Choosing the right holiday can be a difficult process at the best of times; for people on their own it is even more of a problem.

Though specialist operators in solo travel do exist, many lone travellers would prefer not to be 'ghetto-ised' with other singles.

Yet it can be difficult, in a holiday resort dominated by couples and families, to meet like-minded people interested in making friends. Anyone who has travelled alone knows how difficult it can be to get a good table in a restaurant or have a relaxed drink at the bar without feeling self conscious.

And with nobody to share taxi fares - or to keep them company as they search for a late night cab - many lone travellers feel constrained to stay fairly close to base on holiday, missing out on the fun of discovering off-the-beaten-track restaurants and lively night-spots.

For women, the prospect of solo travel can be daunting; worries over personal security in the anonymous surroundings of a large holiday resort can make it hard for them to relax and strike up new friendships.

Conversely, men travelling alone can also feel constrained to keep to themselves, for fear that friendly overtures may be misinterpreted.

Yet there is a way in which single travellers of both sexes can travel widely while relaxing in a secure environment and enjoying as much or as little social activity as they want.

Just try a cruising holiday.