Something interesting is happening in travel right now—and it’s not loud or flashy. It’s slower, quieter, more intentional. It’s solo travelers—many of them women, many of them high net worth—booking oceanfront suites for one, escaping to villas in Crete, and opting out of the group chat altogether.
Luxury solo travel in 2025 isn’t a trend. It’s a shift. And it’s backed by numbers that are starting to catch up with what many of us have already felt: there’s something powerful about traveling alone, especially when you can do it well.
How Big Is the Market for Luxury Solo Travel?
Let’s start with scale.
The solo travel market was worth $482.5 billion in 2024, and it’s heading toward a projected $1.5 trillion by 2033. That’s a compound annual growth rate of 13.5%, driven by people—particularly millennials and Gen Z—craving independence and flexibility in how they move through the world.
The luxury travel market, meanwhile, hit $1.38 trillion in 2023, with an expected 7.9% growth each year through 2030. In the U.S. alone, it was already sitting at nearly $400 billion last year.
Now, what happens when these two overlap?
It’s not tracked officially (yet), but if we work with the stat that 14% of solo travelers choose luxury accommodation, we’re talking about a $67.55 billion slice of the pie. Not small. And definitely growing.
Who’s Traveling Solo in Luxury—and Why?
This is where it gets even more interesting.
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84% of solo travelers are women. That’s not just a stat—it’s a movement.
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Most aren’t dabbling in it. Over 40% took three or more solo trips last year.
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And when they go, they stay longer—two weeks or more is the norm.
Solo travel isn’t about ticking off cities. It’s about stretching time. Reconnecting. Choosing stillness—or adventure—on your own terms. And for the luxury segment, it’s also about privacy, ease, and depth.
Then there’s the HNWIs—the high-net-worth crowd. Over 16 million people globally have $1M+ in investable assets, and nearly a million Americans sit at $10M+. They’re increasingly choosing experiential travel over flashy luxury. Think slow villas over mega-resorts, private guides over bus tours, and learning something new over checking off a list.
This aligns perfectly with what luxury solo travel offers: the time and space to move throug
What Are They Spending—And on What?
This is where luxury solo travelers start to stand apart from the pack.
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They spend 20% more on travel insurance than group travelers.
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They fork out 50% more on hotels and accommodations, not necessarily because they want to—but because the travel industry hasn’t fully adapted to solo needs (hello, single supplements).
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Back in 2018, 24% were already spending over $1,500/week (excluding flights). That number’s likely higher now.
And for those opting into true luxury—private villas, island stays, exclusive wellness retreats—some reports suggest annual solo travel costs can hit $40,000 to $50,000. That’s not budget backpacking. That’s lifestyle.
Trends We’re Watching in 2025
Several threads are coming together to shape the future of this space:
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Hotels are catching on. Leading Hotels of the World now offers a solo travel collection, complete with adults-only suites, private pools, and secluded spa access. Others are following suit.
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Searches are surging. Google searches for solo travel are up 761% since 2021. Instagram is bursting with over 9.9 million #solotravel posts—many featuring luxury stays.
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Personalisation is the new luxury. High-net-worth travelers want wellness, purpose, and depth—not just plush interiors.
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Eco-luxury matters. Sustainability is no longer a trade-off for comfort. It’s expected.
Quick Stats at a Glance
| Category | Figure |
|---|---|
| Solo Travel Market (2024) | USD 482.5B |
| Projected by 2033 | USD 1,508.2B |
| Luxury Travel Market (2023) | USD 1.38T |
| U.S. Luxury Travel Market (2024) | USD 397.91B |
| Estimated Luxury Solo Travel Slice | USD 67.55B |
| Solo Travelers Who Are Female | 84% |
| HNWIs Worldwide | 16M+ |
| Weekly Spend Over $1,500 | 24% of solo travelers |
So, What’s Next?
Luxury solo travel isn’t a fad. It’s the future of premium travel experiences. And it’s not defined by money—it’s defined by intention. The people driving this shift value time, autonomy, and experience above all else.
Whether it’s a solo retreat in Morocco, a private villa in Sicily, or a slow two-week roam through the Scottish Highlands, the desire is the same:
To travel well. To travel alone. And to never feel lonely doing it.
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