TRAVEL BLOG 30/11/2019

Christmas can be the perfect time to escape if you are single. With the largest demographic of singles under the age of forty and in employment, holiday providers have done the math and realised that being single is a growing travel market. Hot, cold, restorative or active, the travel companies are happy to help banish the prospect of receiving yet another ugly jumper or dealing with lousy family dynamics with a wide range of exciting holiday options.

Hot and sunny

Six hours closer to the equator than the UK, with an average high of 27°C single sun-worshippers can’t go far wrong by escaping to one of the ten volcanic islands clustered together of the Northwest African coast. Originally discovered by the Portuguese, this unique archipelago has a distinctly Afro-European flavour, which is most evident in the architecture, food and languages spoken. A visual feast of green mountains, white sand beaches and quiet resorts this underrated destination has plenty to offer. Trekking tours offer the best option for active visitors to discover the diversity within the islands and highlight the unique geography which varies significantly from the north of the islands to the south. And with sea temperatures of up to 25°C, the beaches are a mecca for watersports enthusiasts.£1 = 129 Cape Verdean Escudo

Colder climates

A true winter wonderland could provide the perfect Christmas escape if you are single. Inghams is one of the few ski operators who offer singles rooms at no supplement in up to thirty-five hotels and chalets in France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Lapland. With acres of appealing treelined runs and a great apres-ski vibe, Austria has always been renowned for its hospitality and friendliness. St Christoph in the Arlberg ski area is just one of the fantastic high-altitude destinations available for solo travellers. £1 = 1.442 Euro

Luxury in the tropics

Unparalleled for its Wellness Centre, the Caribbean 5-star luxury all-inclusive resort Bodyholiday offers an idyllic setting and fabulous onsite facilities for the ultimate pampering holiday. If revitalisation and rejuvenation are crucial for the Christmas holidays, this single centric hotel is renowned for state-of-the-art therapies and locally-sourced fresh organic food. And the exhaustive list of activities and off-site adventures means once you have had enough of the beach, there are plenty more adventures to occupy your time. £1 = 3.29 East Caribbean Dollars

Do something different

Mindfulness and restorative retreats have been popular with solo travellers for a while. This Christmas a specialised resort located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Spain will offer singles the opportunity to completely unwind from the pressures of Christmas. Hosted by author Alison Goldie, art & writing sessions, life coaching and inspiring walks in the stunning countryside are part of the retreats festive itinerary this year. Surrounded by magnificent mountains and nestled amongst Olive trees, Cortijo Romero also provides the ultimate vegetarian escape from the inevitable gluttony of the festive season. £1 = 1.442 Euro

Closer to home

If you don’t fancy travelling too far, there are a host of hotels that offers short breaks for singles in the UK over the Christmas and New Year break. Cambridge is one of the favourite destinations of offer this year. Tea and scones, pre-dinner drinks and fine dining begin a two-night festive break in a popular hotel, which includes a historic guided tour of this charming university city. Or you could venture to Northern Ireland for an escorted three-night break which offers an opportunity to explore the delights of Belfast, the Giants Causeway and the famous ‘Dark Hedges’. Mulled wine, mince pies and carol singers bring a sense of tradition to this tempting break from Christmas normality.