The rise of the solo traveller is just one of the new travel trends emerging in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Post pandemic, the idea of YOLO (You Only Live Once) is kicking into action those who might have been mulling over a solo trip, and they now want to get out and take that solocation.
“Travelling alone is becoming extremely popular, with considerably more people choosing to take time to learn about themselves, explore something new on their own, and avoid the drawbacks of travelling in larger groups,” says Marc Wachsberger, CEO of The Capital Hotels and Apartments.
“Solocations allow travellers to experience the full breadth of a destination at their own pace. Whether you want to be in a calmer, more relaxed environment or want something more adventurous, travelling by yourself means you are only bound by your own wants and needs.”
He suggested some of the Capital Group’s properties that fit the bill for a local solo getaway, and gives some sound advice to soloists.
The Capital Zimbali, KZN – Guests enjoy the tranquillity of Zimbali, the signature spa experience, the magnificent views of the Indian Ocean and the quiet luxury of the pool. If they are up for some active adventure, they can enjoy the beautiful beach, the hiking trails and the renowned five-star private golf course. All this is only 15 minutes from King Shaka International Airport.
The Capital Mirage, Cape Town – A haven close to the V&A Waterfront, the iconic Zeitz Mocaa Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, Camps Bay and the party hub that is Kloof Street. Solo travellers who don’t want to stray too far from the hotel will find this five-star establishment offers everything from a sleek gym and spa to two sumptuous restaurants and a snooker lounge.
Wachsberger advises advance booking. That’s the way to get the best deals, he says, including special offers. And, no matter where the solocation is taking place, he advises solo guests to always ensure they inform family or friends when they are leaving the hotel, where they're going and when they have arrived back in their room or apartment safely. In these days of text messaging, it's easy enough. He also suggests that the solo traveller leaves a copy of their complete itinerary and travel places with someone safe. This makes it easier for people to track the traveller down should it be needed.
G-Adventures is a tour operator specialising in small group tours and solo travel – its motto is ‘Travel solo but never alone’.
The style of G-Adventures tours places an emphasis on exploration and authentic experiences.
Regardless of age or experience, solo travellers are welcome. It says around half of most groups are solo travellers, and they are from all over the world. Destinations too are global, and in Africa the operator offers tours to Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Travelling alone as a female can attract unwanted attention. The company says its small group tours are perfect for helping solo female travellers feel safe anywhere in the world. Dedicated CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) are responsible for enriching the journey, offering local insights, and pursuing great experiences – they are ready with tips on how to respect cultural traditions or local dress.
G-Adventures believes that travelling as a single person shouldn’t be more expensive and it treats single travellers the same as the rest of the group. It partners up the singleton with a same-sex roommate to ensure that soloists pay the same as everyone else.
For those who really want a room of their own, there is the option of ‘My Own Room’ on most of G-Adventures’ tours. This guarantees the solo traveller a room of their own for a modest additional fee (less than the usual single supplement). Cost and details of ‘My Own Room’ vary according to each specific trip.
The Travel Corporation’s brands all have solo options on offer. Kelly Jackson, MD Tour Brands EMEA, said there had definitely been a big increase in demand for solo holidays. All the TTC brands have excellent offers for single travellers, where for certain departure dates, to a large range of destinations, there is no single supplement or there is a big discount on the single supplement. “Around 30% of our travellers are single travellers,” she said.
Youth brand Contiki’s prices are based on sharing rooms, but single rooms are available with a supplement.
Norwegian Cruise Line has solo cabins carrying no single supplement on many of its ships. They are known as the Studios, are all in one section of the ship and feature hip design and a communal lounge where good coffee is available 24/7.
Fred Olsen offers a wide choice of ‘no single supplement’ cruises over a range of cabin categories, making it a more affordable holiday option for solo travellers.
RCI offers 28 solo cabins (with no single supplement) on the vessels Quantum of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas – some inside cabins and some solo balcony rooms with open-air terraces, ranging in size from 30 to 36 sqm.
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria have nine Britannia single cabins priced as single accommodation – they have no single supplement. Solo travellers have special coffee gatherings, dinners, drinks receptions and other activities and singles go ashore as part of a group.
