Solo Travelers: The global travel trend is becoming more and more consolidated

Summer is one of the favorite times for travelers around the world, whether for a getaway to a domestic beach or nature destination, or a trip abroad, this season offers an excellent opportunity to make those plans come true and live adventures.

One of the main decisions when planning a vacation is choosing between traveling in a group or alone. Solo travel has gained popularity around the world, especially in the post-COVID-19 era. According to MMGY, in 2022 the number of “solo travelers” increased significantly and was consolidated in 2023, highlighting factors such as safety and mobility of the destination.

In Mexico and several Latin American countries, the rise of hybrid and remote work has increased the number of solo travelers who settle for long periods on beaches or in big cities. These travelers seek to immerse themselves in the local culture, learn the language and create communities, merging traditions.

To understand this trend, Preply, the online language learning platform,  conducted a study in 27 countries  on solo travel habits. This study reveals that:

In Latin America, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico are the countries that are most involved in this trend.

Globally, the average number of solo travellers is 61%, with Turkey in first place (77%), followed by Romania (75%) and South Korea (72%).

Hong Kong and Taiwan round out the rankings with 41% and 48%, respectively.

The United States ranks tenth with 65%, above Canada, which reached 63%.

Communication is essential on these trips. While translation apps are helpful, mastering another language is crucial. 93% of respondents consider speaking English vital when travelling abroad. Popular activities for these travellers include going out to party or to a bar, with 31% on average globally, but this drops to just 25% among the female population. 

Sylvia Johnson, Preply's Director of Methodology, said: "Citizens are increasingly independent, speaking more languages, looking up and accessing information on their phones, which creates greater autonomy and not having to be tied to a traveling companion."

Another hybrid option, which has already been used by one in five respondents, is based on travelling with strangers to a place of interest. "An example of this is guided trips to exotic places or safaris, which are increasingly attended by more people who do not know anyone, being able to socialise with many people in a simple way," explained the specialist.

As solo travel gains popularity, so do new trends in booking accommodation, such as “couchsurfing,” which connects travelers with local hosts and was a preferred option for 9% of respondents. This type of travel makes it easier to meet people and feel safe at the destination.

When it comes to communication in a foreign country, English stands out as the key tool for enjoying the trip, with 93% of respondents pointing out the importance of this language in facilitating cultural integration and creating links with people from all over the world.

The rise of solo travel is redefining the way we explore the world. For Mexicans, this trend not only represents an opportunity to discover new places, but also to connect more deeply with different cultures and communities. Global tools like  Preply  make language learning easier, so that more and more travelers take advantage of new trends and choose to embark on a solo adventure.

Fuente: Preply.