More than half of solo travellers cite the people they meet during their journeys as the most memorable part of their travels.

Hostelworld, the global leader in youth accommodation and social travel, has today unveiled its pioneering 2024 Solo Travel Report, offering an in-depth analysis of the motivations, preferred destinations, and experiences of solo travellers across the globe.

Using anonymised data collected from millions of solo trips worldwide, the Hostelworld Solo Travel Report 2024 provides a unique look into the demographics, preferences, and emerging trends of the solo travel community.

Key findings from the report include:

• Meeting People as the Highlight of Travel: A majority of solo travellers (55%) say that meeting interesting people is the most memorable aspect of their travels, even more so than discovering new experiences (38.2%).
• Thailand Remains a Favourite: Thailand continues to top the list for solo travellers, with its wide range of attractions, rich culture, and affordable accommodation proving to be a major draw for budget-conscious adventurers.
• Top Bucket-List Destinations: Japan leads the way as the number one bucket-list destination (23.3%) for solo travellers, followed closely by Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and Thailand. Japan’s unique appeal continues to attract solo explorers from around the world.
• Food and Cultural Connections: For 30.9% of solo travellers, food plays a critical role in choosing where to go, while 45% seek cultural connections and opportunities for immersive experiences.
• Youth-Driven Movement: Solo travel is largely fuelled by younger generations, with 68% of solo travellers aged under thirty-one. The largest demographic groups are aged 18-24 (37.7%) and 25-30 (29.4%).

The report also explored factors such as economic backgrounds, travel motivations, app usage, budgeting strategies, travel essentials, and common concerns for solo travellers.

Gary Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of Hostelworld, commented:

“Solo travel is no longer a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice that reflects a growing desire for personal exploration and connection. The rise of flexible working continues to fuel this shift, allowing travellers to combine work with adventure.

Despite the prevalence of digital connections, our data indicates that solo travellers are increasingly choosing travel as a means to meet like-minded individuals to share diverse experiences in real life, both in well-known destinations and emerging hotspots.

Our report provides valuable insights into the motivations of solo travellers, and we’re pleased to present this latest information which not only underscores the importance of Hostelworld’s mission – to help travellers find people to hang out with – but also highlights the evolving needs of the solo travel community.

By continuing to lead in delivering innovative solutions in the solo travel space, Hostelworld aims to stay ahead of this exciting movement.”

Hostelworld remains committed to nurturing an inclusive and supportive environment for solo travellers. With a vast range of accommodation options and resources available in 180 countries, Hostelworld enables individuals to embark on unforgettable solo adventures, forging new connections and creating lasting memories.

For a detailed breakdown of data, country-specific insights, and motivations from over 3,000 solo travellers, please access the full report: https://www.hostelworld.com/state-of-solo-travel