If you think travelling alone is an activity reserved for the lonely, think again. Research from Webjet shows that solo travel has officially hit the mainstream with half (48 per cent) of Aussies planning a solo adventure in the next two years, and another quarter (25 per cent) hoping to take one soon.
These travellers aren’t just seeking quick getaways; they’re planning bucket list adventures. Two-fifths (43 per cent) would like to visit three or more destinations, and half (50 per cent) intend to travel solo for three weeks or more.
As more people jump on the solo travel bandwagon, it’s safe to say solo travel isn’t a young backpacker’s game anymore. Gen Z are now the least likely to say they fit in with other solo travellers, with just one in three (31 per cent) feeling they belong, compared to half of Boomers (50 per cent), Gen X (47 per cent), and Millennials (46 per cent).
Boomers and Gen X lead the solo travel charge
The burgeoning interest in solo travel is being driven in part by Boomers and Gen X. Nearly half (48 per cent) of over 65s are keen to mark their retirement with a solo trip, while a quarter (26 per cent) of 45 to 54-year-olds are looking to quell their mid-life crises with an adventure for one. For these older generations, solo travel is an opportunity to meet new people (37 per cent) and create new memories (36 per cent). Websites such as JourneyWoman ( a travel platform for women over 50) are increasingly gaining popularity.
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Millennials embrace solo travel to beat burnout
Millennials, on the other hand, are turning to solo travel as an antidote to burnout. Nearly half (45 per cent) are interested in solo trips to escape work-related stress and two-fifths (42 per cent) see it as a chance for a longer career break.
Unlike older generations who are seeking new connections, Millennials are after some peace and quiet. Two in five (41 per cent) of 35 to 44-year-olds want to travel solo for some solitude, with one in ten (11 per cent) admitting they’d like to travel independently to avoid annoying family members or friends. Interestingly, a quarter (28 per cent) would consider a solo “divorce-cation” after a split from their partner.
Parenting commitments remain a significant barrier for this generation, with half (48 per cent) citing these responsibilities as a hindrance to booking solo trips. However, one in five (20 per cent) of Australians aged 35 to 54 are eagerly awaiting solo adventures once their children leave home.
Solo travellers go big or go home
Australians are not just interested in solo travel; they’re ready to invest in it. Despite the cost of living pressures, Aussies are willing to splurge to make their solo travel dreams come true. A quarter (24 per cent) plan to spend over $5,000 and one in twenty (5 per cent) are ready to invest $10,000 or more on their next solo adventure. The desire to tick off bucket list destinations (47 per cent), experience once-in-a-lifetime adventures (49 per cent), and enjoy luxury accommodations (38 per cent) is driving this higher spending.
According to Webjet booking data*, the top international destinations for solo travellers in the next year are:
Bali: (15 per cent)
London: (10 per cent)
Auckland: (6 per cent)
Queenstown: (4 per cent)
Manila: (3 per cent)
Tokyo: (3 per cent)
Bangkok: (3 per cent)
Los Angeles: (3 per cent)
Christchurch: (2 per cent)
Athens: (2 per cent)
Yet, while the desire for multi-city solo travel is strong, planning and booking these trips is still a challenge. Almost half (44 per cent) of respondents find booking a solo trip time-consuming and difficult, with one in eight (12 per cent) saying it deters them from travelling solo altogether.
Katrina Barry, CEO of Webjet B2C says: “Solo travel is being embraced by people of all ages for a variety of enriching reasons. Whether it’s celebrating personal milestones or embarking on a journey of self-discovery, more and more individuals are choosing to travel alone. This trend is reflected in Webjet bookings for 2024 and 2025, with Aussies of all ages and genders exploring all sorts of destinations around the world.“For those venturing into solo travel, Webjet’s Multi-City search feature is a great tool to help alleviate the stress associated with booking flights between multiple destinations. Simply search for up to six flights in one go, and Webjet’s technology will scan thousands of routes and hundreds of airlines in seconds – providing the best itinerary for your preferences. This simplifies the process for Aussies to book and join the solo travel crowd.”
https://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/revealed-the-top-10-destinations-for-solo-travel-in-2024/
