Why you should go on holiday by yourself this summer

SOLO travellers have revealed the best things about holidaying alone – including eating when and where they want, not having to compromise and taking time to explore.

A study of 2,000 adults found two thirds have been on a trip on their own, with 37 per cent of those preferring it to going away with others.

SWNSA new study by NCL has revealed the best reasons to book a solo holiday[/caption]

Making their own decisions came top of the list of perks, while feeling free and going to bed when they want also featured.

Others like not having to put up with annoying habits such as snoring and moaning from fellow travellers, and having no risk of drama or fallings out.

While 39 per cent feel holidaying solo allowed them to step outside of their comfort zone and 34 per cent claimed they learnt a lot about themselves. 

It also emerged the top reasons for going it alone were simply for a break (33 per cent), and to treat themselves (30 per cent).

And 17 per cent booked a holiday to reconnect with themselves after a break-up.

Gary Anslow, head of UK and Ireland business at Norwegian Cruise Line, which commissioned the study and has a Studio concept exclusively for solo travellers, said: “We can see from the survey that enjoying the beauty of travel on your own enables a truly authentic experience and provides for self-discovery and growth.

“Plus, meeting fellow solo travellers can even lead to long lasting friendships.”

The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found of the 34 per cent who are yet to travel alone, 18 per cent would like to.

A cruise (19 per cent), a relaxing getaway (28 per cent) and a city break (27 per cent) score high on their wish lists.

Reasons for wanting to experience a solo trip included to treat themselves (43 per cent), have a break from reality (38 per cent) and prove to them and others they can do it (26 per cent).

Looking ahead, 31 per cent who have travelled solo before have booked another trip alone for 2023.

It also emerged that on average, independent jet-setters have been on four trips alone, with popular destinations including France, (16 per cent), Spain (14 per cent), and Italy (13 per cent).

Outside of Europe they have visited North America (10 per cent), Australia (10 per cent) and Africa (nine per cent).

But many still enjoy being sociable with other holidaymakers, with 29 per cent claiming they’re still good friends with fellow travellers they met on vacation.

GettyThe top reason was being able to make your own decisions[/caption]

TOP 40 BENEFITS OF SOLO HOLIDAYS, ACCORDING TO TRAVELLERS

1.         Making your own decisions  

2.         Doing what you want to do, when you want to do it

3.         Eating where or what you want        

4.         Planning your day with no one else to consider       

5.         Feeling free    

6.         Having the whole day to do what you want with     

7.         Taking your time exploring   

8.         Doing everything you want to do      

9.         Spending as much or as little money on what you want      

10.       Not having to go somewhere just because someone else wants to

11.       You can be as sociable or as anti-social as you want to be   

12.       Going to bed when you want

13.       Not having to compromise   

14.       No waiting around for others to get ready / go out for the day       

15.       Not having to commit to social plans with others    

16.       No annoying habits to put up with e.g. snoring, moaning about walking far etc           

17.       Free time to reflect or think  

18.       Shopping without feeling like your dragging someone else around        

19.       Stepping outside of your comfort zone        

20.       Waking up when you want    

21.       Watching what you want e.g. if having a night in watching TV                

22.       No drama or fallings out       

23.       Not having to be somewhere at a certain time        

24.       Increasd self-confidence       

25.       Being adventurous    

26.       Meeting new people / fellow solo travellers

27.       Being your true self

28.       Feeling less stressed than travelling with others      

29.       Learning to navigate by yourself       

30.       More cost efficient    

31.       Not having to share a bathroom       

32.       Napping when you want       

33.       Reading without interruptions         

34.       Only carrying your own bags/belongings     

35.       Booking onto group tours and meeting others

36.       Silence

37.       Improving your language skills          

38.       Ticking things off your bucket list     

39.       Getting freebies

40.       Not having to be someone else’s photographer      

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