The company is convinced that solo travel represented nearly one third of all travel in 2015. Research from TripAdvisor also showed that 62 per cent of travellers feel solo travel helped them become more independent and self-reliant. This trend is on the rise with those that travel solo having taken an average of 10.9 trips alone, and 58 per cent of the women in that group planning more than one solo trip in the same year.

“I’ve been traveling with family, friends and solo for more than 40 years both domestically and abroad,” said Astrid R. Clements, chief executive officer and founder of Astrid Solo Travel Advisor. “Traveling solo is truly a transformative experience, and I want to bring that understanding to my readers. Being a senior hasn’t slowed down my thirst for new experiences. My unique approach to travel, with a tech-savvy edge, will show solo travellers new ways to explore other cultures with character and class, or how to just get away for a memorable weekend trip.”

Clements will embark on a trip to seven countries – Portugal, Morocco, Egypt, UAE, India, Thailand and Vietnam – to kick off this venture. She will travel 22,000 miles and operate on an affordable luxury budget. The base cost of the trip is US$25,000, with another $3,000 for shopping and general miscellaneous expenses. She will be flying business class internationally and staying in five star rated luxury hotels with this $560 per day budget. Also included is a luxury cruise down the Nile River with Uniworld.

The new site features tales from past and current trips, videos tips and planning resources, to help solo travellers feel confident, safe, inspired, and engaged.

The site follows the travels of its writers who visit solo-friendly hotels with top notch concierges, shop at one-of-a-kind boutiques or flea markets, eat at hot new restaurants or take specialty tours of landmarks and gorgeous local gardens. Astrid Solo Travel Advisor also leverages technology to get around efficiently and recommends the best in location, menu, and safety apps along with gadgets that take the worry out of traveling solo