Solo travel is not just for the young, independent adventurer, who backpacks across Europe and spends nights in hostels. Solo travel is gaining popularity across all age groups and income levels with the biggest increase in solo travel appearing to be among Gen Z, Millennials and women. In fact, online and social media searches using the keywords “solo women travel” have increased by as much as 350 percent in the last two years.

Group tour operators, travel insurance companies and other researchers report that anywhere from 42 to 50 percent of travel reservations are currently being booked by those traveling independently. For those who haven’t committed to adventuring solo yet, there is a high interest in the idea, with up to 75 percent of travelers indicating that they would like to try traveling alone at some point in the near future.

The percentage of increase in solo travel varies depending on the company conducting the survey, but the results agree—solo travel is a new trend that seems here to stay.

The reasons for the increase are attributed to a variety of factors. For some, there is a desire to enjoy experiences without being hampered by the potentially conflicting wants of a traveling companion, or to explore destinations where their friends or significant others have no interest in traveling to; for others, it is the urgency to travel now, without having to wait for others; for still others, it’s simply the excitement of traveling on one’s own, with freedom to explore and soak in new cultures and experiences.

The Internet and social media have provided a window into a much larger world, and many are eager to explore it, even if it means doing so on their own. However, the mere idea of traveling alone can cause some anxiety. There is the fear of getting lost in a foreign country, winding up in an unsafe situation, or possibly experiencing a medical emergency.

For those seeking a solo adventure without the worry of roaming around lost in an unknown city, a group tour is an easy way to experience the thrill of traveling independently.

According to a survey conducted last year by Solo Traveler, the number of individuals who are joining group tours has increased a full ten percent from 50 percent in 2022 to 60 percent in 2023, and some group tour companies are reporting that up to 50 percent of their travelers are solo travelers.

Group tours offer an excellent way to jump into solo travel while enjoying the benefits of an already planned trip. Tour companies are the experts in travel to global destinations. They have led groups to cities and countries many times over, and they work with “boots on the ground” tour leaders who know the destination inside and out, allowing group members to enjoy the highlights of a destination while soaking up cultural experiences. Many tour companies also have access to behind-the-scenes experiences that one may not find while traveling on their own.

Group tours provide an extra element of safety, and joining a group can give an individual confidence to travel to a destination that they may otherwise be nervous traveling to alone. The tour company has already mapped out the destination, and they provide transportation between the airport and the hotel, along with guided bus and walking tours throughout the destination.

Group tours are also a great way to meet like-minded people with shared interests. Many tour companies promote social media groups where travelers can meet their future traveling companions prior to the trip. At the same time, they usually build free time into the itinerary, providing opportunities to get away and do a bit of solo exploring.

Adelman Discoveries offers a variety of tours that allow guests to enjoy beautiful landscapes and experience vibrant cultures including tours to Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Pompeii and Amalfi, Tuscany, Argentina, river cruises and more. For additional information on these tours, visit www.adelmandiscoveries.com.