Opodo research, based on a survey of 9,000 people worldwide including 2,000 in the UK, identifies solo travel as one of the fastest-growing holiday trends for 2026. Among British travellers, 32% cite independence as the biggest motivation, 30% say they travel solo because friends or family are unavailable, and 21% want to meet new people and build connections.
Lisbon: a top European pick
According to the company's top solo destinations for 2026, European cities dominate the list, and Lisbon stands out as a strong choice. Independent visitors can ride the famous yellow trams, sample pastel de nata custard tarts for as little as £1, and explore the grand riverside monuments of Belém.
The Portuguese capital is also easy to navigate alone. Neighbourhoods such as Chiado, Baixa and Príncipe Real provide convenient bases, packed with cafés, parks and attractions within walking distance. When a break from the city is needed, a short train ride reaches the beaches of Cascais or the forested hills of Sintra, home to colourful palaces hidden among the woods.
Careful planning can keep costs down, especially by comparing flights, hotels and package holidays. Platforms such as Opodo make it easier to find solo-friendly deals and avoid costly single occupancy supplements.
Where to stay in Lisbon
Budget-conscious solo travellers can consider Campo Pequeno Suites, which offers smart apartments and studios with shared facilities in the city centre. Three-night breaks start from £200 at the beginning of September, with flights from London included. One guest rated the property five stars for cleanliness, saying: "I really liked this place. Check in was easy, and my stay was pleasant. Although basic, it was a great value for the money, and I appreciated the decorative touches meant to accent the art deco building."
Another option is the four-star Czar Lisbon, a five-minute drive from Avenida da Liberdade, with stylish interiors and a short walk from landmarks including Casa Milà, Passeig de Gràcia and Casa Batlló. Guest reviews describe it as "perfect", with one adding: "location is great, room is clean and comfortable and service was super nice." Another wrote: "I loved the hotel, I was very well received by Pedro.Good breakfast. I'll be back"
Not all feedback was glowing. One reviewer complained: "The reason for giving a poor rating is for a 4 star hotel the surfaces wasn’t very clean, the window edges also very dirty, the air conditioning did work but the room struggled to get warm."
For a full-service hotel stay, the five-star Hotel Real Palacio occupies a former mansion and is part of Lisbon's cultural heritage. It includes first-class dining, a health centre and a spa, with short stays from £467. Guests have called it "an excellent hotel" and "a magcial place to stay."
More solo travel operators
Other operators also cater to solo travellers. Trailfinders offers backpacking and long-haul tours for individuals and groups, covering city breaks and far-flung adventures. On The Beach provides solo beach holidays across Europe and beyond, while Saga Holidays focuses on travellers aged over 50.
Opodo customers have shared positive experiences on TrustPilot. One wrote: "As a solo traveller, using Opodo has helped me get great deals on flights and hotel bookings, so it's an added plus that they take their customers seriously." Another commented: "Being a solo traveller in my 70s, I was concerned about arranging connecting flights and overnight accommodation. Thanks to Opodo, all went swimmingly."
Opinions on the optional Opodo Prime subscription are mixed. One supporter said: "It saves me money and is easy to renew." Others described it as "a waste of time" and claimed the scheme is "impossible to complain about or cancel."
Opodo is described as one of Europe's foremost online travel agencies, helping millions of holidaymakers search, compare and book flights, hotels, package holidays and travel extras in one place.
