I was hooked': the rise of the intrepid female solo traveller

"UK travel companies have reported an increase in bookings for solo travellers, primarily older women, often leaving partners behind to explore on their own terms. Last month, the tour operator Jules Verne said solo travellers accounted for 46% of bookings for its trips departing next year, up from 40% in 2023. Just under 70% of its current solo bookings are made by women."

"Although I knew no one on the tour, our shared passion for travel and photography sparked friendships that continue to this day, says Linda, 75, from Oxford. I was hooked and have been doing it ever since, joining tours to far-flung places: Bolivia, Ethiopia, Namibia, Brazil, India. I've travelled solo around Europe with an Interrail pass twice, staying in hotels and accommodation along the way."

Bookings for solo travellers in the UK have increased, with Jules Verne reporting solo travellers at 46% of bookings for trips departing next year, up from 40% in 2023. Just under 70% of current solo bookings are by women. Many older women are travelling alone, sometimes after life events such as widowhood. Linda, 75, used savings from probate after her husband’s 2016 death to join a photography tour and then took many more trips to Bolivia, Ethiopia, Namibia, Brazil, India, and around Europe by Interrail. She shares itineraries with family, checks in with accommodation photos, posts on social media, and encourages other women to try solo travel.

Read at www.theguardian.com