Singles holidays can sound either wonderful or terrifying, depending on who you ask. Some people picture a week of laughter, new friends and perhaps a holiday romance. Others imagine awkward ice-breakers, forced fun and a coach full of strangers. The reality usually sits somewhere in between, and depends a great deal on the type of holiday, the company and what you’re hoping to get from it.
This guide explains what singles holidays are really like for people over 50: the different types, who tends to go, what a typical day involves, costs and single supplements, the pros and cons, romance and expectations, how to choose a company, and how to make the most of your first trip. It’s based on general information and common experiences, not on testing particular companies, so always check the details of any holiday before you book.
The short answer
- Singles holidays are organised holidays for people travelling on their own. Most are about company and shared experiences, not dating.
- Types include escorted tours, activity and walking holidays, cruises, city breaks and house-party-style breaks. Some are aimed at specific age groups, including over-50s.
- Many singles holidays include a single room without a supplement, or offer a room-share option. Always check what's included.
- Look for financial protection, such as ATOL for flight-inclusive packages, and check whether the company is an ABTA member.
- Romance can happen, but going with the aim of making friends and enjoying yourself usually leads to a better experience.
- Read reviews, ask about group sizes and age ranges, and choose a trip that matches your interests and energy levels.
What is a singles holiday?
A singles holiday is an organised trip for people travelling on their own. The group travels, eats and does activities together, usually with a tour leader or host. You get the company of a group without needing a travel partner, and you don’t have to organise everything yourself.
Despite the name, most singles holidays aren’t dating holidays. Many people go because they want company, don’t want to travel alone, or have a partner who doesn’t like travelling. Some are single; some are widowed, divorced or simply travelling without their partner.
Our guide to solo travel after 50 covers independent travel and other options for travelling alone.
Types of singles holiday
| Type | What it’s like | Good if you… |
|---|---|---|
| Escorted tour | A group travels together with a tour leader, visiting several places | Want sightseeing without the planning |
| Activity or walking holiday | Days spent walking, cycling or doing an activity together | Enjoy being active and like a shared purpose |
| Beach or resort break | A group based in one hotel, with optional excursions and shared meals | Want relaxation with company available |
| City break | A short trip to a city, often with guided visits and group dinners | Want a taster before committing to a longer trip |
| Cruise for solo travellers | Some cruise lines offer solo cabins and hosted get-togethers | Like the idea of a cruise but don’t want to go alone |
| House-party or country house break | A group stays in a large house or hotel in the UK, with activities and meals | Want a short, social break close to home |
| Special interest | Trips built around food, art, history, wildlife, music or photography | Want to meet people who share a passion |
Some companies specialise in singles holidays; others offer solo departures within their general programmes. Some are aimed at specific age ranges, including over-50s.
Who goes?
Groups vary a lot. Common points people mention include:
- Mixed backgrounds, from recently widowed to happily single, divorced or married people travelling without a partner
- A range of ages, unless the holiday is aimed at a specific age group
- Often more women than men, according to many travellers’ accounts, though this varies by trip and company
- Group sizes from a handful of people to 30 or more
If the age range or balance of the group matters to you, ask the company before booking. Many can tell you the typical age range and group size for a trip.
What a typical day is like
Every holiday is different, but a typical day on an escorted or hosted singles holiday might look like this:
- Breakfast, often eaten with others from the group, though you can sit alone if you’d like
- A morning excursion or activity, such as a guided walk, tour or visit
- Free time in the afternoon to explore, rest or join an optional activity
- A group dinner in the evening, often included, sometimes at a different restaurant each night
- Optional evening socialising, such as drinks, a quiz or simply chatting
Most companies balance group time with free time. If you value your independence, look for trips with plenty of free time and optional activities.
Costs and single supplements
One of the biggest frustrations of travelling alone is the single supplement, the extra charge for using a double room on your own. Singles holiday companies often deal with this in different ways:
- No single supplement, with a single room included in the price
- Guaranteed single rooms, sometimes for an extra charge
- Room shares, where you share a twin room with another traveller of the same sex to avoid a supplement
- Limited single rooms, which can sell out early
Always check exactly what’s included: flights, transfers, meals, drinks, excursions, tips and travel insurance. A cheaper headline price may mean more extra costs. Our guide to solo travel after 50 has more on single supplements.
Financial protection
Before you book, check how your money is protected.
- ATOL protection applies to many package holidays that include flights sold in the UK
- ABTA membership means the company has agreed to follow ABTA’s code of conduct, and many ABTA members offer financial protection for non-flight holidays
- Paying by credit card may give extra protection in some circumstances
Check the company’s website and booking documents for details, and ask if you’re unsure.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Company without needing a travel partner | You can’t choose your fellow travellers |
| No planning or organising needed | Less flexibility than independent travel |
| Often no single supplement | Can cost more than a basic package |
| Safety in numbers, especially in unfamiliar places | Group activities may not always suit you |
| Easy way to make friends | Some people find constant socialising tiring |
| Shared meals, so you don’t eat alone | Group dynamics can be awkward at times |
Romance and expectations
Some people do meet partners on singles holidays, and some friendships turn into something more. But most people go for company, adventure and shared experiences, and many groups have more women than men. If you go expecting romance, you may be disappointed. If you go to enjoy yourself and meet people, you’ll probably have a better time, and any connection that does develop will feel more natural.
A few things to bear in mind:
- Be respectful. Not everyone is single or looking
- Take things slowly. Holiday feelings can be intense, and it can be different back home
- Be discreet. Romances within small groups can affect the group atmosphere
- Stay safe, as you would on any date
Our guide to solo travel after 50 covers holiday romance in more detail.
Group dynamics: what to expect
Groups of strangers can take a day or two to settle. In the early stages, people may stick to those they sat next to on the first evening. Most groups relax as the trip goes on. A few things help:
- Move around at meals, so you get to know different people
- Include people who seem shy or left out
- Avoid cliques, even if you click with a few people quickly
- Be patient with different personalities, as you would at work or in a club
- Speak to the tour leader if there’s a problem you can’t resolve, such as someone behaving inappropriately
Most people find that by the end of the week, the group feels surprisingly close.
How to choose a singles holiday
Questions worth asking before you book:
- What’s the typical age range and group size?
- Is there a single supplement, or a guaranteed single room?
- What’s included, and what will I pay extra for?
- How much free time is there?
- How active is the trip? How far will we walk each day?
- Who leads the group, and what’s their role?
- What happens if I need to cancel?
- Is the holiday financially protected?
- Can the trip accommodate any mobility or dietary needs I have?
Read recent reviews from a range of sources, and look for comments from people of a similar age and situation to you.
It can also help to compare two or three companies for the same kind of trip. Prices, group sizes, the amount of free time and how single rooms are handled can vary a lot between operators, even for similar destinations. Some companies also run open evenings, online talks or newsletters, which can give you a feel for their style before you commit.
Your first singles holiday
If you’ve never been on one before, a few tips can help:
- Start short. A long weekend or short break can be a good way to find out whether you enjoy it
- Choose an interest you love. Shared interests make conversation easier
- Arrive with an open mind. You won’t get on with everyone, but you’re likely to find some kindred spirits
- Join the first evening’s welcome, even if you’re nervous. Everyone else is new too
- Take time for yourself when you need it
- Swap contact details with people you like, if you’d like to stay in touch
Singles holidays in the UK
You don’t need to go abroad. Many singles breaks take place in the UK, which can be a good way to try one without flights, passports or long journeys. Options include:
- Country house weekends, with walks, talks and group dinners
- Walking holidays in national parks, often with graded routes
- City breaks, with guided tours, theatre trips and restaurants
- Seaside breaks, often with day trips and evening entertainment
- Festive breaks over Christmas and New Year, which can be a welcome option if you’d rather not spend the holidays alone
UK breaks can also be easier if you have health or mobility needs, or don’t want to be far from home.
If you’re an introvert
Singles holidays can sound exhausting if you’re naturally quiet or need time alone to recharge. Many introverts still enjoy them, especially when they:
- Choose activity-based trips, where conversation flows naturally around a shared focus
- Pick trips with plenty of free time
- Book a single room, so there’s always somewhere to retreat to
- Skip optional evening events when they need to
- Look for smaller groups
Our guide to where introverts meet someone has more ideas for meeting people in comfortable ways.
What to pack
Beyond the usual holiday essentials, a few things can help on a group trip:
- Comfortable walking shoes, as many trips involve more walking than expected
- A smart-casual outfit or two for group dinners
- Layers, for changing weather and air-conditioned buses
- Any medication, in your hand luggage, with copies of prescriptions
- A small notebook or phone notes, for names and contact details of people you meet
- Something to do alone, such as a book, for quiet moments
Staying in touch afterwards
Some of the most valuable things to come out of singles holidays are friendships that continue afterwards. People often swap numbers, set up a group chat, or arrange reunions or future trips together. If you’d like to stay in touch, suggest it near the end of the trip, while everyone’s still enthusiastic. Not every holiday friendship lasts, but some become long-term friendships, and a few become relationships.
Cancellations and changes
Plans can change, especially if you have health or family commitments. Before booking, check:
- The cancellation policy, including deadlines and charges
- What happens if the company cancels, for example because too few people have booked
- Whether you can transfer to another date
- Whether your travel insurance covers cancellation, and for what reasons
Some trips need a minimum number of travellers to go ahead, so it’s worth asking how likely your departure is to run before booking flights or other arrangements separately.
Travel insurance and health
Make sure you have suitable travel insurance before you travel, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Declare any conditions honestly. If you find it hard to get cover, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurers that can help people with serious medical conditions. If you’re travelling in Europe, check whether you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which can give access to state healthcare in some countries, but isn’t a replacement for travel insurance.
If you have mobility needs, tell the company before you book, and ask how they can help. Our guide to dating with a health condition covers some related issues.
Staying safe
Group travel has built-in safety benefits, but it’s still worth taking care:
- Tell family or friends your itinerary
- Keep copies of important documents
- Look after your belongings, especially in busy places
- Drink sensibly
- If you meet someone, take the same care you would at home
After bereavement or divorce
Many people take their first singles holiday after losing a partner or ending a marriage. It can be a positive step, though it can also bring up emotions. You may find yourself thinking about past holidays, or feeling sad in places you’d have enjoyed together. That’s natural. Many people find others in the group have been through something similar, which can be a comfort. Our guides to dating after bereavement and how to make friends after bereavement may help.
Common situations
“I’m nervous about going on my own”
That’s very common. Remember everyone in the group is travelling alone too. A short trip can help build confidence.
“I’m worried I’ll be the oldest, or the youngest”
Ask the company about the typical age range, or choose a holiday aimed at your age group.
“I don’t want to share a room”
Look for trips with guaranteed single rooms, and check whether there’s a supplement.
“I’m not looking for romance, just company”
That’s how most people approach singles holidays. You’ll be in good company.
“What if I don’t get on with the group?”
Take advantage of free time, join optional activities that suit you, and focus on the people you do connect with.
“I’ve been widowed and don’t want to answer lots of questions”
You can share as much or as little as you like. “I lost my husband a couple of years ago” is enough, and most people will follow your lead.
Frequently asked questions
Are singles holidays for dating?
Mostly not. Most people go for company, adventure and shared experiences, though romance sometimes happens.
Who goes on singles holidays?
People of a range of ages and backgrounds who are travelling alone, including single, widowed, divorced and married people.
Do singles holidays charge a single supplement?
Many don’t, or offer room-share options. Always check what’s included.
Are singles holidays safe?
Group travel has safety benefits, but take sensible precautions, choose a reputable company and check financial protection.
How do I choose a singles holiday?
Think about your interests and energy levels, check group size, age range, costs and protection, and read reviews.
What if I have a health condition?
Tell the company before booking, and get suitable travel insurance that covers your condition.
Related guides
- Solo travel after 50: where to start
- Solo holidays when you’re in a couple
- How to make friends after 50
- How to make friends after bereavement
- Travelling to meet someone you met online
- Dating with a health condition
Sources
- Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL); ABTA; MoneyHelper travel insurance directory; NHS (GHIC).