Top Solo Travel Destinations for 2026

From Arctic landscapes and striking coastlines to culturally rich regions and off-the-beaten-path adventures, these destinations are gaining momentum and are set to be big for solo travel in 2026.
 

Iceland tops the list as the top trending destination, with an impressive 181% jump in searches. With dramatic natural landscapes, from waterfalls and glaciers, to volcanoes and geothermal lagoons, the country is the perfect destination for slower, reflective travel where travelers can marvel in natural beauty, relax and recharge.

Second is Oman, with a 133% increase in solo travel searches, thanks to its stunning natural diversity. From sweeping desert dunes and rugged mountains to serene beaches, there's a reason it’s becoming so popular with solo travelers. With low crime rates and a reputation for hospitality, Oman is a great choice for those seeking new adventures.
 

New Zealand comes in third with a 90% increase in searches. Already a popular destination for solo travel, it continues to grow in appeal thanks to its friendly local culture, strong safety record, and incredible natural beauty. From fjords and mountains to beaches and national parks, it offers solo travelers a rich variety of landscapes to explore at their own pace.

For many, travel is meant to be an opportunity to unwind and relax, however, going with others can sometimes be overwhelming and tiring. Between social commitments and packed sightseeing schedules, it’s not unusual to return from a trip more exhausted than when we left. That’s one reason why more than half (51%) of surveyed solo travelers say their main goal is to relax and recharge when they go away by themselves.
 

But it’s not just about unwinding. Traveling alone gives people the chance to dive into personal passions, whether that’s food, photography, or culture. A quarter (25%) of respondents said they travel solo to explore their own interest. Others cited the opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth (22%), while some use solo trips to build their confidence and independence (20%), pushing themselves out of their comfort zone.

Over 40% of our bookings this year were made by solo travelers, with more female customers (45%) booking compared to male customers (34%).
 

Gender isn’t the only difference when it comes to solo travel, age has defied expectations. Though social media might suggest that solo travel is dominated by Gen Z and younger millennials, our data found that Gen X (ages 40–49) are the most likely to book a solo trip. Over half (55%) of bookings made by Gen X travelers are for solo adventures, more than any other age group.
 

Millennials (ages 30–39) follow closely, with 49% opting for solo travel, while only 25% of Gen Z (ages 20–29) bookings are for solo adventures.

According to our data, solo travel interest peaks in January, often driven by New Year goal setting and dream trip planning. November and December also see spikes in bookings, likely due to cooler temperatures prompting a desire to escape.
 

Solo trips aren’t usually a last-minute decision, on average, trips are booked 159 days in advance, giving travelers nearly half a year to plan and look forward to their journey.
 

Beach, Road & City Trips are Most Popular with Solo Travellers
 

Solo travelers are split on what kind of experience they want, but a few clear favorites emerge:

• 48% are looking for beach breaks or relaxation-focused travel
• 47% are drawn to city exploration and urban energy
• 33% are interested in road trips, favoring freedom and flexibility
• 24% want active adventures like hiking, diving, or trekking
• 20% are seeking wellness-focused retreats with yoga, meditation, or spa experiences

Cost Is the Biggest Factor When Considering a Solo Trip

Traveling solo comes with unique costs. According to our survey, 45% of respondents said price is the biggest factor deterring them from traveling alone. Costs that would typically be split, like accommodation, transport, and meals, fall solely on one person, making solo trips feel less affordable.
 

Safety Isn’t a Concern for Solo Travellers

Contrary to common perception, safety isn’t a major concern for most solo travelers. 62% of respondents said they feel that solo travel is safe, and only 18% said safety concerns would stop them from traveling alone.

There’s only a slight difference between genders:

• 67% of men feel solo travel is safe
• 57% of women agree

Looking for Authentic Travel? Go Solo
 

Solo travelers aren’t just seeking freedom, they’re also after authentic experiences. 68% of people surveyed said that traveling alone helps them immerse more deeply in local culture and experience destinations more genuinely.
 

Over Two-Thirds of Solo Travellers Would Recommend It
 

Not only is solo travel growing in popularity, it’s also highly recommended. 70% of those surveyed would encourage others to try solo travel.

Whether it’s the freedom to follow your own path, the opportunity to meet new people, or the chance to step outside your comfort zone, solo travel offers a uniquely rewarding experience.
 

Starting Your Solo Travel Journey

64% of people feel inspired by others who have traveled solo, so what’s stopping you?

Solo travel doesn’t have to mean being alone. Over a third (36%) of solo travelers prefer supported solo travel options, such as guided tours or group activities designed for individuals traveling on their own. For anyone curious about planning their first solo trip, check out our Solo Travel Tips & Guide for expert advice and inspiration.
 

Methodology

We compiled a comprehensive list of over 500 popular travel destinations around the world. Each destination was analyzed using Google Keyword Planner with the search term “[destination] + solo travel”. Top ranking destinations are based on the total number of annual global Google searches* between November 2024 and October 2025 (12 months of Google search data).
 

* For the most popular destinations for American travelers we combined the total number of Google searches from the United States of America between November 2024 and October 2025. The destinations showing the highest percentage increase in global Google search volumes between November 2024 and November 2025 are identified as the top trending. Search data is from Google Keyword Planner and accurate as of December 2025. The survey was conducted by Censuswide among a sample of 1,000 U.S. consumers who have either traveled solo or are considering solo travel. Data was collected between October 14–17, 2025. Censuswide abides by the Market Research Society’s Code of Conduct, follows ESOMAR principles, and is a member of the British Polling Council.