Here’s Where Solo Travellers Will Be Visiting in 2026
Solo travel is stepping into a world where every path is yours to choose, every moment an invitation to explore. Self-discovery through solo travel is empowering, freeing and a way to be more present and practice self-care. So there really is no wonder why worldwide searches for ‘solo travel’ are at an all-time high, with a 37% increase over the past quarter, this is according to Google Trends. In the UK alone, there were around 55,000 searches for ‘solo travel’ in August 2025, a 293% increase in comparison to August 2021 which saw around 14,000 UK searches. Some of the most searched topics on Google include group travel, solo travel tips, how to solo travel, where to solo travel and solo travel for women.
Wild Frontiers, a B Corp tour operator that specialises in adventure travel, has also reported a 30% rise in bookings for solo travel trips over the past year. Clare Tobin, CEO at Wild Frontiers, explains why solo travel is becoming more popular: “Solo travel has become much more accessible over recent years, and this is likely to be one of the main reasons for its increase in popularity. Whilst some travellers prefer to go it alone completely, small group tours are a great option for people who want to travel independently whilst meeting other, like-minded people. It’s not just single travellers who are going solo either, we’re finding that couples who don’t share the same bucket list are choosing to go solo too.
“Guided tours are the perfect way to embrace the true culture of a destination as you’ll have access to local travel consultants with first-hand knowledge of the area. It’s also easier to roam off-the-beaten path much more and explore places that wouldn’t be as accessible in a larger group.
“For those who are new to solo travelling, a small group tour also provides a sense of safety and security, as well as an opportunity to build relationships and connections with others through unique shared experiences.”
Most popular destinations for solo travellers in 2026
According to Wild Frontiers’ booking data, the destinations below are set to be the most popular for solo travellers in 2026.
- India – 23% increase in bookings YoY
- Kyrgyzstan – 37% increase in bookings YoY
- Uzbekistan – 30% increase in bookings YoY
- Pakistan – 21% increase in bookings YoY
- Iraq – Wild Frontiers new destination for 2025
- Georgia – 35% increase in bookings YoY
- Armenia – 46% increase in bookings YoY
- Egypt – 29% increase in bookings YoY
- Algeria – 33% increase in bookings YoY
- Albania – 31% increase in bookings YoY
Interestingly, Armenia has seen the biggest increase in solo travel bookings year on year at 46%, closely followed by Kyrgyzstan, at 37%, and Georgia, at 35%.
All three of these countries are located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, historically part of the Silk Road, highlighting the area’s strong appeal to solo travellers.
These destinations are all relatively less trodden with welcoming locals and, as such, are perfect for solo travellers to explore. They are also very affordable in comparison to Western Europe and are rich in culture and natural beauty.
Advice for first-time solo travellers
If you’re looking to book your first solo travel adventure, Clare shares her top tips on how to plan and prepare.
Research and planning
“Be sure to research your chosen destination to learn about any local customs, laws and cultural traditions. TripAdvisor, Instagram and TikTok are great places to start when researching a destination as you’ll see a real-life viewpoint of what to expect. You should also check the government website for up-to-date travel information.”
Buying the correct travel insurance
Jonathan Frankham, General Manager, UK and Europe, at global travel insurance provider, World Nomads, says: “You should buy travel insurance as soon as you book the trip, as this can provide protection in case of any cancellations or delays in the run up to your holiday. It also enables you to get the care you need, should you get sick or injured whilst you’re away.
“There are many kinds of travel insurance on the market, so make sure you choose the right option for your level of activity. Not all insurance will cover you for adventure-style activities such as water sports or climbing.”
Getting the most out of your trip
Clare says, “Your first solo travel experience is a great opportunity to create meaningful experiences and lasting memories. One of the best ways to fully embrace the culture of a destination is to take part in local initiatives, be it a cooking class or a textile workshop, and get to know the locals.
“Consider staying in locally owned accommodation or opt for a homestay, dine in authentic restaurants and always try to shop local to support independent businesses. Immersing yourself in a destination’s culture in this way allows you to develop a true connection with the country.”
Staying safe
“Travelling solo can feel a little daunting at first and it’s important to take precautions and prepare for your trip. Always look at the reviews and ratings of hotels and accommodation providers; ideally, accommodation should have a secure lock and safe for your valuables.
“Whilst it’s great to go ‘off-grid’ when you travel, try to stay connected with a few close friends or family members at home and consider using a global eSIM so you can check in with them regularly.” Clare recommends.
Wild Frontiers offers a range of small-group tours that are perfect for first-time solo travellers. For more information about the tours, visit the website.