Solo travellers have revealed the best things about holidaying alone – including eating when and where they want, not having to compromise and taking time to explore.
A study of 2,000 adults found two thirds have been on a trip on their own, with 37 per cent of those preferring it to going away with others.
Making their own decisions came top of the list of perks, while feeling free and going to bed when they want also featured.
Others like not having to put up with annoying habits such as snoring and moaning from fellow travellers, and having no risk of drama or fallings out.
While 39 per cent feel holidaying solo allowed them to step outside of their comfort zone and 34 per cent claimed they learnt a lot about themselves.
It also emerged the top reasons for going it alone were simply for a break (33 per cent), and to treat themselves (30 per cent).
And 17 per cent booked a holiday to reconnect with themselves after a break-up.
Gary Anslow, head of UK and Ireland business at Norwegian Cruise Line, which commissioned the study and has a Studio concept exclusively for solo travellers, said: “We can see from the survey that enjoying the beauty of travel on your own enables a truly authentic experience and provides for self-discovery and growth.
“Plus, meeting fellow solo travellers can even lead to long lasting friendships.”
Sailing solo
The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found of the 34 per cent who are yet to travel alone, 18 per cent would like to.
A cruise (19 per cent), a relaxing getaway (28 per cent) and a city break (27 per cent) score high on their wish lists.
Reasons for wanting to experience a solo trip included to treat themselves (43 per cent), have a break from reality (38 per cent) and prove to them and others they can do it (26 per cent).
Looking ahead, 31 per cent who have travelled solo before have booked another trip alone for 2023.
It also emerged that on average, independent jet-setters have been on four trips alone, with popular destinations including France, (16 per cent), Spain (14 per cent), and Italy (13 per cent).
Outside of Europe they have visited North America (10 per cent), Australia (10 per cent) and Africa (nine per cent).
But many still enjoy being sociable with other holidaymakers, with 29 per cent claiming they’re still good friends with fellow travellers they met on vacation.
Top 40 benefits of solo holidays, according to travellers
- Making your own decisions
- Doing what you want to do, when you want to do it
- Eating where or what you want
- Planning your day with no one else to consider
- Feeling free
- Having the whole day to do what you want
- Taking your time exploring
- Doing everything you want to do
- Spending as much or as little money on what you want
- Not having to go somewhere just because someone else wants to
- You can be as sociable or as anti-social as you want to be
- Going to bed when you want
- Not having to compromise
- No waiting around for others to get ready / go out for the day
- Not having to commit to social plans with others
- No annoying habits to put up with e.g. snoring, moaning about walking far etc
- Free time to reflect or think
- Shopping without feeling like you're dragging someone else around
- Stepping outside of your comfort zone
- Waking up when you want
- Watching what you want e.g. if having a night in watching TV
- No drama or fallings out
- Not having to be somewhere at a certain time
- Increased self-confidence
- Being adventurous
- Meeting new people / fellow solo travellers
- Being your true self
- Feeling less stressed than travelling with others
- Learning to navigate by yourself
- More cost efficient
- Not having to share a bathroom
- Napping when you want
- Reading without interruptions
- Only carrying your own bags/belongings
- Booking onto group tours and meeting others
- Silence
- Improving your language skills
- Ticking things off your bucket list
- Getting freebies
- Not having to be someone else’s photographer
