A survey of singles by 101 Holidays, the travel inspiration site, revealed that singles holiday bookings are growing by 10% every year ? with 68% of solo travellers now female.
Despite a slowdown across the travel industry in 2019, including the failure of Thomas Cook in September, the singles sector is booming. Bookings were up 10.5% in 2019 and are expected to grow by a further 11% this year.
The figures are based on analysis by the website, 101 Holidays, which examined more than 53,000 singles holidays taken in 2019. The website conducted similar research in 2017.
The survey covered a range of trips including beach holidays, cruises, group adventures, escorted tours, spa and wellness retreats and activity holidays. Italy was the most popular destination followed by Vietnam, Egypt, India and Greece.
On average, 68% of travellers were female and 32% male. This compares to 63% female and 37% male in 2017.
The average cost of the holidays taken in 2019 was ?1,487 (excluding spending money) compared to ?1,374 in 2017, an increase of 8.2%.
Cathy Winston, editor of 101 Singles Holidays, said: ?The figures reflect a growing trend in society. More people are living alone and choosing to travel alone, even when they are in committed relationships.
?But all the growth is being powered by women. Increasingly, women have the spending power and feel empowered to travel by themselves. This is particularly true of women aged 50 and above who may be single, widowed or divorced. They don?t need a man to accompany them on holiday ? they will do it anyway, whether that?s learning to scuba dive in Thailand or joining an Arctic cruise to experience the Midnight Sun.
?Today?s singles holidays are not for lonely hearts seeking love or hook-ups. They are aimed at solo travellers looking for the thrill of discovery and adventure, whether that?s alone or with a group of likeminded people.?
