Indeed, the 2018 Virtuoso Luxe Report found that two-thirds of the network’s advisors foresee growth in solo travel this year with the top Australian solo adventure destinations including Italy, the UK, the USA, New Zealand and Japan/Australia (tie).
SYDNEY – Solo travellers need not shy away from trips because Valentine’s Day is looming. Leading global luxury travel network Virtuoso, taking a page from crooner Justin Bieber’s book, offers this advice for singles: Go and love yourself. To escape the incessant messages of romantic love that are everywhere in mid-February, Virtuoso “proposes” that singles give themselves the gift of a trip on their own.
Singles are no longer waiting for a partner before seeing the world. Indeed, the 2018 Virtuoso Luxe Report found that two-thirds of the network’s advisors foresee growth in solo travel this year with the top Australian solo adventure destinations including Italy, the UK, the USA, New Zealand and Japan/Australia (tie).
Some of Virtuoso’s top ideas for single travellers include:
- Italy – Enjoy a Valentine’s dinner at the world’s smallest restaurant, with only one table. The waiter appears when summoned with a silver bell, and serves Italian specialties crafted from seasonal ingredients.
- England – Visitors can join legends such as The Beatles and Pink Floyd and record a masterpiece at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios. Sound engineers, musical directors, musicians and vocal coaches provide support in recording a song, regardless of ability.
- United States – Skip the crowds, and roam through 5,000 years of art history at the Metropolitan Museum of Art before it opens for the day. An expert guide will provide commentary on everything from the breathtaking Egyptian Temple of Dendur to van Gogh’s self-portrait.
- New Zealand – Spend Valentine’s Day surrounded by movie magic at Wellington’s Weta Workshop. A private behind-the-scenes tour of the groundbreaking design studio will include famous props and models from Middle Earth and Avatar’s Pandora – and even its five Oscar statuettes.
- Japan – For an untraditional Valentine’s choice, solo travelers can immerse themselves in the clandestine world of the country’s famed ninjas, learning their traditional skills including stealth techniques and hand gestures that strengthen the mind.
- France – In Paris, arguably the world’s most romantic city, single travellers only need to awaken their inner fashionista to enjoy a visit. Heading to the finest boutiques with a fashion expert, reviewing trends, discovering designers, and building an enviable wardrobe, is a good way to show some love.
- Australia – Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to contemplate the theory of evolution, especially when guided by Charles Darwin’s great-great-grandson, Chris. In 1836 Darwin’s Australia visit helped shape his groundbreaking ideas. Today, visitors can walk in his legendary footsteps through the Blue Mountains, exploring the wildlife and landscapes that inspired him.
- Thailand – Travellers can create their own Valentine after learning the basics of traditional Thai drawing. A long-tail boat ride will carry them to an artist’s village, where a painter will explain the time-honoured local style and teach visitors the fundamentals of drawing.
Many companies are acknowledging the solo travel boom by waiving the single supplements that raise the cost of a journey for travelers on their own. Virtuoso partners that eliminate or lower the supplement for select trips include Abercrombie & Kent, Aqua Expeditions, Azamara Club Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Ponant, Royal Caribbean International, Tauck and Zegrahm Expeditions.
Taking a solo journey does not mean traveling alone. Not only do Virtuoso travel advisors create trips of a lifetime with these kinds of rare experiences, they also provide constant support to ensure clients travel with confidence.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
