Solo travel has surged in popularity, transforming the tourism landscape as more individuals embrace the freedom and self-discovery it offers. This article compiles eye-opening solo travel statistics for 2024, providing a comprehensive overview of this growing trend. Whether you're a travel enthusiast, industry professional, or simply curious about going it alone, these insights will paint a vivid picture of the solo travel revolution.
Solo Travel Popularity and Growth Statistics
Let's begin by exploring the impressive growth and popularity of solo travel.
- Increasing Trend: Solo travel is on the rise, with 43% of travelers indicating they journeyed solo in the past year and intend to do so even more in the future. (Source: Skyscanner)
- Search Interest Surge: Google Trends reveals a significant increase in interest in solo travel, with searches for the term 20.2% higher in 2024 compared to the previous year. (Source: Skyscanner)
- Market Expansion: The global solo travel service market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 9% between 2023 and 2030. (Source: Skyscanner)
- RV Solo Trips: Pinterest searches for “solo traveling” have skyrocketed by 145% in 2024, indicating a strong interest in independent adventures, including RV travel. (Source: RVIA)
- Future Intentions: A remarkable 59% of travelers plan to travel solo in the coming year, highlighting the sustained momentum of this travel style. (Source: RVIA)
- Doubling Year-on-Year: The percentage of travelers planning a solo trip for their next journey has doubled compared to the previous year, reaching 27%. (Source: RVIA)
Solo Traveler Demographics and Motivations
Who are solo travelers, and what drives their decision to travel alone?
- Gender Balance: The solo traveler population is nearly evenly split between men and women. (Source: Skyscanner)
- Female Dominance in Hostels: Interestingly, 60% of solo travelers booking hostels identify as female, suggesting women are particularly drawn to the social and budget-friendly aspects of hostel travel when alone. (Source: Hostelworld)
- Age Groups: Millennials and Gen Z are the generations most likely to embark on solo trips. (Source: Skyscanner)
- Relationship Status: Solo travel isn't limited to singles; approximately a third of both women and men traveling solo are married. (Source: Skyscanner)
- Parents Travel Solo Too: 31% of solo travelers are parents, indicating that even with family responsibilities, individuals prioritize solo journeys. (Source: Skyscanner)
- Motivations Beyond Lack of Companions: Only 7% of solo travelers cite the lack of a travel partner as their primary reason for traveling alone. (Source: Skyscanner)
- Key Motivations: Solo travelers are primarily driven by:
- Self-care: Reconnecting with oneself and improving mental health. (Source: Skyscanner)
- Personal Growth: Challenging oneself and stepping outside of comfort zones. (Source: Skyscanner)
- Freedom and Flexibility: Traveling on their own schedule and terms. (Source: Skyscanner)
Solo Travel Preferences and Spending Habits
What do solo travelers look for in their trips, and how much do they spend?
- Trip Frequency: In 2025, 62% of solo travelers plan to take 2-5 solo trips in the upcoming year. (Source: Skyscanner)
- Trip Duration: A significant portion of solo trips are longer in duration, with one in six solo travelers booking trips for at least two weeks. (Source: Skyscanner)
- Trip Length Distribution: Fewer than 4% of solo trips are weekend getaways, indicating a preference for more immersive and extended experiences. (Source: Skyscanner)
- Spending Range: The majority of solo travelers (63%) spend between $1,000 to $3,000 per trip (excluding airfare). (Source: Skyscanner)
- Willingness to Splurge: 27% of solo travelers are willing to spend up to $5,000 on a single solo adventure. (Source: Skyscanner)
- Parental Budgets: Parents are willing to invest in solo travel for respite, with one-third budgeting up to $5,000 for a solo trip. (Source: Skyscanner)
- Destination Preferences (Gender-Based):
- Men: Show more interest in historical cities (21%) and wine regions (8%). (Source: Skyscanner)
- Women: Prefer destinations with water (35%), particularly the ocean (26%). (Source: Skyscanner)
- Adventure vs. Relaxation (Gender-Based): Men are more inclined towards adventure and educational experiences, while women favor water destinations and relaxation. (Source: Skyscanner)
Top Solo Travel Destinations
Where are solo travelers heading in 2024?
- Thailand: The top destination for solo travelers globally, attracting 7.4% of solo bookings through Hostelworld. (Source: Hostelworld)
- Spain: A close second, capturing 6.5% of solo bookings. (Source: Hostelworld)
- Italy: Popular with solo explorers, accounting for 5.4% of bookings. (Source: Hostelworld)
- Australia: Also at 5.4%, indicating its appeal for solo adventurers. (Source: Hostelworld)
- Vietnam: Rounding out the top 5 at 4.8%, a rising star in solo travel destinations. (Source: Hostelworld)
- Regional Preferences:
- Oceania: Italy, Spain, and England are top choices. (Source: Hostelworld)
- Europe: Thailand, Australia, and Vietnam are favored destinations. (Source: Hostelworld)
- North America: Intra-continental travel is common, with the USA being a top destination for US-based solo travelers. (Source: Hostelworld)
Safety and Solo Female Travel Statistics
Safety is a key consideration for solo travelers, especially women.
- Perceived Safety: 59% of females feel safe traveling alone, demonstrating a growing confidence in solo female travel. (Source: Skyscanner)
Solo Travel Online Presence
The online world reflects the growing solo travel trend.
- #solotravel on Instagram: Over 9.9 million posts shared with the hashtag #solotravel, showcasing the visual appeal and community around solo adventures. (Source: Skyscanner)
- TikTok Popularity: The hashtag “#solotravel” has seen a tenfold increase in the last three years on TikTok, highlighting the trend's amplification on video-based social media. (Source: RVIA)
- Instagram Reach: The hashtag #solotravel had over 7.9 million posts last year on Instagram, demonstrating a substantial and engaged online community. (Source: RVIA)
Bottom Line
These statistics paint a clear picture: solo travel is not just a niche trend, but a significant and expanding segment of the travel industry. Driven by desires for self-discovery, freedom, and personal growth, solo travelers are diverse in age and background, and are increasingly confident and adventurous in their choices. As solo travel continues to rise, the travel industry must adapt to cater to the unique needs and preferences of this growing demographic.
To delve deeper into solo travel trends and destinations, explore resources from Skyscanner, Hostelworld, and RVIA for further insights and data.
