New data reveals there have been 46,000 searches for “solo travel” over the past 30 days in the UK.
The figures highlight a growing shift towards independent adventures in the great outdoors as Brits turn to nature for solitude and restoration.
This rising appetite for solo adventures reflects more than just a holiday choice, it highlights a cultural shift towards prioritising wellbeing, self-discovery and time in nature as 73% of travellers believe holidays are important to relax and 50% say it’s essential for their mental health and wellbeing.
Dave Williams, managing director at Kent motorhome company, Choose Leisure, explained why stepping away from screens and into the outdoors is proving so powerful: “The rise in solo travel shows just how much people are craving time to themselves, away from the constant pull of technology. Being in nature, with no distractions, gives people the space to recharge, reflect and build confidence in ways that everyday life rarely allows.
“We have noticed more solo travellers looking for flexible, self-sufficient ways to explore,”Dave added. “It’s less about ticking off destinations and more about the experience of slowing down, connecting with the outdoors and travelling on your own terms. That shift in mindset is shaping the way people choose to holiday.”
Top tips for embracing solo travel in nature:
- Start small – A short weekend trip close to home can be just as rewarding as a longer journey. Ease yourself in and build confidence at your own pace.
- Switch off digitally – Set boundaries with your phone or try a full digital detox. Allow yourself to be present without constant notifications.
- Keep safety in mind – Share your itinerary with a friend or family member, and carry essentials like a map, first-aid kit and a portable charger. As well as keeping you safe, being prepared helps you to relax and enjoy the moment.
- Pack light, pack wisely – Choose versatile clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and items that support your wellbeing, like a journal or a good book.
- Embrace the silence – Solo time outdoors is a rare chance to reflect. Take walks without headphones, watch a sunrise, or simply sit and enjoy the stillness.
- Stay open to new experiences – Whether it’s chatting with locals, trying a new trail, or taking a detour, solo travel gives you the freedom to follow your own curiosity.
While practical steps can help make solo travel in nature easy, the health benefits are equally compelling.
Dr. Hana Patel, NHS GP and GP Medico-Legal Expert Witness explains why spending time outdoors alone has a positive impact on wellbeing: “Green exercise, activity in the presence of nature, leads to positive short and long-term health outcomes. Research shows that spending 120 minutes a week outdoors improves health and wellbeing. Green environments improve both self-esteem and mood, with even greater effects when water is present.
“Studies also show that a 90-minute walk in nature lowers activity in the part of the brain linked to negative thoughts, helping to reduce anxiety. It also offers stimuli that boosts creativity, in one study, four days outside improved problem-solving skills by 50%.
“If you’re feeling blue, try spending time in green, natural spaces. A simple stroll in the woods has been shown to help combat depression, and even just the view of the forest helps patients who are feeling down.”
