Travelers aren’t waiting for companions; they’re setting their own schedules, choosing destinations that speak to their interests and embracing the freedom that comes with traveling solo. With 62% already planning multiple solo trips, more people are booking flights and mapping itineraries to follow personal rhythms instead of group agendas. 2025 is the year of solo travel, and here’s what to know before you go it alone.
Why solo travel is taking off
Solo travel is growing fast because people want freedom, flexibility and time to reconnect with themselves. In 2025, it’s about moving at your own pace and shaping each day on your own terms. That sense of control and independence resonates with younger generations, especially millennials and Gen Z.
Yahoo notes that Gen Z and millennials tend to be adventurous and eager to explore the world. They are unafraid of stepping out of their comfort zones and trying new things. Many prefer a quick solo weekend getaway, like short stay in a new city or a few days off-grid, rather than extended trips. This format fits better into busy schedules and lets them chase personal interests on their own terms.
Plan smart for a solo trip
Solid planning turns a solo trip from nerve-wracking to empowering. These small but strategic choices, like picking the right stay, outlining your arrival plan or staying in walkable neighborhoods, build confidence from day one.
Define the goal of the trip
Before choosing a destination, solo travelers need to ask: What do I want from this experience? A quiet beach escape, a city full of museums or a nature hike with no distractions? Having a clear goal shapes the rest of the planning, and it makes it easier to decide where to stay, what to pack and how to structure each day. Without it, solo travel can feel aimless rather than freeing.
Choose accommodations that support independence
Smart travelers know accommodation shapes their entire solo experience. Hostels with private rooms, boutique hotels in walkable areas or even apartment rentals allow privacy and easy access to city life.
Choose places with strong reviews from other solo travelers, especially those who mention helpful staff, safe surroundings or communal spaces. A good location builds confidence when navigating the city alone and puts solo travelers near people, services and landmarks that feel familiar after just a day or two.
Prepare key documents and arrival plans
Travel always runs smoother when essentials are squared away. That starts with having printed and digital copies of passports, travel insurance, hotel confirmations and transit bookings. These backups come in handy if Wi-Fi drops out or a device gets lost.
Equally important is having a simple, step-by-step arrival plan, like how to get from the airport to the hotel, which transit options to use and what to expect at customs. Knowing these details upfront saves mental energy, especially after a long flight, and it sets the tone for a confident first day on your own.
Look for neighborhoods that are walkable and well-connected
Walkable, central locations help solo travelers feel oriented and safe. It reduces the need for late-night transit and makes it easy to explore on foot. Look for neighborhoods with cafes, groceries and public transport nearby; bonus points for areas with locals rather than tourist-only crowds. The goal is to feel part of the place, not just passing through it.
What builds solo travel confidence
Safety is often the first thing people ask about, especially for anyone new to solo travel. Being in an unfamiliar place without someone to lean on can raise concerns. Questions about local crime, emergency access or how to stay connected come up quickly.
And while those questions are valid, most solo travelers end up feeling confident once they’ve arrived. Skyscanner shows that about 70% of travelers report feeling safe when traveling alone. Men express even higher confidence, with 90% saying they have little to no concern about safety on solo trips.
However, men and women tend to prioritize differently. Women are more likely to look at local crime rates compared to 36% of men, but only a small percentage name it as their top concern. That suggests people are thinking about safety, but it’s not stopping them from going. Instead, they’re managing it with habits and smart planning.
How to travel safely on your own
Staying safe on your own is about knowing what to look for and how to respond. These habits don’t take much time, but they make solo travelers move through unfamiliar spaces and build a strong foundation of confidence.
Start with smart research
Smart preparation lays the groundwork for safe travel. Travelers who take time to learn about local laws, cultural expectations and common scams are more likely to move with confidence once they arrive. Understanding which neighborhoods to avoid after dark or what attire is considered respectful can prevent awkward or risky situations.
Local government pages and travel forums are good starting points for this kind of research. These sources often highlight safety tips, up-to-date regulations and real traveler insights that can’t be found in generic guides.
Use tech to stay connected
Technology is one of the solo traveler’s most valuable safety tools. Apps like Google Maps and Citymapper help with navigation, while platforms like WhatsApp and Signal make it easy to check in with friends or family.
Translation apps, rideshare services and mobile banking can also reduce vulnerability in unfamiliar settings. Many travelers also keep digital and printed copies of documents in cloud storage or password managers. When used well, tech extends independence without sacrificing safety.
Stay alert and trust your instincts
Situational awareness is crucial when traveling alone. That means monitoring nearby activities, avoiding distractions like loud music or excessive phone use and noting exit locations and landmarks.
Travelers who trust their instincts, turning away from odd situations or stepping into a store when something feels off, often avoid bigger problems. It’s not about being fearful, but being observant and responsive. A calm mindset and good judgment go a long way.
Act like a local with safety in mind
Blending in often makes travelers less of a target. That includes dressing appropriately for the destination, walking with purpose and learning a few key phrases in the local language.
Being mindful of alcohol, keeping valuables tucked away and staying polite but firm in interactions are small habits that you should keep in mind. Locals often carry themselves with ease because they know the rhythm of their environment, and solo travelers can adopt that same awareness.
Where solo travel is heading
Solo travel in 2025 marks a broader shift in how people think about movement and self-direction. The numbers are up, the mindset is changing and infrastructure is catching up to the demand. As services and destinations continue to evolve, it’s clear that traveling alone is becoming the new normal and defines what modern travel looks like.
Jennifer Allen, retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and writer, shares her adventures and travel tips at All The Best Spots. Living at home with her family, and the cats that rule them all, her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.