In the past three years, there has been a 143% increase in “solo travel” searches across all search engines. So, what’s all the fuss about? Why are so many opting for solo holidays over group holidays, package deals and tours?
There have been many recent studies to indicate that solo travelling is very much on the rise. Each year, 70% of new guests for Flavours Holidays are solo travellers, as more people decide to pick up their passport and travel by themselves.
Of those who haven’t yet booked a solo holiday, many are starting to consider it. In the past three years, there has been a 143% increase in "solo travel" searches across all search engines. So, what’s all the fuss about? Why are so many opting for solo holidays over group holidays, package deals and tours?
1) Lots of options
Travelling by yourself means the world is your oyster. You don’t have to take anyone else’s preferences into consideration and can plan all your own activities with no complaints or compromises.
Just because someone has set off on their own, it doesn’t mean they have to stay solo. There are many opportunities to socialise with fellow travellers while you are away or you can book a group holiday with other singles. Travelling by yourself doesn’t mean utter solitude if you don’t want it to. Many people connect, enjoy meals and adventures with new friends who are just as independent as they are.
2) Easy communication
Many of us can’t leave the house without our smartphone, with most having video or Wi-Fi calling capability. Going away solo doesn’t mean isolation, as friends and family are, quite literally, on the other end of the phone. With increased connectivity to the wider world, many solo travellers don’t feel daunted or intimidated at the prospect of hitting the road, smartphone in hand.
3) More remote workers/opportunities
With so many remote working opportunities, there’s no reason why work can’t come along too. Over 1.5 million Britons are now working remotely, so it’s easy to see how many manage to continue their career and fund solo trips without taking holiday or unpaid leave. As long as there are decent Wi-Fi connections, the office could be a beach, cafe, hammock – or anything in between.
4) Getting married and having children later in life
Many are now choosing to settle down later in life, with more couples than ever before waiting until their 30s or 40s to have children. This can inspire the younger generation to take more time to see the world, taking advantage of their lack of commitments.
On the other end of the scale, those with grown-up children are choosing to spread their wings and explore the globe. Whether they are single or have chosen to take “me time”, travelling solo at a later age opens up a world of opportunities for learning about new cultures, new hobbies and meeting new, like-minded people.
5) Increased awareness of mindfulness and self-care
In a fast-paced world, many of us seek escapism to heal, relax and look after our mental wellbeing. Increased awareness around mindfulness and avoidance of burnout have seen many professionals seeking out retreats and downtime. What better way to escape the noise than by having some alone time on a relaxing holiday break, at no extra cost.
There’s a multitude of reasons behind the significant rise in solo travelling. Whether it’s soul-searching, collecting experiences before settling down, or seeking out new connections – there’s a holiday to suit any individual travelling solo.
Irma is an avid traveller with a passion for writing and she has written about her experiences for a variety of publications. Over the years, she has worked across a variety of industries such as travel, tech and even business and is often found offering her advice about these niches amongst a range of audiences.
