Emerald Cruises’ research reveals solo travel is a top trend for 2025
- 29% of solo travellers are open to cruising solo, with another 21% considering them if activities or destinations align with their interests.
- Safety first: 59% of solo travellers prioritise destination safety above all else.
- Convenience matters: 46% look for easy transportation and accessible travel logistics.
- Social opportunities are secondary: Only 28% seek group tours, and 27% prefer opportunities to meet locals.
- Psychologist advises how to prep for your first solo trip and the psychological benefits.
Solo travel is no longer just for introverts, it’s a rapidly growing trend in 2025, with travellers embracing the empowerment and freedom of exploring on their own terms. New data from Emerald Cruises reveals that solo travel is set to skyrocket, with Google Trends data showing a staggering 5,000% increase in searches for “best places to travel solo” and “solo travel tours” in the past month alone.
Emerald Cruises surveyed 500 UK respondents to explore the primary benefits of solo travel, what factors influence the choice of solo travel experiences, and preferences towards cruises for solo travellers. Dr. Ravi Gill, a Chartered Psychologist with over 15 years of experience in mental health, explains the emotional and psychological barriers and benefits of solo travel.
Key benefits of solo travel
When surveyed, solo travellers recalled the following key benefits:
- Increased independence & confidence: 48% of solo travellers say traveling alone boosts their confidence and decision-making skills.
- Flexibility & freedom: 46% value the ability to explore at their own pace, without compromising or adjusting plans for others.
- Personal growth & self-discovery: 32% of solo travellers see it as a way to learn more about themselves.
Dr. Gill explains the psychological benefits solo travellers experience:
- “Gradual exposure and desensitisation –travellers will become less anxious in similar future situations because they’ve already successfully navigated them.
- Self-efficacy and mastery – Successfully managing challenges reinforces the belief that they can handle future setbacks independently.
- Cognitive restructuring – Solo travel helps reframe negative thoughts, replacing a fixed mindset with a growth mindset.
- Autonomy and control – Making independent decisions reduces feelings of helplessness, which is often a major source of anxiety.”
“Solo travel forces individuals to rely on themselves, leading to greater independence and self-trust. This helps to foster a stronger sense of authenticity and can lead to greater self-acceptance. It is not just about seeing the world; it’s about discovering who you are when no one else is shaping your choices.”
How to psychologically prepare yourself for solo travel
Dr Ravi Gill said “Anxiety about solo travel often stems from five key factors: fear of the unknown, safety concerns, loneliness, self-doubt, and social pressure. Many worry about navigating unfamiliar places, handling logistical challenges, or feeling isolated without a travel buddy. There’s also societal conditioning that suggests travel should be a shared experience, leading some to hesitate before going solo.”
Pre, during and post solo travel jitters are normal
“As the departure date approaches, physical restlessness can occur; this can present itself in sleep concerns, increased energy, or even stomach butterflies. Sometimes the stress of preparing, packing, and organising can lead to physical fatigue, especially if we place a lot of pressure to ‘get everything right’. Perhaps in group travel someone else may have been responsible for flights, accommodation so navigating it all solo for the first time may be overwhelming.
“During the trip, travellers often experience a surge in confidence as they successfully navigate challenges, but moments of loneliness can still arise. On the other hand, the freedom to explore without compromise often outweighs these concerns, leading to a profound sense of empowerment.
“After returning home, the excitement of the trip may give way to sadness or a sense of loss once it’s over, leading to a phenomenon often called “post-trip depression. Many feel grateful for the opportunity to have travelled and for the lessons learned along the way.”
Travelling solo for the first time can feel uncomfortable
It’s normal to feel anxious doing anything for the first time. When it comes to solo travel, this can come from the realization that you’re truly alone. Dr Ravi Gill recommends approaching solo travel as exposure therapy- the more its experienced, the less scary it becomes.
“Exposure therapy works by gradually confronting fears in a controlled way, and solo travel does exactly that. The more you experience unfamiliar environments and situations, the less intimidating they become. Whether it’s overcoming language barriers, navigation issues, dining alone or even interacting with strangers, solo travellers reduce anxiety through repeated exposure, building confidence.”
Dominic Keely, Head of Marketing Rivers & Land UK at Emerald Cruises, comments on cruising and solo travel:
“At Emerald Cruises, we’ve seen a growing demand for curated experiences that cater to independent travellers seeking both adventure and connection. Cruising is uniquely positioned to offer the best of both worlds: the freedom to explore at one’s own pace, alongside the opportunity to connect with like-minded travellers in a relaxed, social setting. Our research shows that solo travellers prioritise flexibility and personal growth. Emerald Cruises delivers on all of these while removing the logistical challenges of traveling alone, with dedicated solo cabins, reduced single supplements on selected departures, and excursions designed to foster both independence and connection.”
