Solo travel has evolved from a niche pursuit to one of the defining ways to explore the world. As we look ahead to 2026, Solos, one of the UK’s solo group travel specialists, reveals a new era of solo exploration led by confidence, curiosity, and connection based on booking data, customer insight and industry research.
“Solo travel isn’t about going it alone, it’s about choosing your own adventure with the support of a like-minded community,” says Janie Burt, Managing Director at Solos. “We’re seeing travellers prioritise experiences with purpose, whether that’s mastering a new skill, exploring culture through food, or joining women-only journeys where connection and confidence take centre stage.”
Key Trends for 2026
1. Women-only Travel Takes the Lead
Solos has launched four brand-new women-only trips for 2026 in response to the surging demand for female-focused travel, particularly among women aged 50 and over. As highlighted in Virtuoso’s 2025 Luxury Travel Trends report, women now make up the majority of solo travellers, and many are increasingly seeking the confidence, camaraderie and shared understanding that comes from exploring the world with other women rather than in mixed groups. This is reinforced by the Solo Traveller Reader Survey, which found that 90% of women over 50 prefer escorted tours, making women-only group travel a natural and empowering fit. Solos’ new itineraries are designed to meet this growing desire for safe, supportive and connection-led experiences crafted specifically for women.
NEW: The Golden Triangle & Rajasthan, India with Solos
Explore India’s Golden Triangle, plus Jodhpur and Udaipur, on a meaningful 12-night tour through Rajasthan. Highlights include sunrise yoga at the Taj Mahal, a Pink City Rickshaw tour (employing local women from low income families), and visits to forts, lakes and palaces. Travellers will also meet local artisans on a jeep safari to the Bishnoi Villages and witness traditional block printing, weaving and pottery in action. Guests will also experience three included lunches, including one at Sheroes Hangout café, run by female acid attack survivors. With carefully chosen accommodation and unique cultural insight, it’s a safe, enriching and social way to experience India. The 12-night Women-Only India tour departing 12 March 2026 costs £3,889 pp, including return flights, airport transfers and taxes, a private room for solo use, daily breakfast and dinner plus three lunches, a welcome drink and information meeting, and a dedicated female Solos Tour Leader. Alternatively, Solos also offers an 18 September 2026 departure.
2. Taste Tourism on the Rise
With experiential tourism now a major driver of global travel choices, food has become a powerful motivator for where people go and how they explore. Research from Acorn Tourism shows that 75% of travellers choose their destination based on some form of culinary activity, highlighting the growing appetite for authentic, food-led experiences. Recognising this demand, Solos has launched a new collection of culinary tours for 2026, offering travellers the opportunity to connect through cuisine in destinations including Greece, Cyprus, Germany and Italy.
A taste of Northern Greece, with Solos
Flavour is the thread that ties together Solos’ seven-night Taste of Northern Greece journey, a curated culinary adventure designed exclusively for solo travellers. From the first evening in Thessaloniki, Greece’s undisputed gastronomic capital, guests will dive into local food culture through guided tastings, traditional mezze, and hands-on cooking with regional experts. Solos guests will meet winemakers in Naousa to sample world-class Xinomavro wines, master age-old recipes, and dine in tavernas where music brings every meal to life. Between courses, explore the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora, the trails of Mount Olympus, and royal Macedonian history at Vergina. A seven-night Taste of Northern Greece trip departing 8 May 2026 costs £1,995 pp, including return flights, airport transfers and taxes, a private room for solo use, breakfast daily and six evening meals, culinary city tour of Thessaloniki, Naousa wine experience (four tastings), Mount Athos cruise, and guided visits to Meteora, Dion and Vergina and a dedicated Solos Tour Leader. Alternatively, Solos also offers a 3 October 2026 departure.
3. Budget Friendly Escapes
ABTA’s Holiday Habits Report 2025 shows that value for money is front and centre of holiday decision-making, with 43% of travellers booking a package holiday because it was the best option for the price. As cost-consciousness rises, solo travellers are increasingly seeking inclusive, well-organised trips that deliver maximum experience without the premium, especially as many travel companies still charge a single supplement, making affordable escapes even harder to secure and heightening demand for options designed with solo guests in mind.
Relax on a Corfu getaway with Solos
Experience the authentic Greek way of life at Aronda House, Solos’ family-run property, where the Korakianitis family’s warm hospitality and the quaint beauty of the area create a relaxing getaway. Situated in Dassia, one of the most popular resorts on the east coast of the island, the property is, exclusive to Solos guests. Just a short walk from the Blue Flag award-winning Dassia Beach, with water sports for the active traveller and waterfront tavernas and bars. Guests can enjoy group Greek evenings together in local tavernas and not forgetting the included fantastic BBQ night hosted by Kiki and her family. A seven-night Corfu Solos Exclusive trip leaving on 8 May 2026 costs just £930 pp, this includes return flights and transfers, airport taxes, twin room for sole use, welcome drink and information meeting, continental breakfast daily, BBQ at Aronda House, and an accompanying Solos Tour Leader. Alternatively, Solos also offers multiple departuresin May through to September.
4. Detour Destinations
As overtourism continues to dominate headlines, travellers are increasingly drawn to quieter alternatives. Research from Expedia’s Unpack ‘25 Report highlights that 63% of travellers are interested in visiting a “second city” and “detour” destinations on their next trip.
Head to lesser-known Lake Maggiore, Italy rather than Lake Como with Solos
New for 2026, this Solos escorted group escape to Lake Maggiore, Italy offers the perfect mix of relaxation and Italian charm. Staying at Hotel Villa Paradiso in Meina, guests will be surrounded by green gardens, a private sandy beach, and a pool, ideal for lazy days in the sun. From the lakeside terrace, enjoy views across the water, or take a boat to nearby Stresa and the Borromean Islands. With warm days, stunning scenery, and the elegance of a classic Italian lake resort, this is a sun-soaked escape to remember. The seven-night Lake Maggiore, Italy trip departing 7 May 2026 costs £2,129 pp, and includes return flights and transfers, twin room for solo use, breakfast and dinner, welcome aperitif with chef’s finger food, information evening and an accompanying Solos Tour Leader. Alternatively, Solos also offers a 14 June or 27 September 2026 departure.
5. Sole-baticals
As burnout becomes increasingly common, the “sole-batical”, a restorative, purpose-led break to reset and reconnect, is emerging as a major trend for 2026. According to You Gov’s 2025 Travel Report, 71% of British holidaymakers finding at least one part of booking a holiday stressful, with more travellers seeking hassle-free escapes where everything is taken care of for them. Solos’ fully hosted walking holidays offer exactly that, with flights, transfers, routes, accommodation and itineraries all included, allowing guests to focus purely on rest and renewal, perfect for a “new year, new you” reset.
Nordic wonders on foot and fjord with Solos
Norway’s dramatic fjords, peaks and bucket-list journeys come together on this unforgettable walking adventure, designed for solo travellers with a reasonable level of fitness. Starting in Bergen, guests ascend the scenic Fløyen and Ulriken mountains before boarding the Flåm Railway, one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. This experience includes a peaceful cruise along the Naeroyfjord and a memorable hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), with each walk lasting 2–3 hours and plenty of time to soak up the scenery. It’s ideal for those who enjoy being on the move, without it being too demanding. The seven-night Norwegian Fjords Walking Holiday, departing on 10 July 2026, costs £3,495 pp and includes return flights and transfers, airport taxes, a room for solo use, breakfast daily with two dinners, welcome drink, four fully guided walking days, boat journey from Bergen to Stavanger, trip on the Flåm Railway and a cruise in the Fjords and an experienced Solos Tour Leader.
Solos (020 8951 2900, www.solosholidays.com)
In response to these trends, Solos has expanded its 2026 programme to include tailored experiences across Europe and beyond, ensuring every traveller finds the perfect holiday to match their interests and pace. To request a copy of the 2026/7 brochure, visit this link here.
For more details about Solos, or any of these new trips, please email Rachel Johnston on [email protected] or call 07470028047.
