Solo traveler trips are no longer a niche trend — they’re a global movement. Google searches for “solo travel” have skyrocketed 223% over the past decade, and 2024 marked a record year for solo travel on United Airlines, with a 5% increase in solo fliers compared to 2023. As National Plan a Solo Vacation Day approaches on March 1, United is empowering adventurers with travel hacks, app features, and destination inspiration to embrace the ultimate travel mantra: YOLO (You Only Live Once), Fly SOLO.
“Solo travel is about freedom, self-discovery, and making memories on your own terms,” said David Kinzelman, Chief Customer Officer for United. “With our unmatched global network and innovative app features, we’re making it easier than ever for solo travelers to explore the world with confidence.”
The Rise of Solo Traveler Trips
The surge in solo traveler trips reflects a cultural shift toward independence and adventure. According to a recent Skyscanner survey, 43% of respondents traveled solo in the past year, with plans to do so even more in 2025. United’s data reveals that solo travel spikes from January to May and again from September to November, with Gen Z leading the charge (70% fly solo), followed by Millennials (65%) and Boomers (57%).
Solo travelers are also venturing farther from home, with popular destinations including Brazil, South Korea, Nigeria, China, and India. As the world’s largest airline, United flies to nearly 70 destinations no other major U.S. carrier serves, making it a top choice for solo adventurers.
Why Solo Traveler Trips Are Thriving
The appeal of solo traveler trips lies in their flexibility and personalization. According to United’s findings, solo travelers aren’t just exploring new cities — they’re visiting family abroad (57%), embracing urban tourism (54%), and seeking unique experiences like concert tourism, which gained momentum in 2024 with global tours by artists like Taylor Swift.
“Solo travel is about more than just seeing the world—it’s about connecting with yourself and others in meaningful ways,” said Justin Poehler, Chief Commercial Officer at International Medical Group (IMG), which recently released its annual Travel Outlook Survey. IMG’s survey found that 48% of respondents plan to take at least one solo trip in 2025, with urban tourism and family visits topping the list of motivations.
United’s Tools for Solo Traveler Trips
United is empowering solo travelers with exclusive app features designed to simplify the journey:
+ Personalized Wayfinding: Navigate airports with ease using United’s Terminal Guide, which provides step-by-step instructions from entrance to gate.
+ Live Flight Notifications: Stay updated with real-time flight information via Live Activities on iPhone and Apple Watch.
+ Seat Preference Settings: Choose your ideal seat (window, aisle, etc.) and let the app automatically move you if a better option opens up.
+ GenAI Trip Planning: Get personalized recommendations for dining, accommodations, and activities through United’s Hemispheres magazine.
+ Connection Saver: Avoid the stress of missed connections with United’s innovative tool, which saved over 725,000 customers in 2024.
Solo Traveler Trips by the Numbers
The data paints a vivid picture of the solo travel boom:
+ Demographics: Solo travelers are almost evenly split between men and women, with Millennials and Gen Z leading the way. Notably, 31% of solo travelers are parents, and over a third are married, proving that solo travel isn’t just for singles.
+ Cost and Frequency: In 2025, 62% of solo travelers plan to take two to five trips, with 36% aiming for four to five. Most spend between 1,000and1,000and3,000 per trip (excluding airfare), though 27% are willing to splurge up to $5,000 for a single adventure.
+ Global Growth: The solo travel service market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 9% between 2023 and 2030, according to Digital Journal.
Top Concerns for Solo Traveler Trips
Despite the excitement, solo travelers face unique challenges. IMG’s survey found that health and safety remain top concerns, with travelers worried about getting sick or having an accident abroad (54%), trip cancellations (48%), and delays (42%).
“Solo traveler trips require extra preparation,” Poehler emphasized. “Having the right travel protection plan is crucial for peace of mind, especially when you’re exploring far from home.”
The Future of Solo Traveler Trips
As solo travel continues to rise, airlines like United and companies like IMG are innovating to meet the needs of independent adventurers. From personalized app features to comprehensive insurance plans, the tools are in place to make solo traveler trips safer, easier, and more rewarding than ever.
“Whether you’re flying to Brazil for Carnival, exploring South Korea’s vibrant cities, or reconnecting with family in Nigeria, solo travel is about embracing the unknown and creating unforgettable memories,” Kinzelman said. “With United, the world is yours to explore—solo or otherwise.”
Get Social