Elite Traveler Summer 2023

LEADERS IN LUXURY TRAVEL

Travel for one

Solo travel is not a new concept — gap-year students and sabbatical-taking professionals spring to mind — but recent events have catapulted the individual journey to new heights. Following the onset of Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdowns, it made sense that an emerging trend of group travel came about once travel restrictions were lifted; multigenerational families and friend groups making up for lost time with a vacation together. But, in the last 12 months, luxury solo travel has boomed — in 2022, Google Trends data indicated that solo travel searches had risen by an astronomical 761%. The luxury travel industry is paying attention, with a whole host of exciting itineraries that are tailored speci fi cally to the lone ranger. A number of cruise companies have also ditched the solo traveler fee, and even some yacht charters are available by-the cabin with no additional fee if you travel alone.

Perhaps this trend was spurred by the realization that life really is too short to wait for the perfect time to go on that trip you’ve dreamt about. Or, maybe your travel companion is not keen on the location of your heart’s desire, and so you decide to go it alone instead. Whether you’re seeking personal growth or simply enjoying the freedom and fl exibility that comes with solo travel, it’s an enriching and unique experience — I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of places (all in the name of research for Elite Traveler ), and I’ve gone alone — a weeklong detox in Switzerland, a getaway in Santorini, and a long weekend in Morocco. While it felt daunting, especially as a woman traveling stag, I absolutely relished my time alone in a new place; it is liberating to explore, dine and experience exactly what you want, exactly when you want. The companies you’ll fi nd on these pages absolutely excel in this area, and many have been doing so for decades.

by Samantha Coles

SEVENTRAVEL A fairly fresh face in the world of luxury travel, SevenTravel was born out of the pandemic — which, all things considered, might seem like a strange time to launch. But this global pause in travel led to a re-think of just how we see travel — especially luxury travel. SevenTravel aims to “rede fi ne travel as we know it,” namely by traveling less often but better; reducing the environmental impact yet still acknowledging travel’s positive impacts (each trip has a built-in charity donation and the company has set itself a target to become carbon neutral by 2035); and by fostering a deeper connection with the destination through cultural experiences. As of spring this year, SevenTravel has launched a series of trips called ‘Singlemoon’ in direct response to the notable

THE ONE TO BOOK The Me, Myself and Iceland itinerary dives into this mystical land, visiting all the well-known haunts and more. Highlights include a guided tour of Reykjavik, a visit to the Kolaportid fl ea market and experiencing the city’s cafe culture; visiting the famed Golden Circle to see the Thingvellir National Park and the steaming Geysir, spluttering Strokkur and gushing Gulfoss; exploring the Hvalfjörður fjord and wine tasting under the Northern Lights; glacier hiking on Sólheimajökull and its ice caves; and a day of relaxation at the Blue Lagoon. From $13,650. Contact Contact Clare Holloway, senior luxury travel designer, enquiries@seventravel.co.uk, +44 207 659 4433, seventravel.co.uk

leap in requests for solo itineraries from clients. SevenTravel’s founder, Angelee Rathor, explains: “In 2023, SevenTravel noticed a marked increase in solo travel requests, speci fi cally and, perhaps most interestingly, from predominantly female clients in the over-45 age brackets. Solo travelers are seeking the chance to reconnect with themselves and aren’t held back by not having a travel partner. Whether this is through our holistic health trip in Thailand, our Moroccan yoga retreat or our cleansing spa break in Indonesia, SevenTravel’s host of wellness experiences promise realignment of body, mind and soul, and opportunity to disconnect from the business of everyday life back home.”