For many agencies and tour operators, this reality has brought about a strategic shift. And not just that: what started as a niche segment has become a core part of the market. Growing demand has spurred the creation of “solo trips”—itineraries designed for a single individual booking—although travelers often end up sharing the experience with other strangers. In this way, two needs come together: the freedom of traveling alone and the chance to socialise. As Alex Sánchez, Head of Marketing at G Adventures, explains, they have detected a “significant increase in solo travelers” in recent years.
The dominant profile of solo travelers has also evolved. While young or adventurous travelers once made up the majority, the segment is now much more diverse. Women, for example, represent a considerable share of this market, attracted by a combination of factors such as safety, autonomy and the desire for deeper experiences.
But the phenomenon goes far beyond a passing fad. Many solo travelers see travel as a way to reconnect with themselves, to foster introspection, to break daily routines or respond to the urge to “live in the now”—an attitude that has grown stronger since the pandemic.
In response to this growing trend, tour operators are adapting their products: they design itineraries for a single traveler, but build in group dynamics that encourage social interaction, community building even within individual trips, and enough flexibility for those seeking their own pace. According to experts, this combination of independence and sociability is a key part of the appeal of modern solo travel.
Moreover, solo travel is no longer limited to a specific age group or life stage. While young people are still driving much of the growth, there are increasing numbers of mature travelers, divorced individuals, or simply people who want to enjoy their freedom without ties. This diversity expands the market and pushes travel agents to offer different styles: from relaxed getaways to high-adrenaline adventures, from cultural routes to more introspective or nature-based experiences.
This boom in solo tourism also represents a strategic opportunity for destinations, accommodations and companies that know how to adapt. Those who incorporate products designed specifically for solo travelers—with small groups, flexibility, safety and opportunities for socialising—will be better positioned to capitalise on a clearly expanding niche.
Ultimately, the growing strength of solo travel shows that many people no longer view holidays as something that must necessarily be shared. The urgency to live, explore, reconnect with oneself and not depend on others’ schedules or decisions has turned this segment into a stable trend with a major impact on the global tourism industry. Companies that understand this and offer suitable products have before them a wide and fast-growing window of opportunity.
