2021 travel trends: The rise of solo travel
Get the inside scoop on the rise of solo travel, some solo travel statistics, and a peek at the solo travel trends.
As part of the world’s largest private education company, EF Go Ahead Tours is the leader in guided, educational group travel.
The travel world is buzzing about the benefits of solo travel—and we understand why. There’s the self-discovery, personal empowerment, and 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 rise of solo travel, some solo travel statistics that will inspire you to take a solo trip, and a peek at some solo travel trends.
What are the top solo travel destinations?
Travel trends for 2021 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, Egypt is also a country topping the list of 2021 travel trends. Here’s the full list of the top 10 countries solo travelers are visiting.
1. Italy
2. Egypt
3. Greece
4. Ireland
5. Portugal
6. Iceland
7. England
8. France
9. Scotland
10. Scandinavia
How long should a solo trip be?
Solo travel trends show that the most popular length for a solo trip is 10–12 days. Having a week and a half away gives you more time to unwind in each destination you visit and a chance to dive into the local culture.
Only have enough time to take a week off of work? There are plenty of solo travelers in the same boat. According to solo travel trends, 6–9 day long trips are the second most popular option. A vacation that works with your PTO and allows you to see all the local highlights? Sign us up.
Go-to guided tours for a week-and-a-half away
How to travel alone in 2021 (and beyond!)
When you join our guided tours, you’ll travel solo, but not alone. That means enjoying the company of like-minded 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’s just a few reasons travelers like Elise love going on our solo guided tours.
- Security of the EF global network
- Safety of our On-Tour Support Team (they’re on-call 24/7!)
- Getting the local's perspective from your Tour Director
- Meeting like-minded 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 2021 on a guided tour
When are solo travelers looking to travel?
The rise of solo travel has led to an increase in late spring and early summer travel. April, May, and June are the most popular months for solo travelers to take a trip. Take traveler Monica’s advice and start planning ahead for your 2021 or 2022 solo trip.
“A solo trip isn’t supposed to be the hardest thing you ever do,” said Monica. “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
Head to Portugal in April and you’ll be welcomed with warm weather. Plus, since this is 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.
Travel to Iceland in June to enjoy days full of sunshine (seriously, the sun rises around 3 a.m. doesn’t set until after midnight!).
How much has interest in solo travel grown in recent years?
From 2018 to 2019 we saw a 10% increase in solo travelers booking tours. We know taking the leap into planning a solo trip can feel overwhelming. There’s deciding where to go, figuring how to get there, picking how to spend your free time, and more 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 do is sit back and 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!
Emily loves the simple travel moments—like watching hours pass by in minutes while sharing a meal and a laugh (or many) with her friends and family. Outside the office, you'll find Emily listening to anything and everything John Mayer, attempting to cook a New York Times recipe, or dreaming up her next trip.
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