TORONTO — Small group adventure travel specialist Intrepid Travel has introduced a new range of ‘For Solo Travellers’ tours for 2018. Intrepid saw a 24% increase in solo trip bookings in 2017, with 40% growth in solo travel over the past five years.

“Intrepid Travel’s new tour range takes out the confusion and intimidation of planning a trip alone, so solo travellers can easily go and explore the world,” said Leigh Barnes, regional director – North America, Intrepid Travel. “As one of the fastest-growing markets in the travel industry, we want to continue celebrating solo travellers and inclusivity on all of our tours.”

Intrepid Travel now takes over 150,000 travellers each year, 50% of whom travel solo. While its 1,000+ tour itineraries remain single supplement free, the dedicated tour range was specifically designed to cater to this emerging market, says Barnes.

Results of a recent survey commissioned by Intrepid Travel confirmed the increasing popularity of solo travel. The survey of 1,000 Canadian travellers, conducted by OnePoll, showed that 4 in 10 Canadians have travelled solo and 71% feel it is more acceptable than over to do so. Other significant findings from the research include:

The benefits of solo travel
The top-three benefits of solo travel:

1. Challenge yourself to try new things (55%)
2. Visit a bucket list destination (51%)
3. Meeting new friends around the world (47%)

Why people like travelling alone
The top-three reasons:

1. No pressure to do certain activities (45%)
2. It is more relaxing (38%)
3. It is an easier learning experience (29%)

Solo travellers are yearning for a safety net

• Only 44% said they would feel more comfortable travelling abroad completely alone
• However, 75% said they would feel comfortable travelling abroad alone with a tour group
• The same percentage said they would feel comfortable travelling abroad alone if they were with a local tour guide

More travellers are willing to take the leap towards travel without friends or family, but not without some reservations. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents worry about safety and getting lost (48%) while travelling completely alone.

Intrepid Travel says its solo-only trips give travellers independence while having access to expert local leaders and a ready-made group of friends who are also itching to explore. While solo travellers are not charged a single supplement on any Intrepid Travel trip, the six new tours are exclusively for solo travellers.

The new range includes:

• Beautiful Bali – For Solo Travellers (9 days) – On this beautiful island escape, conquer the slopes of Mount Batur, explore Bali Barat National Park’s underwater world, feast on local cuisine and enjoy peaceful moments in Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a Hindu-Buddhist lake temple dedicated to the goddess of the waters. From $1,240.
• Best of Morocco – For Solo Travellers (15 days) – Journey from the snow-capped Atlas Mountains to the endless sands of the Sahara, and from the medieval old town of Fes to the spice markets of Marrakech. From $1,450.
• Golden Triangle – For Solo Travellers (8 days) – While venturing through Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, explore the massive forts, the opulence of Rajasthan’s palaces, the bustle of bazaars and the traditions of a heritage homestay. From $1,205.
• Vietnam Express Southbound – For Solo Travellers (10 days) – Travel from historical Hanoi to modern Ho Chi Minh City, sailing among the floating villages of Halong Bay and zipping through the imperial capital of Hue on the back of a motorbike. From $1,495.
• Mexico Real Food Adventure – For Solo Travellers (9 days) – Experience Mexico’s distinctive cuisine while travelling through Oaxaca, Puebla, Mazunte and Mexico. From $2,310.
• Classic Peru – For Solo Travellers (9 days) – Retrace the steps of the Incas to Machu Picchu, admire colonial cities, explore vibrant markets and meet the locals in this South American country with a difference. From $2,710.

Visit intrepidtravel.com/ca/about/solo-travel for more information.