Why 2026 is the year to embrace solo travel for transformation and self-discovery

The solo travel market is flourishing, driven primarily by millennials and Gen Z, who are proving to be the backbone of this growing trend.

Approximately 76% of millennial and Gen Z travellers planned to go on solo journeys in 2024/2025, with predictions indicating that between 26% and 42% of all travellers will embark on solo trips by 2026.

This shift marks a notable cultural transition where freedom, independence and self-exploration take centre stage in travel aspirations.

The notable increase in solo travel is underscored by Sigal Nassimov-Geva, COO of Premier Hotels & Resorts.

“More and more people are choosing to embark on journeys of self-discovery, seeking adventure and enlightenment in the far corners of the globe,” she states.

Solo travel, defined as venturing into the world alone - without companions -provides individuals with a unique opportunity to explore not just new destinations, but also their own selves.

If you're ready to make 2026 your year of solo adventures, Nassimov-Geva shares some reasons why you should embrace solo travel.

The freedom of the unknown

The essence of solo travel lies in the liberation it offers.

Gone are the constraints of adhering to a travel partner's schedule or preferences; it becomes an opportunity to forge your own path.

You can wander without a definitive destination, bearing witness to the spontaneous beauty and surprises that may cross your path.

Stepping into unfamiliar surroundings imbues your journey with thrilling unpredictability, pushing you to confront the unknown with curiosity and courage.

Rediscovering yourself

Beyond visiting new locales, solo travel serves as a powerful vehicle for self-discovery.

Stripped of the familiar comforts of home, travellers are compelled to confront their fears and challenge their boundaries. In moments of solitude, you can reflect inward and redefine your priorities.

It is a chance to reconnect with yourself, engage in introspection, and reassess your life through a clearer lens.

Building confidence and resilience

Solo travel can be daunting, yet the empowering lessons learned throughout such journeys are invaluable.

Overcoming challenges like navigating a foreign city, grappling with language barriers, or simply making new acquaintances fosters self-assurance. Travellers gain the ability to rely on themselves and adapt to changing scenarios, transforming into resourceful individuals capable of tackling any obstacle.

Each adventure teaches resilience, an enriching experience that transcends the trip itself.

Cultivating connections

Contrary to the general perception that solo travel might lead to isolation, many find it facilitates profound connections.

When travelling alone, you may become more inclined to engage with strangers, foster new friendships, and immerse yourself in foreign cultures.

Sharing stories with fellow travellers in a hostel dormitory or bonding with locals over a meal makes the experience all the more rewarding.

The richness of human connection, forged beyond borders and customs, becomes a pivotal aspect of the solo travel narrative.

The art of conversation

Initiating conversations with strangers may seem intimidating, yet these interactions can be transformative, sometimes yielding life-altering insights.

While it can take practice to engage others, the skills developed are applicable not just while travelling but throughout life.

Learning how to bridge the gap between yourself and others can significantly elevate your experiences.

Settling into new surroundings

In today's fast-paced society, the pressure to rush through experiences is relentless.

Solo travel encourages you to pause and absorb your surroundings at your own pace.

Allow yourself time to acclimatise to the hustle and bustle of a new city, appreciating different perspectives and insights.

Whether gazing at a sunset or enjoying a leisurely meal at a quaint café, solo travel inspires mindfulness, allowing you to embrace both the beauty of the world and the joy of existing in it.