This is the time of year that I start craving travel - when it's cold, grey and miserable in the UK, the thought of somewhere exciting to visit in the New Year always gives me a lift.
And just at the right time, the travel experts and tour operators all start releasing their latest trips and hottest destinations for 2016. Here are my top five most exciting group trips for singles in 2016.
Image courtesy of Pixabay
Northern Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has long been one of my favourite destinations, with so much to see in a relatively small island. When I last visited, the north was still out of bounds but since the end of the civil war, the area is finally opening up to tourists.
Spot sperm whales in Trincomalee or search for leopards in Wilpattu National Park, discover more about Tamil culture in Jaffna and lounge on the largely undiscovered white sands of Mannar in between. Explore has a fantastic new 16-day tour tour, with around half of their small groups travelling solo.
Image courtesy of Explore
Albania
One of the forgotten corners of Europe, Albania's political isolation under Communism meant it has remained cut off 15 years after democracy was restored. In some mountain villages, time still seems to stand still, and you won't need to share forgotten archaeological sites (or the gorgeous Mediterranean beaches) with crowds of tourists.
The buzzing capital of Tirana proves that life is definitely moving on though. Singles specialist Solos Holidays has a great seven-night tour featuring National Parks and Unesco World Heritage sites.
Image courtesy of Solos Holidays
Burma
Since Burma opened up just a few years ago, travel companies have flocked back to this beautiful country - and with accommodation at bursting point, the latest trend is to take to the river.
Sailing along the Ayeyarwady river, you can discover historic Mandalay and the temples of Bagan, as well as seeing less visited sites off the main tourist track. Insider Journeys' Ayeyarwady Adventure has no single supplement for solo cabins.
Image courtesy of Insider Journeys
Costa Rica
With new flights to Costa Rica from May, this fantastic destination is even higher up my wishlist - from volcanoes to coffee plantations, rainforest, cloudforest and beach, it's perfect whether you love some adrenaline, wildlife and nature or discovering somewhere unique.
Traveleyes is launching its debut tour to the country in June, where sighted travellers pay a subsidised price as they accompany blind or visually impaired companions, trying everything from white water rafting to relaxing in volcanic hot springs and getting hands on on a coffee roasting tour.
Image courtesy of Traveleyes
Botswana
Named as Lonely Planet's top destination for 2016, there's no reason to miss out on a safari because you're a single traveller.
Letaka Safaris runs trips for small groups with a maximum of nine people lasting six to 12 nights, where you'll discover the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park as you spot wildlife and the stunning scenery. Book through Aardvark Safaris and there's no single supplement either.
Image courtesy of Aardvark Safaris
Cathy Winston is the editor of 101 Singles Holidays