Solo Travel Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Adventure & Extreme Travel, Eco Travel, Leisure & Vacation Travel, Business Travel, Others), By Gender (Male, Female), By Booking Mode (Direct Booking, Online Travel Agents and Agencies (OTAs), Marketplace Booking), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 489.32 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	14.43%
Fastest Growing Segment	Direct Booking
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 1098.58 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Solo Travel Market will grow from USD 489.32 Billion in 2025 to USD 1098.58 Billion by 2031 at a 14.43% CAGR. The Global Solo Travel Market is defined as the segment of the tourism industry where individuals explore destinations independently, managing their own itineraries and logistics without the company of friends, family, or partners. The primary drivers fueling this market include a heightened consumer desire for personal freedom and flexibility, which allows travelers to tailor schedules to their specific interests without compromise. Additionally, shifting demographics, such as the rise in single-person households and the normalization of remote work, have empowered a broader demographic to undertake independent journeys. According to the Association of British Travel Agents, in 2025, nearly 19% of travellers went on a holiday alone in the preceding year, representing the highest level recorded since the organization began tracking this behaviour.

Despite this robust expansion, the market faces a significant challenge in the form of the single supplement, a financial surcharge imposed by hotels and tour operators on solo travelers occupying double-occupancy accommodation. This additional cost often creates a prohibitive barrier for price-sensitive consumers, effectively penalizing them for traveling alone. Furthermore, persistent safety concerns regarding security in unfamiliar environments continue to act as a psychological impediment, limiting the potential addressable market and discouraging hesitant individuals from engaging in solo tourism activities.

Key Market Drivers

The surge in female empowerment and women-centric travel initiatives is fundamentally reshaping the market landscape, as women increasingly prioritize safety, community, and shared experiences over purely independent exploration. This driver has compelled tour operators to curate niche itineraries that mitigate security concerns while fostering connection, thereby unlocking a vast demographic previously hesitant to travel alone. According to Solofemaletravelers.club, March 2025, in the '2024 Solo Female Travel Trends' report, 75% of women surveyed stated they would be more likely to book a solo trip if it involved joining a women-only tour. Consequently, the industry is witnessing a proliferation of female-led guide services and accommodation networks designed to provide the reassurance necessary for these travelers to engage with new destinations with confidence, effectively converting safety-conscious individuals into active market participants.

The growing consumer focus on mental health, mindfulness, and self-discovery has further positioned solo travel as a therapeutic tool rather than merely a leisure activity. Travelers are actively seeking isolation and autonomy to escape hyper-connected routines, driving demand for wellness retreats, silent stays, and slow-tourism experiences that facilitate introspection. According to Hostelworld, November 2025, in the 'State of Solo Travel 2025' report, 52% of solo travelers cited reconnecting with themselves as a primary motivation for their journeys. This shift towards intentional solitude is fueling broader market frequency, as individuals view these trips as essential maintenance for their well-being rather than one-off vacations. Reflecting this increased intent, according to Atlys, in 2025, 62% of global travelers planned to undertake between two and five solo trips within the year, highlighting the sustained momentum of this travel segment.

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Key Market Challenges

The single supplement imposes a direct financial constraint on the Global Solo Travel Market by mandating that individuals pay a premium for utilizing double-occupancy accommodations. This surcharge creates a disproportionate cost burden that forces solo travelers to cover the expense of unused capacity, effectively penalizing them for their independence. By significantly increasing the overall trip expenditure, this practice alienates price-sensitive consumer segments and reduces the perceived value of the travel product. Consequently, the market struggles to fully capitalize on the growing consumer desire for freedom because the cost of entry remains prohibitively high for a substantial portion of the potential customer base.

This economic barrier is especially detrimental given the rising volume of independent travelers who are eager to explore but face budgetary limitations. The disconnect between high consumer interest and restrictive pricing structures limits the conversion of intent into actual bookings. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, in 2025, it was reported that 12% of cruise passengers traveled alone during the preceding year. This statistic underscores a robust and expanding demographic that is currently being financially penalized by legacy pricing models, thereby hampering the broader growth trajectory of the industry.

Key Market Trends

The Proliferation of Solo-First Group Travel Networks is fundamentally altering the market by addressing the paradox of isolation in independent tourism. Unlike traditional group tours that often prioritize couples or enforce single supplements, these networks are engineering "solo-together" models that guarantee individual autonomy while providing a built-in social infrastructure. This approach is gaining rapid traction among younger demographics who seek the safety and logistics of a structured group without sacrificing the freedom of solo exploration. Highlighting this shift towards socially engineered independent travel, according to Intrepid Travel, March 2025, in the 'Integrated Annual Report 2024', the company witnessed a 60% growth in trips curated for 18- to 35-year-olds, a segment largely comprised of solo joiners seeking communal adventure formats.

Simultaneously, the Rise of "Me-Moon" Luxury Getaways is elevating the sector beyond its budget-conscious roots, establishing solo travel as a premium, self-celebratory pursuit. This trend involves travelers intentionally carving out high-value, solitary periods to indulge in personalized luxury, moving beyond the functional necessity of travelling alone to viewing it as an indulgent privilege. The concept has mainstreamed to the extent that it is reshaping broader travel itineraries, with individuals embedding solo luxury legs into larger group vacations to ensure dedicated self-care time. Validating this structural evolution, according to Hilton, October 2025, in the '2026 Trends Report', nearly half (48%) of travelers reported adding solo travel days to their itineraries before or after family vacations, underscoring the growing prioritization of high-quality independent experiences.

Segmental Insights

Direct Booking has emerged as the fastest-growing segment in the Global Solo Travel Market, driven by a decisive shift in consumer preference toward autonomy and reliability. Industry analysis indicates that independent travelers are increasingly bypassing intermediaries to secure seamless communication and immediate support for itinerary adjustments. This acceleration is further underpinned by the appeal of exclusive loyalty incentives and personalized offers available solely through provider-managed channels. By prioritizing direct engagement, solo explorers gain greater control over their travel plans, positioning this segment at the forefront of current market expansion.

Regional Insights

North America dominates the Global Solo Travel Market, driven by high consumer spending power and a strong cultural emphasis on individualism. The region benefits from a mature travel ecosystem that prioritizes safety, connectivity, and accessibility, which are critical factors for independent voyagers. This leadership is further reinforced by a significant demographic shift, as Millennials and Gen Z travelers increasingly seek self-discovery and flexible itineraries. Additionally, the rapid integration of advanced digital booking platforms and the rise of remote work lifestyles facilitate seamless solo journeys, cementing the region's premier market standing.

Recent Developments

• In September 2025, Riviera Travel announced the development of a river cruise ship, the MS George Eliot, dedicated entirely to solo passengers. Scheduled to commence operations in June 2027, the vessel will sail the Danube, Rhine, and Moselle rivers without charging any single supplement fees. The ship is designed to accommodate 68 guests in cabins configured for single occupancy, ensuring privacy and comfort for independent vacationers. This initiative represents a significant investment in the solo market, offering specialized itineraries and onboard programming intended to create a communal atmosphere for travelers exploring Europe alone.
• In November 2024, Flash Pack introduced a new portfolio of adventure trips tailored specifically for solo travelers aged 45 to 59. Building on its established success with younger demographics, the company expanded its offerings to address the underserved market of mid-life independent travelers. These new itineraries combine premium accommodations with immersive local experiences, aiming to facilitate meaningful connections among Generation X participants. By creating a dedicated product category for this age group, the company responded to significant customer demand for social travel options that align with the specific life stages and interests of older solo adventurers.
• In October 2024, G Adventures launched "Solo-ish Adventures," a new collection of travel itineraries developed exclusively for solo travelers. The initial rollout included 13 trips to high-demand destinations like Costa Rica, India, and Vietnam, all of which are led by female-only tour managers to enhance safety and comfort. This product line was designed to combat the "loneliness epidemic" by fostering connection through structured social activities while still allowing for personal exploration time. Notably, these packages eliminate single supplement fees, making group travel more financially accessible for individuals venturing out on their own.
• In February 2024, Intrepid Travel expanded the eligibility for its youth-centric tour packages, raising the upper age limit from 29 to 35 years old. This strategic adjustment was implemented to better accommodate the "young adult" demographic, a segment that significantly overlaps with the solo travel market. Concurrently, the company introduced 15 new itineraries specifically designed for this broader age group, featuring destinations such as South Korea, Iceland, and Morocco. These small-group tours focus on delivering unique cultural experiences and active adventures, catering to independent travelers who prefer the social dynamics and affordability of traveling with peers.

Key Market Players

• Intrepid Travel Pty Ltd.
• WeRoad S.r.l.
• G Adventures Inc.
• Contiki Holidays Limited
• Trafalgar.
• Flash Pack Ltd.
• EF Education First Ltd.
• Solos Holidays Ltd
• Austin Adventures
• Exodus Travels Limited

By Type	By Gender	By Booking Mode	By Region
Adventure & Extreme Travel Eco Travel Leisure & Vacation Travel Business Travel Others	Male Female	Direct Booking Online Travel Agents and Agencies (OTAs) Marketplace Booking	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Solo Travel Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Solo Travel Market, By Type:

• Adventure & Extreme Travel
• Eco Travel
• Leisure & Vacation Travel
• Business Travel
• Others

• Solo Travel Market, By Gender:

• Male
• Female

• Solo Travel Market, By Booking Mode:

• Direct Booking
• Online Travel Agents and Agencies (OTAs)
• Marketplace Booking

• Solo Travel Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE