Solo travel is no longer just a trend – it’s redefining how people, especially women, explore the world.
According to a recent report by IntrCity SmartBus, India has seen a 135 per cent rise in solo women travellers between 2023 and 2025, while globally, women now drive over half of solo travel searches.
Every year, World Tourism Day is observed on September 27 to celebrate the role of travel and tourism in our lives.
The dating app called happn shares four reasons why people should take solo journeys as opportunities for both exploration and connections. Beyond the freedom of traveling alone, these trips open doors to love, friendship, and shared adventures.
From destinations to connections
Much like in `Eat Pray Love`, where travel became a pathway to personal growth and unexpected bonds, today’s singles are using solo adventures to find more than souvenirs. In fact, 43 per cent of Indian singles believe the best relationships start as friendships, where emotional comfort builds first and chemistry follows. Travel, with its openness and sense of possibility, creates the perfect setting for these connections, whether it’s a conversation on a train, a shared table at a cafe, or a night of laughter at a local gig.
Serendipity on the road
Think of the accidental encounters in films like `Before Sunrise` or `Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara`, where strangers became companions and trips became unforgettable. Solo travelers thrive on these unplanned moments, bumping into someone at a landmark, getting lost and finding help, or saying yes to a spontaneous invitation. Dating apps like happn mirror this serendipity, making chance encounters more intentional, so those who might have crossed paths unknowingly can actually connect.
Exploring cultures, creating connections
The most memorable journeys are rarely about ticking off tourist checklists; they’re about experiences that feel real and personal. Today’s singles are seeking hidden gems and insider tips, making travel about deeper cultural exploration. Meeting locals or fellow travelers can unlock these authentic moments – an unlisted food joint, a tucked-away street market, or a rooftop view that doesn’t make it into the guidebooks. These shared adventures transform solo trips into personal stories.
Freedom without loneliness
Solo travel offers the freedom to explore the world on your own terms, but it doesn’t mean you have to be alone. Travellers can seek connection on their own terms, whether through a friendly conversation, insider tips from locals, or a spark of romance, blending independence with the comfort of knowing meaningful encounters are just around the corner.
Karima Ben Abdelmalek, CEO and president of the dating app, shares, “Travel is about discovery, and at happn, we believe that includes discovering meaningful connections. Whether it’s friendship, companionship, or romance, we empower singles to define what they’re looking for and give them the autonomy to decide how their story unfolds. Solo journeys, then, become less about traveling alone and more about opening yourself up to possibilities that feel right for you.”
