Travel Tips & Trends

Traveling solo

Eleven percent of all leisure travelers in the U.S. travel alone, and the number is growing.

Travelers between the ages of 18-35 account for 35% of the solo travel market, according to the Travel Industry Association. The next largest group of solo travelers are 35-49 year olds (27%), 50-64 year olds (26%) and 65+ (12%).

For both men and women, a recent survey of more than 100 AAA/CAA travel professionals said that Europe is the first destination they would suggest for a solo vacation. For women traveling alone, Hawaii and the Caribbean were other top vacation suggestions. For men, Mexico and Hawaii came in second and third as the top destinations suggested by counselors.

Because tours and cruises base their pricing on the knowledge that most people travel in couples or groups, solo travelers often find themselves paying extra—the "single supplement" fee. However, an expert travel agent can often arrange deals for solo travelers that are difficult to find online, or not available to the general public. Those who want to socialize with like-minded travelers may also benefit from a travel agent's advice.