The adventure travel expert Explore has commissioned a survey into solo travel*, which reveals that many people planning to take a trip of a lifetime are being held back by reluctant partners. In light of this, Explore has launched its biggest EVER solo sale, with savings of up to $940 on more than 90 trips.
42% of us have experienced challenges with our partners when choosing where and how to holiday. Our biggest relationship disagreements when planning a trip is over the activities that we wish to pursue on holiday (16%) and, crucially, where to travel to (13%). Many admitted to being held back from taking the trip of a lifetime by a reluctant partner. But more than half (59%) of those refuse to let that stop them, and would consider travelling alone or have already taken a solo holiday. Whether you’re in a relationship or single this Valentine’s Day, a solo adventure with Explore is the perfect gift to yourself that will allow you to enjoy an unforgettable trip, even if your dream destination or travel ambition isn’t shared by your partner or friends.
The study also confirmed that the trend for ‘experiences over things’ isn’t going away. More than a third of those surveyed said they would prioritise a holiday over home improvements or clothes. Brits are also more than twice more likely to book an adventure holiday than they are to buy a designer handbag. The research found that 44% of us would consider a holiday to achieve a life goal. The top experiences solo travellers would most like to tick off their bucket list include getting up close with wildlife on the Galapagos Islands (20%), spotting penguins on an Antarctic cruise (19%) and seeing the Big Five on safari in Africa (18%).
So what’s stopping the rest of us? Cost is the biggest barrier cited for not taking that trip of a lifetime. And, with hefty solo supplements often applied to those travelling on their own, that’s not surprising. Explore has a policy never to charge single supplements for anyone that’s happy to share a room with someone of the same sex. And now, with its BIGGEST EVER solo travel offerlaunching today (5 February), there has never been a better time to travel solo – now you can have your own room at no extra cost and save up to £500 on single room options on more than 90 trips.
Solo travellers with Explore are in good company – a whopping 64% of explorers on its small group trips are travelling solo. 60% of these are women. The most popular trips for solo travellers are walking & trekking holidays, while the most popular destinations are Italy, India, Spain and Morocco. Yet, the company has also reported an increase in solo travellers choosing off-the-beaten track destinations such as Georgia and unusual experiences like travelling into the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
So, what are you waiting for? Book that once-in-a-lifetime trip now and buy yourself the gift of travel, and of self-confidence, this Valentine’s Day and save up to £500.
GO SOLO & SAVE – The Details
Explore is offering a free single room option on over 90 trips when booked between 5 February and 9 March 2019, saving up to $940. Offer applies to selected departure dates and trips. Limited availability. When it’s gone it’s gone! The following trips are included in the offer:
Buddha’s Island
Uncover the highlights of Sri Lanka on a two-week trip. Search for leopard, elephant and sambar deer on a jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park. Explore the ancient citadel of Anuradhapura, see the Reclining Buddha in Polonnaruwa and climb Sigiriya Rock (Lion’s Rock).
The trip costs from $3,010pp (book a single room and save up to $850 on the single room option) and includes 9-nights’ accommodation, breakfast and an Explore leader.
Peru Encompassed
Discover Peru, the sacred land of the Incas, on this 13-day trip. Highlights include a visit to the awe-inspiring ‘Lost City’ of Machu Picchu, a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to see the floating reed islands and a walking tour of Cusco, the former Inca capital. The trip ends in the Sacred Valley with an optional white-water rafting trip down the Urubamba.
The trip costs from $3,760pp (book a single room and save up to $940 on the single room option) and includes 9-nights’ accommodation, breakfast and an Explore leader.
Highlights of Nubia
This scenic journey travels through the Nile Valley, from where the White and Blue Nile merge – Al-Morgan, into the Nubian Desert. With more pyramids than Egypt, there is a lot to discover in Sudan – sandstone temples, tombs engraved with images of the pharaohs and the many pyramids of the Royal Necropolis of Meroe. There is also the chance to experience the warm hospitality of the Nubian people with a stay in a traditional village house.
The trip costs from $5,6400pp (book a single room and save up to $940 on the single room option) and includes 9-nights’ accommodation, most meals and an Explore leader.
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