A new type of travel exhaustion is taking hold in the UK, and it's striking before suitcases are even packed. Dubbed 'decision fatigue', this modern stressor is now being compared to jet lag for its ability to drain travellers, and it's fuelling a significant shift towards holidaying alone.
The Planning Paralysis
Groundbreaking research from Moxy Hotels has uncovered a nation overwhelmed by the mere process of organising a break. Two thirds of British travellers confess to finding the planning and booking of holidays a deeply overwhelming experience. This collective anxiety has a tangible consequence: a staggering 56% of people feel exhausted by their trip before it has even started.
The digital age has compounded the problem, with group chats becoming a primary battleground. The study found that 59% of Brits admit that trip planning via messaging apps has caused problems in their relationships. The relentless ping of notifications can lead to total planning paralysis, with around 25% of would-be holidaymakers ultimately abandoning their travel plans altogether after a deluge of messages fails to produce any concrete decisions.
The Rise of the Solo Adventurer
In direct response to this planning pandemonium, a quiet revolution is underway. 53% of British travellers are now actively choosing to ditch their companions and embark on solo adventures. The motivation is clear: a desperate craving for simplicity and autonomy.
When asked why they choose to go it alone, adventurers were unequivocal. The top reason, cited by 35% of solo travellers, was the sheer freedom to make their own decisions. This was closely followed by the peace and relaxation a solo trip offers (33%), the ease of planning (21%), and the relief of not having to consider the opinions of companions (18%).
A Hospitality Response
The travel industry is waking up to this burgeoning trend. Global hotel brands like Moxy Hotels are now consciously designing spaces that cater to the solo traveller. Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President of Premium, Select & Midscale Brands for Europe, Middle East & Africa at Marriott International, commented on the findings.
"At Moxy Hotels, we understand that decision-making can be exhausting – especially when planning with a group," she said. "That’s why we’re championing the joy of solo travel: giving guests the freedom to do what they want, when they want, without compromise. With our playful design, social spaces, and hassle-free experience, Moxy makes me-time feel anything but lonely."
This philosophy has materialised in social public areas, lounges, libraries, and 'small but smart' bedrooms specifically intended to make travelling alone a seamless and enjoyable experience.
For those inspired to take the plunge, the research also revealed Britain's favourite solo travel destinations, led by the classic European cities of Paris (25%), London (21%), and Barcelona (21%).
