The #1 trend of 2019, solo travel is on the rise and not slowing down. And since the average income of a solo traveler is $150,000, the travel industry is sure to pay attention to these up-and-coming travel spenders.
Solo travel is increasing in popularity and its numbers are on the rise. Solo travel statistics indicate that a quarter of all US millennials are expected to engage in some form of travel by themselves in 2020. Women, in particular, are leading the way in this market, with the vast majority of solo travelers being women.
This report shares over 70 statistics and trends in solo travel.
Essential Solo Travel Statistics
The first wave of solo travelers began in 2010 and has steadily grown since then. In the past few years, however, the solo travel market has witnessed explosive growth. Klook reports that solo travel was the #1 trend of 2019. Those numbers are only expected to rise with entire industries now dedicated to providing unique solo travel experiences.
This significant increase owes itself in part to social media, which has accelerated the solo travel trend and encouraged people to take a trip alone. Those who do travel solo repeat the experience, and with the increase in these travelers comes accommodations and services targeted toward accommodating the solo travel market segment.
Solo travel is a unique experience for people who would like to take a trip on their own terms. Individual tastes and preferences are more likely to be accommodated if you're the only one making decisions during the trip. Solo travelers have more options and can enjoy the freedom to explore and enjoy their destination at their own pace.
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What is the Age, Gender, and Average Income of Solo Travelers?
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As millennials are becoming more financially independent, they are also able to afford solo trips more than ever before. In fact, this age group is responsible for 55% of internet queries that have to do with traveling alone. Women, in particular, have boosted the solo travel market and make up 84% of people who travel alone.
Many factors contribute to why people decide to vacation by themselves. Primarily, traveling alone means not being restricted by the needs of others. Furthermore, many people found that being alone helped coax them out of their shells and strengthened their personalities.
The independence that comes with solo travel benefits personality development and allows travelers to gain a more nuanced sense of the world. Many people who travel by themselves want to mingle with locals and learn about different cultures in an authentic way. As people become more financially stable and travel becomes more accessible, these trends are likely to continue in the future.
People from the United States frequently participate in solo travel, and American women, in particular, are active travelers. Not only do 72% of American women now opt to travel alone, but they do so frequently, at up to three times a year.
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What are the Best Places to Travel Solo?
Depending on personal preference, several places have been ranked as favorable destinations for solo travelers. One of them is Australia, which is considered the top destination for most solo travelers.
Preferences may vary depending on gender as well. For example, women cited personal safety as their primary concern when looking for a place to travel alone. Thus, not only was Europe the #1 destination for female travelers, but it was also ranked the safest by them.
People also take trips alone to appease their sense of adventure. Avoiding typical tourist destinations seems to be a growing trend, and solo travelers frequent more and more obscure or local areas. Solo travelers seek an authentic experience with locals, far-removed from the busy and modernized tourist areas.
Despite the increasing tendency toward genuine cultural experiences, 23% of solo travelers prefer to visit modern cities. The United States is a popular solo travel destination, with 21% of solo travelers considering it their first choice when looking for a destination to visit.
Is Solo Travel Safe?
Solo travel is not only common but also safe for the vast majority of those looking to take a trip by themselves. The most popular destinations for solo travel are well-known for being safe, and this is particularly important for the inexperienced traveler.
Despite the increase in the number of people traveling alone, some travelers have reported that their parents or families were uncomfortable with the idea of them traveling alone.
During their travels, people are usually prepared and aware, especially in a foreign country. Many solo travelers may hate the idea of eating by themselves in a restaurant or visiting a bar. Still, a significant number of travelers do not mind the experience and even enjoy these moments of peace.
In terms of safety, there is a wealth of reviews, social media posts, rating websites, and informational resources available for those planning their trip. In addition to common-sense safety precautions, most travelers understand the nature of the places they are visiting and know what to expect.
Countries that have a thriving tourism industry, however, do not only rely on solo travelers to keep themselves safe. Some countries take safety measures to make them safer for solo travelers. These measures can include accessible police stations, enhanced surveillance, and increased law enforcement presence.
How Do Solo Travelers Book Tours and Places to Stay?
Solo travelers usually search for online agents or booking websites to plan their visits.
In virtually every trip category, solo traveler numbers are increasing, and so are inquiries related to single-person services. As this number is expected to increase, more travel markets will accommodate solo travelers and offer services that cater to their specific needs. Hotelscan.com, for example, saw a 170% jump in inquiries for one-person rooms.
Vacations that, in the past, were exclusive to couples and groups are now becoming more popular with the one-person traveler crowd. For example, Riviera Travel reported that sightseeing and cruise vacations were receiving more bookings by solo travelers.
What's the Latest Solo Travel Market Research?
Here are the safest and most-popular female travel destinations in the world:
People who travel alone often start planning their trip months in advance. Search engine queries for solo travel on Google increased by 131%. Solo travelers usually take their trips year-round, and July and August stand out as having the lowest number of solo travelers at only 1%. This low percentage has many contributing factors, including the heat that can make for an uncomfortable trip to many popular destinations.
Since the nature of individual trips is relying on oneself, many solo travelers are well prepared up to six months in advance for their trip. This preparation is necessary due to safety, weather, and at-home factors that must be accounted for.
Why is Solo Travel on the Rise?
In the past, traveling alone on a vacation or trip was uncommon, especially if the traveler was in a relationship. Not only are more people with partners traveling alone, but they are also aware that society has become more accepting. This is significant, since businesses with the sole purpose of serving this travel market segment now exist.
One example of this niche market is businesses that cater to women-only travel services. These companies often provide a comprehensive experience. Since most people indicated that they wouldn't mind an escorted service, they can navigate their destinations with ease. They are more likely to visit other places using the same service.
This system is beneficial for all involved. More people feel encouraged to travel alone when they know that several reliable businesses exist to provide this experience. The businesses, on the other hand, will reap the benefits of repeat business and growth as solo travel becomes more accessible.
Solo travel can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or it can be a recurrent activity. Due to the wealth of options available for travelers today, booking a solo vacation and enjoying it fully no longer present as much of a challenge as they used to. A now common practice, solo travel is fast becoming a formidable niche within the travel industry.
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