Solo travel is no longer a niche pursuit. It has become a mainstream movement across Australia, with new data revealing travellers of all generations are hitting the road alone for personal freedom, growth, and self-care.
According to a YouGov survey for Scoot, 80 percent of Australians travelled solo in the past year, with more than half embarking on multiple solo adventures. The trend shows no sign of slowing with almost 90 percent planning to go it alone again soon.
While solo travel has long been popular among Gen Z and Millennials, recent findings show the movement is being embraced just as enthusiastically by Boomers and seniors. Webjet reports nearly 48 percent of Australians over 65 are planning solo trips, while 26 percent of those aged 45 to 54 are also keen to explore independently.
The motivations vary by generation. Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly seeking solo escapes to recharge and recover from burnout, with 61 percent saying they crave “me time” after busy holiday periods. For many, solo travel is seen as a form of emotional reset and self-care.
Older travellers, on the other hand, are motivated by curiosity and personal growth. A growing number of Baby Boomers are embracing the idea of the “grey gap year”, using retirement as a chance to explore freely. Many say they’re choosing to invest in experiences now rather than save for inheritance, reflecting the SKI (“spending the kids’ inheritance”) mindset.
Some, like 63-year-old Robyn Drayton, are taking it even further. What began as a short trip became nearly six years on the road touring Australia solo with her dog.
With greater flexibility, financial independence, and a shift in attitudes toward travel at all life stages, solo travel has never looked so diverse or more popular.
