A report by Accord Marketing reveals that older travellers are more likely than their younger counterparts to travel solo.
According to a survey, almost a third (31%) of those aged 65 or more said ‘yes’ when asked if they would travel alone – compared to 21% of those aged 25 to 34.
The survey was conducted among 2,267 listeners by commercial radio company Global, which has stations such as Capital, Heart, Smooth, Radio X, Classic FM and Gold.
Based on the survey findings, the report said: “It’s clear that an increasing number of travellers are opting to go it alone and this desire for independent travelling is not confined to the 20-something backpacker as pre-conceived stereotypes may suggest.
“In fact, it is the older generations that appear most open to the idea.”
However, the survey found that younger generations are “stronger advocates of solo travel”, with 71% of those aged 25 to 34 rating the solo experience as six or higher out of 10, compared to 40% of those aged 65+.
The report added: “With a Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) mantra, millennials are looking for experiences, not souvenirs. They want to feel an adrenaline rush and upload their amazing photographs to prove it.”
When it comes to booking, it seems that those aged 35 to 44 place more importance on price than other age groups.
“Presuming they have recently reached a point of starting a family and/or juggling a blossoming career, factors regarding time and money matter the most,” said the report.
The most popular type of holiday was a city break, followed by a beach holiday.
The 65+ group also cited walking holidays among their most favoured choices.
Sally Winfield, Accord chief executive, said: “We were intrigued to uncover the diverse attitudes of (Global’s) respondents and provide succinct proof that the lone traveller has finally shaken the 20-something backpacker stereotype.
“The inclination to go away alone is very much a personal one and we are excited to see travel brands now recognising this demand for personalisation, proving that a one-size-fits-all traveller simply cannot apply to this market.”
Kate Rutter, head of commercial insight at Global, said: “Listeners across Global’s radio stations are at many different stages in their lives. With such an array of attitudes and interests, we were excited to work with Accord to learn about our listeners’ perceptions and experiences of solo travel.”