‘Ridin’ solo' isn’t just a catchy tune you danced to at the club (or your year six disco) all those years ago. In fact, it’s set to be one of the biggest travel trends for 2025, with Australian travellers showing more interest in solo travel than any other country across the globe.
Young Aussies are the most likely to ditch their mates, according to SiteMinder’s latest Changing Traveller Report 2025, with one in four Gen Z travellers planning a solo escapade for their next trip. Events stand out as the biggest drawcard for these daring individuals, with more than half saying they’re more likely to travel for family gatherings and celebrations (31 per cent), concerts and music festivals (23 per cent) and sporting events (18 per cent), compared to last year. Lucky for them, Australia has something to tick all those boxes.
If you’re keen to meet fellow free spirits while travelling, solo adventurers in Australia are mostly flocking to Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Meanwhile, the most popular international destinations for solo Aussie jet-setters are the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand and Japan – not that there are any surprises there.
The Changing Traveller Report – the world’s largest survey on accommodation with insights from more than 12,000 travellers – also reveals glimpses into where Aussies plan to stay in 2025. Australians have overtaken French travellers as the most likely to camp while on holiday. However, this might be more of a cost-cutting decision, with almost half of solo travellers earning less than $30,000 a year. In 2025, those with extra cash are most likely to splurge on breakfast (45 per cent), flexible check-in/out (31 per cent), larger rooms (31 per cent), rooms with a view (25 per cent) and bigger beds (23 per cent.)
The report also revealed that almost 80 per cent of Zoomers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly stays, like Kangaroo Island’s stunning Southern Ocean Lodge or the new solar-powered luxe lodges at Bells at Killcare. Meanwhile, 65 per cent of Gen Z travellers prefer accommodation with meaningful onsite experiences, including live music performances (34 per cent), spa services (32 per cent), cultural cooking classes (29 per cent), and gourmet dining and wine tasting (27 per cent).
Convinced to plan a solo trip in 2025? Check out our guide to the best places for solo travellers in Australia.
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