Singles holidays are becoming an increasingly popular way of taking some time to to reflect, relax and recharge those batteries, by getting away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life for a week or two.

While previously there may have been something of a stigma attached to travelling alone, in the modern climate of wellbeing and mindfulness, solo travel is something anyone can benefit from.

But there are still many misconceptions surrounding single person travel that could be putting people off taking the plunge. We explore some of the more common views.

Is it safe to travel on my own, as a female?

While travelling abroad as a lone female can be quite daunting, many more women than men choose to go away alone. In fact, according to numerous studies, more than 70% of solo travellers are female. Obviously the destination needs to be well researched as some places will be more female-friendly than others, while the usual, sensible precautions and safety measures would always be advised, but these statistics show there are safe holidays for single women and it certainly shouldn’t be a factor to put anyone off travelling alone.

Are solo travellers always young?

Many will associate solo travel with gap year students, but that is far from the reality of the demographics of those embarking on singles holidays. According to different research by a variety of travel companies, the average age of the solo traveller can range from 47-years-old to those in the 55+ age bracket. This could be due to a number of factors, from the amount of disposable income to life circumstances, confidence and available time. It just goes to show, it’s never too late to pack your bags and jet off.

Do single holiday-makers always travel long-haul?

When picturing solo travel many will think of far-flung destinations in Asia or South America and the back-packing lifestyle, but that’s not as commonplace as is perceived. In fact, according to travel surveys, many single holiday-makers from the UK will turn to Europe for their getaway. Locations such as the Greek Islands, Turkey and Italy are especially popular, but Spain, the Canary Islands and Cyprus feature prominently too. The cost will obviously contribute to the popularity of closer destinations, along with greater knowledge of protocols and safety in these areas.