The island of Zante (Zakynthos) in western Greece is among Telegraph’s 10 great holidays for singles.
The British newspaper notes that “it takes a lot of guts to go on holiday solo for the first time. Many singles worry about appearing a Sally-no-mates, the pitying looks of smug couples in French bistros, or experiencing an overwhelming loneliness. Recognising this, travel companies are working much harder to ensure solo travellers feel relaxed and happy, from hosted house-party style beach holidays to tours that include convivial dinners each night.
You don’t have to be outgoing or socially skilled to get on with new people. The travel experiences you share will automatically bring you closer to other members of the group. What’s important is to book the right holiday in the first place, one where you have the greatest chance of meeting people with shared interests and a similar outlook on life. To this end it can be helpful to book later rather than sooner, when the tour operator knows the age and sex of the other participants.
To keep costs down, it can be tempting to share a bedroom with a stranger and avoid the single supplement. Think very carefully before doing this, especially if you are a mature traveller or you live alone. At the end of a busy day, it is far more relaxing to have your own space. Not to mention the tensions regularly caused by snoring, bathroom-hogging and inconsiderate early morning and late night fussing.
The article offers “ten suggestions for ways to meet other solo travellers, either on dedicated singles holidays or by joining a trip where care is taken to bring people travelling on their own together. All prices quoted below include the single supplement for sole use of a double room where applicable” and adds:
“To avoid that Shirley Valentine feeling, Friendship Travel (0871 200 2035; friendshiptravel.com) offers sociable weeks for singles – most aged 40-60 – at a selection of small, friendly, family-owned beach hotels in Greece and Turkey. New this summer is the island of Zante (Zakynthos) in western Greece. The 28-room, four-star Ionian Hill Hotel in Porto Davia has elegant rooms, a pool overlooking the sea, restaurant and bar and Friendship’s experienced hosts organise welcome cocktails, a boat trip and sightseeing excursions. A half-board week costs from £845 per person including flights, transfers and wine at dinner.”
Read more here.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
