The travel world is buzzing about the benefits of solo travel—and we understand why. There’s the self-discovery, the personal empowerment, and the fact that you’re in control of your travel dreams (no need to wait around for a travel buddy!).
Get the inside scoop on the hottest trips for solo travelers in 2023, and see some solo travel statistics that will inspire you to take a solo trip.
What are the top solo travel destinations?
Travel trends for 2023 show that Europe shines as the go-to continent for solo travelers. With the flavors of Italy, the ancient myths in Greece, and every shade of green in Ireland, you really can’t go wrong with planning a solo trip to Europe.
If you’re looking to cross a new continent off your list, Australia comes in at number five on our list of 2023’s trending solo-travel destinations. Here’s the full list of the top 10 countries solo travelers are visiting.
1. Spain
2. Italy
3. Greece
4. New Zealand
5. Australia
6. Portugal
8. Ireland
9. Brazil
10. Switzerland
Top tours of trending destinations
Europe
1. Venice, Florence & Rome
2. A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini
3. London, Paris & Rome
4. Venice, Florence & Rome for Solo Travelers
5. Portugal for Solo Travelers
The Americas
1. Costa Rica: Rainforests, Volcanoes & Wildlife
2. Fall Foliage Tour: Vermont to Massachusetts
3. U.S. National Parks for Solo Travelers: The Grand Canyon to Zion
4. A Week in Belize: Ruins, Reefs & Rainforests
5. Ancient Peru & Machu Picchu
Africa & the Middle East
1. Egypt & the Nile River Cruise
2. Israel, Jordan & Egypt: Petra to the Pyramids
3. Kenya Wildlife Safari: Mount Kenya, Maasai Mara & Amboseli
4. Highlights of Morocco: Marrakech, the Sahara & Fes
5. Grand Tour of Turkey
Asia, Australia & New Zealand
1. Australia & New Zealand
2. Thailand for Solo Travelers: Bangkok, Phuket & the Islands
3. Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket
4. New Zealand: Untamed Landscapes
5. Highlights of Japan: Tokyo & Kyoto
How long should a solo trip be?
Solo travel trends show that the most popular length for a solo trip is six to nine days. A vacation that works with your PTO and allows you to see all the local highlights? Sign us up. And if you only have enough time to take a week off of work, there are plenty of solo travelers in the same boat.
Go-to guided tours for a week and a half away
How to travel on your own in 2023 (and beyond).
When you join our guided tours, you’ll travel solo, but not alone. That means enjoying the company of fellow travelers and having the freedom to explore your destination at your leisure.
“It’s normal to be nervous,” said traveler Elise. “I was nervous too when I signed up for my first group trip, but as soon as I returned home I was already searching for the next trip that I was going to sign up for! If you worry before going on a trip for any reason, the Go Ahead customer service representatives will be there to talk to you about it. They will assist you and ease your mind if you have concerns. My advice would be to STOP OVERTHINKING IT AND JUST SIGN UP FOR THE TRIP! You won’t regret it!”
Here are just a few reasons travelers like Elise love going on our solo guided tours.
- Feeling secure thanks to the EF global network
- Knowing our On-Tour Support Team is always available (they’re on-call 24/7!)
- Getting the local’s perspective from your Tour Director
- Meeting fascinating travelers
- Enjoying the perfect balance of sightseeing tours and time to explore each locale at your leisure
Dive into your interests and the travel trends for 2023 on a guided tour
When are solo travelers looking to travel?
The rise of solo travel has led to an increase in early fall and late-spring trips. October, April, and May are the most popular months for solo travelers to take a trip.
Take traveler Monica’s advice and start planning ahead for your 2023 solo trip. “A solo trip isn’t supposed to be the hardest thing you ever do,” she said. “It’s an act of self-love. So what are you waiting for? Go out there and love yourself a little more than you did today.”
The perfect tours for each month
Hop a plane to Ireland in October for beautiful fall landscapes and a spooky-good time. This is the place to wander through famously haunted castles, step inside abbeys known for witch activity, and see all the other things that go bump in the night.
Head to Portugal in April and you’ll be welcomed with warm weather. Plus, since April before peak travel season, you’ll get to enjoy the coastal country without being surrounded by crowds.
Go to Ireland in May, when there’s a little bit less rain and the Cliffs of Moher are still as green as ever.
How much has interest in solo travel grown in recent years?
Online searches for the term “solo travel” increased by 26 percent from December 2020 to April 2022. We know taking the leap into planning a solo trip can feel overwhelming. There’s choosing where to go, figuring how to get there, deciding how to spend your free time, and so much more. That’s the beauty of a guided tour. All of our tours include handpicked hotels, meals, on-tour transportation, and expert-led sightseeing tours, meaning all you need to enjoy the trip.
“You can tell your guide what you plan to do on free days and they’ll give you suggestions,” said traveler Lisa. “Feel free to talk to other travelers and join in on what they find. I joined a group of teachers on an evening riverboat cruise in Prague and loved it.”
Looking for the chance to travel with a group of fellow solo travelers? Join our Solo Tours, which include the added perk of a private room.
Check out our most popular Solo Tours
Venice, Florence & Rome for Solo Travelers
U.S. National Parks for Solo Travelers: The Grand Canyon to Zion
Learn more about traveling solo with Go Ahead Tours!
