Solo Travel Surges in 2026 as Women Lead the Way Despite Safety Fears

Solo travel is booming in 2026, with more people than ever booking trips alone. Women now make up 71% of all solo travellers, yet concerns over personal safety remain a major issue for many. New data reveals shifting trends in how and where people are exploring the world on their own terms. Searches for 'solo travel' have hit an all-time high this year, according to recent reports. The term 'women solo travel' also reached its highest level in 15 years, reflecting growing interest. Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Cancún have seen a sharp rise in single-occupancy hotel bookings, signalling a surge in independent trips.

Younger generations are leading the trend, with 70% of Gen Z and 65% of millennials now booking flights for one, as reported by United Airlines. Despite the popularity, safety concerns persist—68% of solo female travellers list personal safety as a top worry, and 16% admitted feeling afraid for their safety on a trip in the past year. As a result, 57% of these women now always purchase travel insurance for solo adventures.

Group travel is also gaining traction, with 21% of women planning women-only trips in 2026 and another 16% opting for mixed-gender group travel. Meanwhile, destinations like Big Sky, Montana, and Fort Walton Beach, Florida, have seen significant growth in search interest. FTLO Travel, which organises over 200 trips annually across six continents, reports that 75% of its 2026 bookings come from repeat customers or word-of-mouth recommendations. The rise in solo travel shows no signs of slowing, with younger travellers and women driving much of the demand. While safety remains a key concern, the growing popularity of group trips and insurance purchases suggests travellers are finding ways to explore more confidently. Destinations and travel companies are adapting to meet the needs of this expanding market.