The best countries for solo travelers in 2024-2025

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in solo travel. In this article, we will explore the statistics of solo trips, delve into the reasons behind the popularity of this trend, and identify the countries that are most attractive to such travelers.

All the statistics presented in this article were created and analyzed by Qeepl – an international luggage storage service. For those interested in a deeper exploration of the topic, research methods are provided at the end of the article.

The Global Trend Towards Increasing Solo Travel

The solo travel trend is becoming increasingly evident. In recent years, there has been a steady rise in the number of people opting to travel alone, a fact supported by various companies’ research.

According to a study by Princeton Survey Research Associates, 58% of Americans aged 20-40 are planning a solo trip soon.

After the pandemic, people are once again actively seeking vacation opportunities, including solo trips. Google search statistics show that by 2022, interest in solo travel had quadrupled compared to 2020.

The service Booking.com reports that the share of single guest bookings in 2024 could reach 59%. Moreover, women choose solo travel about 17% more often than men. The Solo Travel Service Market study predicts that by 2030, the number of solo trips will increase by another 9.1%.

The Solo Traveler portal identified the main reasons for solo travel in 2023:

• 66% – to simply see the world without waiting for anyone;
• 57% – to gain flexibility and freedom;
• 46% – to feel freedom and independence;
• 42% – to meet new people;
• 33% – to find opportunities for personal growth;
• 40% – to avoid being dependent on friends’ interests;
• 12% – to travel more frequently than a partner.

Qeepl conducted its own research, confirming the global trend of increasing solo travel. Experts highlighted several countries where solo tours are most often purchased and selected destinations that are best suited for such trips.

TOP-3 Countries by Solo Travel Index

1st Place – India (Index 6.63)

Indi is an amazing and diverse country with a rich culture, impressive landmarks, and varied natural landscapes. For solo travelers, it is a place where one can learn much about themselves and the world, as well as be inspired for spiritual growth.

India is famous for its historical monuments, majestic temples, rich cultural traditions, and unique culinary recipes. Tourists who prefer active holidays can go hiking in the Himalayas, while beach lovers will find a good resort on the coast. The country offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels in central Delhi to small bungalows on the Indian Ocean coast.

The Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Ghost City of Fatehpur Sikri, and hundreds of other attractions draw tourists from all corners of the world. Here, one can always meet interesting people willing to share their stories.

Many travelers come to India for spiritual development. Here, you can study the intricacies of yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation. The country provides an opportunity to explore diverse cultures and customs, as well as encounter new perspectives on life.

2nd Place – Nepal (Index 4.76)

Nepal is a unique place with a rich history, stunning nature, and opportunities for spiritual growth. The country is famous for its majestic mountains, ancient temples, diverse fauna and flora, attracting tourists from all over the world.

Nepal is known for its numerous temples and sacred sites located in Patan, Bhaktapur, and, of course, Kathmandu. These places hold immense historical significance, and meeting the locals offers an unforgettable experience.

Nepal’s cultural heritage attracts those looking to broaden their horizons and learn more about local life. Additionally, the natural beauty of Nepal is astounding – from the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to picturesque, vast forests.

Many tourists come to Nepal to climb Everest – the highest mountain in the world. It is an excellent reason for a solo journey – it’s not easy to find acquaintances who are enthusiastic and sufficiently prepared for such an adventure. Spending several months with a group, one can find like-minded people. They will suggest interesting places and might even be ready to join in the next extreme trip.

Nepal is also known as a pilgrimage site for those seeking spiritual enlightenment. Many places in Nepal are associated with Buddhist and Hindu spiritual traditions, attracting travelers who want to discover themselves and feel spiritual harmony.

The country offers various types of accommodation – from budget hostels to luxury hotels. In the former, it’s easy to meet new people, while in the latter, you can relax and enjoy freedom.

3rd Place – Italy (Index 4.68)

Italy is an amazing country in Southern Europe, attracting travelers with its rich history, majestic culture, and exquisite cuisine.

Major Italian cities like Rome, Florence, Venice are renowned for their abundance of historical monuments, grand architecture, and influence on global art. Travelers can immerse themselves in rich history by visiting ancient Roman ruins, museums with impressive works of art, and elegant palaces.

Italy’s cultural heritage is reflected in its cuisine, music, and traditions. Tourists can enjoy authentic Italian recipes in cozy restaurants and cafes while immersing themselves in the local atmosphere. Additionally, Italy is famous for its shopping opportunities. Traveling solo allows one to explore all the trendy boutiques without making anyone wait.

The natural beauty of Italy also surprises with its diversity – from picturesque lakes and valleys to volcanic regions and crystal-clear coastlines. There are fascinating places for long walks or relaxing on the beach.

Italians are known for their hospitality. The country offers a wide range of hotels, hostels, and cozy family-run guesthouses, allowing visitors to find comfortable accommodations.

TOP-5 Countries with the Highest Number of Solo Tours

1st Place – India (3410 Tours)

India is known for its rich history, unique culture, and spiritual practices. One of the most famous attractions is the Taj Mahal in Agra – a magnificent mausoleum listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists can also visit the sacred temples of Varanasi, participate in colorful festivals in Rajasthan, and explore the architectural monuments of Delhi.

2nd Place – Nepal (1974 Tours)

Nepal offers trekking in the Himalayas, visiting sacred temples and pagodas in Kathmandu, as well as immersing oneself in the rich culture and traditions of this unique country. Here, you can witness breathtaking landscapes that allow you to feel the power of nature.

3rd Place – Morocco (1520 Tours)

Morocco is famous for its traditional bazaars, the spectacular Marrakech with its majestic Ben Youssef Madrasa, ancient fortresses, and stunning views of the Sahara Desert. The country offers comfortable hotels and the opportunity to experience African culture without leaving the comfort zone.

Our friends from Magnificent World have an insightful article on solo travel in Morocco with real stories and real photos from the destination. We highly recommend checking their post out!

4th Place – Tanzania (1457 Tours)

In Tanzania, travelers are drawn to Serengeti Park with its amazing wildlife, the towering Kilimanjaro volcano, the exotic Zanzibar archipelago, and the majestic Ngorongoro Crater. Getting to know local tribes and their unique culture makes the trip even more interesting.

5th Place – Egypt (1440 Tours)

Egypt represents the heart of ancient civilization and attracts tourists with its ancient pyramids in Giza, the Luxor Temple, the unique Cairo, and views of the Nile River. Egypt also boasts numerous beaches, so sightseeing is often combined with swimming in the Red or Mediterranean Seas.

More visual information on countries popular with solo travelers can be viewed on the map. Information was provided by the tour booking service TourRadar.

How the Statistics Were Compiled

To calculate the solo travel index and select the most attractive countries for solo tourism, Qeepl calculated four parameters:

• c – crime index;
• s – safety index;
• t – travel and tourism index;
• n – solo tour index by country.

The final index is measured by the formula i = 1/6 * c+1/6 * s+1/3 * t+1/3 * n. The values range from 0 to 10. If data for a country was insufficient, it was not included in the ranking – Qeepl is committed to ensuring all aspects of travel are top-notch.

Crime and Safety Indices

A low crime rate in a country and safety during travel are especially important for solo travelers who may find themselves without help at an inconvenient moment. The ranking used data from the life analysis service Numbeo, which conducted a broad survey among residents of different countries about their concerns regarding various types of crime. To calculate the crime index, the data from the site was scaled to a range from 0 to 10 using the formula c = site/10.

The safety index is the opposite measure, calculated by the formula s = 1 - c. The higher this index, the safer it is to be in the country.

Travel and Tourism Index

The Travel and Tourism Index for 2024 was calculated by the World Economic Forum. This tool assesses the competitiveness of the tourism industry in various countries. It considers various aspects of the tourism industry – natural and cultural resources, infrastructure, regulatory environment, human and social capital.

This index allows assessing which countries still need to create a favorable environment for foreign tourists and where the tourism industry is already developed in line with global trends.

Since the WEF evaluates the index on a scale from 1 to 7, to translate it into a ten-point scale, the formula t = ((site - 1)/6) * 10 is used.

Solo Tour Index by Country

The solo tour index is a method of measuring the popularity of countries among solo travelers. It is based on analyzing data on tourism services provided by the TourRadar platform – one of the leading online services for finding and booking tours.

The collected information allows assessing solo travelers’ preferences and highlighting the most popular destinations. To obtain the index value, the number of tours for each country was normalized to a range from 0 to 10 using standard mathematical rules.

Why This Matters for Qeepl

Qeepl provides luggage storage services worldwide. We understand how important convenience and safety are for our customers, especially those traveling alone. The research allowed us to better understand the needs of travelers to offer the most convenient and secure luggage storage solutions at popular tourist destinations in the near future.

Conclusion

Solo travel continues to gain popularity, and statistics confirm this trend for 2024-2025. People are temporarily forgoing companionship to achieve self-realization, gain new experiences, and feel independent. The ranking will help better understand solo travelers’ preferences and choose the most suitable destinations for future trips.