Today we launch a new section in Prime Time aimed at singles, looking at every aspect of life. We start off with a look at holidays for the lone traveller. Nigel Jarrett reports

LET'S be clear on one thing - a single person going on holiday with friends is not what is now meant by a "lone traveller".

Today the description better fits someone who makes his or her own arrangements to travel unaccompanied and occupy a hotel room as a single guest.

But they in turn could just as easily intend being part of a group of people like themselves.

More of them are over 50 and retired, simply because people of that age cannot avoid the upsets and tragedies of life but do manage to retain good health and an independent outlook.

They may be going on holiday on their own but their aim could be anything from maintaining their solitary habit, because they are self-sufficient, to widening their circle of friends.

Single travellers were once routinely penalised by imposition of a single hotel supplement. You paid more for a room if you were on your own. Unfair or what?

Travel firms realised they were missing out on a growing market.

Solo's Holidays, for example, now offers a "one-stop shop" for singles, with holidays ranging from a £55 black-tie ball in the UK to a £399 seven-night winter holiday in Tunisia.

"Our customers come from all walks of life and from all over the UK," it said.

"All are single, divorced, widowed or separated, and the one thing they have in common is the desire to have fun on a relaxed holiday with other singles."

Isn't this a glorified dating agency?

"No," the company said. "We provide group holidays for unattached singles who want to holiday with other, like-minded, singles in a stress-free environment."

Solitai Exclusive Vacations has created holiday offers for busy professionals looking for fun and adventure who want to "go it alone" but who may hate the idea of being on their own.

"You can enjoy your own company, if you wish, in the knowledge that each night can be a dining experience of exploration, delight and fun," it said.

Most of the travel firms offer these options of either keeping one's own company or joining others.

Travelsphere said: "You and your holiday companions can eat together, and all excursions are organised as a group. But, of course, there will be plenty of time and space for just yourself."

Some singles might recognise a problem here, in that a lone traveller with others like them might worry about the degree of gregariousness required to prevent them from being ostracised as unsociable.

Travelsphere and others have tried to anticipate any reservations by offering weekend breaks on which to find out if problems exist.

But there's no guarantee that the mix of singles will ever be the same. Still, there's enough information around to suggest what singles may be letting themselves in for, and completely shrunken violets are unlikely to find the idea attractive anyway.

They won't find cruising amenable, though Tracey Hultberg, manager of the First Choice Travel Shop in Newport, said it was the most popular holiday for singles.

"They are a good way to meet people and there is a lot to do both on the ship and at all the places you visit," she said.

CONTACT DETAILS

Travelsphere - 0800 191418.

www.travelsphere.co.uk

Solitair Exclusive Vacations - 0845 1235515

www solitairhols.co.uk

Solo's Holidays 08700 720700

www.solosholidays.co.uk