Expedia: 60% of US travellers plan to take a solo trip within the next two years

Expedia published (31-Jul-2019) it first Solo Travel Report, finding 60% of US travellers plan to take a solo trip within the next two years, "proving people want more flexibility, convenience, and autonomy from their vacations". The report found that when given the ultimatum to choose between their mobile phone or a travel companion to bring on their next trip, 33% of Americans said they would choose to travel solo with just their device. Other key findings:

• Solo travel drivers: Solo travellers most often say they take solo trips to meet new people and explore new places, disconnect from work and life, and improve their independence and confidence;
• Solo travel is becoming the preferred travel category: Two thirds of respondents agree they prefer the freedom of travelling alone and meeting new people over the desire to have a vacation companion. Younger travellers (83% of Gen Z and 80% of millennials) are especially likely to agree. Less than 40% of the respondents identified themselves as parents, and of those, 82% agree they would prefer to travel alone;
• Weekend travel is the preference: The most popular solo trip is the 'Weekend Break', a quick trip of a couple of days (30%), followed by an 'Island Getaway' cruise to a tropical destination or visit a beach (23%), a 'Foodie Trip' (16%) or 'Event Travel', visiting a place specifically to attend a music festival or sporting event (14%);
• Domestic destinations rank highly for solo travel: US travellers are more likely to choose new or familiar places within their own country and 69% said their last solo trip was in the US. 74% of Americans say their ideal location is in the US followed by Canada (45%) and Europe (42%);
• Advice is practical: Experienced solo travellers emphasize preparation and a positive attitude when planning;
• Travel difficulties: Solo travellers feel most uncomfortable when they are lost and need directions (42%) or when they are lost in translation (38%). US travellers also dislike having their phone battery die or eating alone (29%). [more - original PR]