Why Solo Travel Is Set to Boom in 2026
More people than ever are embracing solo travel and the spotlight isn’t just on young backpackers. The latest travel data shows that many solo travellers today are women, and the trend is growing fast. In 2025, bookings for solo trips surged, and women accounted for nearly 70% of those journeys in many cases.
Solo travel is transforming from a niche lifestyle to a cultural phenomenon. For many, it’s not about being alone it’s about gaining agency, exploring at your own pace, and redefining what it means to travel. As more people prioritise experience, self‑growth and independence rather than traditional vacationing the allure of solo adventures is becoming harder to resist.
Given rising demand, shifting values, and the growing availability of solo‑friendly services, 2026 looks set to be another big year for solo travel.
What Makes a Great Solo Destination
When I travel solo, I look for a few key things, and they’ve shaped where I go and how I explore:
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Safety and friendliness: Destination must have welcoming locals, decent infrastructure, and enough familiarity that you don’t feel lost or unsafe.
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Affordability and flexibility: Easy transport options, budget‑friendly lodging or hostels, street‑food or cheap eats, and flexible scheduling.
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Culture, charm and variety: Places that offer a mix — history, food, nightlife or chill days — so you can tailor the trip to your mood.
For me, solo travel in Europe and Thailand worked well — and I felt mostly safe. That said, solo travel means you need a bit more planning, especially around where you stay and how you move.
Top Picks for Solo Travel in 2026
Here are some of the best places worth considering next time you travel solo.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon ranks high on many “best for solo travellers” lists thanks to its safety, vibrant café culture and friendly locals. It’s a city you can happily explore on foot, with winding alleys, viewpoints, historic trams and delicious inexpensive meals. Hostels and budget stays are plentiful, and public transport makes moving around easy.
Chiang Mai or Bangkok / Northern Thailand
Thailand remains a top pick for solo travellers thanks to low cost, welcoming communities, beautiful landscapes and a solo‑friendly backpacker infrastructure. Whether you want temples, street food, night markets or a relaxed vibe, Thai cities and towns offer a mix of culture, adventure and comfort — especially when you take a bit of care with planning and local info.
Cities with Soft Pace & Cultural Depth (e.g. Cities in Europe’s Hidden Corners or Smaller Towns)
Some of the best solo experiences come when you avoid tourist traps and focus on lesser-known towns or cultural hubs. These places often offer slower pace, local charm, manageable costs and fewer crowds perfect for solo walkers, museum‑lovers or people just needing time to think. Reports show a growing interest in immersive cultural experiences, wellness-focused travel, and slow‑paced discovery trips among solo travellers.
What Solo Travel Taught Me — and the Hidden Risks
From my own experiences travelling solo in Europe and Thailand, I can say this: it feels incredible to walk a city at night, wander markets alone, and make spontaneous plans. The freedom is addictive. But that doesn’t mean it’s without responsibility.
Solo travel demands attention. You have to research accommodations more thoroughly, pick safe areas, be cautious at night, and stay aware of surroundings. I learned the hard way that you can’t assume every place is easy just because you’re comfortable back home. But with a bit of thought and common sense, it also feels deeply empowering.
Why Solo Travel Is More Than a Trend — It’s a Lifestyle Shift
This isn’t about ticking off a bucket list. Solo travel in 2026 is becoming a deliberate choice for people who want to reclaim time, autonomy and self‑discovery. As more people travel independently, the industry has responded with better hostel options, women‑friendly tours, affordable flights, and digital resources for solo travelers.
For many, travel isn’t an escape it’s a form of self‑expression and growth. Solo travel offers a rare opportunity: to listen to your own rhythm, make your own mistakes, and come back changed — or more confident, or just more yourself.
Final Word: If You’re Thinking of Going Solo in 2026 — Do It
If you’ve ever thought about solo travel, there’s no better moment. The world is opening up, people are travelling alone more than ever, and solo‑friendly destinations are booming. It doesn’t have to be perfect just thoughtful. Pack a good map, keep your wits about you, let yourself wander without plan overload and let travel show you how capable you really are.
