News and Insights

Fellowships on the Road

October 29, 2026

Imagine Sal Paradise On The Road without the mercurial Dean Moriarty, Frodo winding his way to Mordor on his own, or Eugene Levy bound reluctantly for far-flung destinations without his family or production crew. Whatever the pluses or pitfalls, their stories would be different and all their own, not unlike those of an increasing number traveling solo these days.

According to Grand View Research, the global solo travel market added up to $550 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to $1.624 trillion by 2033. Europe accounted for 37% of the market last year, with French soloists making up 27% of that segment. Reasons for the growth are abundant: from avoiding scheduling conflicts and pivoting without fear of disappointing companions; to taking advantage of seamless transportation infrastructure and growing acceptance of solo dining; to stoking self-discovery and sparking mental stability through personalized itineraries focused on wellbeing.

Then again, as Chad Belisario, vice president in FINN’s Los Angeles office, nimbly observes: “A lot of people travel solo simply for time to themselves. There is no stigma: They just want to engage in things on their own.”

There are plenty of travel providers helping such travelers do it. In Australia, for instance, the experiential tourism outfit Journey Beyond is trumpeting solo train travel as “the best way” to discover the wide-open wonders of the continent down under. Singles can enjoy Gold Single Cabins with clever compartments and shelving, a full leg-extension bench seat that converts into a bed, and the inclusion of immersive Off Train Experiences – such as a visit to an outback cattle station in Katherine, dining in the celebrated wine-producing region of Barossa Valley or a beachside dinner at Coffs Harbour – from Journey Beyond’s passenger trains The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern, respectively.

Even as solo travel grows in popularity, a number of providers are creating memorable ways to bring such folks together. Sublime Comporta, surrounded by foliage and wild dunes on 168 acres of the Alentejo Coast of Portugal, recently unveiled its new Sublime Sand wing featuring multi-bedroom villas with private pools sized for groups of family or friends, and a 460-square-meter culture and event space called the Forum for meetings and social gatherings of all types.

Though enthusiastic about the thrills of roaming the world alone, the small-group adventure travel expert Intrepid Travel cautions “being a party-of-one can be a little overwhelming” and points solo explorers toward group trips that balance immersive activities, downtime and “a tight bunch of like-minded travelers.” Intrepid’s “Top Trips” for solos include explorations of Sri Lanka and Costa Rica, as well as a trek to the base camp of Everest.
Intrepid also recently launched three new expeditions for women only in Peru, Cambodia, and Bhutan. The trips are led by local female leaders and feature women-led activities that aim to break down gender barriers and support female-owned businesses.

Meanwhile, UK-based small-group adventure provider Flash Pack recently introduced The Pause collection of slower, more mindful and less-demanding wellbeing-style escapes for folks who, among other things, are “tired of rushing through life” and want “a break that actually feels restorative.” The current line up includes Colombia: Island Recharge and Spain: Mountain Reset.

Interestingly, even as solo travelers are being catered to, travelers in India are jumping into multi-gen travel like never before. According to Skyscanner’s 2026 India forecast, 41% of Indian travelers plan to travel with family, including on multi-generational journeys, and 35% want their accommodation to be part of the experience, as opposed to a mere base.

“For high-net-worth families, travel has become the new legacy asset, with everyone from grandparents to grandkids trading heirlooms and property for shared, experiential journeys that strengthen bonds across generations,” says Zoya Surana, vice president based in FINN’s India office.

Planning such trips can be complex, with clashing generational interests aimed at keeping children engaged and adults feeling included. Surana points to Four Seasons, which recently rolled out a multigenerational programming in destinations across Asia frequented by Indian families. Among them are Four Season Resort Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, with Lanna-inspired private residences as ideal bases for families exploring village-life programs from crafting to farming to cooking; and addresses in Maldives, including in Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa, where younger travelers can keep busy aiding coral restoration and ocean conservation alongside experts from the UK-based marine conservation charity Manta Trust.

“For Indian travelers now, the stays they choose for multi-gen travel are those showcasing local culture and the ethos of the destination,” adds Surana. “Travel is becoming a way of life for Gen Zers and Millennials as well as their parents and grandparents. People have had an emotional awakening, and they’re keen to explore with their families.”