’ve come, and how far we have to go.” Meanwhile, the company’s UK managing director Richard Twynam has been given an expanded role that will encompass the EMEA region.

ADVANTAGE Cruise Conference heading to Barcelona Advantage Travel Partnership, the UK’s largest independent travel agent consortia, will host its sixth Cruise Conference in Barcelona, November 14-16, 2018. The Cruise Conference, which will take place at the Tryp Apollo Hotel, will include a private tour of MSC Seaview, which launched earlier in the year. The event will include cruise awards and sessions on issues facing the industry. Senior commercial manager Claire Brighton said: “Barcelona is an important hub in the European cruise industry. We are excited to host members in a city that blends history, culture and cruising.”

FOOTLOOSE Operator launches dedicated solo tour Footloose, the small group tour specialist, has launched a dedicated solo departure in Tanzania after research suggested that 58 per cent of the company’s bookings were by solo travellers. The new tour, which begins in the Saadani National Park also includes calls at the Selous Game Reserve and Lake Taglaga. The tour is priced at £2,450 per person and runs from the February 16-25 2019. For more solo news, see solusmagazine.com SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

moments of

Solo holidays 2019 brochure is out now It was lovely because you can please yourself - and you are never really alone with a group. I would not hesitate going with Titan and alone. Go for it! Cynthia, Titan customer

Featuring 25 exclusive solo holidays, each one packed with moments to share and remember. Guaranteed departures Titan’s Price Promise Fly from an airport near you† VIP door-to-door travel service* Prices starting from £1,399pp Save up to £350pp

To order a supply please visit www.trade-gate.co.uk *Excludes Scottish islands and Sark, where vehicle access is restricted. †International flights from local airports are offered subject to daily schedules and availability.

Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading independent cruise line presents

Worldwide Winter Cruises 2019/20 Recognising the need to offer attractive deals for solos, we are offering savings of up to 50% on full fares in our winter and spring 2019/20 cruise programme. We strongly recommend early booking, as cabins for single occupancy are limited. In addition, our special onboard singles programme of events including a welcome cocktail party and gettogethers will ensure the opportunity to meet like-minded travellers.

HALF

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Programme Highlights Land of the Northern Lights - Festive Cruise Breaks Christmas & New Year Cruises - Africa & Indian Ocean Voyage Grand Round the World Cruise - Caribbean, Mexico & Trans Panama Voyage to Australia & New Zealand - Spring 2020 cruises

Book Online at: www.cruiseandmaritime.com Call: 0844 411 6161

Agency Sales: 0844 414 6140

Subject to availability. Terms & Conditions apply. Offer valid untill 31st October 2018. Offered for sale in the UK by South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages. ABTA V9945. ATOL 4619. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your telephone companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s access charge. 4574

Issue five | Check-in

ABTA SOLO TRAVEL CONFERENCE

Women are most likely to travel solo and post on social media

The oppotunity to do what one wants on holiday is the main reason travellers choose to go solo. Sam Ballard reports from ABTA's inaugural conference The solo travel sector grew by 12 per cent last year, Abta revealed at its inaugural Solo Travel Conference. The event, for which Solus was media partner, was held in central London in June. Victoria Bacon, Abtaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director of brand and business development, added that the top reason people travel on their own is to be able to do what they want while on holiday. Meeting new people was third on the list. Bacon added that solo travellers generally lack confidence and needed more guidance and support when it came to booking a holiday. The findings were backed up by Travelzoo boss Joel Brandon-

SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

Bravo, who said that 56 per cent of their solo travellers were women and 68 per cent were over 35 years-old. Of the total, 60 per cent were married or in a relationship. Brandon-Bravo also called for a travel industrywide initiative to support solo travel in September (see p16). The event also saw speakers from companies including G Adventures, Intrepid and Saga discussing important issues around catering to solo travel. Some of the topics covered included the rise of the solo traveller, who the solo traveller is and what they want, and how to effectively market and sell solo products. During a talk on social media by Four Communications, the

event partner, Megan Butler, the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s planning director, said that women represented 62 per cent of those who would post on social media about solo travel. Tom Smith, marketing director of Intrepid, said that the small group specialist launched its solo programme in 2017 to destinations including Peru, Vietnam, Morocco, India and Bali. Smith added that the company had trained its on-the-ground staff to understand the various issues including group dynamics and providing solo travellers with more information than those travelling in a couple. Turn the page to see our key findings.

ABTA solo travel conference key findings

Issue five | Check-in

Solo travel market growth

Growth in solo travel market by age range

12%

24–34

compared to 6% in 2011

35–44

Most popular age group is

45–54

65+

2011

10%

2017

6% 5% 7% 12% 6%

55–64

11% 7%

65+

18%

Top 5 reasons people travel on their own 1

Opportunity to do what they want

73.2%

To take some time out

To meet new people

70.9%

41.2%

“

Travelzoo found of their solo travellers

35+

56%

were women

60%

68%

over 35 years-old

To travel to a new destination

36.7%

To take part in a challenge

8.9%

women represented 62% of those who would post on social media about solo travel Megan Butler, planning director, Four Communications

were married or in a relationship

”

SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

SOURCE: ABTA, TRAVELZOO, FOUR

Issue five | Check-in

COMMENT

The industry needs to support solo travellers Joel Brandon-Bravo, UK managing director of Travelzoo, says that the potential market for solo travellers is huge, and needs to be embraced and provided for At Travelzoo, we spend our time sourcing the best travel deals for all our members. That’s easier for some audiences than it is for others, and we’ve previously run high-profile campaigns to champion families who find it increasingly hard to discover affordable holidays during peak school holidays. What we’re also seeing, though, is regular queries and complaints from our members about higher prices for those travelling alone and calls to offer more solo travel deals.

For years, the stereotypical view of a solo traveller was the free-spirited, 20-something backpacker, time rich but cash poor. While travel companies are beginning to wake up to the fact that this is no longer the case, many solo travellers seem to feel more could be done. To dig deeper into the motivations and travel experiences of solo travellers, we surveyed 8,500 people in key markets. We found that the typical modern-day solo traveller is female, 35-plus, likely married

or in a relationship, but choosing to travel solo because they wanted to. An incredible 49 per cent of Brits said they have travelled solo at some point in their lives, and of those that hadn’t, over a quarter said they would consider it. That means three quarters of the population are open to solo travel – a huge audience of potential travellers for the industry to provide for. What’s more, the data showed that once someone has travelled solo, they are more

SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

likely to do so again, in addition the top choice of all groups to regularly planned holidays earning above £15k per year, with family and friends. Most there are clearly opportunities respondents also said that they – but travel companies can also spent upwards of £500 per trip, and our industry partners have also indicated that more “What we’d like to than 75 per cent of their solo travellers choose additional see is fewer ‘single spending options such as supplements’, and upgrades and early access. companies thinking What about the barriers? Perhaps unsurprisingly, results more about how they revealed that safety was the can position room rates top priority for solo travellers, for solo travellers as while a significant number of ‘solo discounts’ respondents indicated that the single-person supplement was the number one reason keeping them from travelling solo. With almost three quarters do more to reach this audience. of solo travellers choosing to Despite these negatives, over book their accommodation in a quarter of solo travellers said advance, and big-name hotels they were inspired to book SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

a trip by seeing a great deal. That’s great news for travel providers and has pushed us to think more about what we can offer this growing market. What we’d like to see is fewer ‘single supplements’, and companies thinking more about how they can position room rates for solo travellers as ‘solo discounts’, particularly in the off-peak seasons. This year we’re encouraging the travel industry to join us in marking ‘#SoloSeptember’. As a shoulder season month following the school holidays, it’s a great time to engage with solo travel as a positive concept and shift the focus from catering to those travelling alone, to harnessing the enthusiasm of solo travellers for great travel experiences.

Escorted tours exclusively for solo travellers This collection is built on a selection of tried, tested and loved itineraries and are now available for those travelling on their own. An airport meet and greet service and welcome dinners are added to ensure our solo travellers’ needs are perfectly met.

Why choose Riviera Travel?  Fantastic value holidays for solo travellers compare our prices

 Which? Escorted Tour Provider June 2018 and River Cruise February 2018

 Great levels of commission paid on the whole holiday price

 Thoughtfully-balanced, tailored itineraries

The Blue Danube River Cruise

Luxury Yacht Cruising: The Dalmatian Coast

Eight days from only £1,399pp

Dubrovnik-Split-Dubrovnik

The Spectacular Nile Eight days from only £1,699pp

Eight days from only £2,499pp

For more information, call: 01283 744370 Visit us online at www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents For agency sales support, email: agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk

Our tour manager worked hard to make sure everything ran smoothly nothing was too much trouble. A lovely holiday and good value.

Joseph

Darren

Tamzin

Mia

Paul

Emma

YOUR FRIENDLY AGENCY SALES TEAM

Budapest, Bratislava & Vienna Eight days from only £1,499pp

Riviera Travel booking terms and conditions apply. *Source - Pwc Independent Survey.

Paris Four days from only £469pp

ABTA No. V4744

Madeira, the Pearl of the Atlantic Eight days from only £1,349pp

Issue five | Check-in

SOLO CRUISING

Small ship voyages are so inclusive Expedition cruises offer some great options for solo travellers Who can resist the allure of the sea? Boarding a ship and sailing to distant lands like the explorers of old is a dream for many. And, while the world might be a lot smaller now than it once was, the fascination we have with travel remains undimmed. Expedition cruising – an area that has boomed in the last few years – is arguably at the forefront of adventure holidays. How else can you visit remote nations that aren’t easily accessible by air? How else can you visit Antarctica? Or indeed, how else can you visit multiple countries in one holiday? For years, expedition cruising has been out of reach of solo travellers. However, the seas finally seem to be changing and a number of operators are jumping on the fast emerging trend. Coral Expeditions, which specialises in expedition cruises in far-flung destinations such as Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, doesn’t charge a single supplement on its three and four-night sailings around the Great Barrier Reef – a

SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

Issue five | Check-in

cruise that proves popular with couples and solos alike. The short sailing offers one of the best itineraries on the market when it comes to exploring the fast disappearing reef – one of the natural wonders of the world. It can form a great part of a longer itinerary, too. “The guest environment on Coral Expeditions is very conducive for solo travellers as we embrace the intimacy that a small ship provides,” explains Jan Jepsen, the company’s UK representative. “Our guests get to know each other and welcome the single traveller to talk, walk and dine together. They don’t feel left out.” This overall change is big news for solo travellers. One of the most common factors stopping solo travellers from taking an expedition cruise has always been the single supplement. According to research by Travelzoo, single supplements

are prohibitive to 36 per cent of travellers. That comes second only to the number one fear: eating alone, which stops 42 per cent of people from travelling. Booking a solo traveller with an operator who thinks about dedicated tables for solos is a good sign that they’ll get other aspects of the holiday right, too. Aurora Expeditions, which offers cruises to destinations including Antarctica, the Kimberley and the Galapagos, has had a no single supplement option for solo travellers for years. The company offers a ‘cabin mate finding service’ through which single passengers can be paired up with another solo traveller of the same sex. If a suitable partner can’t be found then passengers only pay the single fair for the entire room. Those who want their own cabin will pay a 1.7 single supplement rate. However,

by giving customers this option – and making a private room seem like a more luxurious option – they are changing the optics through which passengers look at their accommodation. Another good option for solo passengers wanting to sample far-flung destinations is Crystal Cruises, which will be launching its first purpose-built expedition vessel, Crystal Endeavor, next year. The line often runs offers across its ocean and river fleet for solo passengers with solo fares ranging from 125 to 130 per cent of a single fare. This includes cruises around South America, South Africa and the Pacific Islands. Regardless of where your solo customer wishes to go next – be it a far-flung destination or one closer to home – it is well worth digging a little deeper. You might be surprised what you can unearth. SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

No Single Supplement*

SMALL SHIPS

DAILY EXCURSIONS

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Aurora Expeditions welcomes solo travellers, providing a ‘No Single Supplement’ option if you’re happy to share or an additional 25% surcharge if you prefer your own cabin – the choice is yours! Cabin Mate Finding Service

Private Cabins

Our ‘happy to share’ service is ideal for the single traveller who is keen to share with a new acquaintance. We match a solo traveller with a cabin mate of the same gender and roughly the same age.

If you prefer your own cabin, you can book a sole occupancy cabin at a discounted rate. This applies to select 2019/20 Antarctica and European Arctic voyages, aboard our brand new expedition ship, The Greg Mortimer. Pay only a 25% surcharge for an Aurora Stateroom or Balcony Stateroom.*

To find our more about our solo traveller options and to book contact Aurora Expeditions: Freecall 0 808 189 2005 | info@auroraexpeditions.co.uk www.auroraexpeditions.co.uk/solotravellers

YEARS OF

EXPLORATION

*Valid for new bookings and subject to availability at time of booking. Limited for a short time only on selected voyages and cabin categories. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offers and availability are correct at time of print and are subject to change. All bookings are subject to Aurora Expeditions’ full terms and conditions as per our website. Ship images are artists impressions only and may vary. Enquire for more details. Additional T+Cs may apply.

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INFOCUS

Riviera Travel Riviera Travel's solo proposition has proved so popular that the company is adding new tours – both short- and long-haul – to its portfolio, writes Sam Ballard With a touring programme that includes everything from river cruises in Europe to rail journeys through India, Riviera Travel has found a proposition that clearly resonates within its market. The company specialises in holidays that do not break the bank but, crucially, don’t compromise on quality. It's a model that has attracted its admirers. Most recently that was in the form of Silverfleet Capital, the private equity firm, which acquired a majority stake in Riviera Travel late last

December for an undisclosed sum rumoured to be in the region of £250 million. It was little surprise therefore when the company announced its first dedicated solo programme, which launched in September 2016. Like much that Riviera Travel has done, the model has proved so successful that it has now doubled the size of its programme for the recently launched 2019 season. “It’s all about adding subtle nuances that will make a solo traveller feel more comfortable,”

explains Will Sarson, head of specialist products at Riviera Travel. “When we first launched our solo programme we took many of our existing tours and tweaked them slightly for people travelling alone. It’s the same model we use today.” Those tweaks include things like hosting complimentary welcome drinks to allow for a meet and greet on the first night, while excursions will feature more group activities. Examples include making paella together over a giant pan in Valencia.

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“Solo travellers are far more sociable than couples who will often want to have time on their own,” Sarson adds. “I speak to a lot of customers after they’ve finished their tour to find out what they enjoyed. While they’re more nervous when they begin their holiday they are more prepared to get involved in group activities.” For 2019 Riviera Travel has added new tours to short-haul destinations such as Sicily, which includes a tour of Ragusa, one of three towns with the same name. “The original was completely destroyed in the 17th century,” Sarson explains. “They built a second one but the locals preferred the original. And then a third popped up later. SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

It’s a little off the usual tourist route, which is why our guests will love it.” The tour is capped off with a visit to a vineyard on the slopes of Etna – offering breathtaking views of Sicily, as well as a dinner that includes a wine-pairing from the surrounding vines. When it comes to long haul, Sarson is particularly excited about the company being able to offer dedicated solo departures on Nile cruises for the first time in its history. “Our guests will be sailing with a group of like-minded solo travellers through the world’s most renowned archaeological site,” he says. “It doesn’t get better than that.” Other river cruise destinations with dedicated

solo departures include the Danube, Rhone and Douro. “We launched in January for 2018 and the two sailings in November sold out almost immediately. It’s shoulder season – with departures in April and late October when the weather is still pleasant and there are fewer crowds.” As with all of Riviera Travel’s solo programmes, it is built on each place on every departure being filled with solo passengers, rather than a percentage taking up the lowercategory accommodation. When it comes to valuable capacity on much sought-after rivers such as the Douro, it’s a bold step. It’s also clearly getting through to their growing customer base.

DESTINATIONS

Five fantastic places to visit in 2019 What makes a destination great for solo travellers? There are a number of factors in play, including safety, ease of travel and cost. Of course, these are concerns all holidaymakers share, but become particularly relevant when travelling alone. Here, we have picked five fantastic destinations for 2019, in no particular order, that solo travellers will love because of their affordability, direct flight routes or the abundance of tours.

Jordan

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Peru British Airways operates direct flights from London Gatwick to Jorge Chรกvez International Airport in Lima, making Peru an irresistible destination for British holidaymakers. South America, on the whole, is a growing market for solo travel, but some of the Peru tours in particular have caught our eye. For example, Cox & Kings operates an 11-day Treasures of Peru Nights itinerary, which begins in Lima and takes in Cuzco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu. Intrepid Travel offers a similar tour, as do Tauck and Titan. Whether you like trekking or exploring bustling cities, Peru is a country that offers it all.

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Austria Austria is an incredibly diverse country. Capital Vienna is one of the safest, happiest, cleanest and prettiest cities. With a fantastic café culture, beautiful gardens, ornate buildings and, of course, plenty of classical music, it’s one of Europe’s great city breaks. But there is plenty to see beyond Vienna – be it Salzburg and the Alps or the vineyards and pretty towns that line the Danube. Numerous operators, from Shearings to Solos and Intrepid, run trips to the country suitable for solo travellers, whether they want lakes and mountains or a city break. There’s also the option of cruise: the likes of Rivera Travel, Avalon Waterways and Tauck run Danube cruises that take in Vienna, the Wachau Valley and Melk, with no single supplement.

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FAQ

Do your research and always be prepared to put in more time From hand-holding to early booking, four leading solo travel experts provide tips on safety, destinations, single supplements and travelling in a group

t seems obvious but even the most well-seasoned traveller is going to be more nervous about taking a holiday on their own than they would in a group. Solo clients will ask more questions, read more of your literature and generally need a little bit more hand-holding. We’ve picked four specific areas – safety, destinations, travelling in a group and single supplements – and asked four solo travel experts to help you with advice to help secure that all important sale.

ABTA on talking to your customers about safety

“People travelling alone are likely to feel more vulnerable about their personal safety, so it’s important to have an open conversation with customers. One way to do this is to encourage them to check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s travel advice online pages before a trip abroad and set up an email alert for the destinations they are visiting so they can be aware of any updates.” Victoria Bacon, director of brand and business development SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

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Collette on destinations for solo travellers

“Solo guests are no different to those who travel in a couple or larger group – although they will need a little bit more handholding during the booking stage. Some want exotic destinations, such as Vietnam, Japan, Africa and the South Pacific, while others want destinations closer to home, such as Europe. The main thing is to do your research and be prepared to put in more time to secure the booking.” Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, executive vice president of product and tour management

Saga on single supplements

“Single supplements can be an emotive subject, and in response to increasing customer demand, we at Saga always ensure we have a wide range of holidays with specially negotiated single availability, as well as an increased number of soloonly tours. However, single availability is always popular so to get the widest selection of options it’s really important to get in and book early.” Iain Powell, head of trade sales

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Intrepid on travelling in a group

“Travellers on a group tour can relax and truly immerse themselves in the destination knowing that everything is taken care of. With local leaders, their expert knowledge means people will visit places that they would never normally see travelling independently. Finally, group travel offers the chance to meet other like-minded travellers, forging new friendships that will last a lifetime.” Aaron Hocking, regional director EMEA

Lost City slickers Laura Millar embarks on an epic five-day trek to the ancient Ciudad Perdida, Colombia's answer to Machu Picchu

Issue five | Explore “Vamonos!” comes the insistent call from Jose, our long-haired, 30-something indigenous guide, who is partly responsible for shepherding my group of seven relatively amateur hikers along 46km of arduous terrain through the lush green mountains of the Sierra Nevada over the next few days. The note of urgency in his voice, hoping to rally us up and away from the welcome breather at a roadside shack selling chilled soft drinks, is spurred on by his knowledge of how the weather works here in the hot, humid rainy season (which runs from mid July to the end of October). Currently, this is something of which my fellow trekkers and I are blissfully ignorant. It’s only day one of a trip whose ultimate goal – in three days’ time – is to climb up to Colombia’s answer to Machu Picchu: the Ciudad Perdida, or the Lost City of Teyuna, an ancient site built by a tribe called the Tairona around 800AD. It’s early August, and the morning’s blazing sunshine has lulled us into a false sense

of security. We have over half of today’s scheduled 14km to go before we make our camp for this evening, and the sky is turning an unappealing shade of grey. At around 2pm, the clouds burst to coincide with a particularly steep downhill stretch and, as water gushes torrentially forth, we gaze at our feet in dismay as the crumbly, rocky red earth beneath them almost immediately turns into a mudslide. I have never been so grateful for the invention of walking poles, along with the advice of our ‘chief experience officer’, native Colombian Juan Diego Rangel, who recommends we “follow the path of the water as it flows down the track”, rather than trying to avoid it. Despite this, it’s not long before one of our party spectacularly loses his footing and slides rather gracelessly down several feet on his backside. The commotion has a domino effect; behind me, another hiker, Tom, sees his legs go up from under him, and

his trajectory unfortunately has me in its way – so down I go, too. By this point I am so utterly drenched that the addition of a layer of soggy mud has little effect, either on my clothing or my morale; the only way is forwards, and so onwards we go, doggedly putting one foot in front of the other, down, and then up, gradients so steep that if you were in a car, you definitely wouldn’t want to face the prospect of a hill-start. Welcome to the jungle… This awe-inspiring five-day trek with G Adventures starts and ends in the small, colonial beach town of Santa Marta, on the northern coast of Colombia. G is one of several intrepid adventure companies that organises tours here, but it’s one of the only ones to work with the indigenous people who have lived in these mountains for more than 2,000 years. Today, the four tribes who populate the area – the Wiwa, Kogi, Arhuacos and Kankuamo – are believed to be direct descendants of the Tairona. As a result, as well as learning about the jaw-dropping scenery and nature, you also learn about the indigenous culture and history, particularly when it comes to setting foot on their most sacred ground, the Lost City. Trekking groups can consist of up to 16 people and are often a mix of couples, friends, families and solos. Mine includes five individuals and a couple, all ranging in age from mid 20s to late 40s, and we get the chance to get to know each other better in Santa Marta, the day before we set off. The main trek is broken up over four days, with the new addition on day five of a walk to SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

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a recently created indigenous village called Gotsezhi. Each morning we set off around 6am to capitalise on the cooler part of the day, with a stop for lunch, a few short rest breaks, and the ultimate aim of arriving at camp before nightfall. The camps vary in size – Paraiso, the one closest to the Lost City, is the biggest, sleeping 100 people (on the night we spend there, it is totally full, but lively and sociable). Conditions are, to put it kindly, rustic; showers are cold (actually quite refreshing on tired, swollen feet), although there are flushing toilets and simple bunk beds and hammocks swathed in essential mosquito nets. Every day, you are made breakfast, lunch and dinner by your group cook, who goes on ahead to each camp to rustle up hearty, if basic, meals – we dine on rice and fish or meat, pasta, and local food such as arepas, a flat, fried cornbread. On Lost City day, we get off to an even earlier start, creeping out of camp as soon as it is light to get ahead of the other groups, although numbers at the site are limited to 160 per day. This is it, what we’ve been walking towards, through farmlands, cloud forest and pure jungle. We’ve endured river crossings, SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

Issue five | Explore where we swap our boots for water shoes, survived hourlong, relentless uphill slogs, navigated steep downhill slopes, and now the objective is within sight. Twenty-five minutes from Paraiso, after scrambling over a series of rocks, we have to cross one final river. Thankfully these are only ever knee-high (although at one crossing further back in the trail, if the water is swollen too much from the rain, you have the option of doing it in a kind of bamboo cage suspended by a rope from the trees above it). Then, one last obstacle: a series of 1,200 steps leading up, up, up to the Ciudad Perdida. I take one look at them and nearly change my mind; they’re incredibly narrow and steep (apparently the average height of the Tairona was 1m 30), not to mention slippery. I am not blessed with the balance of a mountain goat, and am starting to worry about whether I’ll make it without losing my footing and breaking several limbs. However, seeing I’m about to lose my nerve, both Juan Diego and Jose rally around for support; Jose whisks off my backpack and literally bounds up the rest of the way with it, while Juan Diego stays close to ensure I make it safely. The good news is, I do. A little bit behind the rest of the group, but the hugs and high fives I get from my little trekking family boosts my spirits no end – not to mention the savage beauty of the site itself. It’s thought that the Tairona abandoned their magnificent city in the 16th century, when the Spanish arrived, bringing unwelcome SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

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Catholicism and persecution. However, prior to that, it was a huge, sprawling site covering around 150 acres, with more than 200 terraces cut into the hills. Some were used as bases for traditional homes, others for the Tairona’s temples. And this stunning, spiritually imbued place would have stayed lost, were it not for their tradition of crafting gold. They were buried with their artefacts, a fact that led looters to the site in the 1970s, bringing it to Colombia’s, and eventually the world’s, attention. Tourism only really took off here in the 1980s, with a hiatus in the noughties after a guerrilla group took a group of travellers hostage for 101 days in 2003 (now the site is protected by the Colombian military). We walk up several terraces which take us to an area from where we get a phenomenal view looking back down over the site. Together, we take in the peace and beauty of the moment, breathing in the clear, crisp air, and marvelling at the clouds which hang, suspended, in the tree-covered mountains around us. We made it; and even though afterwards we have to do the whole journey back again, it’s an utterly incredible feeling. After two or three hours, Jose cries out “vamonos!” once again and it’s time to leave. But not without some incredible memories. Book through G Adventures; seven days, starting and ending in Santa Marta, including accommodation, meals and guides, starts from £449. Avianca flies from the UK to Santa Marta via Bogota. SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

H OW TO S ELL

SOLO TRAVEL How, as a travel agent, do you cater for the singles market? From the experts we speak to, we've learnt that it’s all about making customers feel at ease. They want to know that they won’t be alone, or forced to join in with activities when they don’t want to. They want to know they’re not being ripped off with single supplements and that their tour guides or cruise directors are knowledgeable, happy to help and used to looking after single customers. People are going it alone in record numbers, so we’ve created Solus and this guide as a starting place. From a few simple questions, we’ve provided nine amazing options to cover a large part of the solo travel market. We’ve divided this guide into UK & Ireland, European and worldwide holidays, with active, relaxing and cultural options for each.

Where would you like to go?

UK & Ireland p39

Europe p40 38

Worldwide p41

UK & Ireland Many operators offer travellers the chance to visit exotic, far-flung places as part of their solo offerings, but you shouldn’t discount the UK and Ireland, either. ‘Staycations’ can provide better value for money than many holidays abroad and, for those who are apprehensive about travelling alone, they make a lot of sense. It’s a case of starting in the shallow end. We’ve picked three options based on active, cultural and relaxing holidays.

What sort of holiday do you want?

Active

Cultural

Relaxing

Who? Solos Holidays Where? Brecon Beacons When? September 28, 2018 How long? Three nights How much? £669

Who? G Adventures Where? Ireland When? May 19, 2019 How long? Nine days How much? £1,349

Who? Saga Cruises Where? UK round-trip When? July 4, 2019 How long? 10 nights

Staying in the town of Brecon right in the heart of this breathtaking National Park, guests travelling with Solos will need their walking boots. After meeting for the Friday evening welcome drink and dinner, they will head on to the The Mynydd Llangorse, Llangorse Lake and Allt Yr Esgair Loop (16km) on Saturday and the famous Waterfalls Walk (14km) on Sunday.

This nine-day tour with the small-group specialists takes in Dublin, Galway city, Killarney and beautiful Cork. Joined by a CEO – chief experience officer – guests will delve deep into the culture of the Emerald Isle. In the capital, they have the choice of exploring Temple Bar, the Jameson Distillery, or the Kilmainham Gaol.

This cruise on Saga Sapphire takes you right around the coast of Britain, taking in the Channel Islands, Portland, the Highlands of Scotland, Dundee and Newcastle. Saga offers a higher proportion of single cabins than most cruise lines and also have plenty of exclusive events for solos, including ‘Singles Mingle’ drinks receptions, special lunches and meet-ups for shore excursions.

Europe

We’ve picked three holidays – one active, one cultural and one relaxing – each on the continent, and each perfect for solo travellers. From the Baroque architecture of Budapest to the beautiful beaches of Croatia, Europe offers it all: food, culture, history and adventure. Just because you’re travelling alone doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy all that and more…

What sort of holiday do you want?

Active

Cultural

Relaxing

Who? ATG Oxford Where? Hungary When? May 4, 2019 How long? Seven nights How much? £2,585

Who? Cox & Kings Where? Helsinki and St Petersburg When? 2019 How long? Six nights

Who? Intrepid Travel Where? Croatia When? June 2019 How long? Eight nights How much? £1,165

This all-inclusive escorted walking holiday takes in the National Parks, meadows, forests and small towns of the famous Danube Bend in Hungary. Guests also get to enjoy castles, Renaissance palaces and the magical capital of Budapest. The trip is graded three out of five in terms of fitness level required.

Taking in two fascinating cities separated by the Gulf of Finland, this trip with Cox & Kings allows guests to explore the Suomenlinna sea fortress in Helsinki and visit the magnificent Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood in St Petersburg in a small group size (maximum 18 people). It includes tours to the Winter and Summer Palaces in St Petersburg.

What better way to relax than joining this leisurely sailing down Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, taking in historic towns, dense forests and beautiful, unspoilt islands. Exploring Hvar, Vis, Korčula, Lastovo, Mljet and Elafiti Islands, this trip truly takes passengers off the beaten track, as well as visiting Split and breathtaking Dubrovnik.

Worldwide

When customers embrace solo travel they suddenly realise they no longer have another person’s preferences to worry about. Once customers take that leap, the world really is their oyster. Small-group specialists in particular offer an incredible way to enjoy adventure travel that isn’t too daunting. Here are just three amazing options that caught our eye, one active, one cultural and one relaxing.

What sort of holiday do you want?

Active

Cultural

Relaxing

Who? AAT Kings Where? Australia When? September 2019 How long? 11 days How much? £4,445

Who? Cosmos Where? Morocco When? February 2019 How long? Seven days How much? £918

Who? Celebrity Cruises Where? Caribbean When? March 31, 2019 How long? Seven nights How much? £4,899

Explore the Northern Territory’s desert landscapes on this road trip from Uluru to Darwin, taking in the transition from desert to the lush greens of the tropical north. Active guests have the chance to climb Kings Canyon, swim beneath Litchfield’s Wangi Falls, and discover wildlife on the Yellow Water Billabong.

New for 2019, this Cosmos trip takes in Casablanca and its Hassan II Mosque; the ancient city of Meknes; the ‘artistic and spiritual home of Morocco’, Fez; and Marrakech, where guests can explore the bustling souks, Bahia Palace and Jemaa el-Fnaa, the city’s grand market place.

Celebrity Edge, the innovative new ship from Celebrity Cruises, will have 16 single cabins, each complete with a unique Infinite Veranda. This sevennight Western Caribbean fly-cruise is a round-trip from Fort Lauderdale in Florida, taking in Mexico and the Cayman Islands, and includes return flights from London Heathrow.

DIRECTORY Info need an update? Email info@waterfront-publishing.com A

AAT Kings Heather Colbourn, senior sales manager 07824 486 544 heather.colbourn@aatkings. co.uk

Back-Roads Touring Lockie Turner, business development manager 020 8987 0990 l.kerr@backroadstouring.com

A-Rosa Lucia Rowe, head of sales, UK and Ireland 07842 026 013 l.rowe@a-rosa.de

BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia Andrew Hillier, agency sales manager 020 3096 1600 reservations@clear-marketing. com

Abercrombie & Kent Diogo Castanheira, sales manager North England, Scotland, Europe dcastanheira@ abercrombiekent.co.uk Mark Harris, sales manager South of England mharris@abercrombiekent. co.uk Amadeus River Cruises Natalie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mahoney, head of sales 0800 035 6411 natalie@fredrivercruises.co.uk AmaWaterways Jamie Loizou, sales, marketing and digital director 033 3305 3902 jamieloizou@amawaterways. com APT Touring Jessica Shelton-Agar, national sales manager 01494 736 147/07584 057 341 jessica.shelton-agar@aptouring. co.uk Aurora Expeditions Talia Schwartzman, sales executive +61 2 9252 1033 agents@auroraexpeditions. co.uk Craig Upshall, sales director UK/ Europe 07824 305 232 craig@auroraexpeditions.co.uk Avalon Waterways Janet Parton, sales director 020 8315 4545 agencysales@avaloncruises.co.uk

C Coral Expeditions Jan Jepsen, UK and Europe representative 07702 714 150 jan@intouchrep.com Cosmos Janet Parton, sales director 020 8315 4545 agencysales@cosmos.co.uk Cox & Kings Greg Thurston, head of agency sales 07748 807 276 greg.thurston@coxandkings. co.uk CroisiEurope John Fair, sales director 020 8328 1281 jfair@croisieurope.com Cruise & Maritime Voyages Lisa Jacobs, head of trade sales 0844 414 6140 lisa.jacobs@cruiseandmaritime. com Crystal Cruises Mick Dupont, head of UK sales 020 7399 7602 mick@cruiseportfolio.co.uk

Exodus Dan Jackson, agency liaison manager 07879 336 324 djackson@exodus.co.uk Explore Sarah King, sales manager 01252 883 721 sarah.king@explore.co.uk F Ffestiniog Travel Michelle Hawes, tours supervisor 01766 772030 michelle.hawes@ffestiniogtravel. co.uk Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Mike Evans, head of sales 01473 746164 cruise.sales@fredolsen.co.uk Fred Olsen River Cruises Hannah Logan, UK sales manager 0800 035 3189 hannah@fredrivercruises.co.uk G G Adventures Stuart Darnley, national sales manager 07964 983 842 sdarnley@gadventures.com I If Only Dominic Carrick, head of sales 01419 554 000 dominic.carrick@ifonly.net Intrepid Travel Andrew Turner, head of industry sales 080 8274 5719 ukbdm@intrepidtravel.com J

E eWaterways Amy Sharpe, sales and marketing 0808 168 1458 salesuk@ewaterways.com

Journey Latin America Mary Anne Nelson, senior travel consultant 020 8747 8315 agents@journeylatinamerica. co.uk

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Issue five | Section Name

Kirker Hisham Mahmoud, agency sales manager UK & Ireland 020 7593 2288 hisham.mahmoud@ kirkerholidays.com

On The Go Tours Kate Filer, sales manager 07985 660 303 kate.filer@onthegotours.com

Tauck Kathryn Coles, UK country manager 080 0810 8020 tauckreservations@tauck.co.uk

P&O Cruises Brodie McIntosh, trade engagement manager 023 8065 5780 brodie.mcintosh@ cunardpocruises.com

Latin Routes Jessica Bain, director 020 8546 6222 info@latinroutes.co.uk Leger Holidays Ashley Dellow, head of retail sales 01709 385 811 retail.sales@leger.co.uk M The Majestic Line Marie McGhee, sales manager 01369 707951 info@themajesticline.co.uk Marella Cruises Andrew Isherwood, commercial support team 020 3451 2762 commercial.support@thomson. co.uk Mercury Holidays David Hood, national sales manager 07855 036 782 dhood@sunspottours.com MSC Cruises Victoria Taylor, sales operations manager 020 7092 8182 ukinsidesales@msccruises.co.uk N Newmarket Holidays Richard Forde, agency sales manager 0330 160 4799 travelagents@ newmarketholidays.co.uk Norwegian Cruise Line Nicky Foot, director of business development UK & Ireland 07408 855 679 nfoot@ncl.com SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

Princess Cruises Mark Lowman, manager sales operations 023 8065 6531 mark.lowman@princesscruises. co.uk R Riviera Travel Darren Mussell, agency sales assistant manager 01283 744 307 agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk Royal Caribbean International Trade support team 01932 834 379 salessupport.uk@rccl.com S Saga Travel Sukina Fagg, national account manager 080 0074 8021 sukina.fagg@saga.co.uk Shearings Holidays Michael Bowers, national sales manager 01942 823 449 sales.support@shearings.com Solos Holidays Julian Simmons, agency liaison 020 8951 2810 travel@solos.co.uk Specialist Journeys Kathryn Furnell, marketing manager 01722 713 800 kathryn@specialistjourneys. com

Titan Travel Edwina Coppock, agency sales manager 01293 450 726; 07834 652 135 edwina.coppock@titantravel. co.uk Travelpack Heena Bhudia, business development manager 07958 359 505 heena.bhudia@travelpack.com Travelsphere & JustYou Polly Poulton, national account manager 01858 588 406 polly.poulton@travelsphere. co.uk U Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Rachel Healey, national sales manager 07408 855 544 rachel.healey@uniworld.com V Voyages to Antiquity Amy Sykes, partnerships manager 01865 302 2565 a.sykes@voyagestoantiquity. com

GAMESROOM

Each issue, we bring you a selection of things to do on your lunch break or journey to the office

CROSSWORD

ISSUE FOUR SOLUTION

ACROSS

6. One of millions a cruise passenger will see (4) 7. Gather for safety exercise on board ship (6) 8. It borders Cambodia and Laos (7) 9. Possess (3)

11. What you see with (3,5,3) 13. Before (3) 14. Become rigid (7) 17. One lacking in pigment (6) 18. Irish county and port (4)

DOWN

1. Mainly Hindu Indonesian island (4)

SUDOKU 1

3. Going aboard (11)

4. US intelligence organisation (1,1,1)

5. Sideways drift at sea (6)

2. Wagering (7)

10. Construction (7) 12. Senlac Hill loser (6) 15. Nobleman (4) 16. El ---, Castilian national hero (3)

SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

QUIZ 1. Bora Bora is in which island group? 2. Who wrote the book Sharp Objects? 3. Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ; The Ghost of Tom Joad; and Darkness on the Edge of Town are albums by which recording artist?

4. Which Liverpool venue is most closely associated with The Beatles?

5. Which manufacturer created the Robin, a small three-wheeled car, in 1973?

6. Napoléon Bonaparte was born on which Mediterranean island?

7. Gin, dry vermouth and an olive make which cocktail?

8. The chef Paul Bocuse is associated with which French city?

9. The San Andreas Fault extends through which US state?

10. Only two teenagers have scored in a World Cup Final. Who are they?

11. Manor Farm is the setting of which 1945 book?

12. The Boulevard Saint-Michel is found in which European city?

13. Mauritius is found in which ocean? 14. To the nearest decade when were fingerprints first used in the UK to catch criminals?

15. Who was the first American to win the Man Booker Prize? QUIZ ANSWERS

1. French Polynesia; 2. Gillian Flynn; 3. Bruce Springsteen; 4.Cavern Club; 5. Reliant; 6. Corsica; 7. Martini; 8. Lyon; 9. California; 10. Pele (Brazil) and Kylian Mbappé (France); 11. George Orwell’s Animal Farm; 12. Paris; 13. Indian Ocean; 14. 1900s (1902); 15.Paul Beatty in 2016 for The Sellout.

SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

Issue five | Depart

FINAL WORD

What women want… Companies could be doing more to attract solo female travellers When it comes to solo holidays it seems that there is one group of potential customers on the minds of every operator we speak to: women aged over 50. The demographic – long associated with travelling with a partner or in larger groups – seems to hold the key to many operators hitting their longterm goals on solo travel. Travelzoo says that 56 per cent of its solo travellers are women. G Adventures says that more than 60 per cent of its travellers are solos and Saga puts the figure around 75 per cent. However you look at it, female solo travellers are big business.

The reasons people travel solo are varied. More often than not it’s to have the freedom to make your own plans or take some time out from a career. Four, the communications firm, commissioned its own research into female solo travellers, focusing on the “50-plus Adventuress”. It found that 58 per cent of single holidaymakers are female. What’s even more interesting is that the figures rise for active and exotic holidays such as walking (64 per cent) and African safaris (60 per cent). These optics are perfect for many solo travel specialists.

However, the findings do beg the question: are companies doing all they can to market to this demographic? Ant Stone, director of marketing for G Adventures, says that when it comes to messaging for solo travel customers the company always considers a female touch while emphasising the ease factor: solo passengers are going to have more questions and naturally will be more concerned about logistics than someone travelling in a couple or group. Remember that you are selling a holiday but it’s important not to overpromise – you can’t guarantee that a destination will be safe so refer to FCO advice when necessary. Equally, don’t scare a customer before they board the plane. A solo traveller is always going to need more handholding when going through the booking process – especially when travelling alone for the first time. That’s the case whether your client is a man or a woman. However, put yourself in their shoes. Remember to offer plenty of sound, practical advice, book them on the right holiday and you’ll have a customer that comes back time and time again. SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM

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