Page 12 - The Local Eye - Issue 126 - April 2016

12
Travel Feature -

Today’s Women - Travelling Solo... By Mags Addison
Don’t want to let the fact you are single, and a woman hold you back
from travelling?
Then you are definitely not alone! It’s a fast growing trend. The number
of people taking holidays alone has increased in the last few years -
especially the solo female. Single women are feeling more independent
than ever before, more adventurous and more enquiring.
There are decisions to be made when you are when travelling alone –
with issues such as single room supplements, and general security to be
taken into consideration. But the main question seems to be, NOT whether today’s women will take the plunge and
travel solo but rather, do they decide to travel independently, or on an escorted trip. As one customer said to me
years ago – just because I am single, doesn’t mean I should miss out seeing the places I want too.
Attitudes have also changed in recent years towards admitting you’re a single traveler. People are more liberated
about travelling on their own, and the single population has boomed with more single people than ever before.
Travelling alone is not deemed to be sad these days, perceptions have changed! People are living longer and are
staying fitter into retirement and beyond more than ever before, so the age demographics have changed also.
Travelling as a woman alone used to be for the young, now it’s for anyone of any age.
If you want to pick a company to tour with, to have it organized for you with a certain security in numbers, don’t
just stick to the traditional Singles Holiday companies, plenty of tour operators also consider their single customers,
who are increasing in number. Special interests, intrepid adventure, cultural activities, travelling with a group of like
minded people can enhance a holiday experience. With some you can share a room with a same sex person, which
does away with that dreaded single supplement.
But always compare the `added single’ supplement - as it may still work out lower in the long run with a general
tour operator than booking a similar holiday with a singles holiday tour operator who are advertising your own
room at no extra cost! A client of mine found that with a coach tour she wanted, it was still cheaper to pay the
added single occupancy, than book with its solo holiday counterpart. A quick phone call to the tour operator also
revealed a mixture of clients booked, with at least 5-6 other single people already on that particular tour.

For some, independent travel is preferable and can be helped by the expertise and local knowledge of their travel
expert. A little bit of forward thinking and information about local cultural
issues and female security advice would also be worth considering before
setting off.
There is sensible foreign office (FCO) advice for female travellers on their
website – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advise and you can pick up tips and
advice from the ABTA website - www.abta.com/tips-and-latest/travel-tips/
female-travellers
So if you fancy yourself as a lone intrepid female explorer, or merely want a
week by the pool with a book – the choice is yours. Enjoy and explore.
Beach holidays, City breaks, Honeymoons, Weddings abroad, Adventure holidays, Ski,
Cruise, Tailormade trips, Flight only, Car hire, Airport hotels and parking and much more...
Contact Travel Counsellor
Mags Addison

0845 058 7812
margaret.addison@travelcounsellors.com Travel Counsellors ensures complete
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/margaret.addison financial protection on every booking
To advertise <> 08000 430485 <> email: info@thelocaleye.com <> www.thelocaleye.com

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