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ISSUE SEVEN
GREAT ESCAPES
THE BEST DESTINATIONS FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS
Issue seven | Check-in
WELCOME Welcome to the seventh issue of Solus, the only trade title dedicated to solo travel, one of the fastest growing and most exciting sectors in the industry. In this issue, we reveal our list of the top five countries that are perfect for solo travellers: these are bucketlist destinations that are safe, well served by GREAT operators who provide great holidays to ESCAPES solos and also represent a great opportunity to travel agents. We also check in with Aurora Expeditions, a cruise line that is bringing seafaring adventure travel to the solos. We hope you enjoy reading – and good luck selling.
THIS ISSUE
ISSUE SEVEN
WHAT WE LEARNT P6
THE BEST DESTINATIONS FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS
Contents
MOBILE PHONES ARE THE BEST TRAVEL BUDDIES Forget your mates, many travellers would rather just travel with their mobile phone for company P16
Explore 13
16
Interview Sam Ballard chats to Robert Halfpenny, managing director of Aurora Expeditions, about adventure cruises for solo travellers Cruising solo Slower on the uptake than traditional operators, cruise is now catching up with the solo travel trend, Sam Ballard reports on the lines leading the change
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22
Single supplements There’s a growing number of choices for those choosing to go it alone, with boutique hotel options and room sharing – an extra cost need not apply Trip for one, please Adventure seeking or city slicking, Anthony Pearce rounds up the best destinations for a holiday for one
Solus is brought to you by Waterfront Publishing
Graphic Designer Matthew Coles
Publisher Sam Ballard sam@waterfront-publishing.com
Waterfront Publishing, 12-18 Hoxton Street, London N1 6NG
Publisher Anthony Pearce anthony@waterfront-publishing.com
info@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 9360
Sales executive Bryan Johnson bryan@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 9338
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
Sub-editors Nathaniel Cramp, Alice Snape
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE SINGLE TO TRAVEL ALONE More married couples are choosing to travel alone or sleep in separate rooms while holidaying together P25
TOURIST NUMBERS IN JORDAN ARE ON THE UP With an increased amount of direct flights and cultural experiences aplenty, it’s easy to see why
SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM
4
CRYSTAL WHERE LUXURY IS PERSONAL
ACCENT ON THE LESSER ANTILLES SAN JUAN TO MIAMI | VOYAGE OCY191214-08 CRYSTAL SERENITY | 14 DECEMBER 2019 | 8 NIGHTS
Michael Dupont
Head of Sales Tel: 07921 949469 mick@cruiseportfolio.co.uk
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
Cruise Only Single Occupancy Fares from £2,854 per person Deluxe Stateroom (C3 Grade) Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah (B3 Grade)
from £4,131 per person
Itinerary Highlights: San Juan, Phillipsburg (overnight), Gustavia, Basseterre, St John’s, Grand Turk and Miami.
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
2018
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING, PLEASE CALL:
020 7399 7601
www.crystalcruises.co.uk
ABTA No.V8548
Fares are per person, cruise only in UK sterling based on solo occupancy in the specified stateroom grade 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 0207 399 7601 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. ©2019 Crystal Cruises, LLC. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas.
INFOGRAPHIC CHANGING TRENDS
Solo travel in numbers
According to new research by Expedia, two-thirds of travellers said they “prefer the freedom of travelling alone and meeting new people over the desire to have a vacation companion”
From ‘mobilemoons’ to single cabins on cruises, we report on all of the latest stats and figures in solo travel, the most diverse and fast-changing niche in the travel sector
80%
83%
ABTA’S 2018 HOLIDAY HABITS REPORT REVEALED...
1 in 6
of millennial travellers agree with the statement
people chose to go on holiday by themselves in the past 12 months – up from 12 per cent in 2017 and almost three times as many as in 2011 (six per cent)
TRAVEL BUDDIES
33 per cent of travellers would rather take their mobile phone on a trip than a travel companion. Expedia christened this phenomenon the “mobilemoon”
NEW SHIP ON THE BLOCK Saga’s first newbuild ship Spirit of Discovery has 109 singles cabins. All have a balcony and are 85 per cent of the size of a standard twin or double cabin
109
SOURCES: ABTA, SAGA, EXPEDIA, MINTEL
of Gen Z agreed with the statement
52% of solo travellers are interested in taking an escorted tour, according to the 2018 Solo Traveller Report from Mintel
33%
SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM
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All our Solo holidays, all in one place We’ve made it easy to find the perfect Solos holiday for your customers. Our new Solos brochure contains a world of expertly planned holidays, tours, river and ocean cruises, each offering a tailored package of inclusions, services and activities that are perfect for solo guests.
ay Every holid
includes…
nager or Tour Ma Solo Host olidays on many h Excursions vities Social acti rink Welcome d ners farewell din Welcome &
days… erseas holi urity Plus, on ov o airp rt sec
UK Fast-track K ge in the U n u Airport lo ports ir a K et at U Meet & Gre rance Travel insu plicable) s (where ap sa vi Tourist
Brand new Solos brochure out now! Call 0800 074 8021 or visit sagaagents.co.uk to book your customers on a Saga Holiday. Travel insurance underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance SE, UK Branch, and additional cancellation rights, unless you have your own insurance, in which case a reduction is available. Cover is subject to medical questions, call for details. Saga Holidays are for anyone aged 50+. A travel companion may be 40+. NHA-AP6115
GIVE US YOUR BODY FOR A WEEK AND WE’LL GIVE YOU BACK YOUR MIND.
®
Please contact your preferred tour operator to book, or call 0203 096 1695 www.bodyholiday.com
NEWS
Do you have a story for us? Email info@waterfront-publishing.com
RIVIERA TRAVEL
Record breaking year for solo travel
Riviera Travel has seen a rise in solo travel bookings and have announced new solo-exclusive tours for 2020
Riviera Travel is reporting that this year has seen recordbreaking solo travel bookings. Unsurprising considering that one in six travellers are now choosing to go it alone. To capitalise on this trend, 2020 will see the launch of Riviera’s biggest ever range of solo-exclusive tours and cruises. They have also announced that they will be including VIP airport lounge access and porterage for all of their solo European and worldwide holidays and cruises in 2020. There are 15 new touring itineraries, including Costa
Rica, the Côte d’Azur, Lake Maggiore, Istanbul and Ephesus and the Canary Islands. There will also be five new cruises, including three fivestar river cruises, an Adriatic yacht cruise and a Greenland Expedition cruise. “Our travel agent partners have helped us to take more bookings on solo-exclusive holidays than ever before,” said Will Sarson, head of specialist product. “We are delighted to be extending our solo traveller range with an even wider choice for our partners to offer to their customers for 2020.”
1 in 6 travellers are now choosing to travel alone
For all the numbers behind solo travel, see page 6
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TITAN Titan launches new Europe and UK brochure Leading escorted tour specialist, Titan Travel has launched its latest European and UK brochure for last-minute 2019 and 2020 holidays, exclusively for the trade. It features a number of new tours – including Sicily, the Italian lakes and Dalmatia and Amalfi. Closer to home, there are UK short breaks in Oxford, Manchester and South Wales. There is also a dedicated section of Christmas escapes for 2019, including Venice, Portugal and Lake Bled. Ben Davis, head of product, Titan Travel, said: “Europe remains one of the leading regions for British travellers to visit on holiday, so we’re thrilled to add ten new tours to our ever developing range of European tours. The short flight time, varied cultures and strong heritage makes no two European holidays with Titan the same.” To celebrate the launch of the brochure, Titan is offering £99 deposits on a select number of holidays booked by September 30, 2019, along with some exclusive trade incentives. Between September 1 and 30 agents can earn a £25 lifestyle voucher for every Europe or UK Titan holiday booked and a £10 voucher for all other Titan holidays. All vouchers must be claimed by emailing agentincentives@titantravel. co.uk within seven days. Full terms and conditions can be found at titanagents.co.uk.
Issue seven | Check-in
AURORA EXPEDITIONS
Solo passengers remain a key focus
EXPLORE Small group specialist launches new agent tool
As the expedition cruise line launches new ship Greg Mortimer, they underline their commitment to solos Ahead of the launch of its new ship, the Greg Mortimer, Aurora Expeditions has underlined its commitment to solo travellers. They offer a ‘cabin mate service’ on every voyage. Single travellers keen to share their adventure with new acquaintances can sign up and Aurora will try to match them with a same-sex cabin partner. If no suitable partner can be found they will drop the single occupancy charge. In addition, on selected voyages Aurora Expeditions is offering sole use of a cabin with no single supplement. Solo passengers wishing to travel with exclusive use of a cabin would normally pay a surcharge on the per person rate of a twin cabin of 50 per cent, so this is an incredible saving.
It is available on the following voyages: Patagonia and Chilean Fjords, Iceland, Jan Mayen and Svalbard, West Greenland Explorer, Artic Discovery, Iceland, Greenland and East Canada. The Greg Mortimer will be followed by a second new ship of the same design, which will be ready to sail to the polar regions from autumn 2021. Sir Chris Bonington will be joining Aurora for a voyage to retrace Shackleton’s ill-fated expedition in March 2021, and in November 2021 there will be a total solar eclipse and guests will be able to join Nasa scientists on board. Turn to page 13 for an interview with Aurora’s managing director Robert Halfpenny
Small group adventure travel specialist Explore has launched a new dedicated tool for agents. The Agent Sales Guide aims to provide help and guidance to agents selling Explore trips. Ben Ittensohn, global head of sales at Explore, said: “Recent trade sales have grown significantly and we aim to work with agents in providing the necessary support and assets to increase sales even further. We have created a sales guide packed full of information to help agents sell Explore trips and capture more of this growing sector. “It includes our best-selling trips, tips and agent benefits, including our innovative new sales incentive offering agents the chance to earn a free trip by selling just five passengers before December 31, 2019.” The guides can be requested via Explore’s agents’ Facebook page. They will also be distributing copies over the coming months. SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM
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Issue seven | Check-in
ABTA SOLO TRAVEL CONFERENCE
Solo travel is increasingly a choice rather than a necessity Long gone are the lone traveller stereotypes, Abta’s second annual solo travel conference in June shed light on a growing, diverse and exciting market Solo travellers want advice on safe places to go, the ability to have 24-hour contact with tour operators and no single supplement, delegates at Abta’s solo travel conference were told. That’s according to Liesa Bissett, product and operations director at G Touring, which owns Just You and Travelsphere. She was speaking at the New Opportunities in the Solo Travel Market Event in London last month. Abta Magazine was media sponsor. Will Sarson, head of specialist product at Riviera Travel, told delegates that “until solo travellers have as much choice as other travellers
SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM
our work is not done”, adding that solo travel can be “transformational” for first-time customers. Much of the event focused on how solo travel is increasingly a choice for British holidaymakers, and not always out of necessity. Emily Jones, Abta’s media and PR manager, said that solo travellers were grabbing the “opportunity to do what they want” by taking “purpose-driven trips”. The event shed light on a growing but diverse market, with different operators appealing to their own demographics and finding a range of motivations for solo travel. Jones said that Abta had seen a rise in female solo travel.
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Radha Vyas, co-founder of Flash Pack, said it aims its marketing at those in their 30s and 40s who feel “slightly isolated when [their friends] start settling down”, but no longer want to go backpacking. Vyas said that for Flash Pack’s customers, making new friends was among the most important factors – clients join a WhatsApp group before travelling so they can get to know one another. Natasha Lawrence, project director at Contiki, said that, pre-trip, travellers see themselves as independent, but “quickly embrace the group element”. She said the operator was seeing a move to multi-share, with hostel trips growing.
Pay no single supplement*
For own cabin*
Small Ships
Over 27 Years Experience
Shore Excursions
Unique Itineraries
Wildlife Encounters
Expert Guides
27+ Pay no single supplement for solo cabin use on the following voyages*
PATAGONIA & CHILEAN FJORDS 14 days, from US$9,100 per person
WEST GREENLAND EXPLORER 11 days, from £7,100 per person
ICELAND, GREENLAND & EAST CANADA 21 days, from £13,200 per person
Marvel at the granite spires on hikes in Torres del Paine National Park, Zodiac cruise and kayak1 in waterways rich in wildlife, where we hope to see migrating whales, dolphins, penguins and seals.
Boasting the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, West Greenland offers an adventure-filled experience including thrilling Zodiac cruises along gleaming ice-filled fjords.
From the world’s youngest volcano to some of the oldest rocks found anywhere on Earth, you’ll encounter traditional Inuit communities unchanged for tens of thousands of years.
For more information and to book, contact your preferred wholesaler or Aurora Expeditions: Freecall 0 808 189 2005, email agents@auroraexpeditions.co.uk or visit www.auroraexpeditions.co.uk/europe-uk-agents *Terms & Conditions apply. Valid on select ship voyages only and select cabins. Offer is valid on new bookings only aboard the Greg Mortimer, in Aurora Stateroom or Balcony Stateroom C category which must be booked and deposited by September 31, 2019, or until sold out, whichever comes first. Promotion is subject to availability at the time of booking and capacity controlled. The promotion is not available in conjunction with any other offer, can be withdrawn at any time and is not redeemable for cash. Normal booking terms and conditions apply. Offers correct at time of printing and subject to change. 1Additional cost applies. To confirm your booking, a completed booking form and non-refundable deposit of $2,500 pp in the booking currency is required within 7 days of reserved berth/s. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please visit www.auroraexpeditions.co.uk/find-out-more/terms-and-conditions for full terms and conditions. Whale photo by Klaus Eugenius - Visit Greenland.
Issue seven | Check-in
INTERVIEW
“It means more time in Antarctica…” Sam Ballard talks to Robert Halfpenny, managing director of Aurora Expeditions, about how their new ship is ideal for adventurous solo travellers Did you know that, as a percentage, solo passengers are twice as likely to travel to Antarctica or the Arctic as those travelling with their friends or family? The numbers, which come from Abta, aren’t all that surprising. Solo travellers – particularly those who are in a relationship – are travelling to tick off bucket-list destinations. These are people who want to see a destination, whether their partner comes with them or not. When you look at it within that context, it makes sense
SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM
that polar specialist Aurora Expeditions puts such an emphasis on solo travellers, something that is even more evident on board its new ship the Greg Mortimer. “The ship is built to handle 180 passengers,” explains Robert Halfpenny, managing director of Aurora Expeditions. “But for our voyages, we only carry 120, which means we have spare cabins so we may as well use them. “We estimate that 20 per cent of our business is solo
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passengers and, of those, 60 per cent are female.” Solo travellers on Aurora are given the option of sharing a cabin with someone of the same sex or, if they want, they can pay extra to get their own cabin. The line also boasts that with select voyages, there is no single supplement (see more on page 16). It’s an exciting time to be at the helm of Aurora Expeditions. Having been operating for 28 years and “doing it dirty” with old Russian research vessels,
Issue seven | Check-in
the company is now launching its first newbuild. Gone are the bunk beds and shared facilities. The Greg Mortimer is a ship that has been built for the modern age – with its fair share of industry firsts, the most notable of which is the X-Bow, which gives the ship its unique front. Halfpenny explains: “In three to four metre swells in the Drake Passage, a ship with a typical bow will have to slow down to seven knots because it will be crashing against the waves. With the X-Bow, we will be able to maintain a speed of 12 knots, which will mean we can cross in one-and-a-half days instead of two and use less fuel doing so. That means more time in Antarctica, more landings, more often.” Throughout the vessel, there are a number of features that show how much of a say the
company’s on-board crew had everyone on board the ship in the build. One of those is the will be able to get on to the landing bays that will make life Antarctic ice at the same time a lot easier for those embarking (ships can only land up to on a kayak or Zodiac excursion. 100 people at a time). “Previously we had 54 At a time when there are passengers [on the Polar more expedition ships being Pioneer] and one gangway. built than ever before, it is an Now we’ve got around 120 important distinction to make. passengers and we’ve got four,” Some operators have ships continues Halfpenny. “On sailing the region with more the Polar Pioneer, our crew than five times the number of would pass the kayaks down passengers – meaning they to someone in a Zodiac and will have to leave the ship our passengers would climb on rotation and wait their down a rope ladder like they turn to make a landing. were at D-Day. With this [the Halfpenny adds: “It’s an Greg Mortimer] they will walk education process. The key is straight off the back of the ship differentiating our products and use the landing bays.” against other operators. It’s However, there is arguably about communication and no more important feature getting agents to understand than the capacity of the ship. what the differences are. If sailing full, Halfpenny “We are polar specialists, anticipates that at least 20 while a lot of other companies people will take a kayak are generalists calling themselves or Zodiac – meaning that expedition leaders.” SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM
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LE T OU R PA SS I O N INSPIRE YOU R SO LO A DV E N T U RE 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.
Thoughtful inclusions with every solo holiday Insightful guided tours and visits Return UK flights and oversea transfers Outstanding tour managers and cruise directors Free time to explore We never discount our prices so you don’t have to A dedicated sales team available for support
Issue seven | Section Name
CRUISE SOLOS
Cruising solo
Cruise is adapting for solo travellers with single cabins, exclusive trips and even onboard dance partners, reports Sam Ballard Times are changing. No longer is it seen as taboo to holiday alone. Where people who travelled solo would previously have been described as lonely or looking for a partner, now it’s seen as independent, bold, adventurous. Travel companies have followed suit. Tour companies such as Just You were created to cater for solo travellers, while others created itineraries specially dedicated to solo passengers. “With more Google searches for ‘solo travel’ than ever before, the popularity of travelling alone has undoubtably risen,” notes Andy Harmer, Clia UK & Ireland director. “The same can be said for cruise, as the number of people choosing to set sail on their own continues to grow. Offering both space for solitude
and opportunities for social interaction, cruise holidays are a fantastic option for solo travel.” However, it’s fair to say that cruise companies were not among the first to adapt their business models. Partly because of hardware – a ship isn’t something that can be changed on a whim. These multi-millionpound behemoths are years in the making and, for a long time, have been stuck in a ‘prices based on shared occupancy’ way of thinking. That is starting to change. Few vessels being developed now – whether on paper or in the shipyard – come without some form of accommodation for solo passengers. “We dedicated a significant amount of space to solo guests
as they are an important, and growing, part of our customer base,” explains Iain Powell, head of trade sales at Saga. The company has 554 balcony cabins on board Spirit of Discovery, its first newbuild ship, which was launched last July. Of those, 109 are for single occupancy. Powell adds: “This growing demand, particularly within our target demographic, is driven by a range of factors, many of which are different to the usual perception of a single traveller doing so because they have no travel companion. For example, we get many couples coming on board together, but choosing to have their own cabins, perhaps because this is what they are used to at home. We get a variety of groups and organisations SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM
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Issue seven | Explore coming on board and seeking single accommodation. Interestingly, we’re also noticing increasing demand in married couples choosing to holiday entirely independently, usually because of different interests.” Another company that is at the forefront of solo cruises is Riviera Travel. While the company has developed its touring programme to give a nod towards those travelling alone, it lacks the hardware to build dedicated solo cabins at scale. Instead it has gone down a different route. Will Sarson, head of specialist product, explains: “Riviera Travel has seen huge growth in solo travellers over the last two years, particularly for our river cruises. “As a result we have introduced a range of cruises exclusively for those travelling on their own. We’ve had fabulous feedback on our solo cruises so far. Guests can choose to be just as sociable as they wish, without any need for feeling awkward, particularly around meal times. On our regular cruises, in addition to offering a number of cabins at no supplement, we have added a number of cabins with a reduced sole occupancy supplement to make our holidays as accessible as possible to solo travellers.” It is the same story at polar specialist Aurora Expeditions, according to its UK & Europe sales director Craig Upshall. “Next year we will have five departures where there will be no single supplement. “Because of the nature of our ships, it’s never long before you know everyone. Whether you’re SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM
sharing a table or a Zodiac, it’s a very egalitarian experience.” For ultra-luxury cruise line, Crystal Cruises, it’s about tinkering with the existing offering so that it appeals to those travelling on their own, as marketing director Elaine Gillard, explains: “Solo passengers are important to us and we have a lot of regulars who love the Crystal experience. We’re a great option for solo passengers as we have slightly larger ships providing plenty of opportunities for socialising as well as lots of space for those who prefer to keep more to themselves. We also offer group tables in the speciality restaurants and Ambassador Hosts who serve as engaging dancing, dining and
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conversation partners for solo women during their cruise.” It’s no surprise, really. A cruise offers the perfect environment for solo travellers – a safe space coupled with the adventure of destination. It’s one of the reasons why Jane Atkins, managing director of Shearings Holidays, says that they “offer customers the security of travelling with others but the flexibility and independence of being able to choose what they do in port”. “We continue to see a rise in bookings with solo customers,” she adds. “Looking ahead, we plan to give this market segment greater prominence. We look forward to releasing more details towards the end of the year.”
Find
your
Discover YOUR2020 next holiday with the UK's largest escorted tour company!
January 2020 will see the launch of our “Solo Travellers” brochure, offering your customers a selection of holidays carefully chosen for the solo traveller. The brochure will showcase a range of holidays exclusively for solo travellers, as well as breaks where solos can travel along with other couples. These will reflect the best value for the single traveller and will be a combination of single rooms with low or no supplement, and a selection of rooms for sole occupancy. Check out our preview brochure in September for just a taste of what’s to come!
SINGLE SUPPLEM ENTS FROM ONLY
£5
PER PERSON PER
NIGHT
Bath & Stonehenge April - September 2020
£314pp
5 DAYS BY COACH FROM
Bay Inclusive Cream Tea, Cruise & Caverns May - September 2020 5 DAYS BY COACH FROM
£319pp
Bay Inclusive Newquay & Eden Project May - September 2020 8 DAYS BY COACH FROM
£509pp
Best of the Highlands May - September 2020 8 DAYS BY COACH FROM
£489p
Bay Inclusive North Devon & RHS Rosemoor May - September 2020 8 DAYS BY COACH FROM
£509pp
Eastbourne & Battle of Hastings May - September 2020 5 DAYS BY COACH FROM
£299pp
#DiscoverYour2020 facebook.com/groups/shearingstradeteam Need to talk to us online? visit shearingsagent.com and talk to us via webchat
Terms & conditions apply. *Regional variations may apply to tour departure points and some tours may not be available from all areas. Offers may change or be removed without prior notice. Prices are based on one person occupying a standard single room, advertised prices include the relevant single supplement. Please call for complete holiday details. E&OE
Issue seven | Explore
SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
How accommodation options for solo travellers are improving As more people opt to holiday alone, we look at the ever diversifying options for solos, from room-sharing and boutique hotel rooms to studios on cruise ships Travelling solo doesn’t mean travelling alone – not least because on many tours guests will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. With G Adventures, Contiki and Intrepid Travel, three of the giants in adventure tour operating, solo travellers are paired with another guest, but have the option to pay extra and get the room to themselves, should they want. On these tours – which are aimed at a young, active, sociable crowd – it not only allows the operator to avoid incurring or passing on costs, it also makes a lot of sense: meeting like-minded
people ranks highly among why solo travellers travel in the first place. Speak to past solo travellers, and nearly all of them will tell you they made immediate bonds and lasting friendships, even when they were only on weeklong itineraries. Although it doesn’t currently sell though the travel trade, Flash Pack has been marketing solo travel heavily, with adverts on station billboards, and an appearance at Abta’s recent solo travel event (see p11). Mike Goss, head of customer experience at the company, told Solus that “for many people in
their 30s and 40s, it’s probably been some time since they last had a roomie, and this can be a concern for some – but they really needn’t worry. “We make sure the rooms are spacious and our team works hard behind the scenes to match people with a compatible roommate, based on their personalities and passions.” He adds that between 85 and 90 per cent of Flash Pack customers opt to share rooms, and, interestingly, those that pay extra and book a single room on their first trip often choose to share a room on their next. It appears as if the social
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Issue seven | Explore
element for these travellers, who in this case are at an age when those around them are settling down, is as important as the destination. There are many benefits of same-sex room share – most of all that it eliminates single supplements, ensures the guests have a decent sized room, and means that they are guaranteed to meet someone on the trip. Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest fears for solo travellers is that they will be lonely while travelling – this means that the moment they arrive, they meet someone. If a room companion cannot be found nearly all operators guarantee that the twin room will be given at no extra cost. There is, of course, the worry that two roommates may not get on. However, most tour operators will do their best to diplomatically resolve these issues and, either way, on many escorted tours, time spent in SOLUSMAGAZINE.COM
hotel rooms is limited. But sharing isn’t the only option. There are specialists such as Just You that offer accommodation in a private room (as well as flights, breakfast, tour managers and excursions) included in the price and, increasingly, operators, particularly cruise lines, are waiving single supplements on select departures (sometimes on solo-only itineraries). What is often true is that solo travellers would rather share a twin room (or pay a single supplement) than find themselves in a pokey room in the bowels of the hotel or ship. Given that Abta’s 2018 Holiday Habits Report has revealed that more than one in six people (15 per cent) chose to go on holiday by themselves in the 12 months prior (up from 12 per cent in 2017 and almost three times as many as those in 2011), it’s surprising that the move to build more larger
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and nicer solo rooms has been so slow. Things, however, are changing. Saga’s first newbuild ship Spirit of Discovery has 109 singles cabins, all of which have a balcony and are 85 per cent the size of a standard twin or double cabin, while Norwegian Cruise Line has small but quirky Studio Staterooms, as well as a lounge especially for solo guests. Although it’s nice to have an abundance of space, many solo guests will be happy with a small room as long as much thought and attention has gone into its design as larger rooms; increasingly, boutique and upmarket hotels are recognising this demand, with The Jane and Arlo Hotels group in New York and Batty Langley’s and The Hoxton Holborn in London offering small but perfectly appointed rooms. As the noise around solo travel grows, what’s on offer is only going to improve and diversify.
SOLO TRAVEL
Trip for one
From mountain exploring to city slicking, Anthony Pearce rounds up the best destinations for a solo holiday
Canada Why? Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver are among the world’s finest cites – clean, reliable, safe and diverse, they are perfect for solo travellers who are looking for an urban break. One of their great joys, however, is their proximity to Canada’s magnificent countryside – shimmering lakes, towering mountains,
dense forests and dramatic coastlines that defy description. There are plenty of operators who tour there and with flights linking 13 UK airports with Toronto and three with Vancouver (there are also direct flights to St John’s, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton and Calgary), the country is more accessible than ever. How? One fantastic choice is Just
You’s 12-day tour that heads from Calgary to Vancouver, taking in huge pine forests, snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes of the Columbia Icefield and the breathtaking Banff and Jasper National Parks. Guests then board a Rocky Mountaineer train for a two-day journey with spectacular views of canyons, mountains, rivers and waterfalls in comfort, ending the holiday in Vancouver.
Antarctica Why? Antarctica is the adventurer’s choice. The pristine wilderness of the White Continent – the planet’s coldest, driest and windiest region – makes it one of the most beguiling but inhospitable destinations on Earth. A mere 5,000 people reside at research stations scattered across the 14 million square kilometre area, but there are no towns, no cities and no permanent inhabitants in the traditional sense. It was just 100 years ago that the explorers Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen raced to the South Pole, and tourism only began here in the 1950s and 1960s. While cruise may be the best way to see many destinations, it is virtually the only way to see Antarctica in any depth. Today there are a number of options that sail the short season between November and February. How? Aurora Expeditions have just launched the 120-passanger Greg Mortimer. Experts in polar voyages, solo passengers are welcome. A ‘cabin mate service’ is also available on all of its voyages.
Japan Why? We’ve written about Japan in the past, and the fact remains that the island nation remains one of the most beguiling and beautiful countries in the world – whether you are travelling in a big group, as a couple or alone. With a drive on tourism ahead of the 2020 Olympics, the Japanese government is improving the amount of English signage, particularly in Tokyo. It may seem a little, but will go a long way in a country where English is rarely spoken. The Golden Route from Tokyo past Mount Fuji to Kyoto remains the most popular itinerary for British guests (and is serviced by a number of operators, including G Adventures and Wendy Wu Tours), but whether you head up to Hokkaido, to Tōhoku in the northeast, or down to the unexplored south, there are incredible adventures to be had. As one of the safest nations in the world (it’s also famously efficient) it makes a lot of sense for solo travellers. How? Intrepid Travel has a Southern Japan Experience, which starts and ends in Osaka, taking in the unique island of Naoshima, some of Japan’s oldest hot spring baths and the chance to cross kazurabashi (vine bridges) in the hidden Iya Valley, as well as time to explore the cities of Nagasaki and Osaka.
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Jordan Why? With tourist numbers way up thanks to British Airways and Royal Jordanian offering direct flights from the UK, Jordan makes our solo travel destinations list once again. Its capital Amman is 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. Wadi Rum, the largest ravine in Jordan, and Mount Nebo, the holy site from where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land, are also must sees. How? G Adventures’ eight-day tour, to and from Amman takes in Petra, Wadi Rum and Madaba and includes accommodation, in-country transport and some meals, and is from £819pp. You can fly direct from London with British Airways or Royal Jordanian.
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Ireland Why? The Green Isle, of course, needs no introduction. From the bars of Dublin and the prehistoric monuments of Brú na Bóinne to the political murals of Derry, or the beauty of Cork. Given its proximity and familiarity, it makes a lot of sense for solo travellers, particularly those travelling alone for the first time. There are also many tour operators who go there, taking in Dublin, Cork and other major cities as well as the lesser explored countryside, while cruise lines also call at the country on itineraries that take in the British Isles (some of which have now dropped the single supplement). How? The seven-day Ireland Explorer trip with Cosmos allows guests to pick and choose from a range of excursions, such as the Cliffs of Moher and photogenic Ring of Kerry drive. From £933 including accommodation, flights, transfers, privatehome pick-up service and some meals.
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GAMESROOM
Each issue, we bring you a selection of things to do on your lunch break or journey to the office
QUIZ
1. There are only two countries in the
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world that are double landlocked (surrounded by landlocked countries). What are they?
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2. What is the capital of Nigeria?
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3. What is the largest city in South
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America by population?
4. Which brothers created Netflix
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hit series Stranger Things?
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island group?
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separated from which device?
8. Bora Bora is an island in which
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6. Nomophobia is the fear of being
for which British pop group?
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5. What is Russia’s highest point?
7. It’s a Sin was a 1987 number one hit
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MINESWEEPER
Find all 10 mines, the numbers indicate the number of mines touching the square (including diagonals)
9. In the 1990s, Alan Sugar was
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chairman of which football club?
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10. What is the stage name of Stuart
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Leslie Goddard?
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11. When was the first cricket test match between England and Australia?
12. What is the name of the farm in George Orwell’s Animal Farm?
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13. Deva was the Roman name for which modern English city?
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examples of what?
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14. The words level and kayak are
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15. Boris Johnson was fired from The Times newspaper for doing what?
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1. Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan; 2. Abuja; 3. São Paulo, Brazil; 4. Duffer Brothers; 5. Mount Elbrus; 6. Mobile phone; 7. Pet Shop Boys; 8. French Polynesia; 9. Tottenham Hotspur; 10. Adam Ant; 11. Melbourne, Australia, 1877; 12. Manor Farm; 13. Chester; 14. Palindromes; 15. Fabricating a front page news story
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QUIZ ANSWERS
DIRECTORY Info need an update? Email info@waterfront-publishing.com A
B
AAT Kings Heather Colbourn, senior sales manager 07824 486 544 heather.colbourn@ aatkings.co.uk
Back-Roads Touring Lockie Kerr, business development manager 020 8987 0990 l.kerr@backroadstouring.com
A-Rosa Lucia Rowe, UK managing director 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 O’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 Amy Sharpe, UK sales manager 020 3934 7170 UKSales@coralexpeditions.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
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 Geoff Ridgeon, 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
Crystal Cruises Mick Dupont, head of UK sales 020 7399 7602 mick@cruiseportfolio.co.uk
Intrepid Travel Andrew Turner, head of industry sales 080 8274 5719 ukbdm@intrepidtravel.com
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eWaterways Joanna Paslawska, 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 seven | Depart
K Kirker Hisham Mahmoud, agency sales manager UK & Ireland 020 7593 2288 hisham.mahmoud@ kirkerholidays.com L Latin Routes Jessica Dennison, 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
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Norwegian Cruise Line Eamonn Ferrin, VP & managing director UK & Ireland 023 8124 5000 eferrin@ncl.com O On The Go Tours Kate Filer, sales manager 07985 660 303 kate.filer@onthegotours.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 T
P P&O Cruises Brodie McIntosh, trade engagement manager 023 8065 5780 brodie.mcintosh@ cunardpocruises.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
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Tauck UK country manager 080 0810 8020 tauckreservations@tauck.co.uk 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 & Just You Sarah Weetman, head of trade sales 07748 843 244 sarah.weetman@ travelsphere.co.uk U Uniworld Rachel Healey, national sales manager 07408 855 544 rachel.healey@uniworld.com V Voyages to Antiquity Michelle Daniels, head of commerical 07775 065 581 m.daniels@voyagestoantiquity. com
The By Waterfront In September 2018, Waterfront, the publisher of ABTA Magazine and Cruise Adviser, launched a new creative agency. The Studio by Waterfront specialises in design solutions across print, web and social media. The Studio offers a tailored approach for all clients, with copywriting, proofreading and design elements available, in the following areas:
PRINT Catalogues, brochures, leaflets, exhibition stand designs and magazines
DIGITAL Website design, social media campaigns, digital and native advertising
ADVERTISING Billboards, newspaper and magazine creative advertising and advertorials
BRANDING Logos, brand identity, promotional videos, proofreading and copywriting
For more information, email info@waterfront-publishing.com
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