Singles / Solo travel for over 55's?

[soulstar11]

My Dad is 66, widowed and in good physical health.
He's interested in a holiday - probably Italy in October - but understandably doesn't fancy knocking around on his own for a couple of weeks.
I've looked for "singles" type holidays on the net (SAGA etc), but there are literally thousands, and many of them are had to distinguish from a club 18-30 or dating agency type affair
. Does anyone have any experience / recommendations of this type of holiday i.e. where single people travel as part of a group where socialising is encouraged?
Any help, much appreciated.

[Ethel]

SAGA is excellent, though pricey.

Shearings do coach tours - not necessarily just for singles, although it is mainly his age group and many singles do go on these holidays. They do a luxury range:

http://www.grandtourer.com/index.html

And a cheaper alternative - although still good:

http://www.washearings.com/world/default.aspx

Also look at specific type of holidays - walking, photography, birdwatching as examples, where he would be socialising with like minded people, if he has a particular hobby.

Don't forget cruises. Lots of activities, guided tours and company.

And your local travel agent should have brochures for singles in his age group, so it may be a good starting point.

[BBWCHATT]

http://www.age-net.co.uk/entertainment/travel/ travel2.htm


http://www.horizon-co.com/TravelStyle/id_1.ash x


http://www.justyou.co.uk/Classic_Cities_of_Ita ly.aspx?ShowTour


http://www.senior-railcard.co.uk/


http://www.caade.net/html/links_with_other_gro ups.html

[Dee Sa]

the holidays with the most single people has to be Saga, my widowed neighbour went on one and liked it and booked for another where he met a single Welsh widow, three holidays later they were wed and now live in Fraqnce are very happy. Neither went to look for a partner, but most people on the trip were alone and Saga are used to that and offer trips, hobbies etc to suit all.

[soulstar11]

Thank you all very much for all that information - plenty to trawl through.
Most appreciated

[comp.addict]

Get a SAGA brochure. On a lot of holidays there is no Single Supplement. I went to China on my own with then and made lots of friends and we were very well looked after by their reps, both on holiday and at the airports. They also do singles only holidays. If you phone them up and explain what you are looking for the staff are really helpful.