Solo travellers more adventurous, Kayak poll suggests

A quarter visited a gallery or museum that they would not have done if they had been with other people, while 21% tried more adventurous food and 18% had a holiday romance Continue reading →

More than half of British holidaymakers have or would like to travel on their own, according to a new study.

Over a third of adults (35%) have been on holiday by themselves, with nearly one in five (19%) doing so in the past year.

In addition, 18% say they would like to, the poll by Kayak.co.uk found.

A quarter visited a gallery or museum that they would not have done if they had been with other people, while 21% tried more adventurous food.

A total of 18% of solo travellers have had a holiday romance that probably would not have happened if they had been travelling with companions.

In total, 70% of solo travellers said travelling on their own allowed them to do something they would not have otherwise been able to do.

When asked about the benefits of solo travel, the ‘freedom to create your own timetable’ was identified by 59%, whilst ‘eating and drinking where you want’ was chosen by 47%, and not having to visit things you’re not interested in was highlighted by a third (33%).

A quarter said solo travel allowed them to speak more to locals, 21% believed it allowed them to make more friends, and one in ten suggested that it allowed more room for romance.

British adults would rather travel by themselves (13%) than with their parents (6%) and almost as much as with their children (15%).

However, overall, their partner remains the travel companion they favour the most (57%).

Kayak Europe managing director, John-Lee Saez, said: “The research demonstrates that there are certainly many benefits to solo travel, such as setting your own itinerary and not having to compromise.

“In addition, many find it easier to meet new people when travelling solo, or conversely, find the peace and quiet they are craving.”