The way we travel is changing with increasing numbers of people realising not all great holidays need to be a trip from door to door with friends. Increasing numbers of people are embracing what is being labelled as “solo-ish” travel with a more flexible approach to travel where you travel alone and meet friends, family, or fellow travellers.
Planning a holiday with friends can be tricky for many, with work commitments, budgets, and different interests getting in the way. Solo-ish travelling may be the answer. Travellers can select their preferred flights, pick their favourite accommodation and go at their own pace before connecting with groups at their travel destination.
You will be able to enjoy the flexibility of independent travel whilst still making new friends to share the experience with. This appeals to those young backpackers, working professionals and people that want a more personal holiday experience.
One of the most important benefits of traveling alone is that you can be flexible. If you travel alone, you do not need to take turns visiting every restaurant, site, or activity. A single person can spend an afternoon walking through museums, hiking along a mountain trail, or relaxing on a beach.
Friends you meet at the destination can also be the highlight of the trip. For instance, some may travel alone to a city, then connect with their university friends for a weekend, or a few days to a country before reuniting with family for a celebration.
Hilton, 2027 Trends Report call this desire a new combination of independence and connectedness. Travelers taking a solo trip said that having the opportunity to unwind, spend time alone and be spontaneous are an important part of the experience.
The trend also signifies the movement toward travel experiences based on personal interests instead of following a pre-established tour group itinerary.
Indie travellers can communicate more easily with friends than ever before. Messaging apps, location sharing, booking sites and networks enable groups of friends to organize trips together without having to ‘go on holiday’ together.
Trying to travel as a single also means you’ll meet people as you go. Walking trips, food tours, outdoor adventures and small-group activities all offer the chance to mingle with fellow travellers without having to commit to a lengthy group holiday.
Mastercard’s 2026 travel trend report revealed that seven out of ten international leisure travellers would seek solo travel opportunities where they can meet others. Such experiences could be tailored tours or social calendars, shared accommodation and more.
This means the potential for guesthouses, hotels, and tour operators to develop flexible availability, communal spaces and shared activities that enable social interaction but don’t require participation.
The demand for solos is inspiring hospitality to change the way they welcome independent travelers, by providing shared lounges, social eating and activities that enable visitors to meet naturally. Tour companies can organize short group excursions that can be piggybacked onto their own independent itineraries.