News

Travelling alone doesn’t have to be lonely, as significant numbers of happy solo holidaymakers prove – and with over-50s among the keenest holidaymakers, Saga’s new Solo Holidays brochure features hotels, tours, river cruises and ocean cruises for guests to be as active or relaxed as they wish.

All Saga solo holidays feature:

• Fast-track security, airport lounge access and meet and greet service at Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester airports
• Dedicated Solos Host
• Welcome drink and dinner
• Drinks Party
• Farewell Dinner

A recent Saga populus poll highlighted that a third (32%) of people had either been on a solo holiday or said that they intended to do so within the next two years, this is backed up by figures from ABTA which show that there has been a 150% rise in solo travel by British holidaymakers in the past seven years. Whilst for some this is driven by a change in their circumstances it is perhaps also because solo travel allows people to have quality alone time to discover more about themselves as individuals whilst allowing them to immerse themselves in their chosen destination.

There are many reasons why people choose to travel solo. The most attractive elements of solo holidays are the ‘freedom for solo travellers to do whatever they choose’ (85%), followed by ‘meeting likeminded people’ (72%).  Two thirds said the appeal of a solo holiday was that they like time on their own and 44% said that they like the invigoration of solo travel

Saga’s solo holidays aim to offer flexibility with the option of being able to share excursions and meals with a small group of like-minded travellers, solo travel should not be about travelling solo because you have to but because you want to – there are no more than 30 booked on each holiday – while sole occupancy rooms are also available across its standard departures.

With a choice of peak and off-peak dates, each holiday group has the services of a dedicated host and a range of included and optional excursions, so guests can join every activity or simply choose to sit by the pool and read a book.

New holidays include a Douro Discovery river cruise on a ship chartered exclusively for solo travellers; ‘Delights of Croatia’ an all-inclusive 14-night holiday from £1,599 and ‘The Silk Route Samarkand’, a 10-night holiday from £2,149 exploring the beauty of Uzbekistan and its stunning architecture.

Saga packages also include check-in assistance, fast-track security and lounge access at Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester airports, and welcome and farewell dinners, while VIP door-to-door travel service is included on long-haul holidays, 2020 river cruises and ocean cruises with cruise partners. Complimentary airport parking is an option for those who prefer to use their own car.

Saga Product and Purchasing Manager Makala Thomas says: “Saga recognises that taking a solo holiday for the first time can be quite daunting. Our reputation gives guests the confidence to book in the knowledge that we will be there to support them every step of the way.”

For details call free on 0800 092 0803 or visit saga.co.uk