The Art of Solo Travel
Traveling alone is no longer exclusively for the brave or the lonely. With solo travel on the rise since 2020, the idea of unrivaled freedom is clearly enticing to many. Meeting new people, self-reflection, gaining a new perspective, and the ability to be completely spontaneous are just a few of the perks of solitary globe-trotting. New age hostels and hotel deals, increased safety measures, and remote work have opened the possibility for all lifestyles, budgets, and age groups to venture abroad alone.
While studying abroad or traveling in one’s early 20s may be the most traditional time to travel alone, mature globetrotters are closing the gap for solo travel today. Despite varying lifestyles and goals, it seems that younger and older travelers alike are drawn to the change of perspective that exploring a totally new part of the world brings. This combines with the appeal of total spontaneity, allowing solo visitors the ability to change plans on a dime, and adhere to only one, completely flexible schedule. These core attracting principles of solo travel appear to track throughout a lifetime, with only surface level factors changing with time.
The response from the hospitality industry for all ages of solo travelers can be seen in many new-age accommodations, such as retro-chic hostels, or travel & social houses. Hostels are no longer just a cheap place to crash, with many offering design-led décor, spaces to work with free wifi, and even en suite bathrooms. With remote work on the rise, social travel clubs and memberships that span worldwide have allowed for digital nomads to find likeminded travelers and tastemakers in all parts of the world. Rising social clubs take creative networking to the next level and allow individual travelers to gain inspiration from thought leaders of all backgrounds and experiences. Working abroad and gaining fresh insight no longer requires a drastic move across the world, but simply a computer and an outgoing mindset.
Along with the freedom that the digital space has brought to the remote work world, it has also allowed travelers to feel safer and has created the ability to get around without having to rely on others. The digital world has expanded our ability to navigate on our own and provides constant access to a safety line and to loved ones. The fear of loneliness that once stopped so many from traveling alone has practically diminished, especially with the rise of online groups for solo travelers that allow for connection, tips, tricks, and meet ups among a similarly positioned crowd. While ‘table for one’ may be daunting, venturing out alone opens one up to socializing in a new way, and can lead to connections that the comfort and insulation of traveling in a larger group would have made more difficult.
Author: Kate Ginn, Director of Business Development
Co-Authors: Brianna Ricci, V.P. of Marketing & Cara Federici, C.E.O.
The Madison Melle Agency
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