With #solotravel videos garnering close to four billion views on TikTok, solo travel has become a cultural phenomenon across the globe. As such, adventure tour operator Explore Worldwide set out to reveal this year’s trending destinations for solo travel across the world’s continents.
By analysing Google search data from the last two years, Explore’s research has determined the cities that are seeing the biggest uplift in online searches compared to the previous year. The study uncovers the locations surging in popularity among those itching to see the world on their own, with the study revealing Europe’s top ten destinations that are most popular for solo travelling, as well as the emerging hot spots for solo travel worldwide.
From the serene streets of Geneva, to the timeless market stalls in Bordeaux and the salty sea air in Sicily, independent travellers are showing a desire to explore a mix of Europe’s beautiful cities and coastlines.
Top 10 Trending Solo Travel Destinations In Europe
| Rank | Location | Interest increase, based on yearly Google search increases |
| 1 | Zurich, Switzerland | 247% |
| 2 | Nice, France | 220% |
| 3 | Geneva, Switzerland | 210% |
| 4 | Copenhagen, Denmark | 203% |
| 5 | Oslo, Norway | 187% |
| 6 | Sicily, Italy | 185% |
| 7 | Brussels, Belgium | 180% |
| 8 | Bordeaux, France | 173% |
| 9 | Marseille, France | 172% |
| 10 | Vienna, Austria | 169% |
In Europe, Zurich is crowned first with a 247% increase in online searches for solo travel compared to the previous year. Zurich offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication, where visitors can access a plethora of activities and experiences that are perfect for exploring on your own. Wander through the charming streets of the old town, admire the architecture of the Grossmünster, or connect with locals and fellow travellers in the trendy district of Keris 4.
The French city of Nice ranks in second place with a 220% uplift in solo travel searches. Its Mediterranean climate, beautiful beach and quaint old town, known as Vieux Nice, make it an ideal destination for those looking to soak up the sun, swim, and get lost in beautiful timeless winding streets. The street food stalls, open-air markets and countless independent cafes and bars are also perfect for solo dining.
In third place Swiss city Geneva has seen a 210% increase in solo travel searches. Nestled between the Jura Mountains and the Alps, the city is typically a hub for business and finance visitors, but solo adventurers can seek out the Maison Tavel Museum or the Carouge neighbourhood, as well as plenty of opportunities for fine dining and cultural experiences.
France as a country achieves the most success within the top 10 European trending destinations for solo travellers, with three cities ranking; Nice in second place and Bordeaux and Marseille in eighth and ninth respectively.
As well as looking at trending solo travel locations in Europe, Explore Worldwide’s new study also reveals the upcoming cities across the globe that are proving popular with solo explorers this year.
The World’s Top Trending Cities For Solo Travel, According To Google Data
| Rank | City | Interest increase, based on yearly Google search increases |
| 1 | Hanoi | 946% |
| 2 | Bangkok | 816% |
| 3 | Taipei | 692% |
| 4 | Seoul | 533% |
| 5 | Phnom Penh | 500% |
| 6 | Ho Chi Minh City | 480% |
| 7 | Kuala Lumpur | 464% |
| 8 | Perth | 408% |
| 9 | Singapore | 390% |
| 10 | Sydney | 270% |
| 11 | Guangzhou | 250% |
| 12 | Zurich | 247% |
| 13 | Melbourne | 224% |
| 14 | Nice | 220% |
| 15 | Manila | 213% |
Discover 10 of the World’s Trending Cities For Solo Travel
1. Hanoi: Topping the list as the world’s trending city for solo travel is the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. Interest in solo travel for Hanoi has climbed a massive 946% on last year’s searches and it’s not hard to understand why this city is the ‘one to watch’ for a solo adventure. Aesthetically pleasing and filled with ancient architecture, Hanoi presents itself as a place that’s rich in culture with plenty of activities for solo travellers to enjoy, from browsing food markets and visiting historic temples, to simply wandering the colourful streets.
2. Bangkok: Bangkok places second with an 816% rise in solo travel searches, with a plethora of activities that are perfect for independent travellers. Thailand’s capital city is rich in history with many temples that yearn to be explored. There are many opportunities to get involved with the renowned local cuisine too, with plenty of cooking classes on offer for amateurs looking to impress their friends when they arrive back home. All the while you can manoeuvre about the city with ease thanks to the iconic Tuk Tuk transportation.
3. Taipei: Taipei lands in third place among the world’s trending solo travel cities, with a search increase of close to 700%. The capital of Taiwan boasts much in the way of both modern architecture as well as serene nature trails and hikes. Foodies looking for amazing dining experiences are in luck: Taipei is home to 175 dining recommendations by the Michelin food guide, so no solo traveller will go hungry!
4. Seoul: South Korea’s Seoul winds up in fourth place with a search increase of 533% for ‘Seoul solo travel’ in comparison to last year. Fans of K-pop in particular will be delighted to visit K-star Road, featuring entertaining statues of famous K-pop idols.
5. Phnom Penh: The city of Phnom Penh rounds out the top five with a 500% increase in searches when compared to the previous year’s data. There is an abundance of history to absorb for solo travellers who wish to expand their minds in the Cambodian capital, with an array of boat tours, temples and national monuments displaying elements of the country’s complex history.
6. Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam’s busiest city narrowly misses a top-five placement, with a solo travel search increase of 480%. The city hosts an interesting juxtaposition of both traditional and contemporary sights to see; solo travellers can explore the Cu Chi Tunnels or take a boat ride through the jungle and then eat dinner in a skyscraper restaurant all within the same day.
7. Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s capital city makes an appearance in seventh place with a 464% rise in solo travel searches. Its metropolitan city skyline is perfect for solo travellers who enjoy photography, with the Petronas Twin Towers creating an iconic focal point over the rest of Kuala Lumpur’s architecture.
8. Perth: Australia’s first entry into the top ten trending cities for solo travel is Perth, seeing a 408% increase in search interest. Perth is perfect for those who wish to relax during their solo holiday, with plenty of parks, botanical gardens and gorgeous sandy beaches. With a near constant presence of warm sunshine, it is easy to see why solo travellers may use Perth to get a bit of R&R while they plan out the rest of their Western Australia adventure.
9. Singapore: The city of Singapore registers in ninth place with nearly 400% more searches for solo travel compared to last year. Those with an interest in all things botanical will surely be in their element in this city; the National Orchid Garden, Botanical Gardens and Cloud Forest are all on offer, creating the perfect backdrop for independent travellers looking to get lost in nature while going for a solo walk.
10. Sydney: Australia’s second and final entry in the top ten solo destinations this year is Sydney, the capital of New South Wales. Home to the iconic Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach and Harbour Bridge, Sydney is the birthplace to many iconic monuments that are perfect for visiting while taking in the city’s pleasant weather and friendly locals.
Ben Ittensohn, Regional Director Australia and New Zealand at Explore Travel, comments: “Our latest research has been an insightful journey into the evolving preferences of solo travellers across the globe. It’s fascinating to see cities like Hanoi, Bangkok and Taipei emerging as hotspots for solo adventurers, reflecting a broader trend of exploration beyond traditional Western destinations.
“Our study also highlights the ever-growing popularity of solo travel as a meaningful way to experience the world: it’s a powerful reminder that travel is not just about the destination, but the journey itself, and the personal growth that comes with stepping outside of our comfort zones. There is a wide world waiting to be explored, and we hope our study inspires more people to embark on their own solo adventures.”
The full findings and further information on the trending solo travel destinations can be found here: www.exploreworldwide.com.au/blog/this-year-s-trending-destinations-for-solo-travellers
