They travel alone.
Small group experts say most of G Adventure's customers are solo travelers. The travel department said some of its private tours sold out nine months in advance. Individual bookings at Sunway are up 40% from last year.
"Now it's easier for people," says Mary Denton of Sunway. "A few years ago, if people said they were going on vacation alone, you'd say, 'Really?' But now that thing... there's no stigma attached to it."
We all know the stereotypes about how tourists or singles love. It still is, of course, but growth seems to be on its way. Solo travelers can be of any age, single or in a relationship, and travel for a variety of reasons. They may have different hobbies or, for example, holidays for colleagues.
Growth is also largely driven by women. They account for 57 percent of Sunway's personal holiday bookings. Tropical skies have boosted private bookings to exotic destinations like the Maldives.
"We have regular customers who visit friends every year," a spokeswoman said. "And they are mostly female passengers."
Social media influencers have played a big role here, but the travel industry is also changing.
Traditionally, trips are aimed at couples and families (solo travelers are called "spoilers" by tour companies because they think they'll miss half the cabins). Sharing is still the norm today, but restaurants have more rooms, booths and seats (like bar stools).
Some accommodations are geared toward singles only; The Mistral Hotel in Crete offers "a social haven for solo travellers", while Belfast-based travel specialist Friendship Travel has a 10-bedroom villa called Casa Rosa in Portugal's Algarve.
Then came the explosion of group travel.
This allows solo artists to do their work in the comfort of a group. They can be adventurous, sailing to places like the Galapagos; based on hobbies such as swimming, cooking or photography; or holidays closer to home.
Uwalk.ie , Navan Travel's new brand, has a 'Travel Alone, But Not Alone' scheme for walking holidays.
"It's perfect for solo travelers who want to feel more secure on the move," says owner Martin Skelly.
Travelers can book dates for group outings, attend meetings, and travel alone or with others. A recent Camino group trip led by Rose Purcell "sold out in 11 minutes," she said, especially for solo travelers.
Meanwhile, Friendship Travel says it has seen a 9% increase in bookings from pre-pandemic numbers and describes its group travel as "a great way to build trust, get comfortable with your company and learn to improve". more entrepreneurial."
Her solo vacations are also supported by dedicated hosts.
One thing to think about before booking a group trip is how comfortable you are sharing the room. On most guided tours, single room occupancy may cost more.
"Many of our travelers love [sharing] because it means they have an instant travel companion," says G Adventures' Leah Whitfield. Others prefer [to share] with people they know or pay for their space.
Extras vary widely, but can range from €80 for a seven-night guided tour of Austria, €1,399 with Sunway, €389 for seven days, €1,189 (excluding flights). Hiking in Greece with G Adventures.
On seven-night tours in Europe, the company says its MOR (My Room) options "average 35 percent of the original cost per person, but range from $20 to $50."
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