The booming solo travel trend

Are travel plans struggling to get out of the group chat? If that is the case, perhaps it’s time to take a step toward independence and embark on a solo trip. While the idea of going somewhere by yourself isn’t new, it’s become a major travel trend in 2024 and should be one that more people experience.

You don’t have to be a frequent traveler to know the struggles that can come with traveling with friends and family. First, there’s the struggle to even plan a trip. Coordinating tastes, interests, schedules, and much more can be a headache all by itself. After working some magic to get everyone out the door and to the destination, the issues aren’t over as personalities, priorities, and more can clash. This is why it is never a bad idea to set on out your own.

“It’s not new, but it is definitely an explosion,” said Mar Pages, co-founder of the travel website Solo Female Travelers. “Traveling solo is feeling like, ‘Wow I could do it by myself. I managed the entire thing by myself.’ This empowerment, this sense of fulfillment and self-realization, is definitely the number one most mentioned benefit.”

Picking a location and the entire plan may feel like a daunting task, but when you’re doing all the planning with yourself in mind, it can be more of an enjoyable experience. What to get up early in the morning for an excursion? Book it. Want to spend the entire day sitting by the pool? Make it happen. Want to change plans last minute because something or someone comes up? No problem, the only schedule that matters is your own.

According to Booking.com, 59 percent of people were looking to take a trip alone, with men participating at a higher rate. That point does bring up a key factor. Women must take additional precautions when traveling alone. It doesn’t matter where you go, but there are steps to take to keep yourself safer that women should be aware of. Travelers overall need to take precautions while venturing out, but those issues are more prevalent for women.

Traveling solo can make it easier for you to take advantage of special deals on flights or hotel stays. It is also easier to travel off-peak times throughout the year, giving you access to additional savings along the way.

Group trips are fun and should be experienced when possible. But do not let the idea of traveling alone keep you from taking some time away to yourself. It’s a great way to get some refreshing time on vacation while not having to worry about the whims of others.