The best places to travel solo is a growing trend, especially in a world where connection is often just a click away. Still, a large number of travelers are choosing to disconnect — from companions, at least. Solo travel is having a moment, and it’s not just a fleeting trend. Google searches for “solo travel” have skyrocketed 223% over the past decade, and United Airlines reported that 2024 saw the highest number of solo travelers in its history. This February, as love-filled as it may be, the buzzword for adventurers is clear: YOLO (You Only Live Once), Fly SOLO.
From Gen Z to Baby Boomers, travelers are embracing the freedom of exploring the world on their own terms. United Airlines, which has seen a 5% increase in solo travelers from 2023 to 2024, is catering to this growing demographic with innovative app features, destination recommendations, and a commitment to making solo travel as seamless as possible.
“We’re seeing soaring demand for travel this summer, and Live Activities puts all the flight information you need right at your fingertips, whether your iPhone is locked or you’re doing something else like checking email, listening to music or texting friends,” said Linda Jojo, Chief Customer Officer for United. “This new feature is another way United is leveraging technology to improve our customers’ travel journey. It’s going to save passengers a lot of time, and we think they’re going to love it, especially during a busy travel season.”
Best Places to Travel Solo: Traveler Profile
United’s data reveals that solo travel spikes twice a year: from January to May and again from September to November. Gen Z leads the charge, with approximately 70% of them opting to fly solo, followed by Millennials at 65% and Baby Boomers at 57%. These travelers aren’t just sticking to familiar destinations, either. Some of the best places to travel solo can be found in far-flung international locales such as Brazil, South Korea, Nigeria, China, and India – now among the most popular choices for solo adventurers.
And it’s not just about the destination — it’s about the experience. Solo travelers are spending more, too. According to TravelInsurance.com, solo travelers spent an average of $2,600 per trip in 2022, compared to $2,200 the previous year. They’re also taking longer trips, averaging 19 days versus 13 days as was the past trend.
Best Places to Travel Solo: Tech Tools
United’s app is a game-changer for solo travelers, offering features designed to ease the stress of navigating unfamiliar territory. Personalized wayfinding helps travelers navigate airports with ease, while Live Activities for iPhone and Apple Watch provide real-time flight updates without even opening the app. For those who care about their seat preferences, the app’s Seat Map feature ensures solo travelers get their ideal spot, whether it’s by the window or on the aisle.
The airline is also leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the solo travel experience. United’s Hemispheres® magazine now offers an AI-powered trip planning feature, providing recommendations for dining, accommodations, and activities in every destination the airline serves.
Destinations and Dining: The Solo Traveler Experience
When it comes to choosing where to go, solo travelers are spoilt for choice. KAYAK, a leading travel search engine, has identified Washington, D.C., as the top U.S. destination for solo travel and dining, followed by Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, and Salt Lake City. Internationally, Berlin, Vancouver, Montreal, Paris, and Milan top the list.
Dining alone is also on the rise, with 52% of Americans planning to dine solo this year. OpenTable, in collaboration with KAYAK, has curated lists of top solo dining spots in popular destinations, ensuring that solo travelers can enjoy a meal without feeling out of place.
Best Places to Travel Solo: Tour Operators Embrace the Trend
The surge in solo travel hasn’t gone unnoticed by tour operators. Companies like TourRadar and WeRoad are tailoring their offerings to meet the needs of solo travelers, many of whom prefer small-group tours. TourRadar, for instance, emphasizes price transparency and avoids single supplements, which can add up to 20% to the cost of a trip.
WeRoad, known for its flexible small-group tours, boasts a 65% repeat booking rate among solo travelers. The company’s unique model, which employs volunteer travel coordinators who haven’t visited the destination before, adds an element of discovery that resonates with solo adventurers.
Intrepid Travel, another major player in the tour industry, has seen a post-pandemic uptick in solo travelers, with women making up 50% of its global solo travel customer base. The company offers a range of trip styles, from budget-friendly Basix trips to more luxurious Comfort trips, catering to the diverse preferences of solo travelers.
Traveling Solo: The Mental Health Connection
Beyond the allure of adventure, mental health is a significant driver of the solo travel boom. According to a Skyscanner survey, 71% of U.S. travelers view solo travel as an important way to take time for themselves. The survey also found that four to six days is the ideal duration for a solo trip, offering a balance between exploration and relaxation.
For many, solo travel is more than just a vacation — it’s a form of self-care. Divorcees, in particular, are embracing solo travel as a way to rediscover themselves, with 78% expressing readiness to embark on solo adventures in 2023.
Best Places to Travel Solo: The Future of Going it Alone
As the travel industry continues to adapt to the needs of solo travelers, one thing is clear: the trend is here to stay. Whether it’s through innovative app features, curated dining experiences, or flexible tour options, companies are finding new ways to empower solo adventurers.
So, as National Plan a Solo Vacation Day on March 1 approaches, the message is simple: YOLO, Fly SOLO. The world is waiting, and it’s never been easier to explore it on your own terms.
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