In recent years, solo travel has evolved from a niche trend to a mainstream staple of the global tourism landscape. Surveys indicate that 58% of people intend to take a solo trip in 2024, with this number rising to 62% who plan to take 2-5 trips in 2025.

 From the "MeMooner" movement to women's empowerment retreats, hotels, tour operators, and travel brands are reimagining solo-centric experiences and services. This article explores the full spectrum of solo travel in 2025, unpacking the gender and age dynamics, motivations, safety concerns, booking behaviours, and strategic implications for travel brands.

Quick Overview

1. Massive Growth: Solo travel searches have increased by 60% since 2022, primarily driven by Millennials and Gen Z.

2. Women Lead the Way: 65–70% of solo travellers are women, drawn by safety, self-growth, and freedom.

3. Top Solo Destinations (2025): India, Japan, Italy, Egypt, Thailand, and Iceland rank high in terms of safety and cultural appeal.

4. Independent Planning Rules: 76% of solo travellers prefer planning trips themselves, often using mobile apps and online platforms.

5. Motivations & Priorities: Key reasons include flexibility, mental wellness, and adventure, with safety being a top concern, especially for women.

6. Spending & Tech Use: Solo travellers tend to spend more daily and heavily rely on apps for booking, navigation, and safety.

Solo Travelling Market Outlook

• Global Growth: The global solo travel market, valued at USD 482.5 billion in 2024, is projected to grow at 9-13.5% CAGR through 2030, with estimates suggesting it could exceed USD 1.5 trillion by 2033.

• Booking Expansion: Over the past two years, solo travel bookings surged by 42%, driven by single-room-friendly options and waivers on single supplements.

• Intent Surge: In 2025, 62% of global travellers intend to take 2–5 solo trips, climbing from 58% in 2024.

Types of Solo Travellers

1. Gen Z (Born Late 1990s–2010)

• Self-care & adventure-driven: They value independence and immersive cultural experiences alongside adrenaline-fueled activities, 78% crave outdoor adventures like paragliding and waterfall jumps 

• Digital nomads: Heavily reliant on TikTok, Instagram and social media for trip planning, often discovering hidden experiences through influencers.

• Soft-savers: Use budget tools, loyalty programs, and spreadsheets to prioritise travel while securing their future.

2. Millennials (Born 1981–1996)

• Balanced explorers: Less likely than Gen Z to travel solo, but still substantial, 51% travel solo often.

• Social & romantic: They mix exploration with social experiences; nearly half seek group travel even when going solo.

• Wellness seekers Can Expect comfort-oriented, “hop-and-flop” retreats, such as spa stays and luxury escapes, especially following the pandemic.

3. Zillennials (In-between Gen Z & Millennials)

• Cruise-curious: Much more likely to take bundled cruises than Boomers, 27% vs 18%.

• Hybrid booking habits: Blend digital and in-person preferences for off-the-beaten-path immersion and comfort.

4. Gen X & Boomers (Born 1965-1980 & 1946-1964)

• Purposeful adventurers: Focus on reconnecting after post-career or relationship transitions, solo travel becomes a means for personal growth or “pleasure revenge” trips.

• Comfort-first: Prefer single cabins, escorted tours, and group meals for social security.

• Bleisure travellers: Combine business with leisure, especially female Gen Xers, with 8.5% taking bleisure trips compared to 6.8% of men.

 Men vs. Women Solo Travellers 

1. Gender Breakdown: Who Travels Solo?

• Women dominate solo travel, making up approximately 84% of solo travellers globally, compared to just 16% men, according to Condos Ferris.

This is a comprehensive guide to solo female travel statistics, offering detailed insights into trends, demographics, safety considerations, popular destinations, and the growing impact of solo female travellers worldwide.

• The U.S. reflects similar trends: 72% of American women have travelled solo, and 54% intend to travel alone in the next year, according to Condos Ferris.

2. Male Solo Travellers: A Steady Minority with Unique Tendencies

• Men constitute the remaining 16–32% of solo travellers, depending on the region.

• Outdoor-oriented: In the U.S., 20% of solo men express a preference for camping or cabin stays, higher than the average female solo traveller.

3. Shared Traits & Diverging Priorities

Safety vs. Adventure

• While 88% of women report safety as a primary concern, many choose to travel solo regardless, demonstrating strong resilience.

• Men, in contrast, tend to gravitate toward risk-enabled solo experiences, such as camping, long-distance hiking, and wilderness travel.

Cost & Planning

• Women frequently face single supplements and cost as a barrier, while men tend to favour budget planning and cost-saving within independent travel rather than group tours.

• Women seek organised tours and escorted options: 90% of women over 55 prefer guided trips. Solo men are more likely to navigate logistics independently.

 Social & Emotional Needs

• Women solo travellers balance independence with a desire for connection, frequently using social travel platforms, forum communities, and travel groups for safety and camaraderie.

• While men may travel solo to escape routine, they are statistically more inclined to prioritise challenges and immersion in nature over social interaction.

Why do people seek solo travel?

Solo travel isn't just a passing trend; it's a powerful form of personal exploration. Here's a detailed look at the top reasons people are choosing to travel alone, supported by statistics:

1. Freedom to Explore on Their Own Terms

More than 58% of solo travellers say they choose to travel alone so they can see more of the world without waiting for others.
Whether friends are too busy, family has different schedules, or group travel feels limiting, solo travel offers unmatched freedom. You don’t have to compromise. You choose the destination, set the pace, and follow your own curiosity.

This kind of autonomy appeals especially to modern travellers who value control over their time and experiences.

2. Complete Flexibility and Control

About 45% of solo travellers highlight flexibility as their primary reason. They want to do what they want, when they want, no negotiations, no shared agendas.

This might mean:

• Changing plans last minute

• Skipping the crowds for a quiet morning hike

• Spending hours in a local café or museum without feeling rushed

It’s travel without limits, something that’s especially appealing in a world where daily life often feels overly scheduled or restrictive.

3. Personal Growth and Confidence-Building

Solo travel is also a journey inward. Nearly 28% of travellers say it enhances their self-confidence and sense of independence.

Facing challenges like navigating unfamiliar places, overcoming language barriers, or solving problems on the go builds mental resilience. Many solotravellerss describe it as transformati;e, it pushes them out of their comfort zone and helps them discover their true strengths.

4. Pursuit of Individual Interests

27% of solo travellers report having different interests than their usual travel companions. Instead of compromising or skipping what they love, they travel alone.

This allows them to fully indulge in personal passions like:

• Trekking and wildlife photography

• Spiritual retreats

• History and architecture tours

• Food-focused journeys

Solo travel becomes a way to honour what truly excites them,  without distractions.

5. Deeper Connection with Nature and Self

Many solo travellers are drawn not just to new places, but to quiet, immersive experiences, especially in nature.

Whether it's camping under the stars, hiking in silence, or watching wildlife in real time, being alone in natural settings allows for reflection, mindfulness, and peace.

Without the noise of conversation or constant interaction, travellers often feel more present, both in the environment and in their own minds.

6. Trying Something New

Over 10% of solo travellers are first-timers. They haven’t travelled alone before but are motivated by a desire to break routine, challenge themselves, or experience a new kind of freedom.

For many, solo travel becomes a personal milestone,  a declaration of independence and an act of bravery.

7. Less Focus on Socialising

While meeting people can be part of the journey, only 20% say it’s a key reason for travelling solo.

Most solo travellers are not seeking constant connection. Instead, they prioritise:

• Self-discovery

• Reconnecting with nature

• Meaningful, unstructured experiences

Social interaction may happen organically, but it’s rarely the main goal.

How Solo Travellers Plan & Book?

Planning Timeline & Preferences

According to the GitNux solo travel guide, here is how people plan their solo trip: 

Early planning:

• 36% plan their trips at least 3 months in advance, showing a trend toward thoughtful preparation

Simultaneously, last-minute bargains are popular; many grab cancelled-vacation deals at steep discounts, especially among younger travellers, according to the New York Post.

Tools & Resources:

• 55% rely on social media platforms for tips and inspiration.

• Meanwhile, 47% depend on travel forums and communities for practical advice.

• Mobile apps (maps, guides, deal trackers) are used by around 59% during their trips.

We will discuss these tools and applications in more detail in the article. 

Accommodation Choices

Airbnb popularity:

• 70% prefer using Airbnb or similar platforms over traditional lodging.

Hostels for socialising:

Many opt for hostels to meet fellow travellers and save money, though exact percentages vary across sources according to Business Insider.

Tour-based arrangements:

Organised tours are also popular, especially among older solo travellers:

• 90% of solo women over the age of 55 use escorted tours at least occasionally. 

• Companies like G Adventures, Intrepid, and Overseas Adventure Travel now waive single supplements and tailor group tours for solo travellers.

Spending Habits of Solo Travellers

According to Skyscanner, below is the spending habit of solo travellers: 

Prevalence & Budget Range

• 63% of solo travellers spend $1,000-$3,000 per trip (excluding airfare).

• 27% are willing to spend up to $5,000 on a single solo adventure.

• Roughly one-third of parents travelling solo also budget up to $5,000 per trip.

Gender-Based Differences

• 46% of men would spend $2,000-$10,000+ on one solo trip, with 16% even comfortable spending $10,000+.

• Conversely, over two-thirds of women cap their solo travel budgets at $2,000, and twice as many women as men prefer trips under $500.

Booking Frequency & Duration

• In 2025, 62% of respondents plan 2-5 solo trips within the next year.

• Of those who travelled solo in 2024, 36% intend to take four to five trips in the upcoming year.

• About 16% book trips lasting two weeks or more, while fewer than 4% take solo weekend outings.

Rise in solo-trip searches:

• Searches for single-occupancy rooms surged by 170% on one booking platform.

• Google Trends for “solo travel” climbed 72-76% in the past two years.

Insurance & risk management:

• Roughly 42% of travellers planning solo trips purchase travel insurance.

• Solo travellers are increasingly risk-aware, 78% select destinations based on safety; 63% of women cite safety as a critical concern.

Activities & Tours

Excursions & group experiences:

• According to the Forbes travel trend report, 67% join guided local tours to enhance their solo trips.

• 47% use group tours or cultural excursions some of the time, attracted by hassle-free planning and companionship.

First-timer behaviour:

For many, the first solo trip lasts 7-10 days, often domestically (41%), with international destinations (30%).

Top Places Solo Travellers Stay

Solo travellers choose accommodation that aligns with their priorities, whether it's saving money, meeting people, ensuring safety, or immersing in local life. Hostels remain a staple for budget and social interaction. Hotels and rentals offer comfort and privacy. Tours and house-sitting offer structured stays tailored to specific needs or demographics.

Hostels

• Why they’re popular: Affordable ($15–50/night), centrally located, and social environments make hostels ideal for solo travellers.

• Social perks: Many hostels offer shared kitchens, common rooms, events, and excursions that foster connections.

Hotels & Boutique Hotels

• Single-friendly features: Increasingly, hotels cater to solo guests with compact rooms, key-card security, 24/7 reception, and solo-friendly social spaces, such as bars and lounges.

• Community events: Some hotels host trivia nights, co‑working, fitness classes, and group dinners, offering low-pressure socialising opportunities.

• Safety & comfort: Relying on standardised amenities, attentive service, and easy check‑in/out protocols adds peace of mind.

Airbnb & Vacation Rentals

• Local immersion: Solo travellers choosing Airbnbs enjoy living within communities, with access to kitchens and household amenities.

• Privacy options: Entire homes or apartments provide better privacy than dorms or shared rooms.

• Safety tips: Solo female travellers are advised to book entire places with well-reviewed Superhosts for added security.

Homestays, Guesthouses & House‑sitting

• Authentic experience: Living with locals (in homestays/guesthouses) enhances cultural understanding and fosters genuine hospitality.

• Longer stays: House‑sitting offers free accommodation in exchange for pet/property care, ideal for month‑long stays.

Escorted Group Tours & Cruises

• Structured comfort: Especially popular among older solo travellers, guided tours remove planning stress and include single-traveller fares.

• Safety and social benefits: 90% of solo women over 55 opt for guided tours; many solo travellers report that these tours enhance safety and ease

Social Media’s Role in Solo Travel

Inspiration & Planning

• 55% of solo travellers use social media (e.g., Instagram, TikTok) for trip planning, and 78% are influenced by travel blogs and influencers.

• Platforms like Instagram host over 9 million posts tagged #solotravel, creating a global feed of solo travel inspiration.

Influential solo travellers like Tanya Khanijow, Archana Singh, Larissa D'sa, Anunay Sood, Niranjan Das and Shivya Nath have played a pivotal role in popularising solo travel through their engaging content and personal narratives. 

Decision-Making & Bookings

A Phocuswright study found 65% of travellers are influenced by social media content when making booking decisions, especially younger and frequent international travellers.

Community & Safety

Influencer-led group solo trips offer social bonds and a sense of security. For example, Gen Z travellers often book trips led by influencers, finding community and comfort in numbers.

User-Generated Validation

Testimonials and video content shared by solo travellers fuel trust and spread awareness through peer recommendations.

Social media serves as a powerful catalyst, fueling idea generation, shaping judgments, easing booking stress, building community, and even enabling influencer-hosted travel experiences designed specifically for solo travellers.

Top Application for Solo Travellers

These are some of the top applications that can help tourists with visa booking, navigation, accommodations, and more. 

1. Atlys (Visa Booking)
   Atlys simplifies visa applications, helping solo travellers easily obtain e-visas for multiple countries. It guides users step-by-step and securely handles documentation online.

2. Google Maps (Navigation)
   Google Maps provides detailed maps, real-time navigation, offline access, and transit schedules worldwide. Essential for solo travellers exploring new cities or remote destinations.

3. Hostelworld (Accommodation & Socialising)
   Hostelworld connects solo travellers with budget-friendly hostels globally. Its social features, reviews, and ratings help users choose safe accommodations ideal for meeting fellow travellers.

4. GeoSure (Safety)
   GeoSure offers hyper-local safety scores for areas around the world, focusing on crime, health, and women's/LGBTQ+ safety. It provides peace of mind and informed decisions for solo travellers.

5. XE Currency (Currency Conversion)
   XE Currency provides real-time currency exchange rates and works offline. It’s essential for solo travellers managing expenses and staying within budget in foreign countries.

6. Meetup (Social Networking)
   Meetup helps solo travellers find local events and groups, from hiking to dining and cultural experiences. It’s perfect for safely meeting like-minded locals or other travellers.

7. TripIt (Travel Planning)
   TripIt automatically consolidates bookings (flights, hotels, activities) into one itinerary. It’s ideal for solo travellers who prefer organised, easily shareable travel plans.

8. Google Translate (Language & Communication)
   Google Translate instantly translates languages via voice, text, or camera images. Its offline capability is invaluable for solo travellers navigating language barriers abroad.

9. Rome2Rio (Transportation Planning)
   Rome2Rio shows comprehensive travel routes using buses, trains, ferries, flights, and cars worldwide. Essential for solo travellers looking to efficiently navigate multi-city itineraries.

10. Airbnb Experiences (Local Experiences)
    Airbnb Experiences offers unique activities guided by local hosts, from cooking classes to city tours. Ideal for solo travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences and connections.

Top Countries Preferred by Solo Travellers

When it comes to popular destinations for solo travellers, Schengen countries often top the list, along with a few other standout destinations. Here is the list: 

1. India

2. Italy

3. Japan

4. Egypt

5. Thailand

6. Australia

7. Spain

8. Iceland

9. France

10. New Zealand

1. India
India is a haven for solo travellers seeking spiritual growth, cultural immersion, and a wide range of experiences, from the Himalayas to the beaches of Goa, to the vibrant chaos of cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Ideal for: Cultural exploration, yoga retreats, spiritual travel, and budget adventures.

2. Italy
Italy offers solo travellers a rich tapestry of history, art, architecture, and world-renowned cuisine. Cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are easy to navigate, and the country is well-connected by trains.
Ideal for: Art and history lovers, foodies, and romantic solo escapes.

3. Japan
Japan is consistently rated as one of the safest countries for solo travellers. It combines high-tech cities with serene countryside and deep-rooted traditions. It's perfect for those seeking a balance between solitude and urban energy.
Ideal for: Tech enthusiasts, cultural explorers, nature lovers, and introverts.

4. Egypt
Solo travellers with an interest in ancient history are drawn to Egypt's legendary landmarks, such as the pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor, and the Nile River. Affordable and fascinating, Egypt offers a unique range of experiences.
Ideal for: History buffs, adventurous spirits, and photographers.

5. Thailand

Thailand is a popular destination for solo travel due to its affordability, backpacker-friendly culture, delicious street food, and stunning islands. It also has a strong community of fellow solo travellers.
Ideal for: First-time solo travellers, wellness seekers, beach lovers.

6. Australia
With its laid-back culture, English-speaking population, and vast natural landscapes, Australia is ideal for both solo road trips and city hopping. It’s known for being welcoming and safe.
Ideal for: Outdoor adventurers, beachgoers, long-term travellers.

7. Spain
Spain’s vibrant cities, historic sites, and warm Mediterranean vibe make it a favourite. It offers solo-friendly hostels, tapas bars, and cultural festivals, all with a friendly social atmosphere.
Ideal for: Culture seekers, party lovers, language learners.

8. Iceland

Iceland is famed for its otherworldly landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic terrain. It’s extremely safe and sparsely populated, which appeals to solo travellers looking for solitude and natural beauty.
Ideal for: Nature lovers, photographers, peace seekers.

9. France

From the elegance of Paris to the countryside charm of Provence, France offers a rich array of experiences in fashion, cuisine, and art. It’s easy to travel solo by train, and there's a robust tourism infrastructure.
Ideal for: Art aficionados, food and wine lovers, solo wanderers.

10. New Zealand
New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes, friendly locals, and strong backpacking culture make it a favourite among solo travellers. Adventure sports and hiking trails are major draws.
Ideal for: Outdoor thrill-seekers, road trippers, eco-travellers.

Europe leads the way:

• Europe claims 4 of the top 5 destinations in US News’ "Best Countries to Travel Alone".

• Per Nomadic Yak’s ranking, top European solo-travel destinations include Croatia, Austria, Germany, Spain, and Italy.

Global appeal:

• Solo trends also favour New Zealand, Japan, Australia, and Cambodia, which are notable for being solo travel-friendly destinations.

Regional favourites by specific groups:

• Australian travellers prefer destinations such as Bali, London, Tokyo, Auckland, Queenstown, and Manila.

• Go Ahead Tours' data shows that Spain, Italy, Greece, New Zealand, and Australia were the top trends in 2023.
  

Solo travel is on the rise globally, and certain countries consistently emerge as favourites among independent travellers for their safety, accessibility, and rich cultural experiences. Based on various travel reports and rankings, the top countries preferred by solo travelers include Croatia, Austria, Germany, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, Cambodia, India, Egypt, Thailand, Iceland, France, Greece, as well as specific destinations like Bali (Indonesia), London (UK), Auckland and Queenstown (New Zealand), and Manila (Philippines). These locations offer a blend of adventure, comfort, and solo-friendly infrastructure that caters to travellers exploring the world on their own.