Women seeking 'me-time' drive rise in bookings for solo overseas trips

Women are increasingly booking overseas holidays to take a break not only from work and home - but from their family, too.

- Gwyn Topham Transport correspondent

UK travel companies have reported an increase in bookings for solo travellers, primarily older women, often leaving partners behind to “explore on their own terms”.

Operators specialising in group travel and “softadventure” - typically low-risk outdoor activities such as hiking and canoeing - say solo, though not single, customers are an ever-higher proportion of their clientele.

The tour operator Jules Verne said solo travellers accounted for 46% of bookings for its trips departing next year, up from 40% in 2023. Just under 70% of its current solo bookings are by women.