BRITS TAKE HOLIDAYS ALONE

MOMONDO FINDS 35% OF BRITS TAKE HOLIDAYS ALONE

With city breaks by far the most popular choice for solo travel

Many Brits find organising a trip with family or friends is sometimes a tricky task, according to award-winning travel search site momondo.co.uk.

Yet rather than miss out on globe-trotting, momondo found 35% of Brits recently surveyed have taken a holiday by themselves, with almost one in five (18%) having taken one in the last three years. Furthermore, 22% of Brits are interested in traveling alone for fun, in the future.

City breaks a solo travel favourite

Perhaps due to a recent influx of low cost carriers offering bargain budget return fares and the intoxicating appeal of experiencing a new destination over a long weekend, city breaks prove to be the most popular solo travel choice  – 43% of Brits who’d gone away by themselves, had chosen this type of trip.

Also, braving a sun lounger unaccompanied doesn’t daunt the solo British traveller, as 28% stated they’d experienced a beach break alone. In perhaps a more traditional image we conjure up of travellers exploring the world unaccompanied, 14% of Brits have taken a road trip and 12% have backpacked alone. Slinking off to a spa alone has been done by 11% of us, with 9% taking a solo sports trip, 7% have hiked alone, 7% taken a solo cycling trip and 8% of Brits have taken a cruise by themselves.

But why do we do it?

Momondo found 36% of Brits go away single-handedly as they want a trip where they can follow their own wants and needs at any time. While 28% need some time alone, 24% want to challenge themselves and 20% wish to meet new people.

Sometimes however, for 18% of Brits, the type of trip isn’t relevant to any friends or family, such as an activity like yoga or hiking. Sometimes companions have other plans (17%) or they simply don’t know who to bring (10%). Furthermore 7% of Brits book solo trips looking for romance.

Benefits of solo trips           

Interestingly, 39% of Brits who travel alone really feel it gives them a sense of independence, while 32% relax more than usual due to increased time to themselves. Interestingly, 25% of Brits state they’d learnt new things about themselves, 23% were more open to other travellers, and 21% more open to locals.

UK spokesperson at momondo Neil James Cartwright comments, “It’s fantastic so many Brits aren’t put off seeing the world on their own. We understand from our research taking a solo trip once in a while can broaden your social and cultural horizons, as you perhaps may try out new things, not potentially held back by others’ wants or wishes for the holiday. Being alone you are also forced to initiate conversation with other travellers and locals alike. This helps people understand other city’s traditions and customs, as well as possibly even make new friends along the way.”