Solo travel is the latest trend for British holidaymakers

'The use of smartphones and travel apps makes navigating the world alone less daunting,’ says Abta

Solo travel is on the up (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Hell is other people: Jean-Paul Sartre’s view is being adopted by increasing numbers of holidaymakers, according to the travel association, Abta.

A survey conducted in August 2018 indicates that in the past seven years, there has been a 150 per cent rise in solo travel by British holidaymakers.

For travellers aged 35 to 44 year olds, the number has trebled in a year – rising from 5 per cent to 16 per cent.

For all ages from 25 to 75, around one-sixth of people now choose to travel alone. For older travellers, the proportion increases to one in four, because in this age group a lot of people have lost partners.

Abta believes that enhanced communications technology has encouraged solo travel. “The use of smartphones and travel apps makes navigating the world alone less daunting,” says the organisation.

“As well as making the logistics of travelling easier, people are now able to keep in touch with friends and family back home, sharing holiday experiences via social media.”

Compared with couples and larger groups, single travellers make 50 per cent more trips to Asia and more than twice as many to Antarctica.

Mark Tanzer, the chief executive of Abta, said: “Going on holiday by yourself means you don’t have to compromise on your choice of destination, your itinerary or the activities you take part in.

“Whether they’re single or just want some ‘me time’, people now have an incredible choice of holidays and destinations to choose from.”

But many solo travellers contact The Independent to complain about single supplements levied by the mainstream travel industry.

Mary Anness said: “Single supplements are so high and the companies that purport to include no single supplements usually only have dates out of season for the destination.”

And Pamela Ashby found a holiday in Madeira which cost £1,100 for one person, but only £96 more for two.