Have you ever wondered if you’d enjoy the experience of traveling solo, or maybe even prefer it? According to a new Travelex Insurance survey of 2,000 Americans conducted by OnePoll, 1 in 4 Americans have traveled alone and nearly half said they would like to travel solo more in the future.
Whether your desire is to explore a new place without the hassle of getting a group consensus, or to simply go on a journey of self-discovery, solo travel is undeniably on the rise. In fact, 22 percent of those surveyed said they travel alone exclusively.
So why are an increasing number of people traveling solo these days? We’re glad you asked.
Why More People are Loving Solo Travel
According to our research, over 45 percent of Americans have felt unable to do or see everything they wanted to on a trip because they were traveling with others. One of the advantages of traveling solo is the freedom to explore on your own timeframe while making your own decisions along the way. Interestingly, 62 percent agreed they were more likely to take in the whole experience when traveling alone.
Fifty-seven percent of travelers are concerned travel partners won’t want to do the things they want to do, and even expressed worry about getting on each other’s nerves (36%). Over 38 percent of those surveyed thought they would do or see more when traveling alone than with others.
What Solo Travelers are More Likely to Do
Survey results showed Americans are more likely to go out of their normal comfort zone when traveling solo (57%). Nearly 34 percent felt they would be more likely to do tourist type of activities such as checking out museums, going to the theatre, or taking in tours.
While some fear they may feel lonely, nearly 40 percent of Americans think they would be more likely to immerse themselves in the local culture, be more spontaneous (nearly 44%) and participate in local nightlife (nearly 38%) while traveling solo. In addition, those surveyed said they were more likely to go to local markets and shops (58%), take photos and videos (53%), and actually talk to locals (50%).
Participants shared they were more likely to visit destinations in the United States (45%) and internationally (25%) during solo travel. They were also more inclined to relax more while on vacation (67%), go sightseeing (50%), and take in an adventure (45%).
Interestingly, over 42 percent of those surveyed said they have found romance while traveling, and over 30 percent of those were solo travelers. Nearly 50 percent have had significant spiritual/inspirational moments while traveling, and 26 percent of those were traveling alone.
Why Travel Insurance is Important for Solo Travelers
With an increasing number of people compiling travel bucket lists (the average American has eight places they’d like to visit), protecting your trip investment is an essential part of the planning process. 52 percent of Americans said they’re concerned about feeling less safe when traveling alone.
“In today’s world, it’s no surprise safety is a primary concern for travelers. Travel insurance can help provide peace of mind, especially for solo travelers. With bucket list travel on the rise, our goal at Travelex is to help make travel dreams a reality. If travelers need urgent medical care or their wallet is stolen, they need to cancel their trip or missed a flight, we’re there to help sort out the problem that interferes with their travel experience so they can continue to dream, explore and travel on.”
-Christine Buggy, Travelex Insurance
When traveling solo, it’s important to plan well, utilize smart safety practices, and secure a reliable travel insurance company that will help you if the need arises. You don’t have to let fear keep you from experiencing the exciting destinations on your travel bucket list – go boldly, knowing you have the protection and assistance you need along the way. Then, there’s only one thing left to do – savor every moment exactly the way you want it.
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