The Rise of Solo Travel in 2025: Why More People Are Choosing to Travel Alone
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In 2025, more and more people in the UK are deciding to travel on their own. What used to seem unusual is now becoming common, with solo trips seen as fun, freeing and even good for your wellbeing. People aren’t just going solo because no one else is available—they’re doing it because they want to.
At One Extra Night Travel, we’ve seen this change happening fast. Today, solo travel isn’t rare—it’s becoming popular.
Why Solo Travel Is Becoming Popular
Years ago, travelling alone might have seemed a bit odd or lonely. But that’s changed. Now, going on a trip by yourself is seen as confident and exciting. The media even has a name for it: the "me-moon"—a trip focused entirely on you.
One in three adults in the UK is thinking about taking a solo holiday this year. News outlets like The Guardian and The Telegraph are writing about how good solo travel can feel. Social media also plays a big part, with TikTok and Instagram full of videos showing people happily travelling on their own.
Travel companies are paying attention. They’re now offering hotel rooms, tours and insurance options just for solo travellers.
Top Places Solo Travellers Are Visiting
Europe is still the favourite for solo UK travellers. Countries like Spain, France, Italy and Portugal are popular because they’re nearby, affordable and easy to get around.
Cities like Barcelona and Seville are known for being walkable and full of culture. France has a great train system and Italy and Portugal offer amazing food, history and friendly people.
Some solo travellers are going further, too—to places like Thailand, Japan or Australia. These countries are known to be safe and welcoming, especially for people travelling alone.
Where you go often depends on how the place makes you feel. Solo travellers are looking for more than a nice hotel—they want somewhere that feels inspiring.
Who's Travelling Solo?
You might think it’s just young people, but that’s not the full story. Yes, people aged 25–44 are leading the trend, but solo travel is growing among all age groups. In fact, more and more women are booking solo trips. Some are single, while others just want to take a break on their own.
One travel company, Virtuoso, says that 71% of their solo travellers are women. And 40% of women in a recent survey said they were newly interested in travelling alone.
Whether it’s after a life change or just for fun, many people are done waiting for friends or family to be free. They want to go when it suits them.
Why Do People Choose to Travel Alone?
A recent survey found the top reasons are:
Freedom and flexibility (38%)
Cultural exploration (38%)
Breaking from routine (36%)
Personal growth (31%)
Solo travel gives people time to think, recharge and learn about themselves. It’s also a great way to do exactly what you want—no compromises.
Eating alone used to be seen as awkward. Now it’s something people enjoy. In fact, 72% of Brits say they’re happy to eat alone on a trip. Restaurants are catching on, with bar seating and tables made for one.
What the Media and Social Media Are Saying
UK newspapers and travel blogs are full of positive stories about solo travel. Writers talk about how freeing it feels, or how they discovered new things about themselves. Instagram and TikTok are full of solo travel content. People are showing off amazing trips and encouraging others to give it a try.
On Reddit, solo travellers share tips and stories. There’s a growing online community where people support each other and help make solo travel feel normal and exciting.
There is one complaint that pops up: the "single supplement." That’s when hotels or tours charge solo travellers more because the price is based on two people sharing. But this is changing. Some cruise ships now have rooms just for one person and tour companies are removing extra charges or offering to match people up to share rooms.
Safety Tips and Support
Travelling alone does come with some risks, but they can be managed. Here are some good safety tips:
Register your trip with the FCDO Travel Aware service
Get travel insurance
Stay in touch with someone back home
Trust your instincts
Booking with a trusted travel agency like One Extra Night Travel can help too. We give advice on safe places to stay, how to plan your trip and what to expect.
Final Thoughts: Why This Trend Matters
Solo travel is more than just a trend. It shows how people are rethinking what a holiday can be. Instead of needing company, more people are happy to explore the world alone and enjoy the freedom that comes with it.
If you’ve ever thought about travelling by yourself, now’s the time. More people than ever are doing it—and loving it.
At One Extra Night Travel, we help people plan trips that are safe, enjoyable, and all about what you want. Whether it’s a weekend city break or a big adventure across the world, we’re here to make it simple.
Thinking of going solo? Get in touch with One Extra Night Travel and let’s start planning your next great trip.