Aussie Solo Travellers seek freedom, wellness, and unique experiences says Canvas8 Report

Solo travel is capturing the imagination of Australians like never before, according to a report by global strategic insights practice Canvas8, with expert commentary by our own award-winning Travel Weekly Deputy Editor Sofia Geraghty. 

The report, What do Aussie solo travellers want from their trips? was authored by Sarah Wei and features expert comment from our own award-winning B2B journalist Geraghty; travel, food, and lifestyle writer Sonya Gellert. founder and director of Encounter Travel and Justine Waddington, and Rennee Turner, a proud Yinggarda woman, born and raised in Gwoonwardu (Carnarvon).

According to the 18 December, 2024 report as 65 per cent were planning a solo trip last year, the shift reflects a broader trend where the desire for freedom, self-discovery, and meaningful connections outweighs the appeal of conventional group travel. Australians across generations are redefining how they travel, placing a premium on unique experiences that foster personal growth.

“Many [are] choosing hotels and tour providers that can connect them with unique, authentic experiences that most people wouldn’t have participated in,” says Travel Weekly’s Geraghty, highlighting how solo travellers are increasingly seeking more immersive and meaningful travel opportunities.

Australians are not only travelling for pleasure but also investing in their personal development. In 2024, Australians were planning to spend an average of $9,131 on leisure getaways, with nearly a quarter (24 per cent) planning to spend over $5,000.

“A real factor behind the growth of solo travel is the rise in single-person households compared to a generation prior,” says Justine Waddington, founder of Encounter Travel. She adds, “More travel companies, like hers, are creating packages specifically for solo travellers, making these kinds of trips more accessible.”

For many Australians, solo travel goes beyond exploration — it’s about cultural immersion and deepening their connection to the land.

“Our solo travellers are looking for inclusive, educational on-country hands-on experiences with traditional custodians, learning about our connections to our lands, flora, and fauna,” says Turner, owner of Wooramulla Eco Cultural Journeys and proud Yinggarda woman.

The trend toward solo travel is particularly prominent among Gen Y and Z, with many seeking wellness retreats and opportunities to disconnect from the pressures of everyday life. As writer Sonya Gellert comments: “The appeal in solo travel often stems from the logistical ease (not having to coordinate leave dates or travel preferences with fellow travellers) and a want to create in-depth connections and unique travel experiences.”

Many young solo travellers are turning to wellness-focused journeys, with bookings for wellness activities in Australia increasing by 228 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year.

“Almost all my solo or two-person travellers were driving a hire vehicle or were self-sufficient and wanted to travel off the beaten track. They want to experience the road less travelled and get hands-on with culture and mother nature,” Turner observes.

The appeal of solo travel isn’t limited to younger generations. Boomers and Gen Xers are also embracing solo journeys, seeking unique experiences that allow for personal rediscovery and connection. In fact, Australians aged 65 and over increased their travel spending by 11 per cent in 2024, reflecting a desire to explore new destinations.

“Solo travel is experiencing exponential growth among the over-50s; it’s like no other time before,” says Waddington, adding that many Boomers are drawn to destinations offering a contrast to their everyday life. “Tour groups are great because they help solo travellers who are craving connection or need additional support,” says Geraghty, pointing out that women over 65, for example, may particularly benefit from group travel options that help reduce the anxieties of solo exploration.

For first-time solo travellers, the planning process can often be intimidating. A 2024 travel report found that nearly half of Aussies find booking a solo trip time-consuming and difficult, with 12% admitting these challenges discourage them from travelling alone at all. To counteract this, many first-timers are opting for small-group tours, which combine the independence of solo travel with the ease of guided logistics. Gellert highlights, “In Australia, we’re seeing more solo travellers participate in small-group, guided day tours. Artisanal food and drink tours are becoming particularly popular among discerning solo travellers who want to learn more.”

For many, solo travel is a chance to tick off bucket-list destinations and embark on once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

“In Australia, Bali is a popular choice for solo travellers due to its proximity, cost, and cultural difference,” says Geraghty. Other popular destinations include New Zealand and the UK, both known for their accessibility and rich cultural experiences.

To meet the growing demand for solo travel, brands can enhance their services to cater to this expanding market. Gellert stresses that “the prospect of planning a solo trip can be daunting, so many solo travellers are choosing to enlist the help of professionals to ensure they’re making the most of their time and travelling safely.” Encounter Travel is one such company that offers curated packages for solo travellers, addressing common pain points such as age-matched activities and personalised meet-and-greets.

Waddington adds, “At the core of everything we do, we remember that we are here to not only offer a travel experience but to offer new connections and friendships for solo travellers that don’t want to travel alone.” To meet the needs of older travellers, many companies now offer pre-departure WhatsApp groups, allowing prospective solo adventurers to connect and share advice before their journeys begin.

As solo travel becomes more mainstream, brands must ensure that their offerings are inclusive and accessible. “For women and LGBTQ+ travellers especially, detailed content created by those who’ve visited destinations and accommodation offerings can help inform prospective travellers about the suitability and safety of destinations,” says Gellert. Brands like Road.Travel are catering to this demand by offering customisable road-trip guides with features like wheelchair-friendly stops and queer-friendly accommodations.

“As Australians continue to embrace the freedom of solo travel, the opportunities for brands and travel providers to innovate and cater to this growing market are clear.” UK-based founder and managing director of Canvas8, Nick Morris, said. From curated cultural experiences to group tours that foster connection, the solo traveller’s journey is one of self-discovery, independence, and meaningful exploration.”

What do Aussie solo travellers want from their trips? Can be downloaded HERE for a limited period.