New research* by leading online travel agency Webjet, has revealed solo travel is officially hitting the mainstream, with half (48%) of Aussies planning a solo trip in the next two years, with a further quarter (25%) hoping to take one in the not too distant future.
- Older Australians become the new face of solo travel, with just one in three (31%) Gen Z feeling they fit in with the solo travel crowd
- Nearly half (45%) of Millennials are travelling alone to escape work stress, while Boomers (48%) are taking solo trips to build new social connections in retirement
- Two-fifths (43%) of solo travellers plan to visit three or more destinations in one trip, with half (50%) aiming to travel solo for three weeks or more
These travellers aren’t just seeking quick getaways; they’re planning extensive bucket list adventures. Two-fifths (43%) would like to visit three or more destinations, and half (50%) 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%) feeling they belong, compared to half of Boomers (50%), Gen X (47%), and Millennials (46%).
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%) of over 65s are keen to mark their retirement with a solo trip, while a quarter (26%) 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%) and create new memories (36%).
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%) are interested in solo trips to escape work-related stress and two-fifths (42%) 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%) 35 to 44-year-olds want to travel solo for some solitude, with one in ten (11%) admitting they’d like to travel independently to avoid annoying family members or friends. Interestingly, a quarter (28%) would consider a solo “divorce-cation” after a split from their partner.
Parenting commitments remain a significant barrier for this generation, with half (48%) citing these responsibilities as a hindrance to booking solo trips. However, one in five (20%) 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 cost of living pressures, Aussies are willing to splurge to make their solo travel dreams come true. A quarter (24%) plan to spend over $5,000 and one in twenty (5%) are ready to invest $10,000 or more on their next solo adventure. The desire to tick off bucket list destinations (47%), experience once-in-a-lifetime adventures (49%), and enjoy luxury accommodations (38%) is driving this higher spending.
According to Webjet booking data*, the top international destinations for solo travellers in the next year are:
- Bali: 15%
- London: 10%
- Auckland: 6%
- Queenstown: 4%
- Manila: 3%
- Tokyo: 3%
- Bangkok: 3%
- Los Angeles: 3%
- Christchurch: 2%
- Athens: 2%
Yet, while the desire for multi-city solo travel is strong, planning and booking these trips is still a challenge. Almost half (44%) of respondents find booking a solo trip time-consuming and difficult, with one in eight (12%) saying it deters them from travelling solo altogether.
“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,” Katrina Barry, CEO of Webjet B2C said.
