The Benefits of Solo Travel
The Benefits of Solo Travel — Why Solo Holidays Are Transforming the Way We See the World
Planning Solo Holidays in 2025 isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement. More travellers than ever are choosing to explore the world independently, and the reasons are as varied as the destinations themselves. Whether you’re looking for freedom, personal growth, deeper cultural connection, or simply a break tailored entirely to your own pace, 2025 is shaping up to be the best year yet to travel solo.
And with more hotels, tour operators, and destinations catering specifically to independent travellers, Solo Holidays feel safer, easier, and more rewarding than ever.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the biggest benefits, the best destinations, and the hotels ideal for solo adventurers—all with the warm reassurance that Jamie Wake Travel is here to help you plan a getaway “as unique as you are.”
Why Solo Holidays Are Surging
Travelling solo used to feel niche. Today, it’s mainstream—and 2025 brings even more reasons to embrace it.
Freedom to Travel on Your Terms
On a solo holiday, your itinerary belongs entirely to you. Want to spend an afternoon reading on the beach? Go for it. Fancy skipping dinner for a sunset walk? No negotiation needed. It’s a return to personal choice in its purest form, and many UK travellers see it as the ultimate antidote to busy, structured lives.
Space for Reflection and Growth
Without the routine voices and obligations at home, solo travel frees up mental space. Many solo travellers say their trips helped them reflect, reset, and rediscover passions or aspirations they’d lost track of.
Building Confidence
Every small achievement—navigating a city, ordering a meal in a new language, trying a local activity—boosts confidence. Solo Holidays have become a key part of the modern wellness landscape.
If you’re new to travelling alone, our guide on how to travel solo and love it offers practical tips to help you build confidence and enjoy every moment of your journey.
Connecting With People in a Different Way
When you’re travelling solo, you naturally meet more people. From locals sharing stories to fellow travellers on excursions, conversations tend to feel richer and more meaningful. Destinations with communal-style hotels or group excursions make meeting others easy and relaxed.
Tailored Experiences That Feel Truly You
Solo travellers in 2025 are embracing personalisation. Wellness retreats, foodie escapes, creative workshops, city breaks, train journeys, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures are being designed with individual travellers in mind.
More Reasons Solo Holidays Are Thriving
Digital Nomad Flexibility
Remote and hybrid working have reshaped how we travel. Many solo travellers now extend holidays by a week or two, blending exploration with flexible working days. Cafés, co-working hubs, and digital-friendly hotels make it easier than ever to stay connected while discovering somewhere new.
Wellness and Mental Health Focus
2025 has seen a rise in wellness-centred itineraries tailored to solo guests. From forest bathing in Scandinavia to Ayurvedic retreats in Sri Lanka, these journeys are designed to ease stress, improve wellbeing, and create lasting balance. Solo travellers often say these restorative experiences feel more personal without distractions.
Slow Travel as a Lifestyle Shift
Many people are moving away from fast-paced, checklist-style trips. Solo Holidays allow for slower, more meaningful exploration—staying longer in one place, taking local classes, or immersing yourself in neighbourhood life. This gentle pace often leads to deeper cultural understanding and more memorable encounters.
Lower Single Supplements
Hotels and tour companies are increasingly reducing or removing single supplements. This makes solo travel more affordable and widens the options for boutique and luxury stays without extra costs.
For travellers worried about extra costs, our in-depth guide to single supplements explains how pricing works and how to avoid unnecessary charges.
Easier Group and Social Experiences
From food tours to hiking groups and photography walks, guided activities designed with solo travellers in mind are flourishing in 2025. These experiences offer companionship when you want it and freedom when you don’t—a perfect blend for balanced travel.
A recent report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) highlights how individualised travel is one of the fastest-growing motivations for international trips in 2025. This shift aligns perfectly with the rise of Solo Holidays, where travellers prioritise freedom, wellbeing, and personalised experiences.
Top 5 Destinations for Solo Holidays in 2025
Below are five places perfect for Solo Holidays, each offering safety, stunning scenery, and experiences geared toward those travelling independently.
Lisbon, Portugal — A City of Culture, Coastlines, and Comfort

Lisbon is one of Europe’s most welcoming cities for solo travellers. Friendly locals, walkable neighbourhoods, great public transport, and a relaxed café culture make it ideal for a gentle, inspiring getaway.
It strikes the perfect balance between exploring alone and feeling part of the city’s rhythm.
- Take the historic tram 28 route for easy city sightseeing
- Join a pasteis de nata baking class
- Relax at the Ribeira das Naus waterfront on sunny afternoons
- Explore Belém’s monuments at your own pace
- Wander through Time Out Market for incredible local dishes

Recommended Hotel: Memmo Alfama Hotel
This adults-only boutique hotel in the heart of Alfama is a solo traveller’s dream. With rooftop terraces overlooking terracotta rooftops and the Tagus River, it offers a peaceful yet central base.
Why it’s great for solo travellers:
- Warm, personal service that never feels intrusive
- Wine tastings and social evenings for easy connection
- Compact, cosy rooms ideal for independent stays
- Excellent access to trams, viewpoints, and fado bars
Whether you wander the cobbled lanes or join a small-group food tour, Lisbon is the kind of city where solo travellers feel instantly at home.
Looking for more Lisbon offers? Jamie Wake Travel has hand-picked packages and boutique hotel deals tailored for solo explorers—just ask and we’ll help you find the perfect match.
If city exploration appeals to you, our guide to spring city breaks highlights more urban escapes that pair perfectly with the freedom of solo travel.
Bali, Indonesia — Wellness and Warmth for the Soul

For travellers seeking rejuvenation, creativity, and sunshine, Bali offers a world of nourishment. From yoga retreats to coastal escapes, the island is a sanctuary for wellness-focused solo holidays.
- Join a Balinese cooking workshop in Ubud
- Hire a guide for a sunrise trek up Mount Batur
- Spend a day in Seminyak’s beach clubs
- Take part in a traditional purification ceremony
- Visit art studios and craft villages around the island

Recommended Hotel: The Kayon Jungle Resort, Ubud
Set among emerald rice terraces, The Kayon is designed for adults craving serenity.
Why it’s great for solo travellers:
- Daily yoga and wellness classes
- Tiered infinity pools overlooking the jungle
- Community dining options for easy social connection
- Spacious spa areas ideal for relaxation and reflection
It’s a place where mornings begin with sunrise meditation and evenings end with soothing local rituals.
Want to explore more wellness retreats in Bali? Jamie Wake Travel can create a bespoke solo holiday based on your wellbeing goals—from spiritual experiences to spa-heavy itineraries.
Reykjavik, Iceland — Adventure, Safety, and Unforgettable Landscapes

If your version of a solo holiday includes dramatic scenery and natural wonders, Reykjavik is unbeatable. Iceland is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries on Earth, making it a top choice for solo explorers.
- Soak in a geothermal lagoon near the city
- Try an Icelandic horse-riding tour
- Explore Harpa Concert Hall’s mesmerising architecture
- Take a whale-watching cruise from the harbour
- Visit local micro-roasteries for cosy coffee breaks

Recommended Hotel: Center Hotels Laugavegur
Modern, stylish, and located on one of Reykjavik’s most vibrant streets, this hotel is perfect for independent travellers.
Why it’s great for solo travellers:
- Easy access to group excursions (Northern Lights, waterfalls, glacier walks)
- Warm interiors ideal for cosy evenings
- Walking distance to shops, cafés, and geothermal pools
- Great breakfast and relaxed social spaces
From Blue Lagoon dips to South Coast adventures, there’s always a new experience waiting.
Thinking of exploring Iceland’s extremes? Jamie Wake Travel can arrange solo-friendly excursion packages designed to help you see the best of Iceland safely and comfortably.
If Reykjavik has captured your imagination, you might enjoy our article uncovering fascinating facts about holidays to Iceland, including culture, scenery, and unique natural wonders.
Vancouver, Canada — Nature Meets City Life

Vancouver offers the perfect blend of city exploration and outdoor activities. For solo travellers who love scenery, this is a playground of mountains, forests, and beaches—with one of the friendliest atmospheres in North America.
- Walk the Seawall at Stanley Park
- Visit Granville Island’s artisanal markets
- Cycle along English Bay at sunset
- Take the Skyride up Grouse Mountain
- Explore peaceful gardens in Queen Elizabeth Park

Recommended Hotel: The Listel Hotel
This eco-friendly boutique hotel on Robson Street is packed with personality and comfort.
Why it’s great for solo travellers:
- Artistic interiors that encourage creativity
- Free bikes for exploring Stanley Park
- Safe, central location
- Welcoming staff who offer great local tips
Hike, cycle, kayak, or cafe-hop—Vancouver lets you go at your own pace.
Discover more Canadian adventures. Jamie Wake Travel can tailor trips from Vancouver to Banff, Whistler, or Vancouver Island for an unforgettable solo journey.
Kyoto, Japan — Calm, Culture, and Deep Connection

Japan is famous for its order, safety, and beauty, making it ideal for solo explorers. Kyoto, with its temples, gardens, bamboo forests, and tea houses, encourages slow travel and introspection.
- Visit the bamboo grove at Arashiyama early morning
- Join a traditional tea ceremony class
- Wander through Gion’s lantern-lit streets
- Explore Nishiki Market’s flavours
- Stroll the Philosopher’s Path during golden hour

Recommended Hotel: The Thousand Kyoto
This sleek, minimalist hotel embodies tranquillity.
Why it’s great for solo travellers:
- On-site tea ceremonies and wellness spaces
- Serene rooms designed for rest and quiet
- Walking distance to Kyoto Station
- Concierge services perfect for cultural experiences
Kyoto offers deep cultural immersion without overwhelming crowds—perfect for meaningful solo travel.
Interested in Japan’s rail itineraries? Jamie Wake Travel can build bespoke multi-city routes ideal for confident and first-time solo travellers.
For more destination inspiration beyond solo travel, explore our top ten holiday destinations in 2025, which include several places perfect for independent travellers.
Jamie Says:
“Solo travel is one of the most empowering ways to see the world. Whether you want calm, adventure, or connection, there’s a destination waiting just for you. At Jamie Wake Travel, we’ll help you find a Solo Holiday that feels inspiring, safe, and perfectly tailored to your personality.”

Travel Protections You Can Rely On
When planning Solo Holidays, reassurance matters. Booking with Jamie Wake Travel means you benefit from:
- ATOL protection for qualifying holidays
- Supplier Failure Insurance on all trips
- Financial security throughout your booking
- Expert guidance from an independent UK travel professional
You can travel confidently, knowing every detail is handled with care.
Why Book Your Solo Holiday with Jamie Wake Travel?
Solo travel should feel exciting—not overwhelming. With Jamie Wake Travel:
- You get personal, friendly guidance from a real human who cares about your trip
- We offer hand-picked hotels, carefully reviewed for solo traveller suitability
- You receive honest advice, tailored recommendations, and fully protected bookings
- You can browse trips using our website’s search tool to build itineraries “as unique as you are”
- You can reach us by phone on 01495 400005, or send an enquiry anytime
Whether you’re planning your first solo trip or your tenth, we’ll help you create something unforgettable.
What Will Your Solo Holiday Look Like?
Every solo journey begins with a spark—curiosity, courage, or simply the desire to slow down. Whether you’re dreaming of Bali’s healing landscapes, Reykjavik’s wild energy, or Lisbon’s golden light, 2025 is giving travellers more freedom than ever to explore independently.
When you book with Jamie Wake Travel, you’ll always have someone on your side. Someone to listen, advise, and help you shape a holiday that reflects who you are right now—and who you want to become. From carefully selected hotels to fully protected bookings, your adventure is safe in expert hands.
If you’re feeling inspired, why not take the first step? Call 01495 400005 or send an enquiry today, and we’ll help craft a Solo Holiday that feels effortless, exciting, and entirely your own.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Solo Holidays
Are Solo Holidays safe?
Yes—many destinations now cater directly to solo travellers, offering safe neighbourhoods, reliable transport, and group experiences.
Which destinations are best for first-time Solo Holidays?
Lisbon, Reykjavik, and Kyoto are ideal thanks to their safety, walkability, and friendly atmospheres.
Can I join group tours during Solo Holidays?
Absolutely. Many excursions are designed with solo travellers in mind, making it easy to meet others.
Do Solo Holidays cost more because of single supplements?
Not always. More hotels are reducing or removing single supplements in 2025.
What activities are popular for solo travellers?
Food tours, wellness retreats, photography walks, hiking groups, and cultural workshops are increasingly popular.
Are Solo Holidays suitable for over-50s?
Yes. The over-50s segment is one of the fastest-growing groups embracing solo travel.
Can I work remotely during a solo trip?
In many destinations, yes. Co-working spaces and digital-friendly hotels make remote work easy.
What should I pack for a solo adventure?
Pack light, choose versatile clothing, and include essentials like a power bank, secure day bag, and medication.
Are Solo Holidays lonely?
Not at all. You choose when to enjoy quiet time and when to connect through social activities.
How can Jamie Wake Travel help plan my Solo Holidays?
We offer personalised advice, hand-picked hotels, protected bookings, and friendly guidance for every stage of your journey.












