THINK gap years or volunteering abroad and the mind will most probably picture tanned 20-somethings smiling youthfully, adorned with an enormous backpack and covered in souvenir bracelets.
But evidence now shows that the average age of solo travellers is a more mature 57, and that women are outnumbering men two to one in going it alone.
Figures from Barrhead Travel show a substantial rise in the number of solo travellers in Scotland with double digit growth in bookings for 2018. And research completed by 101 Singles Travel earlier this year also found that 70 per cent of solo travellers were aged 50 or over and that 63 per cent of solo trips were undertaken by women.
Although I’m a wife, mum and nanny – I’m also me.”
But what’s the reason for this surge in the over 50s – and women in particular – wanting to go solo adventuring?
A lot of it is to do with the removal of previous stereotypes, believes Cathy Winston, editor of 101 Singles Holidays. She said: “While in previous generations, women over 50 might have been reluctant to travel alone – or expected to stay at home – this group is now more empowered, confident and financially independent.
“So whether they’re single, divorced or widowed, or simply don’t want to wait for a husband, partner or friend to accompany them as they tick destinations off their bucket list, the number booking trips is growing every year.”
For Sandra Robinson, 64, her sense of self was the defining catalyst for going out and seeing the world alone. “Although I’m a wife, mum and nanny, I’m also me,” she said.
And although she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, she recognises that personal preferences in life are also important: “I enjoy my family holidays but my husband doesn’t always want to go to the same places as me.”
Although many women go it alone, one of the overriding effects of solo travel seems to be making friends, and in some cases, friends to go on future adventures with.
No more so than for Fiona Brown, 55, from Fife. Her single trip landed her with a group of new friends who she has recently holidayed with in Barbados. She said: “The benefits have been massive for me.
“First and foremost I’ve made new friends which has been hugely important. I feel more like the old me: fun and outgoing.
“I feel extremely lucky to have made these friends who I’ve enjoyed so many lovely holidays with over the last few years.”
I realised that I still had something to give which made me feel valued again and renewed.”
For some women, once 50 hits, the realisation that it’s now or never also sets in.
Nikki Harris, 57, from Arran recently went on a solo volunteer teacher trip to Valencia, and believes her 50s felt like last time she might get a chance to go it alone. She said: “I had the feeling that if I didn’t travel now when I was still fit enough I might not do it at all.
“My kids were grown up, I was a casualty of the cutbacks losing my beloved job as a youth worker. It felt like the right time in my life for adventure.”
Solo travellers are also becoming bolder with their chosen destinations. According to Barrhead Travel, North America, Asia and Canada are now the most popular spots for solo travel, with India being the fastest growing choice.
This is also reflected in the growing cost of singles-only holidays, which has risen 24 per cent since 2014. Tour operators say this is a result of single travellers being more adventurous in their travel choices, rather than prices rising.
But it’s also the positive effects of solo adventuring that seem to be helping the booming trend.
“For many travellers, their first solo trip is an eye-opener as they realise just how many benefits there are,” said Cathy.
“There are few things guaranteed to boost your confidence: overcoming any fears and challenges which might have deterred you from booking previously and the realisation that you don’t need a companion to have a great time on holiday.”
Nikki’s experiences certainly added to her feelings of well-being. Remarking on her solo teaching experience she said: “I realised that I still had something to give which made me feel valued again and renewed. It was just what I needed.
“Because I was busy I didn’t think about being on my own, I didn’t think about being vulnerable because I was with my new friends.”
The legacy of her solo travel has also helped Nikki, even after returning home: “After Valencia, I went on to teach in Shanghai, which was an amazing experience.
“Then after doing these posts, I had something new to put on my CV, which helped me get a job, delivering TEFL in my local college.”
And as for any future solo trips?
“I think it’s certainly time to plan my next adventure,” she said. “I always fancied teaching in Nepal.
“To be continued.”
Find out more about solo travel:
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