GEORGINA FULLER explains why the number of women booking solo breaks has doubled

As I looked out at the clear blue sea off the beautiful island of Malta, cocktail in one hand, battered paperback in the other, I realised this might be the perfect holiday. Just me, the beach and a banana daiquiri. 

And the very best part? I was alone, without my husband and three children (then aged nine, six and four). They were all at home hundreds of miles away. 

Regular date nights, role play, separate bedrooms… all married couples have their own way of keeping things ‘fresh’. For me and my husband, Dom, the answer is simple: we go on separate holidays. 

It helps stave off the boredom of domestic drudgery that comes with having a young family. It revives and unites us. And frankly, it stops me wanting to elope when we try to go abroad together.