Solus

Solus

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THE GREAT BEYOND WHY TRAVELLERS OF ALL AGES ARE HEADING OUT ALONE

A new trade magazine from the team at cruise adviser

Exceptional value cruising for single travellers

Just a 25% supplement for Solo Cruisers

On board Columbus and Magellan, we have set aside 150 twin cabins for single occupancy priced with just a 25% single supplement on the equivalent category twin share prices. In addition, our special onboard solos programme of events including a welcome cocktail party and get-togethers will ensure the opportunity to meet like minded travellers and make new friends.

Book online at: www.cruiseandmaritime.com ● Call: 0844 414 6161 Agency Sales: 0844 414 6140 ● Brochures: www.trade-gate.co.uk Terms & Conditions apply. Calls will cost 5p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge. Operated by South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Solus

Issue one

Solus

Welcome to the first issue of Solus, a new trade magazine themed around solo travel, brought to you by the team £100 behind cruise adviser.

It’s no secret that solo travel is on the rise: more than a third of Britons have now holidayed THE GREAT alone, and that figure is only set BEYOND to grow as perceptions continue to change. What’s interesting is how women now outnumber men when it comes to solo travel, and how over 50s have replaced 18 to 30-year-olds as the largest group.

Traditionally, parts of the travel industry have struggled to serve solo travellers as well as they should do — but are now upping their game as demand increases.

As travel agents, you play a huge part in this: more than anyone solo travellers need the assurances booking through an expert provides. They need to know they’ll be safe, have fun and be alone only when they want to be.

This is why we’ve launched Solus, which focuses exclusively on solo travel — be it escorted touring, traditional solo adventures or cruise.

Why people travel alone and what they want from a holiday varies hugely, as Will Sarson, of Riviera Travel’s new solo programme, points out on p32. We’ve also spoken to three inspiring solo travellers, starting on p8, about travelling alone and why they would encourage others to do the same — however daunting it might seem.

What’s on offer is huge: from themed travel with escorted group tours (p46) to cruise (p34). We’ve also got expert opinion from Intrepid Travel (p20), some travelselling tips from single travel specialist Just You (p29) and a look at why room-sharing may be a solution (p44).

Also, enter our competition on p50 and send the answers to info@waterfront-publishing.com to be in with a chance of winning £100 in SuperBreak vouchers.

Enjoy reading — look out for the next issue in March.

I SS U E 0 N E

Contact us Sam Ballard publisher sam@waterfront-publishing.com

+44 (0)78 0962 2541

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WHY TRAVELLERS OF ALL AGES ARE HEADING OUT ALONE

A new trade magazine from the team at cruise adviser

Anthony Pearce publisher anthony@waterfront-publishing.com

+44 (0)78 3576 8383

Simon Leeming head of sales simon@waterfront-publishing.com

Jensen Brianson art director Nathaniel Cramp sub-editor info@waterfront-publishing.com

Solus Collective Temperance Hospital 110 Hampstead Rd London, NW1 2LS 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

Sam Ballard and Anthony Pearce

Publishers of Solus SOLUS

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CONTENTS

Solus Issue one

Going it alone Elizabeth, Keith and Jane, three inspiring solo travellers, share their experiences of holidaying alone On the horizon All the latest news in solo travel Why solo doesn’t have to mean alone Michael Edwards, managing director of Intrepid Travel, on the beauty of group tours

Solus

I SS U E 0 N E

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8

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THE GREAT BEYOND

19

WHY TRAVELLERS OF ALL AGES ARE HEADING OUT ALONE

A new trade magazine from the team at cruise adviser

20

OPINION TITLE

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Wonderful world Five bucket-list destinations that are perfect for solo travellers

24

How to sell solo travel Colin Wilson from Just You offers his top five tips

29

Two’s a crowd We speak to the team behind Riviera Travel’s new solo traveller collection

32

––––– WHY SOLO DOESN’T MEAN ALONE MICHAEL EDWARDS, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF INTREPID TRAVEL, ON THE BEAUTY OF GROUP TOURS

India is an increasingly popular destination for solo travellers

W

e all know the feeling. You’re itching to book that flight to your dream destination — whether it’s Japan, India or Peru — but your friends won’t commit.

They say they want to go, but when it comes to the crunch they’re either too busy, don’t have the cash or

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Michael Edwards, managing director, Intrepid Travel

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20

Making waves 34 Samuel Ballard discovers how cruise is finally learning to accommodate the solo traveller

simply change their mind.

At times like that you can either a) give up and watch back-to-back episodes of An Idiot Abroad or b) give solo travel a try.

Solo travel has emerged as one of the top trends in the travel industry over the last five years. According to a recent survey, 40 per cent of people have no qualms about travelling alone and three in five respondents aren’t fazed by flying abroad solo. Two thirds of people believe it is more acceptable to travel alone now than it was a decade ago.

At Intrepid Travel, we’ve seen a 38 per cent increase over the last five years in travellers deciding to go it alone on group tours. The over-50s are the fastest growing segment, with a 79 per cent increase. Now more than half our passengers are solo travellers, and it’s not hard to see why.

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There are all kinds of reasons why people choose to go it alone on a group tour. Maybe your friends have settled down and swapped palm trees for playgrounds, maybe your other half can’t escape work, or perhaps the kids have flown the nest and now it’s finally your turn for an adventure.

Whatever the reason, this market is a fantastic opportunity for travel agents. Solo travellers are often anxious about their first voyage alone, so it’s vital that they make the right choice. If you find them the perfect first solo trip, those clients will become clients for life.

One question people often ask is whether they will be bored by themselves.

But solo doesn’t have to mean ‘alone’, and that’s where group tours come in. Heading off on a group

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Independent thinkers Dedicated solo programme? No single supplements? Find out which operators offer what How you can learn to be a great salesperson Matthew Quinn, boss of the Future Sales Factory, on selling psychology

40

MAKING WAVES SAMUEL BALLARD INVESTIGATES HOW CRUISE IS FINALLY LEARNING TO ACCOMMODATE THE SOLO TRAVELLER

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42

To share or not to share?

John fair on the best ways to circumnavigate single supplements

44

Holidays, your way We look into the best in themed escorted touring — from wine holidays to yoga

46

Quiz and competition

50

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35

THEMED TRAVEL

P

eople travel alone for a multitude of reasons, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want companionship.

Often customers will have a particular interest or hobby they may not share with their friends or family.

It could be anything: yoga, wine-tasting or hiking.

Their friends may prefer beach holidays, their partner might prefer golf.

Fortunately, there are many tour operators who provide escorted tours based around themes. It means solo travellers can have the holiday they want, without having to do it entirely alone.

Travelling by yourself can be daunting, of course,

––––– HOLIDAYS, YOUR WAY

but these small group tours mean customers know they will not only be kept entertained, but they will be kept safe. It’s why companies we spoke to, such as Intrepid Travel, explained that destinations such as India are incredibly popular for its female solo travellers.

So whether you’ve got a solo botanist, health freak or foodie sat before you, you can know that there are holidays for them.

Flower power Walking tours from ATG Oxford are neatly divided into themes — be it wine, architecture, birds or plants — meaning a love of the great outdoors isn’t the

only thing its guests have in common. Customers can elect to do group or independent journeys (most solo travellers opt for the former), while the company transports their luggage from one destination to the next.

For the budding botanist are 27 options — such as seven and eight-day Flowers of the Brenta, Dolomites and Flowers of the Cevennes walking tours (from £2,225 and £2,895).

Each is helpfully ranked according to the fitness level required – from gentle to challenging terrains. Its themes are wide-ranging, some with a historical bent: its pilgrim routes are particularly intriguing.

–––––

46

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YEARS OF ESCORTING

A small selection of our holidays:

SINGLE TRAVELLERS

Highlights of Tuscany 8-day escorted holiday from £829

Featuring Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano & Siena

SINGLE TRAVEL MADE EASY Here at Just You we’ve been taking independent travellers to a host of destinations all over the world for years, and even if we do say so ourselves, we think we do it pretty well! With over 100 award-winning escorted holidays from only £499.

Mongolia Land of the Blue Sky 14-day escorted holiday from £3799

So much included in every holiday Whichever Just You holiday you choose, the following are always included: • The services of a Just You Tour Manager & Local Guides • Scheduled flights • Overseas transfers & other transportation • Many meals and plenty of excursions • A room of your own with no single supplement • Welcome get-together • Hotel porterage on most holidays • A representative to greet you at all UK airports • All airport taxes & security charges, UK Airline Passenger Duty, all state and local taxes, ATOL protection fee

With Just You, give it a try, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

M WRIGHT (CUSTOMER)

Canada & New England in the Fall 12-day escorted holiday from £2949

Featuring Toronto, Montreal & Boston

Just You plans to operate 200 trade events throughout 2017!

For more information or to arrange your event please contact: JYEvents@alh.co.uk or call: 01858 588 406

ADVERTORIAL

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER — WITH NO SOLO SUPPLEMENTS

I

magine cruising Europe’s finest waterways in pure luxury; relaxing on the sun deck as you pass stunning landscapes scattered with majestic castles, quaint towns and rolling vineyards. Your floating hotel awaits, with all the comforts you’d expect from a modern hotel. Enjoy spacious staterooms, plush lounges, fine restaurants serving world-class cuisine, and

excellent service from dedicated staff who take care of every detail. Leave your cares at home with all-inclusive indulgence; everything from meals, drinks, onshore excursions, wi-fi access and gratuities are included in the price of the cruise. There is no more relaxing and luxurious way to take in the breathtaking sights that Europe has to offer.

Exploring Europe on a river cruise gives you the

Uniworld’s SS Maria Theresa sails along the scenic Rhine valley 6

opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions, as well as visit the fairytale towns and bustling cities that lie along the route. River ships are small enough to dock right in the heart of the places you visit, giving you more time to immerse yourself in your surroundings and take in the fascinating culture around you.

River cruising is perfect for those seeking a relaxed and insightful view of Europe that goes way beyond the usual tourist tracks. With small group excursions, personalised service and a uniquely warm and welcoming onboard atmosphere, all-inclusive river cruises are especially well suited for solo travellers.

With more guests than ever choosing to take their own stateroom while cruising, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has released a series of departures with no single

SOLUS

TITLE

supplement across the whole 2017 season in Europe & Russia. There are more than 200 departures throughout the 2017 season which have removed the solo supplement cost, which means solo cruisers don’t need to pay more to enjoy the luxury of their own stateroom.

Incredible savings of up to £2,900* are available for solo travellers cruising one of Uniworld’s luxurious, all-inclusive river cruises next year.

Some of the most popular European itineraries eligible for No Solo Supplement cruising in 2017 include the eight-day Enchanting Danube which discovers the best of Eastern and Western Europe from Budapest to Passau, Connoisseur Collection departures on the eightday Bordeaux, Vineyards & Châteaux cruise, and a number of Christmas Market itineraries including the eight-day Rhine Holiday Markets.

The offer is also available on the eight-day Paris and Normandy itinerary on board Uniworld’s brand new Super Ship, the SS Joie de Vivre, sailing from March 2017.

For more information or to book your clients onto a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise with No Solo Supplement, call 0808 168 9110 or visit uniworld.com

SOLUS

T&Cs: Saving is based on 2017 departures for the 15-day A Portrait of Majestic France itinerary. No Solo Supplements are available on selected departures only — itineraries and dates are listed on the Uniworld website. Prices in 2017 start from £2,089 per person (saving £1,699 on the waived solo supplement) for the eight-day Castles Along The Rhine itinerary, departing November 1, 2017

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TITLE

––––– GOING IT ALONE ––––– Three travellers share their individual experiences of holidaying solo

Elizabeth Lange 70, Essex

I

lost my husband 13 years ago this November. For the first 12 months, I was in shock. But after that, I started travelling on my own. I was in my late 50s and I felt like life was over. Thankfully, I got my act together and haven’t looked back. Deciding to start travelling has been the best thing I’ve ever done.

It’s broadened my mind, my confidence has grown.

You realise it’s just fear holding you back and, once you overcome that, the possibilities are endless.

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There are so many of us out there, solo travellers, who have divorced, or are widowed, like I was. I’ve met so many interesting people from travelling alone.

I’m now married, but I still go off on my own. When I was out in America, I met a professor and his wife, and I got invited to a get together at their house – and it turned out she was celebrated pianist. It was a wonderful afternoon and, had I not been travelling on my own, it’s one I’d never have had. It’s the confidence

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you gain and the ability to reach out – because you have to. It’s not so difficult, because as soon as people see you on your own, and if you have an open attitude, people come to you. I met my husband, Art, travelling, three years ago in Spain.

A big thing was doing a cruise on my own. I went with P&O Cruises from Southampton. It’s so easy to go on a cruise, your luggage is taken off you, and you don’t have to worry about it again. We went to the Norwegian fjords – it was amazing. I want to go

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further north, as well, to see the northern lights. I’m looking at going to Iceland in January. In the new year, I want to go there, India and Cambodia. I like to get off the beaten track as well, see the real places.

One of my first big trips was to Marrakech and I loved it. I stayed in a riad. It’s incredible, you arrive at this big door, and then walk into this amazing oasis. I loved the experience. Initially, I had to have everything mapped out, but now I go off on my own. It was scary when my husband first died. There

were certain things that he did that I didn’t do – he even used to put petrol in my car.

Now I drive up mountains!

With my generation, the women and the men picked up different roles. Now, I just book somewhere for the first night and if I want go somewhere else I book somewhere for the next night. I prefer to travel alone than in a group so I get to pick who I travel with.

Travel really opens your mind in a way that nothing else does. If I can help other people to have the fun that I’ve had then I’m up for it!

9

Riviera Travel are delighted to announce the launch their brand new range of holidays 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.

For more information, call:

01283 744370

Subscribe to our newsletter email: agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk

Fantastic value holidays for solo travellers - compare our prices!

Which? Recommended Provider for four years in a row Great levels of commission paid on the whole holiday price Thoughtfully-balanced, tailored itineraries The industrys’ finest tour managers*

Berlin, Dresden, Meissen & Colditz

Classical Italy

Bruges by Eurostar

Classical Spain

8 days from £949

4 days from £399

7 days from £779

South Africa

India & Shimla

Sri Lanka

16 days from £2,259

15 days from £2,269

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5 days from £669

Rouen, Honfleur & the highlights of Normandy 5 days from £549

Visit: www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents Riviera Travel booking terms and conditions apply. *Source - Pwc Independent Survey.

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EXPERIENCE TITLE

Keith Erasmus 63, Devon

I

started solo travelling after my wife died, that’s three-and-a-half years ago now. I took early retirement and thought, “I want to do a bit of travelling.” But it wasn’t until I spoke to my sisterin-law that I did it. And she said, “Why don’t you call Saga?” As it happened, my older sister had just spent three months in South Africa with them and she said, “You’ve got to go, you’ve always wanted to.”

And I had. When I was growing up I wanted to be a game warden, and

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I’ve wanted to go on safari ever since. So I decided to go on my 62nd birthday.

It was called the World in one Country.

It was an absolutely fantastic trip. I was very lucky, we had a great tour guide, Sharon. She gave us history, told us where we were going each day. It was marvellous. She also taught me something I never knew, about my family name, Erasmus – it has very strong links with South Africa. It would have been a good time anyway, but she turned it into a wonderful time.

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EXPERIENCE The people were great, the hotel staff were great, the rooms were wonderful.

The staff were saying, “I’ll shake your hand,” and I said, “Why?” and they were saying: “You’re Erasmus!” He was the person who started it off – he was the boy who found the first diamonds [a 15-year-old boy named Erasmus Stephanus Jacobs found the first diamond in South Africa, the Eureka Diamond, in 1867].

The security was utmost as well. Everybody was looked after, because that was a concern beforehand.

If you wanted to go to the ATM, you were sent with a bodyguard! Well, someone to look after us. It was the

coach, who was six-foot plus. I’d say, “I don’t need anyone,” and they would say, “He’s coming with you!”

He’d stand behind you with his arms folded and no one would come near you! Over there, if you’re a tourist you can be a target.

We went to Kruger National Park. We didn’t see any lions, because it was so bloody hot when we were there. Other people on the tour said, “We haven’t seen any” and I said, “Would you want to be hanging around in 40-degree weather!” But we saw four of the ‘big five’: elephants, Cape buffalo, leopards and rhino. It wasn’t too bad! I was made up.

I’m going on another trip

next year with my eldest sister, who is 70, she’s a former ballet dancer, so I’m going to take her to the ballet in St Petersburg. Then I think I might go back to South Africa again!

I’d tell other people to go for it, go ahead and book it, because you won’t be alone. There are other people like you. When I first got back, friends would say, “How did you do it?” I’d say, “Do what!?” They meant travelling alone. I’d say, “With companies like Saga a lot of other people are travelling alone, so you just go with the flow.” I didn’t have a problem at all – you’ll always meet other people.

I’d recommend it to anyone.

SMALL-SHIP CRUISING Aegean Odyssey is a ship that is perfectly adapted for island, river and coastal cruising. You can visit smaller, less crowded harbours and sail closer to the coast, and enjoy a more intimate and personal cruise experience.

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BENEFITS FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS • Low or no single supplements • Invitations to solo traveller cocktail parties • Invitation to dinner hosted by Cruise Director & Hotel Manager • A relaxed and sociable atmosphere on board • The chance to meet likeminded people and make lifelong friends FOR ALL GUESTS • Expertly-planned cruises to the Mediterranean, Aegean and beyond • Renowned enrichment programmes • Flights, hotels, shore excursions and on-board gratuities included

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™

EXPERIENCE TITLE

Jane Smith 24, Leeds

I

spent my gap-year in Southeast Asia. It sounds like a bit of a cliché, but for me it was the boldest thing I’d ever done.

I was 18 and was taking my A Levels when I decided to defer and delay going to university in Leeds for a year. I’d always wanted to travel, and I was worried, given how much student debt I was soon to be in, that I may not get the chance to do it again!

Flying into Bangkok, and just being greeted by the sheer chaos of that city, was

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so nervewracking at first.

Solo travel, especially when you’re a woman, can be quite daunting. But I had the time of my life.

I’d asked friends if they wanted to come, but none of them did — half of them were boring, in long-term relationships, and the rest couldn’t afford it. I’d worked nearly every day for two years and had quite a bit of money saved. I knew I should be sensible and keep it for university, but I thought, ‘What the hell?’

I went into a travel agency and they were super helpful.

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EXPERIENCE TITLE

To be honest, I didn’t know that much about that area of the world, apart from that Thailand has lots of nice beaches! But they really helped. What started out as a plan to go there for a few weeks ended up being a four-month trip: I went to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Malaysia.

I booked my flight out there with the travel agent and then some accommodation in Bangkok and down in Hua Hin, which I’d seen pictures of. It’s so beautiful and tranquil. I went to Phuket, too, which at first I thought was way too touristy — but because I had the luxury of time, I was able to explore quiet areas on lots of the islands.

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I really fell in love with Thailand, and was sad to leave. Thankfully, I think I loved Vietnam even more.

The cities there, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi are great.

They’re so crazy, scooters whizzing by, it’s quite exciting! But my favourite bit was Halong Bay. I’d never seen anything like it.

It has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world — although there were lots of places in Cambodia that rivalled it. Angkor Wat is pretty spectacular.

The best thing though was the people I met. Not just other people my age, but people of all walks of life. One girl I met was much older than me, I think 35 or so. She’d just been

made redundant and had separated from her husband — all within the space of a couple of months and she’d been at a loss of what to do. She dropped everything and went travelling instead.

I found it really inspiring — we’re still in touch, actually, six years on.

I really think travel opened my eyes, and changed how I look at the world. It made me so much more confident — and, when I got to uni, I felt much more prepared.

I think it made it much easier to make friends.

I’ve always travelled since, whenever I’ve had the chance. Next year I’m going to Myanmar as it wasn’t so easy to visit back then — I really can’t wait!

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ON THE HORIZON

The big solo travel developments to look out for over the next few months

Just You launches travel trade solo experiences

A Solos releases new brochure

S

pecialist tour operator Solos has released its 2017 brochure outlining details of its new properties, tours and cruises.

The company will be introducing two Club Solos properties in Zankynthos and on the Algarve — only available to guests travelling alone. There will also be seven ‘Sun Plus’ holidays — in Corfu, Malta, Sicily, Lake

Garda, Croatia, Spain and the Algarve, with excursions within the price.

Solos has strengthened its partnership with Fred.

Olsen with three cruises, including a 33-night South Africa sailing with calls at the Mediterranean, Zanzibar and Mauritius.

Eight activity holidays include walks in Lanzarote, the Catalan coast and the Gorges of Crete.

Saga puts on second Andre Rieu cruise

O

ver 50s specialist tour operator Saga has put on a second Rhine cruise with the Dutch violinist Andre Rieu.

The second sailing, which is now on sail, is not solos only but the company has put aside 30 cabins dedicated to solo travellers.

The eight-night cruise will depart on March 10, 2017 and is currently available with no single supplement.

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The sailing will include return coach travel via Eurotunnel or P&O Ferries as well as meals on board, optional travel insurance and wine, beer and soft drinks.

There will also be a concert with Andre Rieu and his orchestra.

The cruise will include calls at Cologne, Rudesheim, Mainz, Bingen, Boppard, Koblenz and Cologne.

ll Leisure Holiday’s solo holiday brand Just You has announced that it is to host 200 joint marketing events with the travel trade to promote solo travel.

“Following on from what we learnt at ABTA’s recent Travel Convention, single travel continues to grow in popularity at an exponential rate. Just You has been taking solo travellers on holiday for over 10 years, so we are best placed to help the travel trade sell the solo experience,” Colin Wilson, Just You’s group sales director, said.

“Just You has run similar events in the past and they have proven to be a huge success for the agents with many taking bookings for solo travel after these experience days. For the upcoming events we will provide full support in terms of a marketing toolkit and will have a Just You representative at every event to inspire the customers and our trade partners,” he added.

Market research says that the number of single people in the UK has risen by 14% in the past decade.

Agents should contact the trade team on 01858 599337 or email jyevents@alh.co.uk

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––––– WHY SOLO DOESN’T MEAN ALONE MICHAEL EDWARDS, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF INTREPID TRAVEL, ON THE BEAUTY OF GROUP TOURS

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OPINION TITLE

India is an increasingly popular destination for solo travellers

W

e all know the feeling. You’re itching to book that flight to your dream destination — whether it’s Japan, India or Peru — but your friends won’t commit.

They say they want to go, but when it comes to the crunch they’re either too busy, don’t have the cash or

Michael Edwards, managing director, Intrepid Travel

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simply change their mind.

At times like that you can either a) give up and watch back-to-back episodes of An Idiot Abroad or b) give solo travel a try.

Solo travel has emerged as one of the top trends in the travel industry over the last five years. According to a recent survey, 40 per cent of people have no qualms about travelling alone and three in five respondents aren’t fazed by flying abroad solo. Two thirds of people believe it is more acceptable to travel alone now than it was a decade ago.

At Intrepid Travel, we’ve seen a 38 per cent increase over the last five years in travellers deciding to go it alone on group tours. The over-50s are the fastest growing segment, with a 79 per cent increase. Now more than half our passengers are solo travellers, and it’s not hard to see why.

There are all kinds of reasons why people choose to go it alone on a group tour. Maybe your friends have settled down and swapped palm trees for playgrounds, maybe your other half can’t escape work, or perhaps the kids have flown the nest and now it’s finally your turn for an adventure.

Whatever the reason, this market is a fantastic opportunity for travel agents. Solo travellers are often anxious about their first voyage alone, so it’s vital that they make the right choice. If you find them the perfect first solo trip, those clients will become clients for life.

One question people often ask is whether they will be bored by themselves.

But solo doesn’t have to mean ‘alone’, and that’s where group tours come in. Heading off on a group

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OPINION tour certainly has its perks.

Clients have expert local leaders on tap to show them around and ready-made friends who are also itching to explore.

Our travellers who go it alone tell us that it is a fantastic way to meet new people and they always come home with a real sense of achievement to go with that suntan.

Another worry can be the logistics involved in solo travel. That’s another advantage of opting for a tour. All they have to do is turn up with a smile and a passport: we’ll handle the logistics, transport and accommodation.

This year at Intrepid we wanted to celebrate our solo travellers by creating three tours just for them. We selected three of our most popular trips and introduced special departures which will run exclusively for those flying solo — Classic Rajasthan, South Morocco Discovery and Café Colombia. All three depart in March 2017.

The solo travel market is booming and new options are springing up all the time, from foodie tours to trekking the Inca Trail. Isn’t it time you took a slice of it?

INTREPID’S NEW SOLO-ONLY TOURS Classic Rajasthan 15 days from £855 per person, departs March 19, 2017 Guests on this tour will travel through magical India, visiting the historic forts and majestic Maharajah’s palaces. Solo travellers will have the opportunity to search for the elusive Bengal tiger, relax on a sunset camel safari and soak up the local culture.

South Morocco Discovery 10 days from £590 person, departs March 18, 2017 From the colourful, chaotic Marrakech medinas to the moody desert landscape of the Sahara, Morocco is a land filled with wonder and rich culture. Travelling with a group of solo passengers, you’ll stay in traditional accommodation and explore villages well off the beaten track.

Café Colombia Nine days from £1,240 per person, departs March 11, 2017 Head into the serene highlands of Colombia’s famed coffee region and discover the sweeter, softer side of this much misunderstood country on an Intrepid adventure for solo travellers only.

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CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

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Wonderful world Five bucket-list destinations for solo travellers

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ARGENTINA

Just You offer an incredible 18-day tour of South America that starts in Lima and ends in Rio — including a few days in Buenos Aires.

Prices start from £5,199

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South America can feel like a daunting prospect for the solo traveller, but it shouldn’t. There are many tour operators who offer escorted tours throughout the region. Speak to anyone who has travelled to Argentina alone and they will tell you of the many wonders the country offers.

Buenos Aires, with its European influence, is an astonishing city, known for its culture and its friendliness. But the country is just as fascinating: the Mendoza winemaking region is beautiful, as is Salta — at 1,152m above sea level in the in the Lerma Valley — while horse-riding with gauchos is an increasingly popular holiday. The barren, beautiful Patagonia, shared by Argentina and Chile, is surely one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.

Many cruises also set sail from Argentina bound for Antarctica — perhaps the most mythologised adventure destination.

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With prices starting from £1,399, the trip includes return flights to London Heathrow in March 2017

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With its geysers, hot springs, glacial landscapes and cascading waterfalls, Iceland has an enchanting, otherworldly feel, yet is just a three-hour flight from London. It’s easy to see why it’s such a popular destination among Brits, who descend on the Nordic country en masse. In 2015, in fact, it welcomed 241,000 Brits — only Americans travelled in greater numbers, and not by many. With an incredibly low crime rate (it’s officially the most peaceful country in the world), an abundance of natural wonders — including the northern lights, of course — and bags of culture, particular in its charming capital, Reykjavik, Iceland is also a hit with solo travellers. An escorted tour of the Golden Circle — which includes the Thingvellir National Park, home to the dramatic Gullfoss waterfall — is particularly popular, although many choose to explore it alone. Several cruise lines visit Iceland, including Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Hurtigruten and Crystal Cruises.

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Sparsely populated, peaceful and friendly, New Zealand is a solo traveller’s dream destination. While it’s not an easy place to get to (flights usually take 26 hours or more), it’s a delight to explore once there: it’s safe, public transport is good, the people are great and landscapes are magnificent. It’s a particularly popular destination with hikers, who usually tackle one of its Great Walks (as classified by the Department of Conservation) — such as the Heaphy Track, located within the Kahurangi National Park.

The food, too — particularly the fish — is great. The country is best known for its mountains and lakes, but the Bay of Islands, a subtropical micro-region just off North Island, represents a sharp contrast: the 150 islands are each surrounded by turquoise waters. Then there’s the country’s incredible wildlife, too: on the east coast you can spy penguins, albatross and sperm whales.

Intrepid Travel have a 12-day tour of New Zealand that journeys from Auckland to Christchurch for adventure seekers. Prices from £1,970

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Slovenia — with just 30 miles of coastline, Italy to the east and Croatia to the south — is often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours. Yet it is a country of incredible diversity.

Izola and Koper are charming seaside cities, the latter hiding a beautiful medieval old town away from its port. Ljubljana may be one of Europe’s newest capitals, but it looks the part: Jože Plecnik, its chief architect, created an elegant, grand city that’s as pretty as any in Europe. Lake Bled (pictured) — with its picture postcard church sat on an islet and the Julian Alps in the distance — is breathtaking: the perfect alpine retreat in winter; a great watersports holiday in summer.

What’s more, Slovenia is one of the safest countries in the world (number 10 on the Global Peace Index), small, easy to get around, cheaper and quieter than Austria, Switzerland or Italy. All these things and more make it a great destination for the solo traveller — particularly one who wants to take more than one holiday rolled into one.

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Thailand is one of the great solo-traveller countries, perhaps the number one backpacker destination. But that doesn’t mean it’s just for gap-year students: it’s a land of enduring appeal regardless of your age, or who you’re travelling with. It’s home to some of the greatest beaches in the world, but there is so much more to Thailand than white-sand and clear water. It is, however, the perfect place to mix adventure with relaxation. At one end of the scale are beautiful beaches, elephant sanctuaries and yoga retreats; at the other is the sprawling city of Bangkok, one of Asia’s most fascinating, and home to the bustling Khaosan Road, a backpackers’ favourite. Vast jungles, huge Buddhist temples and incredible foods make it popular among those who want both fine weather and great culture. It’s also a gateway to the rest of the region: Laos and Myanmar to the north, Cambodia and Vietnam to the east and Malaysia and Singapore to the south — a great starting and finishing point for those with time on their hands.

Riviera has a 17-day tour of Thailand and Laos, including flights, with prices starting from £2,728. The tour includes a stay in a riverside eco-lodge

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––––– HOW TO SELL SOLO TRAVEL COLIN WILSON FROM JUST YOU OFFERS HIS TOP FIVE TIPS

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ingle travel specialist Just You has been organising holidays for independent globetrotters for more than ten years and, to date, has taken over 150,000 holidaymakers on trips as far afield as Myanmar, South Africa, Antarctica and Sydney and as close to home as Paris, the Isle of Man and Berlin.

According to Mintel, the world’s leading market intelligence agency, the singles population has increased by 14 per cent in the past decade. Over the five years from 2012 to 2017 Mintel forecasts the number of singleperson households to continue growing by 5.8 per cent, compared to a 4.6 per cent rise in other household types.

Escorted tours for single travellers are now one of the fastest growing types of group travel according to Mintel, with long-term predictions indicating that the singles population is expected to grow twiceas

fast as the non-singles population by 2033.

As the demand for single traveller holidays grows, Just You has been breaking down the barriers that potential travellers may face when they are thinking about going on their first single traveller adventure.

Colin Wilson, Just You’s group sales director, has identified the five main barriers that might prevent people from booking a solo trip, and offers his tips on how to get around them.

Colin Wilson, group sales director at Just You

1. I will have to pay a single supplement At Just You we never charge a single supplement, we have been working with our hotels for many years and have negotiated for our customers to have their own room and they are full-size rooms, not the small rooms that have been traditionally reserved for single travellers. With a Just You holiday the price you see in our brochure or

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on our website is the price you will pay, there are no hidden costs.

2. I will get lonely People sometimes feel that they will be alone on a solo trip, nothing could be further from the truth. As soon as you arrive at the airport or the destination you will quickly find people in your group and as you have the holiday in common with each other you quickly get chatting and become great companions.

3. There is a stigma attached to solo travel The stigma that was once attached to solo travel disappeared a long time ago, we don’t only organise holidays for single people, it is for anyone who wants to travel solo. Single travellers nowadays are looking to experience a new destination in good company or just feel it’s time to do something that’s SOLUS

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for them and don’t want to travel with their partner or friend.

activities as you explore a destination; River cruising and Festive holidays.

4. There’s a lack of choice for solo travellers There is certainly no lack of choice in terms of destinations or types of holiday. We currently offer holidays to 70 destinations on every continent, including Antarctica. In terms of holiday types we have six categories: Touring, offering the chance to experience the best a region has to offer; Escape, our resort-based holidays offering the perfect balance between relaxation and exploration; City breaks; Active, a chance to enjoy exciting

5. There’s a lack of information “In terms of information, we have an extensive range of brochures, a great website full of inspiration and our sales centre is based in our headquarters at Market Harborough. They can answer any question that customers may have, and also provide the reassurance of speaking to someone who has experienced our holidays.

Just You also has an online community so you can chat with fellow customers and get their recommendation on our holidays.

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JAN LEEMING ON JUST YOU

The broadcaster, author, actor and Just You Brand Ambassador, recently travelled on the Highlights of Tuscany holiday.

“Our trip to Tuscany was superb. The group was looked after from the moment we arrived at Gatwick to the time we left Pisa Airport after a packed seven days. The group comprised 20 women and six men and, although we were predominantly in the upper age group, there were several younger women in their 40s. The one element we had in common was a desire to see the wonderful Tuscan towns and admire the art and artefacts. Our holiday included visits to Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, Elba and Lucca.”

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––––– TWO’S A CROWD AS THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE HOLIDAYING ALONE HITS AN ALL-TIME HIGH, WE SPEAK TO THE TEAM BEHIND RIVIERA TRAVEL’S NEW SOLO TRAVELLER COLLECTION

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ravelling solo is a chance to see the world and try new experiences on your own terms. There are a number of reasons to travel alone, and people of all ages — from gap-year students to pensioners — are doing so in record numbers.

That said, there are relatively few operators who specialise in solo travel, particularly for those who want escorted touring. It’s why Riviera Travel — the river cruise line and tour operator — launched a new collection of solo traveller tours last month. As of next year, the company will offer eight land-based tours –

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with more to be announced in 2018, and plans to expand into cruise.

We spoke to Will Sarson, who is heading up the project, to find out more.

Solus: how did the project come about?

Will Sarson: In terms of solo passengers, we’re already quite established, even though we’ve not done anything specifically targeted towards solo travellers. We’ve welcomed about 15,000 solo passengers since 2014.

But what was increasingly happening is people on the tours were coming up to us saying, “Why don’t you do

more for solo travellers?”

And that noise started getting louder and louder.

It was a very natural thing to say, “Yes, OK.” It’s a small range to start with. We’re going to launch a range of eight tours for 2017. The idea is to give a nice cross-section of tours and they will all be dedicated to solo travellers.

Riviera has won lots of awards for escorted tours, so we’re not straying too far away from what has made us successful in the first place, which is well put together tours and hotels we’ve inspected personally.

We are using those basics and just tweaking here and

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SOLO WITH RIVIERA there for the solo traveller.

For example, we’ll always include dinner on the first night, so you’ve got the nice welcome. It gives people the chance to break that ice a little bit. I can understand why people would be nervous, but we make sure that no-one is left out and the dining arrangements are all looked after. The message is very much: you’re never alone unless you want to be.

One of the main worries for solo travellers is the cost.

Cost is a funny thing in the solo industry. Companies will make a big deal about no single supplements, but then you can look at the prices and realise the single supplement is built into it. I think it’s patronising to make out that it’s the same price as travelling as a couple, but economics come in to play here. If you’ve got a hotel room with two beds and you only use one, the hotel is going to lose money if they don’t charge you a little extra.

We’ve done all we can to keep the costs down. We’re not trying to profiteer from this. If you compare our solo tours to our Riviera tours you realise it’s similar to single prices with Riviera, which are really good prices in the first place. We want to charge a fair price from the start – our prices will be really transparent.

I think when you see our prices and compare them to the market, people will be surprised.

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How will you help travellers get together?

That’s all going to come down to the tour managers.

We’ve got 300-odd tour managers, but we are going to be working with a select few of them to make sure they’re really into the idea of working with a group of solo travellers. It’s all about the subtleties. We’ll be having regular feedback sessions to make sure people are feeling well looked after without feeling mollycoddled. It’s very easy to patronise solo travellers and that’s something we’re trying really hard to avoid.

Some people travel solo by choice, of course.

Absolutely, it’s something I’ve done myself. I was speaking to a lady the other day and her husband just goes away on golf holidays.

She said, “I really want see the sights of the world, but I feel a bit awkward travelling with couples, why can’t you do something for me?” And now people like that have got something as well!

RIVIERA’S NEW SOLO TRAVELLER COLLECTION Bruges Four days from £399

Rouen, Honfleur & Highlights of Normandy five days from £549 Berlin & Dresden five days from £669 Classical Spain seven days from £779 Classical Italy eight days from £949 South Africa 16 days from £2,259 Sri Lanka 13 days from £1,979 India & Shimla 15 days from £2,269

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––––– MAKING WAVES SAMUEL BALLARD INVESTIGATES HOW CRUISE IS FINALLY LEARNING TO ACCOMMODATE THE SOLO TRAVELLER

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hen it comes to solo travel, cruise is notoriously off limits.

It’s the economics of the industry, the cruise lines say. Cabins are sold on the basis of double occupancy, or to take the jargon out of it: two people share one room. It’s arguably the most fundamental part of the sector’s business plan. From those double occupancy estimates the cruise lines are able to work everything else out – revenues, profits and where (and how much) they can spend on driving sales. If they start allowing solo travellers to take up an entire cabin, well, revenues will literally half.

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However, it’s worth noting that real life isn’t played out on a company balance sheet. The fact is that the average age of a cruise passenger is somewhere in the mid-60s. When a couple cruises into old age and one of them passes away, why shouldn’t the newly solo traveller wish to continue their decades old tradition of seafaring holidays? Why, when one half of a couple passes away, should a cruise line virtually insist that it loses the business of both of them?

This is one of the reasons single supplements were brought in, with cruise lines often having charged as much as 100 per cent for a person to travel alone.

Understandably, with the exception of a few Bollinger guzzling widows, it has put a lot of solo travellers off taking cruise.

Well, there is something in the air, and it seems that more and more cruise lines are coming round to the fact that solo travellers are going to be an increasingly important factor in their future business.

Saga is one of the cruise lines to recently realise the potential of solo travellers.

On October 14, 2016 it ran its first river cruise purely for solos, welcoming 52 passengers on board the Arlene, for a cruise down the Rhine.

Andrew Iwasyszyn, product and purchasing

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CRUISE manager for rivers at Saga, says: “While we do offer many single cabins on all of our departures, we found that some people wanted something more tailored to the independent traveller.

“There is often real camaraderie among solo holidaymakers so by dedicating exclusive departures for them, they know that they will be able to enjoy their trip with others who travel independently. It has even encouraged people to travel who otherwise might not have done so.”

The cruise has proved so popular that Saga will be expanding solo departures on future river programmes.

AmaWaterways, another specialist river cruise operator, always offers no

solo supplements across all lead in cabins on European sailings, according to Stuart Perl, the company’s UK managing director.

“We continue to see high demand in this fastgrowing market and we are delighted to be able to offer solo travellers the opportunity to experience our award-winning double occupancy cabins without any additional cost or sacrifice,” he explains. “We go above and beyond to make our guests feel welcome and, on arrival, solo travellers are invited to dine with the cruise manager so they can meet other guests. With AmaWaterways all tours and excursions are included in the price, so they can explore with a local guide

and the comfort and security of a group.”

In the world of ocean cruising, Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has placed a huge value on solo travellers, given its emphasis on the no-fly market and attractiveness to the older market. The company puts on optional events for those holidaying alone in a bid to make it easier for them to meet up and socialise. However, the choice is firmly with the individual.

“Recognising the need to offer attractive deals for solos, we have set aside 150 twin cabins for single occupancy on board Magellan and Columbus priced with just a 25 per cent single supplement on the equivalent category

India is an increasingly popular destination for solo travellers

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CRUISE

There is real camaraderie among solo holidaymakers so by dedicating exclusive departures for them, they know that they will be able to enjoy their trip with others who travel independently

“�

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each their own private solo cabins. P&O has single space. Each cabin is cabins across five ships — about 100 square-feet two of which (Arcadia and and boasts customisable Britannia) even have single lighting. The cost for the balcony cabins.

Studios is far cheaper It won’t be long until than those who would more follow their example. have previously forked out a single supplement on board.

They have become so popular that ANALYSIS Norwegian now has

them on Norwegian If a couple cruises for Breakaway (59 cabins), 20 years, spending Norwegian Getaway thousands of pounds on (59 cabins) and the each holiday, is it not worth recently launched implementing some sort Norwegian Escape of scheme to reward their (82 cabins). Pride of loyalty? Why not offer America also features customers who have sailed four studio cabins. a certain amount of nights Explaining why the ability to cruise at a other lines haven’t reduced single supplement traditionally got once they become on board with solo widowed? To implement travellers, Christian such a scheme would be Boell, Norwegian’s great PR for any cruise European managing line and keep someone who is already a dedicated director, says: “The customer on board. marketplace is different across the world, and even Europe. The UK has a long tradition of cruise, so a lot of ships haven’t been made with a solo traveller in mind.

“Countries such as Spain are now beginning to cruise more, with a younger Quiz answers, p51 audience and travelling solo isn’t as much of a novelty for them.”

As the industry develops, it is clear that cruise is wanting to take a piece of the solo traveller pie. It’s unusual now to see new ships being built without 1. Brazil; 2. Accra; 3. Damascus; 4. i, Pyramids of Giza (2600 BC), ii Petra (300 BC), iii Colosseum (100 AD), iv Salisbury cathedral (1320 AD), vi Machu Picchu (1400 AD); 5. Kent; 6. 1480s; 7. North Yorkshire; 8. The heat of chillies; 9. Richard Branson; 10. Insects; 11.

Freddie Mercury; 12. Steve Jobs

twin share fares,” says Chris Coates, the company’s commercial director.

“In addition, our special onboard singles programme of events including a welcome cocktail party and gettogethers will ensure the opportunity to meet likeminded travellers and make new friends. We believe that this is a very strong offer for travel agents to promote to their solo travellers and encourage ‘new to cruise’ customers.”

As more and more cruise lines realise the potential of the lucrative market, many have been left in Norwegian Cruise Line’s wake. The company installed an exclusive wing of Studio cabins on Norwegian Epic in 2010, essentially a purpose-built area — complete with private lounge and bar — for solo travellers. It is only accessible with keycard access.

“We’ve worked very hard on our studio concept,” explains Francis Riley, senior vice president of international at Norwegian Cruise Line. “The lounge area is a great place for solos to meet like minded travellers. We haven’t announced anything yet, but the studios are definitely part of our plans for future ships.”

Since many of the Studio staterooms are connecting, there is also the opportunity for friends to travel together while giving

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INDEPENDENT THINKERS Dedicated solo product

No single supplement

Solo cabins

Solos

Just You

Intrepid

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Riviera

Uniworld

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Crystal

VTA

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CMV

Saga

Cosmos

*ON CERTAIN PRODUCTS **SELECT DEPARTURES ***NO COMPULSORY SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Dedicated departures

Room share option

Solo events

Solo hosts

Why are you good for solos?

“We’re a specialist tour operator for independent travellers.”

“We have 10 years’ experience in escorting single travellers.”

“We’ve got local leaders and readymade friends to explore with.”

“Fantastic value, from the UK’s leading escorted tours operator.”

“Over 200 departures in 2017 with no single supplement.”

“We have solo cocktail parties and shared solo traveller tables.”

“Great social atmosphere, informal with open dining policy.”

“Only 25 per cent supplement on Magellan and Columbus.”

“Value for money, solo host, excellent choice of destinations.”

Great value offering no single supplement on wide range of tours

HOW YOU CAN LEARN TO BE A GREAT SALES PERSON TITLE

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CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

TITLE hen Solus called up Matthew Quinn, boss of the Future Sales Factory, we expected to be given their top five tips for selling to independent travellers. What happened next blew us away…

have bought a car. Now ask them to keep their hand in the air if they were sold a car. Chances are that the person who was “sold” a car would have had a bad experience with the salesman.

Solus: As a specialist in sales, what are your top tips for selling to independent travellers?

Matthew Quinn: We don’t tend to work that way.

Giving little bite-size bits of advice brings up clichés like people “buy from people”. They just don’t mean anything.

So, for the rest of the group it was their decision to buy?

Exactly, and that’s what we teach – as a method rather than as bite-size tips. I tell you what, why don’t you come to our next sales conference and see for yourself how we work? That will give you a far greater understanding of the Future Sales Factory.

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How do you work?

We believe that anybody can become a great salesman. It’s just a matter of learning how.

It’s about the psychology of selling. People often won’t remember a great salesman — although they certainly will remember a bad one — because a good salesman will have empowered them to buy.

Could you give us an example?

Ask a group of people to put their hand up if they

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That sounds like a great idea! Wait, have we just been sold to?

Essentially, yes. But you’ve been empowered to take up the offer. It was your decision.

We’re impressed already.

We’ll see you there!

Join us next time to read about the Future Sales Factory conference and whether we can learn how to be good at selling holidays to independent travellers.

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––––– TO SHARE OR NOT TO SHARE? JOHN FAIR ON THE BEST WAYS TO CIRCUMNAVIGATE SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS

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s a travel agent you have probably had to try and explain to a potential single traveller why there are supplements and extra costs to be paid when travelling alone. No doubt that can be a difficult and, on occasion, a fruitless conversation as your customer cannot see the value or, more commonly, the reasoning behind the extra charges the tour operator is looking to levy.

Solo travelling is a growing market in the UK and there are more than five million people now travelling alone for various reasons. One in four British residents are either not married, divorced or widowed. Many more choose to travel alone either because their partner cannot travel with them or because they hold different interests and do not want to miss out on what they perceive as must see, or do, holidays and experiences.

To help overcome the reluctance to pay single supplements have you considered recommending same sex room sharing?

Many operators offer this, especially escorted tour operators and some cruise lines as well as adventure, activity, cultural and ski specialists. The specialist single holiday companies do not tend to offer them as most guarantee the sole use of a twin room on their holidays and tours.

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The benefits of same sex room sharing is that it eliminates single room supplements, ensures your customer will receive an actual twin room rather than a potentially tiny single room tucked away in the far corner of a hotel and it guarantees company from the start of the holiday.

The fear of not meeting anyone is one of the biggest stated concerns of a single traveller. In addition, if the tour operator cannot find a room companion nearly all guarantee that your customer will still get the twin room they booked but at no extra cost.

There are, of course, some downsides to this option with the main one being a concern that the two roommates may not get on. Most tour operators will do their best to resolve such issues via their experienced tour guides or the hoteliers. Time spent

in hotel rooms is also reasonably limited on many of the escorted tours that offer this option.

So who offers the best deals for same sex room sharing? For escorted tours Cosmos Tours and Cruises have been running such a scheme for many years and it is particularly popular on their American tours.

For the more adventurous the likes of Explore and Mark Warner come highly recommended in this area.

For cruise the only line openly offering a share scheme is Holland America but many will offer the service if you ring and ask for it. They are often more receptive to the idea if the particular sailing you want is close to being full.

Cruise lines have not been at their best when catering for the singles market but that approach is slowly changing, mostly in the form of more single cabins.

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––––– HOLIDAYS, YOUR WAY

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eople travel alone for a multitude of reasons, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want companionship.

Often customers will have a particular interest or hobby they may not share with their friends or family.

It could be anything: yoga, wine-tasting or hiking.

Their friends may prefer beach holidays, their partner might prefer golf.

Fortunately, there are many tour operators who provide escorted tours based around themes. It means solo travellers can have the holiday they want, without having to do it entirely alone.

Travelling by yourself can be daunting, of course,

but these small group tours mean customers know they will not only be kept entertained, but they will be kept safe. It’s why companies we spoke to, such as Intrepid Travel, explained that destinations such as India are incredibly popular for its female solo travellers.

So whether you’ve got a solo botanist, health freak or foodie sat before you, you can know that there are holidays for them.

Flower power Walking tours from ATG Oxford are neatly divided into themes — be it wine, architecture, birds or plants — meaning a love of the great outdoors isn’t the

only thing its guests have in common. Customers can elect to do group or independent journeys (most solo travellers opt for the former), while the company transports their luggage from one destination to the next.

For the budding botanist are 27 options — such as seven and eight-day Flowers of the Brenta, Dolomites and Flowers of the Cevennes walking tours (from £2,225 and £2,895).

Each is helpfully ranked according to the fitness level required – from gentle to challenging terrains. Its themes are wide-ranging, some with a historical bent: its pilgrim routes are particularly intriguing.

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On the menu To truly immerse yourself in a destination, one must experience its culture — and a big part of that is always its cuisine. There are many destinations across the world that are worth travelling to for their food: be is the Rhône region, Catalonia or India. The latter, as discussed, is a particular favourite with solo travellers. It’s vast, busy and, at times, difficult to navigate, meaning a tour with an expert is a fantastic way to explore.

Intrepid Travel offers a 12-day tour through southern India, from Chennai to Kochi, which includes a trip on the beautiful Keralan backwaters, many chances to sample the region’s distinctive cuisine, be it street food in Madurai or exploring plantations of tea and spices (from £1,125).

Hot stuff Not only is Voyages to Antiquity one of the best cruise lines for solo travellers, it also provides some great themed cruise, particularly those who like their holidays with an educational slant. Experts on board range from historians to glaciologists, but one particularly eyecatching 2017 cruise is the November 9 sailing of its Seville, Morocco & Canary Islands itinerary. On board will be planetary geologist Dr Peter Cattermole, formerly of Nasa, providing

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insight into Spain’s volcanic activity. The 12-day cruise heads from Malaga to Tenerife (from £2,095).

Wild things Wildlife represents a considerable draw to many customers, but safaris are rarely cheap or easy to organise by yourself. Just You, which specialises in solo travel, offers a fantastic escorted tour in Kenya – which gives travellers the chance to see the ‘big five’: the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard and rhinoceros. The tour, in a maximum group of 18, takes in national parks such as Amboseli and the Masai Mara, with luxury accommodation on a lodge. On this tour, guests will share with another Just You traveller of the same sex (from £2,399).

Good stretch The benefits of yoga — it increases your strength, flexibility and is good for your heart and mental health — are well documented. But, to some, the idea of a yoga holiday sounds anything but relaxing. It’s why many yoga fans would far rather head to a retreat alone than drag a reluctant friend or family member along.

Greece and Thailand are particularly popular, where some travellers stay for weeks, and spend up to three hours a day doing it.

A good option for those looking to sample yoga (without spending everyday doing it) is Solos’s eight-day Yoga & Walking in Crete tour (from £1,059).

Its qualified yoga teacher, Juliet Green, caters for everyone from beginners to yoga old-hands.

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Launched in 2014, Waterfront, the publisher of Cruise Adviser, offers editorial, content marketing and design solutions.

Founded and run by journalists, the company puts immaculately written, bespoke content at the heart of everything it does.

Waterfront, with its expertise in the travel industry, offers native advertising, blogger outreach as well as proofreading services.

For more information contact info@waterfront-publishing.com.

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QUIZ

1. Based on population, what is the world’s most Catholic country?

7. In terms of area, what is England’s largest county?

8. What do Scoville units 2. Name the capital city of Ghana. measure?

3. What is the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city?

9. Who wrote an autobiography called Losing My Virginity?

4. Put these Unesco World Heritage Sites in order of completion: Petra; Macchu Picchu; Pyramids of Giza; Salisbury Cathedral and the Colosseum

10. Entomophobia is the fear of what?

11. Farrokh Bulsara was better known by which name?

5. In which English county would you find Leeds Castle?

12. In 1986, which technology pioneer bought the then struggling digital effects company Pixar?

6. In which decade was Richard III on the throne?

Answers on p37

––––– COMPETITION TIME –––––

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Q. In what cities are these three famous landmarks found?

Send your answers to info@waterfront-publishing.com for a chance to win £100 in SuperBreak vouchers See T&Cs at bit.ly/2ekwfIT

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Coming next time…

DECEMBER 2017

MARCH 2017

2017 PREVIEW GUIDE

ISSUE TWO

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Riviera Travel are now offering a limited number of upper, middle and lower deck cabins with no sole occupancy supplements on selected dates and itineraries in 2017.

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The UK’s leading River Cruise line Five-star quality at unbeatable prices • Brand new all suite ships for 2017 • Honest pricing with no discounting Highest repeat booking ratio in the sector

Call our friendly Agency Sales team on:

01283 744370

or visit: www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents Riviera Travel booking terms and conditions apply.

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