Sharp rise in couples holidaying apart

Two becomes one for holidaying couples.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and that’s increasingly the case when it comes to holidays.

The latest travel trend is taking a break without your other half.

While solo holidays have always had a steady popularity, the new development is in breaks for those who needn’t fly solo.

Just a decade ago only one in 10 travellers would travel without their partner. Now, though, more than one in four, 27%, are packing their suitcases on their own.

According to research by LV=travel insurance, wanting to go away with friends was the prime reason for not going with a partner.

A desire for “me” time was next, along with indulging in a hobby that didn’t suit the other half.

For one in seven, work commitments and just not being able to get the same leave prompted people to sort out a holiday singly.

Psychiatrists say solo time can be vital and relationship experts say it doesn’t have to be a sign of a couple’s future being threatened.

There is a decided difference between the types of away time picked. For women it can often be a chance to catch up with their friends on short city breaks.

Spa treatment holidays were another popular choice, while a quick beach break was also a winner. But men often like to “do” something in particular, with a sporting break a real big favourite.

Golf trips to the likes of Spain, Portugal and Ireland are perennial picks. Getting away on your own is increasingly the way to indulge hobbies such as painting, photography and walking.

Cooking courses in culinary-crazy Italy are highly popular, perhaps sparked by the huge ratings success of series such as MasterChef.

Going away on your own means that you flex your independent spirit, do things your partner may not fancy and make new friends.

If you are on your own, though, loneliness may kick in and you might not feel just as safe. However, as the new research shows, it doesn’t seem to be putting people off.