Why More People Are Choosing to Travel Alone (And Loving It)
Solo travel. It’s not just a buzzword or a fleeting trend—it’s a movement that’s reshaping how people explore the world. And trust me, it’s every bit as exciting as it sounds. Whether you’re looking for freedom, personal growth, or just an unforgettable adventure, traveling solo opens up doors you didn’t even know were there.
Hi, I’m Sarah, your travel-obsessed friend and resident storyteller. I’ve been lucky to take on some solo trips over the years, and I’m here to guide you through why 2025 is the perfect time to go solo, how to do it confidently, and what you can gain from stepping out on your own. I promise, the rewards outweigh any doubts you’re carrying right now.
Why Is Solo Travel Booming Right Now?
Solo travel isn't just on the rise—it's booming. As revealed by the American Express 2024 Global Travel Trends Report, 76% of Millennials and Gen-Z travelers are planning solo trips this year. Why? Because solo travel offers something special—it’s about freedom, self-discovery, and unforgettable experiences without compromise. The report even highlights that 57% of respondents prefer quick solo weekend getaways over longer trips, making it easier than ever to pack your bag and go after your desires.
Honestly, I get it. Solo travel isn’t just a way to explore a new destination—it’s a way to reconnect with yourself. Here’s why this travel trend is capturing hearts everywhere.
1. Freedom Like Never Before
Picture this—you wake up in Lisbon and feel like strolling through colorful streets with no itinerary, no clock, and no one else's schedule dictating your day. That’s the magic of solo travel.
When I traveled to Thailand alone, I thought I’d miss having a companion to plan with. Instead? It was a revelation. I did things my way. One morning, I spent hours exploring a beach market, trying random street food without anyone saying, “Are we done yet?” The next day, I went island-hopping on a whim. Solo travel lets you follow every little curiosity without compromise, and honestly, it’s addictive.
More and more people are craving that kind of freedom, and this desire for “me-first” exploration is one of the reasons solo travel has become so big. After all, life is already full of compromises—your vacation doesn’t have to be.
2. That Confidence Glow-Up
Oh, the confidence you’ll gain when you’re out exploring on your own! I still remember my first solo trip—a two-week adventure in Vietnam. Was I nervous? Absolutely. But after navigating Hanoi’s chaotic streets alone and figuring out how to order food without speaking the language, I felt unstoppable.
Solo travel pushes you out of your comfort zone in the best way. You learn to rely on yourself, trust your instincts, and tackle situations that might have seemed overwhelming before. It’s like discovering a superpower you didn’t know you had. By the time you’re back home, you’ll notice it too—the way you carry yourself with a little more confidence, a little more independence.
And guess what? Confidence is contagious. It affects how you see yourself, how others see you, and even how you approach life from then on.
3. A Journey Within
Here’s a secret about solo travel—it’s as much about the inward discoveries as it is about the outward ones. I didn’t expect this during my trip to Iceland, but hiking alone through the surreal landscapes gave me so much time to think.
When you’re with yourself for days on end, you reflect in ways you never have before. The things that felt confusing back home? You’ll find clarity. That big life decision you’ve been putting off? You’ll gain perspective. Traveling without distractions or expectations from others has a magical way of clearing your mental clutter.
Many solo travelers (myself included) describe their trips as a kind of reset button. You come back not only with new passport stamps but a clearer vision for your goals, relationships, and life as a whole.
Who’s Traveling Solo in 2025—and Where Are They Going?
Here’s the thing about solo travel—it’s not just for gap-year backpackers. It doesn’t matter if you’re 25 or 55, male or female, introverted or extroverted. This wave of independence is pulling in all kinds of people from all walks of life.
That said, women are leading the charge. Did you know that 64% of solo travelers are women? Incredible, right? For many, it’s about empowerment—proving to themselves (and, okay, maybe to the world) that they can conquer anything, anywhere.
When it comes to destinations, the options are endless. Here are three trending ones that are perfect for solo travelers in 2025.
- Japan: Safe, efficient, and endlessly fascinating. Japan is my favorite place for solo adventurers. During my trip, I marveled at its blend of ancient temples and futuristic tech. Plus, the locals were so kind—even when I struggled with their language, they went out of their way to help.
- Portugal: It’s affordable, it’s vibrant, and the locals are as welcoming as it gets. Whether you’re sipping wine at a quaint café in Lisbon or walking along the cliffs in Algarve, you’ll feel completely at ease going solo here.
- Iceland: If you love nature and crave solitude, this is the destination. Driving through Iceland, with its ethereal waterfalls and endless horizons, gave me a strange yet beautiful sense of peace. Bonus points for being one of the safest places in the world!
But honestly? The “where” matters much less than the “how.” Whether you’re wandering through a buzzing European capital or trekking in Southeast Asia, traveling alone means the experience becomes deeply personal and uniquely yours.
What’s It Really Like? The Challenges of Traveling Solo
Of course, solo travel isn’t all sunshine and epic Instagram shots. It comes with challenges—but nothing you can’t manage, I promise! Here are the main ones I’ve faced and how I’ve overcome them.
1. Battling Loneliness
There’ll be times when you miss chatting with someone over dinner or sharing a funny street sign with a friend. On my first solo trip, I had a moment of loneliness in a Paris café, seeing couples and groups laughing together.
What helped? Being proactive about meeting people. Hostels are amazing for this, even if you’re not staying in the dorms—they have common areas and events where solo travelers can connect. Group tours and apps like Meetup are lifesavers too.
2. Staying Safe
One thing I hear from women curious about solo travel is concern about safety—which is completely valid. My advice? Research, prepare, and trust your instincts.
Before arriving in any city, I always Google things like “safe neighborhoods to stay in,” and I make sure my accommodation has great reviews. I also keep loved ones updated on my itinerary and avoid risky situations (no wandering around unlit areas alone).
3. Decision Fatigue
When you’re the one calling all the shots, it can go from exhilarating to exhausting. I learned this the hard way during my trip to Italy; I planned everything, down to what gelato flavor I’d try each evening. By day four, I was wiped.
Now, I build in “no-plan” days where I just wander without a set schedule. Those spontaneous moments often turn out to be the most memorable anyway.
How to Start Your Solo Travel Journey
If you’re right on the edge of giving this a try, go for it! But here are a few tips to ease you in:
- Start small. Test the waters with a weekend trip or a nearby destination. My first solo trip was just three days in Toronto, and it gave me a good feel for navigating alone.
- Pack light. Trust me, dragging a heavy suitcase through cobblestone streets is a nightmare. A good carry-on is your best friend.
- Stay connected. Use Wi-Fi to check in with friends or family—they’ll appreciate the updates, and it’ll make you feel less isolated.
And most importantly, go easy on yourself. Solo travel isn’t about being perfect—it’s about the adventure.
Travel Sparks ✨
- Learn key phrases in the local language—simple words like “hello” and “thank you” are game-changers.
- Invest in noise-canceling headphones. They’re lifesavers for flights, buses, and blocking out noisy neighbors.
- Keep digital and physical backups of your travel documents. Just in case.
- Book your first night’s accommodation ahead of time. Landing in a new place is stressful enough—know where you’re sleeping.
- Join free walking tours. They’re perfect for meeting fellow travelers and getting oriented in a new city.
- Splurge on experiences, not things. Memories trump souvenirs any day.
Find Yourself in the World—One Solo Trip at a Time!
When I look back at my solo adventures, I don’t just remember the stunning views or the incredible food—I remember how much I learned about myself.
Whether you’re navigating narrow alleys in Kyoto or hiking solo in the Scottish Highlands, solo travel is a reminder of how capable, adventurous, and resilient you really are.
2025 is your year. Pack your bags, trust yourself, and take that leap. There’s a whole world (and maybe even a whole new side of you) waiting to be discovered. You’ve got this!
