An Australian travel company is responding to the rising demand for solo travel by offering dedicated tour packages designed exclusively for single travelers. Sydney-based Distant Journeys provides these itineraries under its Exclusively Solos brand, allowing individuals to travel within a group composed entirely of other solo participants.
Historically, solo travel was often associated with adventurous or business-related trips, but recent data suggests a broader demographic is embracing this mode of exploration. Booking platform Skyscanner reported an 83% increase in searches for single-occupancy hotel rooms between June 2024 and May 2025, compared to the previous year, highlighting growing interest in traveling alone.
According to Chris Fundell, general manager of Distant Journeys, many solo travelers prefer tours specifically tailored for singles, as being part of a group primarily made up of couples can evoke feelings of isolation. Offering a dedicated solo group provides a supportive environment and reassurance for these travelers.
Research from the Tourism & Transport Forum in Australia indicates that women are generally more comfortable than men with joining organized tours alone, with 43% of women expressing willingness compared to 34% of men. Reflecting this trend, women comprise about 75% of participants in Exclusively Solos tours, with the average participant age being 66 and most travelers identifying as single.
Popular destinations for these tours include India, Sri Lanka, and Japan—places where solo travelers may feel less confident navigating on their own. Distant Journeys aims to accommodate these preferences while addressing common concerns associated with solo travel, such as the single supplement—an additional charge traditionally applied to travelers occupying a room alone. The company’s offerings waive this fee on solo trips, making the tours more accessible. Some exclusives are also limited to 19 guests to maintain an intimate group dynamic.
The growth in solo travel is mirrored in other segments of the industry as well. Several cruise lines have introduced cabins priced and designed for single occupancy, and other tour operators are launching departures specifically for solo travelers. This trend redefines the idea of traveling alone as a social and viable option rather than a solitary experience.