For many different reasons the number of single travellers is increasing every year. There are numerous holiday companies that cater specifically for the single traveller. Companies such as Solos Holidays, which is probably the largest UK operator specialising in singles travel, offer packages in the UK and overseas to suit any age group and cater for any interests.

One of the major complaints of the single traveller is the 'single supplement', having to pay extra for a room because you are travelling alone can increase the cost of your holiday by 100% (in some cases even 200%). Independent travel companies attempt to rectify this by arranging with hotels that at certain times of year there is no extra cost for the single traveller, or in some cases by 'pairing up' same sex travellers to share a room and therefore reduce the cost. This not only makes the holiday more reasonably priced, but is also a great way to meet likeminded new people and make new friends (with similar interests) whilst travelling alone.

Below are some suggestions for those wanting to either arrange their own single travel arrangements or book with a specialised holiday company.

Is an ideal way to holiday for the single traveller. It offers a great opportunity to meet new people and make friends as well as offering plenty of entertainment each night. Dining alone is never an issue as most cruises make an effort to seat single travellers together. During the day there are plenty of activities to choose from, whether you want to laze on deck sunbathing or take part in the sports on offer.

Cruises also offer a range of on-shore excursions seeing the sights of the various ports of call. Usually by the time you have reached the first port, there has been plenty of time to make friends with whom to go exploring with.

City breaks are a great way to take things at your own pace whilst on holiday. Group guided tours are usually on offer for those wanting to have company whilst exploring cities and seeing the sights. Accommodation will be in local hotels, this can sometimes result in having to pay single supplements, depending which travel company you choose.

For single travellers who are fit and want to be able to enjoy great scenery, walking holidays are a great option. Many UK companies offer walking trips whether guided or unguided. It is a great way to travel alone, as the option is always there of whether to spend a day walking on your own or with a group of people. Walking holidays can be either in Europe and the UK, or as far a field as Asia and Africa.

Again the accommodation can sometimes involve paying a single supplement, but if you choose a company such as Solos holidays, the price usually includes flights, transfers and single room accommodation.

These breaks are a great way to relax and unwind in a friendly environment, with the added extra of being able to pamper yourself daily! Available in the UK and Europe, there are usually classes such as yoga and Pilates, along with access to the spa's and other facilities. The accommodation will often involve paying for a single supplement however, as with many singles breaks the opportunity to share a room and reduce the cost is often available, and again a good way to make new friends.

Being one of the UK's favourite past times, golfing holidays are a popular option for single travellers who enjoy the game. Regardless of your capability, whether you are a beginner or have played for years, there is plenty of opportunity to either play alone or with some 'friendly' competition!

Spain and Portugal are popular destinations for golfing holidays, where the weather can practically be guaranteed; there is no better place to perfect your golf swing!

Whether it's a safari in Kenya or a beach holiday in the Maldives, long haul holidays are often that bit more expensive for the single traveller, but can also be that bit more special. Single supplements can be avoided if travelling at certain times of year, or if you don't mind sharing, many of the expeditions can be in small groups and the option of sharing will reduce the cost, as well as giving the single traveller someone to discuss the day's activities with.

People may be travelling alone for any number of reasons, whether it is simply that friends and family cannot get the same time off work, or the traveller is divorced, widowed or separated, there are numerous companies who cater for the single traveller. People who choose to go on a singles holiday for whatever reason, always have one thing in common; the desire to get away and spend time with like-minded people and enjoy themselves.

The preconception that singles holidays are an attempt to match make is somewhat outdated. Holiday companies such as Solo's main aim is to ensure an enjoyable holiday for all, where no one feels left out. The option of sharing is simply to try and reduce the cost of the traveller who would otherwise have to pay a supplement, and encourage a sense of community amongst those who travel with them. Wherever possible holiday companies try to match holidaymakers of the same sex and similar age, and smokers with smokers etc…

The best piece of advice to offer when booking a single holiday is to book early, thus ensuring a better chance of having the choice of either a single room (without supplement), or sharing. Those people who have been on this type of holiday have nothing but praise for them, and the consensus of opinion is that it is a great way of going on holiday by yourself, where you feel safe and always have the option of company should you want it.