In this fourth article in a series looking at travel trends for the year ahead, I investigate solo travel and talk to the experts about why many of us go away to find ‘me time’ and experience unique, personal journeys ‘as one’.
Many more of us are jetting off on adventures alone. It could be a consequence of the pandemic, when many people became used to their own company through enforced isolation. Or perhaps it is a growing awareness of ‘self’ as a result of more conversations happening around mental health. Whatever the reason, many travel experts agree that solo travel is on the rise.
ASA Luxury (a leading London-based travel communications agency) has just released its Travel Trends Report for 2025, which lists Solo Travel as a top emerging trend. It also refers to the latest The American Express 2024 Global Travel Trends Report and says that: “In the American Express report, solo travel is shown to be a major trend among young travelers, with 76% of Millennials and Gen-Z planning solo trips this year. Solo trips are easier to plan and allow travelers to pursue their interests without group compromises. According to the AMEX survey, 57% of respondents are more likely to opt for a quick solo weekend getaway rather than a longer trip, with nearly a third indicating they’d prefer solo travel to a new city.”
The American Express report also reveals: “Sometimes traveling alone is the way to go. For deep relaxation, developing a new interest, or meeting new people, solo trips can be hard to beat.”
Tim Hentschel, CEO of HotelPlanner, agrees: “The appetite for solo travel isn’t slowing down. Solo travel, be it gap years, backpacking, digital nomads, wellness retreats or simple beach or pool holidays, is not a new concept. However, the rise in the number of people choosing to travel this way can in part be attributed to the fallout from the pandemic and global lockdowns. We became far more comfortable with our own company, a feeling which has stayed with us in the post-pandemic era. We learned how to manage our downtime (of which there was plenty) on our own terms, putting our own interests and ambitions first instead of fitting in with the schedules and desires of groups. We found that a lot of our clients used the lockdown periods to dream up their most desired holiday once travel reopened, and developed a hardened mindset to make it happen—a term coined ‘revenge travel’.”
Buahan in Bali, where women can embrace a feeling of freedom, was included in the Rise of Female Adventurers article (link below).
(Credit: Buahan)
Tim continues: “The main destinations we see for solo travel include Spain, Italy, Greece, New Zealand, and Australia. Women account for most solo bookings across all ages and is a product of increased empowerment and confidence in safety to travel alone.” (See also: Travel Trends Report 2025: The Rise in Female Adventurers).
“A recent survey of Gen Z women found that more than half (58.3%) of respondents are interested in traveling abroad alone and an overwhelming majority (83%) stated they have been influenced by the travels of others, whether that be historical figures or social media influencers,” says Tim. “The solo travel boom is also being driven by digital nomads—another form of travel bolstered by the pandemic which offered newfound freedom from the office with hybrid working. Digital nomads are people who might visit five cities or five countries over several months, and work from coffee shops, extended stay hotels and AirBnBs. Solo travel has not only become more popular, but more accessible as flexibility increased with the way we live and work.”
The Greek Islands, such as Santorini, are hotspots for solo travelers.
(Credit: 2rogan – stock.adobe.com)
Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations, adds: “We believe that solo travel is a profound way to practice self-love and connection. While solo travelers are often on a deeply personal journey, they’re never truly alone, as they share a unique ecosystem with others pursuing similar experiences. Our data shows that Europe, one of Classic’s most beloved destinations, is where many solo travelers are choosing to invest in themselves.”
A work space at A&O Hostels, Amsterdam: digital nomads are helping to fuel the solo travel trend.
(Credit: MANGILO)
Oliver Winter, founder of a&o Hostels, has also seen a rise in the number of people traveling solo across Europe. “This can in part be attributed to our post-pandemic desire to explore the world on our own terms. In the years since travel reopened after global lockdowns, solo exploration has skyrocketed year on year, particularly amongst the Millennial demographic as travelers feel increasingly empowered to be in control of their itineraries. Solo travel takes away the need to compromise and gives a unique sense of freedom to tailor every detail of a trip, allowing more opportunities to meet new people from new cultures—which can sometimes be harder when travelling in groups.”
Hilton’s Annual Trends Report for 2025 surveyed 13,000 travelers across 13 countries, and also includes feedback from over 4,100 Hilton team members and in-depth interviews with dozens of Hilton travel experts. Its research showed that 34% of people are eager to embark on a solo journey by the end of 2025.
The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius is perfect to find some ‘me-time’.
(Credit: Martin Currie – Andeye)
As a result in a rise in solo travellers, The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius, has responded with its complimentary ‘Touching Senses’ programme.
“The programme encourages guests to slow down, reflect, and indulge in enriching activities aimed at reducing stress and boosting creativity,” says the hotel. “Whether it’s stargazing at dark skies, or taking part in oceanside painting classes, every experience is designed to soothe the soul. Guests can also explore their creative sides through Henna painting or engage in traditional Mauritian cooking classes, learning recipes passed down through generations. The resort’s subtropical gardens offer the perfect setting for mindfulness walks, allowing solo travellers to reconnect with nature. This peaceful environment is ideal for anyone seeking solitude while still having the option to join curated experiences.”
For when you want to be alone: the Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius.
(Credit: The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius)
In fact, the Hilton report puts its own spin on the concept of solo travel, renaming it: ‘MeMooning’—a reference to the fact that crisscrossing the globe alone allows people to go on journeys of self-discovery. “In 2025, MeMooners, or solo leisure travelers, will shake up the world built for pairs and challenge the travel industry to recognize their spending power and influence,” says Hilton’s report. “Nearly 50% of global respondents often travel by themselves (47%). Gen Z (55%) and Millennials (51%) are more likely to often travel on their own. At Hilton, solo travelers are considered in the design phase, particularly in the dining spaces. This means incorporating elements like an odd number of bar stools and a variety of table types. And travelers take notice. Nearly 40% of solo travelers (39%) say flexible seating options in restaurants and bars would improve their travel experience. Once on-property, food and beverage teams are trained to identify and cater to solo travelers’ needs. Knowing that nearly two in five solo travelers’ experience would be improved by personalized tasting menus or smaller portion sizes, Hilton teams work to ensure diners have a full and satisfying dining experience.”
This post was originally published on here
