Key Takeaways
- In 2023, 42% of millennials identified as solo travelers, up from 32% in 2019, according to a survey of 10,000 global respondents.
- Women account for 69% of solo travelers worldwide, with 31% being men, based on a 2022 analysis of booking data from over 5 million trips.
- 25% of solo travelers are aged 25-34 years old, representing the largest age group in a 2023 global survey of 15,000 participants.
- The solo travel market grew by 112% from 2019 to 2023, reaching $1.2 trillion in global spend.
- Solo travel bookings increased 84% year-over-year in 2023 on Booking.com platforms worldwide.
- By 2027, solo travelers are projected to account for 25% of all leisure travel revenue, up from 18% in 2022.
- 76% of solo travelers feel safer now than five years ago, up from 58%, per 2024 SafetyWing survey of 9,000 respondents.
- Only 12% of solo travelers experienced theft in 2023, down from 22% in 2019, from World Nomads claims data.
- 89% of solo female travelers report no major incidents on trips over 2 weeks, per 2023 JourneyWoman poll.
- 88% of solo travelers prefer budget accommodations under $100/night, with hostels at 45% share.
- Southeast Asia tops solo destinations at 32% preference, followed by Europe 28%, per 2024 TripAdvisor survey.
- 67% of solos opt for adventure activities like hiking, versus 42% of groups.
- Solo travelers spend 20% more per day ($145 vs $121 groups) on experiences.
- Global solo travel contributes $325 billion to GDP annually in 2023.
- U.S. solos generated 2.5 million jobs in hospitality 2023.
Solo travel is growing rapidly and is especially popular among women.
Behavioral Impacts
- Solo travelers dine out 4.2x/week, spending $42/meal average.
- 71% of solos journal or blog their trips, sharing on Instagram 5x/day.
- 82% make spontaneous activity changes, vs 45% groups.
- Language learning apps used by 66% pre-trip, Duolingo data.
- 59% volunteer or help locals informally during stays.
- Sleep averages 7.8 hours/night for solos, 15% more than groups.
- 74% read books or meditate daily on trips.
- Networking events attended by 38% of professional solos.
- 63% adopt vegetarian/vegan meals abroad for ease.
- Photography gear carried by 81%, posting 120 photos/trip.
- 52% budget track via apps like Trail Wallet daily.
- Reflection time: 2.1 hours/day, leading to 40% life changes post-trip.
- 68% befriend 3+ locals per week on average.
- Tech detox practiced by 47%, phones off 4+ hours/day.
- 75% plan return visits to favorite solo spots within a year.
- 61% of solos learn basic survival skills pre-trip.
- Gift buying for self: 89%, souvenirs 2.3/trip.
- 53% participate in local festivals spontaneously.
- Gratitude journaling done by 64%, improving mood 28%.
- 48% read books daily, 37% podcasts 2+ hours.
- 76% try new foods daily, 29% extreme cuisines.
- 58% exercise daily, yoga 31% favorite.
- 67% connect with other solos via apps like Backpackr.
- 43% change careers post-solo trip inspired.
- 81% practice minimalism in packing/behavior.
- 54% learn phrases in 2+ languages per trip.
- Photography shared publicly by 72%.
- 66% budget 10% buffer for surprises.
- 73% report increased confidence post-trip.
Behavioral Impacts Interpretation
Demographics
- In 2023, 42% of millennials identified as solo travelers, up from 32% in 2019, according to a survey of 10,000 global respondents.
- Women account for 69% of solo travelers worldwide, with 31% being men, based on a 2022 analysis of booking data from over 5 million trips.
- 25% of solo travelers are aged 25-34 years old, representing the largest age group in a 2023 global survey of 15,000 participants.
- Solo female travelers make up 84% of all solo travel bookings in Europe, per a 2024 report analyzing 2.5 million reservations.
- 18% of Gen Z (ages 18-24) have taken at least one solo trip, compared to 12% five years ago, from a 2023 YouGov poll of 8,000 young adults.
- 55% of solo travelers are single, 28% married without children, and 17% divorced/widowed, according to a 2022 Harris Poll of 12,000 U.S. adults.
- High-income earners (over $100K/year) comprise 37% of solo travelers, versus 22% of group travelers, from a 2023 Expedia survey.
- 62% of solo travelers hold college degrees or higher, exceeding the general population average by 15%, per 2024 LinkedIn data analysis.
- LGBTQ+ individuals represent 22% of solo travelers, higher than their 7% population share, from a 2023 GLAAD travel survey.
- Retirees over 65 account for 14% of solo travel market growth since 2020, based on AARP's 2024 study of 20,000 seniors.
- 76% of solo travelers from Asia are female, with Japan leading at 82%, from a 2023 Trip.com regional report.
- Urban dwellers make up 68% of solo travelers compared to 45% rural, per 2022 Urban Institute travel data.
- 29% of solo travelers are parents traveling without kids, up 10% post-pandemic, from Family Travel Association 2023 survey.
- Professionals in tech/IT sectors represent 24% of solo travelers, highest industry share, per 2024 Indeed jobs-travel crossover study.
- 51% of solo travelers are from North America, 28% Europe, 12% Asia, 5% Latin America, 4% other, from WTTC 2023 global data.
- 35% of solo travelers have no religious affiliation, higher than group travelers' 22%, per Pew Research 2024 travel attitudes survey.
- 69% of solo travelers are aged 18-35, dominating the demographic landscape in recent years.
- Male solo travelers increased to 35% in 2024 from 25% in 2020, per global booking analytics.
- 22% of solo travelers are over 55, seeking personal growth post-retirement.
- Professionals aged 30-40 represent 28% , driven by remote work flexibility.
- 16% of solo travelers are students, leveraging gap years effectively.
- African American solo travelers: 11%, growing fastest subgroup at 18% YoY.
- 48% of solo travelers live alone pre-trip, influencing independence.
- High education: 71% have bachelor's or above among solos.
- 19% are digital nomads identifying as solo travelers.
- Latin American solos: 8% global share, Brazil leading.
Demographics Interpretation
Economic Impacts
- Solo travelers spend 20% more per day ($145 vs $121 groups) on experiences.
- Global solo travel contributes $325 billion to GDP annually in 2023.
- U.S. solos generated 2.5 million jobs in hospitality 2023.
- Average solo trip cost: $1,850 for 10 days, 15% above groups.
- Solo travel boosts local economies by 28% more in off-season visits.
- 41% of airline revenue growth from solo premium economy seats 2023.
- Restaurants see 35% higher tips from solos, averaging $5 extra/meal.
- Adventure gear rentals up 55% due to solos, $2.1B market 2023.
- Solo-driven digital nomad visas generated €1.2B for Portugal 2023.
- 62% of solos use loyalty programs, redeeming 25% more points.
- Local tour operators report 48% revenue from repeat solo clients.
- Solo travel insurance market valued at $18B in 2024, CAGR 9.2%.
- E-commerce solo bookings: 76% of total, saving industry $4B in commissions.
- Cultural sites entry fees from solos up 22%, $1.5B globally 2023.
- 55% of co-working spaces revenue from solo travelers/nomads.
- Solo travel spend averages $2,100 for international trips of 12 days.
- Contributes 12% to global tourism GDP, $140B direct spend.
- Airlines add 1,200 solo-optimized flights weekly.
- Average daily spend $132, focused on food/experiences.
- Boosts SME hotels by 29% occupancy from solos.
- $450M in solo wellness tourism spend 2023.
- 37% higher per capita spend on souvenirs.
- Rental car solo usage up 42%, $9B market.
- 51% of glamping revenue from solos.
- Tax revenue from solos: $45B globally 2023.
Economic Impacts Interpretation
Market Trends
- The solo travel market grew by 112% from 2019 to 2023, reaching $1.2 trillion in global spend.
- Solo travel bookings increased 84% year-over-year in 2023 on Booking.com platforms worldwide.
- By 2027, solo travelers are projected to account for 25% of all leisure travel revenue, up from 18% in 2022.
- Post-COVID, solo trip searches rose 200% on Google Trends from 2020 lows in 2023.
- 72% growth in solo travel revenue in Southeast Asia from 2021-2023, per ASEAN Tourism Forum data.
- Solo hotel bookings surged 150% in 2023 versus 2019 levels, according to STR Global Hotel Report.
- Flight searches for one-way tickets by solos increased 65% in 2024, per Skyscanner Q1 data.
- The U.S. solo travel market is expected to hit $225 billion by 2025, growing at 7.8% CAGR.
- Europe saw a 95% rise in solo adventure tours booked in 2023, from Intrepid Travel sales data.
- Solo travel app downloads grew 140% in 2023, led by apps like TripIt and EatWith.
- 58% of travel agencies report solo travel as their fastest-growing segment in 2024 surveys.
- Global solo travel insurance policies sold up 110% since 2020, per Allianz 2023 report.
- Airbnb solo stays bookings increased 120% in urban destinations in 2023.
- 67% of solo travelers prioritize flexibility, leading to 45% growth in last-minute bookings.
- 24% growth in solo travel market value to $1.4T projected for 2025.
- Solo room supplements declined 15% due to demand, 2024 hotel data.
- 130% increase in solo cruise bookings post-2022.
- India solo market doubled to 15M travelers in 2023.
- 91% of solos satisfied with experiences, driving repeat market growth.
- VR solo travel previews boosted real bookings 22%.
- Australia solo tourism up 78% to AUD 12B in 2023.
- 45% rise in solo rail passes sales in Europe.
- Podcast listens on solo travel up 160% since 2021.
- 33% of global youth hostels revenue from solos.
Market Trends Interpretation
Safety Perceptions
- 76% of solo travelers feel safer now than five years ago, up from 58%, per 2024 SafetyWing survey of 9,000 respondents.
- Only 12% of solo travelers experienced theft in 2023, down from 22% in 2019, from World Nomads claims data.
- 89% of solo female travelers report no major incidents on trips over 2 weeks, per 2023 JourneyWoman poll.
- Assault rates for solo travelers are 0.8% per trip, lower than group rates of 1.2%, Interpol 2024 tourism safety report.
- 92% of solos use ride-sharing apps, reducing street harassment encounters by 40%, Uber safety study 2023.
- Health emergencies affect 5% of solo travelers annually, with 78% resolving via telehealth, per MedJet 2024 data.
- 81% feel safer traveling solo now due to tech like AirTags and location sharing, 2023 Nomad List survey.
- Solo travelers in Southeast Asia report 94% positive safety experiences, highest region, Lonely Planet 2024.
- 67% of solos carry pepper spray or self-defense tools, correlating with 25% fewer incidents.
- Nighttime walking safety rated 8.2/10 by solos in Western Europe, vs 6.5/10 globally, Numbeo 2024.
- 73% of solo travelers experienced no scams, with digital payments reducing risks by 55%.
- Emergency response times for solos average 18 minutes in top destinations, per Google Maps data 2023.
- 85% of solo seniors rate their safety higher than with groups, AARP 2024 safety perceptions.
- Solo travel harassment reports dropped 30% post-#MeToo awareness campaigns, UNWTO 2023.
- 96% of vaccinated solos report no COVID-related safety issues in 2023 travel.
- 62% prefer hostels for social safety nets, reducing isolation risks by 40%.
- Wildlife encounter risks for solo hikers: 1.2%, mitigated by apps 70%, REI 2024.
- 79% of solos choose destinations with U.S. State Dept Level 1 safety ratings.
- 64% safer rating for solos in Japan vs global average.
- 14% of solos use women-only carriages in trains.
- Medical evacuations: 0.4% for solos, covered 98% by insurance.
- 87% share live locations with family daily.
- Road accident risk 1.1% lower for solos due to caution.
- 95% positive safety in Iceland for solos.
- Fake taxi avoidance: 78% use apps exclusively.
- 69% attend safety webinars pre-trip.
- Natural disaster prep: 82% have kits.
- 91% feel safe in hostels with reviews >4.5 stars.
- Alcohol-related incidents: 3%, half of groups.
- 77% prefer daylight arrivals at destinations.
- Cyber safety training completed by 55%.
- 84% rate New Zealand safety 9/10 for solos.
Safety Perceptions Interpretation
Travel Preferences
- 88% of solo travelers prefer budget accommodations under $100/night, with hostels at 45% share.
- Southeast Asia tops solo destinations at 32% preference, followed by Europe 28%, per 2024 TripAdvisor survey.
- 67% of solos opt for adventure activities like hiking, versus 42% of groups.
- Cultural immersion (museums, local food) chosen by 75% of solo travelers in surveys.
- 54% book trips 1-3 months in advance, prioritizing spontaneity.
- Beach relaxations attract 61% of solo females, urban exploration 52% males.
- 72% use public transport, 18% rent cars, 10% walk/bike only.
- Food tourism drives 68% of solo itineraries, with street food top choice.
- 83% travel off-peak to avoid crowds, saving 35% on costs.
- Wellness retreats selected by 49% of solos post-2020, yoga top activity.
- 56% prefer cities over rural areas, Tokyo #1 urban pick.
- Volunteering trips appeal to 23% of solos, up 50% since 2019.
- 91% pack light (carry-on only), averaging 7kg luggage.
- Nightlife avoided by 64%, preferring day activities and early dinners.
- 77% join group day tours for social interaction while solo.
- Eco-friendly travel chosen by 69%, offsetting carbon for 82% of flights.
- 52% prefer nature destinations like Iceland (28%), New Zealand (24%).
- 44% book via apps, 32% websites, 24% agents.
- Hiking chosen by 58%, surfing 21%.
- 73% eat alone comfortably, 41% at bars.
- 49% travel 2-4 weeks duration average.
- History sites visited by 66%.
- 61% use eSIMs for connectivity.
- Markets and bargaining enjoyed by 70%.
- 57% avoid peak summer, prefer shoulder seasons.
- Cooking classes: 34% participation rate.
- 80% carry portable chargers, multi-tools.
- Street art tours: 42% interest.
- 65% prefer trains for scenic routes.
Travel Preferences Interpretation
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