Go it alone - gladly

For many so-called singletons the idea of packing a little suitcase and going off on holiday alone is daunting to say the least. But with the right attitude and a huge choice of breaks to keep even the shyest of holidaymakers happy, doing a spot of solo sun-seeking this summer has never been easier.

Indeed, from sailing in Croatia and scuba diving in Egypt, to cycling in Catalonia and wine tasting in Burgundy, rather than feeling left out of the summer fun this year, just remember that being single and independent means that you're as free as bird to enjoy exactly the kind of holiday you've always wanted.

Sometimes, although they start out single, holidaymakers can find themselves coupled-up by the time they go home.

While, singles' holidays might result in hearts and flowers for some, the majority of those who jet off on solo breaks simply go to spend time with like-minded people in a relaxed environment and rarely with any fixed plan to meet their life-long soul mate.

Some people do meet a romantic partner on holiday but it's just as common for people to make great new friends who they often stay in touch with when they get back home.

Indeed, people shouldn't book to go on a singles' holiday if, their one and only reason for attending, is to find a new partner. The best advice is just to be yourself and be happy to chat with everyone on the trip, and you'll be surprised how quickly you get to know people and make new friends.

Mentally preparing to fly solo

The first thing to do is, while you're packing your suitcase, make sure you've left behind your emotional baggage. Don't think of this holiday as a way of getting over a specific ex, or you'll spend the fortnight mentally comparing everyone there to your partner.

Instead, just think of it as a holiday - nothing more, nothing less. Remember that it's not a guaranteed 'bonk-fest' and it's not a marriage partner line-up - it's just a chance to relax.

However, although there's no guarantee that you'll meet 'the one', going on a singles' holiday does increase your chances because you'll be mixing with people who are open to being in a relationship.

Commitmentphobes don't tend to sign up to singles' holidays, so if you meet someone you fancy, it's likely that they will be single. On top of that, lots of singles' breaks are activity-based, and so you stand a good chance of meeting a good mate with similar interests at the very least.

Just go on this kind of holiday with an open mind and think of it as a chance to have lots of fun in the company of other singletons and that way you'll only be pleasantly surprised if you come home with a relationship that lasts longer than your suntan.