Forbes has ranked the top 50 destinations for solo travel worldwide based on 12 ranking metrics. Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Marrakech in Morocco and Istanbul Turkey are leading the way as tourist hubs for solo travellers looking for a cultural experience. You can also find solo travel opportunities in the Maldives, Thailand, Bali and more.
In light of the increasing popularity of travelling solo, tour operators have started catering for solo travellers. In this article, we explore the key differences between group and solo travel, and the growing trend of solo backpacking.
The Differences Between Group And Solo Travellers
The number of solo travellers is anticipated to reach 164 million globally by next year, up from 123 million this year.
Solo travel is becoming more popular as travellers are taking the step back into the world of adventure travel after enjoying the comforts of a travel destination like a luxury hotel or a themed cruise ship. The rise of digital nomads further bolsters the demand for solo travel with the increasing use of Airbnb and other VRBO platforms.
Solo travel is also popular among high school and university students who want to travel abroad, but don’t want to travel in a group.
So what are the key differences between group and solo travel? Here are a few:
Solo Travellers Are Self-sufficient
Solo travellers are self-sufficient and don’t need to rely on other people to get from A to B – they can either go by themselves or find a way to get a ride with a friend or family member. This can make a huge difference in terms of how much you can get done and how independent you can be while exploring a new place. You won’t be reliant on others to reach your destination and you can do as much (if not more) as you can during your trip.
Solo Travellers Are Independent
Solo travellers are independent individuals who are used to making their own decisions and being accountable for the outcome. They don’t need other people to tell them what to do or how to do it – they will find a way to make it happen, whether it is with friends, family or a mix of both.
Being independent is highly beneficial for your trip because it gives you more freedom of movement and allows you to make your own schedules. You won’t have to worry about getting stuck in a group dynamic where you have to do whatever someone else wants because they’re more “popular” than you. You can also split the costs of travel and accommodation with friends and family members to ensure you have as much money left over as possible for the fun parts of the trip – shopping, eating out and making new friends.
Solo Travellers Are Adventurous
Solo travellers are adventurous individuals who seek new experiences and are ready to take a risk to get them. They may be more likely to get in trouble with the law because they’re more likely to do whatever they want, when they want to in a new location. Keep that in mind if you’re going on a country where drug laws are still enforced and you don’t want to break the law.
However, adventure seekers should not solely focus on going to other countries for their travels. Local communities that allow for independent travel can be just as adventurous – in fact, some might say it’s more fun that way with locals often providing helpful tips on where to go and what to do.
Solo Travellers Are Creative
Solo travellers are creative individuals who can come up with unique ideas and solutions to problems. They are not limited by traditional thinking and may come up with unconventional ideas to solve the problems they encounter. For example, if you’re running out of cash and you need to make some money quickly, a solo traveller might be willing to sell some of their possessions (like a kidney) to pay for their travel costs.
This creative thinking can also be applied to their travel plans and itineraries. If you’re on a group tour and the guidebook directs you to visit museums on certain days, a creative solo traveller might visit them on other days to avoid crowds or get more done in a day. Museums might become your best friend during your trip because you’ll be able to visit them when fewer people are around to bother you.
Solo Travellers Are Global Citizens
Solo travellers are global citizens who want to see the world and experience other cultures. They may not live in a country where their passport allows them to travel to another country, so they opt for group travel to make that possible. If you’re going to a different country, they will want to do their bit to help the country they’ve travelled to – after all, that’s what global citizens do.
The number of international solo travellers will increase 17% year-on-year to 144 million in 2022.
Solo Travellers Are Resourceful
Solo travellers are resourceful individuals who can turn disaster into a positive. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, many travel operators adapted to the timescale and started offering solo trips at discounts. Those who took this opportunity and modified their itineraries or used new technologies like Zoom to plan virtual group trips with friends and family were able to reduce their costs and increase their independence. Being resourceful can help you to get the most out of your trip and make it enjoyable – you won’t be spending money on things you don’t need.
Solo Travellers Are Independent
Solo travellers are independent individuals who don’t need other people to tell them what to do or how to do it. They will find a way to make it happen, whether it is with friends, family or a mix of both. They also don’t need others to entertain them – they can research information online and read about the places they’re travelling to to enhance their independence and freedom of movement.
Being independent is highly beneficial for your trip because it gives you more freedom of movement and allows you to make your own schedules. You won’t have to worry about getting stuck in a group dynamic where you have to do whatever someone else wants because they’re more “popular” than you. You can also split the costs of travel and accommodation with friends and family members to ensure you have as much money left over as possible for the fun parts of the trip – shopping, eating out and making new friends.
The growing trend of solo travel is bringing many benefits to the world of leisure travel, especially for those who seek thrills and adventure – and for those who want to create a better life for themselves and their families, it’s the perfect opportunity to do so.