More than half of solo travellers say that meeting new people during their trips is the most unforgettable part of their journey.
Hostelworld, the global leader in social travel and youth accommodation, has released its highly anticipated 2024 Solo Travel Report, providing a thorough analysis of the motivations, destinations, and experiences of solo travellers worldwide.
Drawing from anonymised data on millions of solo trips across the globe, Hostelworld’s Solo Travel Report 2024 delivers valuable insights into the demographics, preferences, and emerging habits of today’s solo travellers.
Key highlights from the report include:
- People Over Experiences: A significant 55% of solo travellers find that the people they meet on their travels are the most memorable part of their trips, compared to 38.2% who prioritise unique experiences.
- Thailand’s Continuing Popularity: Thailand remains the top destination of choice for solo travellers, offering a combination of diverse attractions, vibrant culture, and budget-friendly accommodation that appeals to cost-conscious adventurers.
- Top Dream Destinations: Japan is the most coveted bucket-list destination (23.3%) among solo travellers, with Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and Thailand also ranking highly. Japan continues to capture the imagination of solo explorers worldwide.
- Food and Cultural Immersion: For 30.9% of solo travellers, food is a deciding factor when choosing where to travel, while 45% prioritise cultural connections and immersive experiences during their trips.
- Younger Generations Leading the Way: Solo travel is dominated by younger generations, with 68% of solo travellers under the age of thirty-one. The largest groups include those aged 18-24 (37.7%) and 25-30 (29.4%).
The report also covered solo travellers’ economic profiles, reasons for travel, use of apps, budgeting methods, travel essentials, and common concerns.
Gary Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of Hostelworld, said:
“Solo travel is no longer a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice that reflects a growing desire for personal exploration and connection. The rise of flexible working continues to fuel this shift, allowing travellers to combine work with adventure.
Despite the prevalence of digital connections, our data indicates that solo travellers are increasingly choosing travel as a means to meet like-minded individuals to share diverse experiences in real life, both in well-known destinations and emerging hotspots.
Our report provides valuable insights into the motivations of solo travellers, and we’re pleased to present this latest information which not only underscores the importance of Hostelworld’s mission – to help travellers find people to hang out with – but also highlights the evolving needs of the solo travel community.
By continuing to lead in delivering innovative solutions in the solo travel space, Hostelworld aims to stay ahead of this exciting movement.”
Hostelworld is dedicated to supporting a vibrant, inclusive community for solo travellers. By providing an array of accommodation options and travel resources in 180 countries, Hostelworld empowers individuals to embark on unforgettable solo journeys, creating new friendships and lifelong memories.
To access detailed findings, including country-specific data and insights from over 3,000 solo travellers, view the full report here: https://www.hostelworld.com/state-of-solo-travel
