Solo travel is still having a moment in 2026 as Explore Worldwide used Google search data to uncover the world’s most sought-after solo travel destinations for its Solo Travel Trends Report.
Solo travel continues its trending trajectory globally with more than 40,000 monthly Google searches and 1.9 million TikTok videos tagged #solotravel as travellers embrace exploring the world on their own.
Explore Senior PR & Communications Manager Laura Dewar said solo travel attracts travellers who want to travel at their own pace and seek flexibility, independence and immersive experiences.
“Over the past year we have seen a 33 per cent rise in bookings for solo travellers among our customers. With more people sharing their solo travel stories online, 2026 could be the biggest year yet for going it alone,” she said.
Explore also busted some myths about solo travellers seeking adventure and exploration with almost half (48%) of those surveyed looking for beach breaks or relaxation-focused travel rather than active adventures (24%).
So, where are they going?
Top 10 trending solo travel destinations
With nascent popularity across all demographics and known for being welcoming to first-timers, this East Asian nation topped the list of solo travel destinations in 2026.
Japan achieved a number-one spot on the top 10 list with more than 67,000 annual solo travel-related searches.
It was one of four Asian countries in the top five – followed by Thailand (2), India (3) and Vietnam (4). Italy rounded out the top five list.
Both Australia and New Zealand also made the cut, coming in at sixth and ninth most-searched for solo travel, respectively.
Costa Rica (7), Ireland (8) and Portugal (10) were also among the world’s most-searched solo travel-related destinations.
Top 10 trending solo travel destinations
Iceland is the fastest-growing solo travel destination (up 181% year-on-year), followed by Oman (up 133% YOY), New Zealand (up 90% YOY) and Slovenia (up 80% YOY).
Lesser-known destinations are also trending with Kyrgyzstan, Bolivia and Kazakhstan all reporting YOY rises of 67 per cent for solo travel-related searches.
China and Cyprus both achieved YOY increases of 50 per cent, while Poland received a 40 per cent YOY bump in solo travel-related searches.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Explore Worldwide solo travel insights show the category is broadening fast, giving advisors a timely reason to match independent-minded clients with destinations that balance confidence, comfort and discovery.
