Holidays for Single Travellers - Tips

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 Holidays for single travellers can be great fun and a wonderful way to meet people. However, because you will be setting out on your own, it is worth checking out a few things first - things that you probably wouldn't bother with if you were going with someone else.

So below we have listed some of the precautionary things you might feel that you wish to find out about this holiday before you embark on it:

If you are going with an organised group:

• Check how many there will be in the group; you might feel uncomfortable in a very small group.
• Ask if there will be a tour guide facilitating the holiday. A good one will ensure that everyone feels included, whilst at the same time allowing people to do their own thing if they wish.
• What is the age-range of the group? Would you feel happy going with a group that is much older or younger than you?
• Check out the male/female balance. Cultural holidays will generally have more women, whilst the balance is likely to be more even on activity holidays.
• Use the web site forum, if there is one, to ask experienced travellers their views on the holiday in which you are interested.
• Ask about meals, activities and tours: do you have to do everything as a group or will you be left to your own devices if you wish?
• What about social events either before or after the holiday. Some companies organise them so that you can meet the people you will be travelling with or to have a reunion.
• Some companies allow children to travel with single travellers. if this is a problem for you, check first, before you sign up.

If you plan to go with a companion you have met on -line (see Travelling Solo (or almost) ) ensure that you read the website thoroughly to get a feel for it. Email them to ask what security precautions they take about the people who post details on the site and always try to meet your prospective companion(s) in a public place before you decide to do anything with them.

If you are going independently either alone, or with one or more other people, and you are going to an unusual part of the world, check out the Foreign Office website for any advice they might have on travelling to that country or countries.

When you have decided where you are going to go, make sure that you do your research properly. The Lonely Planet Guides, such as the one shown on the right, are a good source of information.

You will probably be able to think of some more questions that are applicable to you, personally. Sit down before you do anything about your singles holiday, think about the issues that will affect you, make a list of them and then make sure you are completely happy with the answers before you go any further.

Singles holidays can be a great way to meet people and have a great holiday at the same time. However, if you are going with an organised group, you need to be comfortable with what you are going to get and how the trip will be organised. Don't be afraid to ask questions - good companies welcome them because they know that people will not enjoy themselves if they are unhappy about anything. Unhappy customers don't come back, so the holiday organisation will want you to ask questions beforehand so that you know exactly what is involved.

If you plan to go on your own or with a companion you have made contact with through a website, take sensible precautions, do your research - and then go and enjoy it!