New research from online travel agent Opodo, based on a survey of 9,000 people worldwide including 2,000 in the UK, highlights the rising popularity of solo travel. For UK travellers, the main motivation is freedom, with 32% citing independence as the reason they holiday alone.
Reasons for Travelling Solo
Another 30% of respondents said they go solo because friends or family are unavailable, while 21% travel alone to meet new people – a 3% increase since 2023. Self-discovery is also a key motivator, with one in five (20%) saying it is their primary reason for heading off alone.
A common issue for independent travellers is single occupancy supplements, where hotels and cruise operators charge extra for solo guests. Using a travel operator like Opodo, which compares different packages and offers solo-friendly deals, can help keep costs under control.
Top Solo Travel Destinations for 2026
Opodo's top solo travel destinations for 2026 are all European favourites. Barcelona tops the list, offering beaches, Gothic architecture, and lively tapas bars. Amsterdam appeals with canals, museums, and cafés. Rounding out the top five are Malaga (culture and coast), Lisbon (colourful streets and viewpoints), and Faro (slower pace, access to Algarve beaches and Ria Formosa Nature Park).
For longer trips, solo travellers are booking long-haul adventures for 2027. Destinations include Panama, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand, which offer tropical landscapes, culture, and modern attractions.
Options for Solo Travellers
For guided tours, Mercury Holidays offers small group tours, and Trailfinders provides backpacking and long-haul tours. On The Beach has solo beach holidays across Europe and beyond, while Saga Holidays offers solo deals for travellers over 50.
One Opodo passenger said: "As a solo traveller, using Opodo has helped me get great deals on flights & hotel bookings, so it’s an added plus that they take their customers seriously." Another added: "Being a solo traveller in my 70s, I was concerned about arranging connecting flights and overnight accommodation. Thanks to Opodo, all went swimmingly."
Travellers who upgraded to Opodo Prime shared mixed experiences, with one saying: "It saves me money and is easy to renew." Others called the Prime upgrade "a waste of time" and said it is "impossible to complain about or cancel."
