Going solo is the way forward - I'm convinced of it! You can do exactly what you want, when you want - without worrying about what anybody else thinks. So no wonder then that activity holidays for singles are all the rage.
Take a good stroll in the wilderness of the Himalayas. Image: Flickr/ jamarmstrong
Perhaps the best thing about travelling solo is the freedom to choose your company. You'll always be able to meet others in the same boat. And in such cases there's no obligation; i.e you don't HAVE to continue spending time with them if you don't want to. It means you can decide when you want to be alone and when you don't.
And there's so many places to go, here's just a few:
Possibly the trickiest part to single travel is deciding on where to go and what to do in the first place. There's only one mind to contribute ideas, and only one to do the research. So, to make things a little easier, here's an idea of some of the most popular activity holidays for singles, where you can go it alone or meet others as you please...
Hiking & Trekking - Anywhere
Whether it's the Scottish Highlands or the Himalayas, there's nothing like taking a good stroll in the wilderness. And some would argue that a hike really ought to be undertaken alone, since the act of walking in itself allows hidden thoughts to surface and ideas to formulate - a process that shouldn't be interrupted by others.
Ok, I'm not about to advise that you go climbing K2 unaccompanied and unassisted, but there's definitely something spiritual about striding with the sun on your back, and something almost stoic about trudging uphill with the rain in your eyes and the wind in your ears!
If you'd rather traverse the world with like-minded trekkers, you'll be pleased to know there are dozens of operators out there offering fun and friendly walking holidays for singles, where you can meet others who share your passion for the great outdoors.
Great breakers in Essaouira. Image: Flickr/ eelke dekker
Surfing - Morocco
Always fancied having a go but can't find a buddy to join you? No problem. You might be surprised to learn that surfing is one of the most popular sports breaks for singles. That's because there are so many people like you, who simply can't get anyone to try it with them.
For that reason, surf camps all over the world are full of novices riding the waves for the very first time (as well as seasoned pros strutting their stuff, of course). But as long as there's someone else who just cannot stay on the board, you'll always feel at home.
A great place to start for a solo surfing holiday would be the boarding capital of Morocco, Essaouira. Not only are the breakers superb, but the city itself is a cultural melting pot where you're guaranteed to meet sociable travellers and cheery locals.
Cycling & Mountain Biking - Argentina
Cycling, like walking, is often best when it's just you and the open road. That's because, just like walking, solo cycling tends to clear the mind, making it function as you never thought it could. And the best thing? YOU control the pace, YOU choose the route, and YOU decide when and where to have a breather - it's certainly easy to see why thousands of people every year hit the tarmac alone in the pursuit of freedom and happiness.
Biking wineries in Mendoza. Image: Flickr/ TheFutureIsUnwritten
If you're a sucker for the saddle but would prefer company, why not get yourself on a guided mountain biking tour instead?
How does a combination of bikes and wine sound? Dangerous? Not so. Head to Mendoza, in Argentina, where you can bike your way from vineyard to vineyard in the company of like-minded grape-guzzlers, sampling the region's famous Malbec as you go.
White Water Rafting - USA
Of all outdoor holidays best suited to single travel, white-water rafting has to be best. Needless to say, you can't do it alone (and I wouldn't advise you to try), which means you're gonna' meet plenty of adrenaline-junkies just like yourself. Rafting forces you interact with your fellow paddlers, so you'll get to know people super-quick.
There are hundreds of great places around the world for rafting, but some of very best are in the States, where people are generally very friendly and welcoming - always a good start if you're on your own.
Horse-Riding - France
You can never truly go horse-riding alone, because you'll always have a four legged friend between your legs. And although it can't talk, I can almost guarantee that you WILL talk to it. Think of them as agony aunts (but don't push 'em - those horses can only take so much, you know).
Breathtaking scenery in Southern France. Image: Flickr/ s.schmitz
In seriousness, horse-riding alone is only advisable if you're experienced. And if you are, you'll probably already be aware of the pleasures of riding solo. If you're not, you'll be pleased to know there plenty of opportunities for getting in saddle alongside others.
Head to southern France, where there are scores of riding schools and guides who'll lead you through some of the most beautiful countryside in Europe.
Sledging - Finland
Didn't think of Finland did you? In truth, it's remarkable how often this Scandinavian gem gets overlooked, despite its unworldly beauty and its unequalled snowsports opportunities. Forget Switzerland, forget Austria, forget Andorra - if you can't enough of the white stuff, Finland is where it's at. Because not only can you ski and snowboard to your heart's content, you can also sleigh, skate and sledge like nowhere else.
And why is Finland ideal for singles? Because within its empty landscapes and sparse, snow-sculpted wildernesses you'll find peace, joy and freedom - and occasionally, a few like-minded ice enthusiasts to share it all with over a reindeer supper!
