Many people in Third Age find themselves going on holiday alone for the first time in many years and it can be a daunting prospect.
It may also be the first time after many years with a partner, but, if planned with care, it can be a new beginning.
For many years the single traveller was penalised particularly by hotel tariffs. Now, as so many Third Agers take the plunge alone, specialist agents and organisations are catering especially for the country’s fastest growing demographic.
No longer is the single traveller a rarity and you will find that a reputable company has thought of every question and situation which might be causing you some trepidation.
Many companies organise Discovery Weekends where you can sample a short period of what life is like among new company all of whom will be potential single travellers. These usually consist of an evening dinner and possibly a dance to ease you into the company and make socialising a pleasure.
A manager or organiser will usually be on hand to offer advice and his or her company to those who have worries or questions. Ratios of men to women are monitored carefully and no one will ever be left alone unless they choose to be.
This theme continues if you decide to go on a holiday. Commonly the ratio is three women to one man in a party of 20 to 30.
You will find everything on offer for single travellers now is just as wide ranging as for couples. Whether you plump for a UK or foreign holiday, a coach tour or cruise, or to fly out on a Kenyan safari, it’s there for you. Unless you are very confident about being on your own use a specialist singles agency. There are many on the Internet which you won’t find on the traditional High Street. So competitive is the market now that standards have to be high to attract you, so browse around and see what is available.
Do not go with the preconceived idea that everyone will be in Third Age. Many younger people opt for singles holidays now but experience has shown that the very reason they have chosen it is usually because they are of a quiet disposition. The same experience shows that it tends to be the sprightly 70-year-olds who are the life and soul of the party!
Hopefully the quality of holidays available and the experience required for companies to survive in this competitive market will allay your fears or worries. Seize the chance to enjoy yourself in Third Age. You won’t get a second chance.
Graham Smith for Third Age.
Written by Editor.
Nice piece but perhaps next time you could include some singles holidays recommendations. For people like myself nothing beats a personal recommendation. Thank you.
Fair comment Melanie. It’s rather difficult for me to give a personal recommendation though, my wife insists on coming with me!
I am a divorcee and have been on my own for five years. Having just sold my home and moved into a retirement flat I now find myself in urgent need of like minded, mainly female company but also male friendships. Whilst I may qualify as a young daddy to some of my new acquaintances. I regularly mix with, i.e. 20/30 year olds at the local gym who credit me for looking very much younger. Therefore I just want to meet and greet and travel again. I will be a lively 79 in August 2011. P.S. I do have two left feet (NOT LITERALLY OF COURSE).