Solo travel is trending, and it’s women behind this trend, says House of Travel.
Sharing the data ahead of Women’s Travel on International Women’s Day, the brand notes that 41% of holiday bookings in 2024 were made by solo travellers, with women over 50 making up 71% of this number. And this figure is expected to grow in 2025.
Africa and South America were among the top destinations, making up 51% of bookings, followed by South America and then UK and Europe. Among these solo clients is the pictured Barbara Roff, 80, who has dedicated 2025 to solo travel. “My life philosophy has been, ‘Why sit here and grizzle, get out and experience the world.” Roff last year sailed Antarctica, and this year will journey on The Ghan and cruise to Iceland and Greenland.
. . . Solo Is Selling HoT
HoT retail director Jayne Alldred says every year solo travel exceeds HoT’s expectations, adding that she believes this is fuelled by the post-lockdown realisation that life is too short, so book the trip. “This International Women’s Day we are celebrating the unstoppable, empowered Kiwi women who are ticking off their travel bucket lists because at 35,000 feet, freedom has never looked so good!”