Trend for Solo holidays doubles

Over the last two years, more than double the number of Brits have decided to "go it alone" on their holidays - a trend reflected in Solo’s Holidays own figures, which have shown a growth well ahead of the market overall.

This rising trend for Solo travel is down to many wanting to pursue a personal interest, get away from the stresses of everyday life, or even being forced to leave recession-hit friends behind, as reported in the ABTA 2010 Travel Report.

Andrew Williams, Managing Director of Solo’s Holidays, the UK’s leading specialist for Solo travellers, comments: ‘The recession has had a real impact on the way in which people book holidays.  We have seen a noticeable increase in travellers choosing to book with Solo’s Holidays who want to get more out of their holiday – whether that’s learning a new skill, playing a new sport or having a once in a lifetime experience.’

Solo’s Holidays is experiencing a particular rise in cultural Turkish and Greek based bookings ahead of Easter, as travellers opt to make the most of the Easter sun without the stress and price-tag of a long haul journey; Solo’s three-night ‘Istanbul City Break’ offers the ultimate holiday experience, introducing travellers to the colour and culture of Istanbul, from its architectural masterpieces to Turkey's Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world.

Solo’s Holidays ‘Food and Wine Italian Style’ culinary break is another of Solo’s extensive activity holiday offering which is expected to see growing popularity. Created specifically for individuals travelling alone, this trip provides the opportunity to share a passion for Italian food and wine, with an introduction to wine-tasting and Italian food preparation in the beautiful town of Trento.

Bookings available on 0844 371 8860 or through www.solosholidays.co.uk

For further information or comment on Solo travel from Solo’s Holidays, please contact Olivia Gregory: ogregory@thecommunicationgroup.co.uk

Notes to editors

* All additional options and extras are subject to availability and/or change. Book and pay in resort.

Istanbul City Break includes

• Various dates: 23 April/14 October
• 3 nights at The Carlton Hotel
• Scheduled return flights London Heathrow/Istanbul with British Airways & transfers
• Airport taxes & charges
• Single room with private facilities
• Welcome drink & information meeting
• Breakfast daily, 1 lunch & 1 dinner
• New Year's Eve Dinner (Dec), or Easter Day Lunch (Apr)
• Full day city tour of Istanbul, visiting the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum
• Roman Hipodrome, Grand Bazaar & Topkapi Palace visits
• Visit to the Spice Market
• Bosphorus River boat cruise
• Accompanying Solo's Tour Leader
• £629*

Food and Wine Italian Style includes

• Various dates: 25 June/ 9^th July/ 6^th Aug/ 27^th Aug
•  4 nights at the Albergo Monte Bondone Hotel
• Scheduled return flights London Gatwick/Verona with British Airways & transfers
• Single room with private facilities
• Welcome drink and information meeting
• Breakfast daily, 2 lunches & 4 dinners including pizza in Trento
• Introduction to wine-tasting
• Introduction to food preparation
• Visit to Trento with wine-tasting
• Visit to Lake Garda
• Visit to Botanical Gardens
• Tasting of cheese, speck, salami, grappa, sparkling wine, honey & olive oil
• Visit to Verona
• Accompanying Solo's Tour Leader
• £615*

About Solo’s Holidays

Solo’s Holidays are the UK’s leading specialist for solo travellers who share a passion for discovering exciting destinations, new experiences and sporting adventures in the UK, Europe and around the world.

Solo’s have created holidays for the single traveller for almost 30 years and have a range of tailored experiences from Tennis, Golf and Skiing to ‘Discovery’, Sun and Cruising.

Bookings available on 0844 371 8860 or through www.solosholidays.co.uk

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Olivia Gregory or Alice Hart at The Communication Group plc

ogregory@thecommunicationgroup.co.uk

ahart@thecommunicataiongroup.co.uk

Tel: 020 7630 1411