Why Post-Separation Parents Are Embracing the Solo Travel Trend
For many divorced or separated parents, Christmas can feel like one of the most emotionally charged times of year. If it’s not ‘your turn’ with the children, the festive period can sometimes feel lonely and unappealing. A growing number of parents whose children are spending Christmas elsewhere are now opting to embrace the time to themselves as an opportunity for adventure, making new friends or enjoying valuable time for self-care.
It's estimated that 11 % of UK adults say they will be alone on Christmas Day this year ( source: The Policy Institute at King’s College London).
But instead of staying at home – increasingly, they’re going solo, but not alone. Thanks to travel companies like WeRoad, which specialise in small-group trips for solo travellers aged in their 20s, 30s and 40s, a new Christmas-get-away pattern is emerging.
Solo travel is no longer simply the domain of gap-year backpackers. In fact Skyscanner’s recent survey reveals hotel bookings using their “solo” filter jumped 83% globally YoY, and Reddit's solo travel-related threads are up 90%.
Suddenly finding themselves with no pressure to host Christmas festivities, solo parents are embracing the freedom to choose how radically different their Christmas can look.
For those considering a Christmas break, Justyna Chlopecka, Regional Marketing Manager at WeRoad, shares her recommendations: “If you want to enjoy some warmer temperatures without travelling too far or blowing the budget, I suggest the Algarve or Madeira, where the temperatures will be a pleasant average of 15°C & 18 °C respectively”.
“If you don’t have much time, our Express Trips are a great way to explore a new destination in just 5 days, with Iceland Express: Reykjavik and the Golden Circle being a great option, with movie-like waterfalls, and lunar landscapes, or explore the stunning Naples & Amalfi Coast”.
For those with adventurous spirits, and keen to travel further afield, Clarissa suggests heading to the Andes and Amazon jungle for 11 days, with WeRoad’s Ecuador Expedition – taking in both the nature and landscapes, and also delving deeper into culture & traditions.
For beach life lovers, visit 5 paradise islands in the Maldives in just 8 nights, and swim in the dreamy turquoise waters with sharks, rays and dolphins.
WeRoad’s model of small-group travel means travellers are surrounded by like-minded people, with all activities planned by the group’s own Travel Co-ordinator, managing the whole experience, and overseeing the trip.
A recent survey conducted by WeRoad shares that 44% of respondents found it hard to meet new people, with 35% struggling to plan activities with friends – as they are at different stages of life.
Clarissa said: “We’re offering an alternative: you don’t have to stay home, you can travel solo— but in great company, it’s a chance to explore and also to make new friends.”
For separated or divorced parents, solo travel at Christmas isn’t about being alone — it’s about being free. Free of routine, free of expectation, free to spend the time they want looking inwards rather than outwards. Small-group travel providers such as WeRoad are making the solo journey sociable, accessible and stress-free.
