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New research from Explore Worldwide analyzes global search data to reveal the top trending destinations for solo travelers. Asian cities emerge as the new hot spots for solo travel worldwide, with Hanoi, Bangkok and Taipei topping global rankings.
With #solotravel videos garnering close to four billion views on TikTok, solo travel has become a cultural phenomenon across the globe. As such, adventure tour operator Explore Worldwide set out to reveal this year’s trending destinations for solo travel across the world’s continents.
By analyzing Google search data from the last two years, Explore’s research has determined the cities that are seeing the biggest uplift in online searches compared to the previous year. The study uncovers the locations surging in popularity among those itching to see the world on their own, with the study revealing Asia’s top ten destinations that are most popular for solo traveling, as well as the emerging hot spots for solo travel worldwide.
Independent travelers are particularly showing a real desire to explore Asia. The world’s top five trending solo cities are all located in Asia, and all show an increase in online solo travel searches of over 500%.
Explore’s new study puts Hanoi as the most upcoming solo travel destination in the world, with a rise in interest of just under 950%, followed by Bangkok in second with over 800% more interest, and the Taiwanese city of Taipei in third with just under 700% more online interest.
The world’s top trending cities for solo travel, according to Google data
| Rank | City | Interest increase, based on yearly Google search increases |
| 1 | Hanoi | 946% |
| 2 | Bangkok | 816% |
| 3 | Taipei | 692% |
| 4 | Seoul | 533% |
| 5 | Phnom Penh | 500% |
| 6 | Ho Chi Minh City | 480% |
| 7 | Kuala Lumpur | 464% |
| 8 | Perth | 408% |
| 9 | Singapore | 390% |
| 10 | Sydney | 270% |
| 11 | Guangzhou | 250% |
| 12 | Zurich | 247% |
| 13 | Melbourne | 224% |
| 14 | Nice | 220% |
| 15 | Manila | 213% |
1. Hanoi: Topping the list as the world’s trending city for solo travel is the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. Interest in solo travel for Hanoi has climbed a massive 946% on last year’s searches and it’s not hard to understand why this city is the ‘one to watch’ for a solo adventure. Aesthetically pleasing and filled with ancient architecture, Hanoi presents itself as a place that is rich in culture. Solo travelers have many activities to enjoy, from browsing food markets and visiting historic temples, to simply taking in the colorful streets.
2. Bangkok: Bangkok places second with an 816% rise in solo travel searches, with a plethora of activities that are perfect for independent travelers. Thailand’s capital city is rich in history with many temples that yearn to be explored. There are many opportunities to get involved with the renowned local cuisine too, with plenty of cooking classes on offer for amateurs looking to impress their friends when they arrive back home. All the while you can maneuver about the city with ease thanks to the iconic Tuk Tuk transportation.
3. Taipei: Taipei lands in third place among the world’s trending solo travel cities, with a search increase of close to 700%. The capital of Taiwan boasts much in the way of both modern architecture as well as serene nature trails and hikes. Foodies looking for amazing dining experiences are in luck: Taipei is home to 175 dining recommendations by the Michelin food guide, so no solo traveler will go hungry!
4. Seoul: South Korea’s Seoul winds up in fourth place with a search increase of 533% for ‘Seoul solo travel’ in comparison to last year. Fans of K-pop in particular will be delighted to visit K-star Road, featuring entertaining statues of famous K-pop idols.
5. Phnom Penh: The city of Phnom Penh rounds out the top five with a 500% increase in searches when compared to the previous year’s data. There is an abundance of history to absorb for solo travelers who wish to expand their minds in the Cambodian capital, with an array of boat tours, temples and national monuments displaying elements of the country’s complex history.
6. Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam’s busiest city narrowly misses a top-five placement, with a solo travel search increase of 480%. The city hosts an interesting juxtaposition of both traditional and contemporary sights to see; solo travelers can explore the Cu Chi Tunnels or take a boat ride through the jungle and then eat dinner in a skyscraper restaurant all within the same day.
7. Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s capital city makes an appearance in seventh place with a 464% rise in solo travel searches. Its metropolitan city skyline is perfect for solo travelers who enjoy photography, with the Petronas Twin Towers creating an iconic focal point over the rest of Kuala Lumpur’s architecture.
8. Perth: Australia’s first entry into the top ten trending cities for solo travel is Perth, seeing a 408% increase in search interest. Perth is perfect for those who wish to relax during their solo holiday, with plenty of parks, botanical gardens and gorgeous sandy beaches. With a near constant presence of warm sunshine, it is easy to see why solo travelers may use Perth to get a bit of R&R while they plan out the rest of their Western Australia adventure.
9. Singapore: The city of Singapore registers in ninth place with nearly 400% more searches for solo travel compared to last year. Those with interest in all things botanical will surely be in their element in this city; the National Orchid Garden, Botanical Gardens and Cloud Forest are all on offer, creating the perfect backdrop for independent travelers looking to get lost in nature while going for a solo walk.
10. Sydney: Australia’s second and final entry in the top ten solo destinations this year is Sydney, the capital of New South Wales. Home to the iconic Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach and Harbour Bridge, Sydney is the birthplace to many iconic monuments that are perfect for visiting while taking in the city’s pleasant weather and friendly locals.
Ben Ittensohn, Regional Director Australia and New Zealand at Explore Travel, comments: “Our latest research has been an insightful journey into the evolving preferences of solo travelers across the globe. It’s fascinating to see cities like Hanoi, Bangkok and Taipei emerging as hotspots for solo adventurers, reflecting a broader trend of exploration beyond traditional Western destinations. This surge in interest is testament not just to the allure of these cities’ rich histories and vibrant cultures, but also to the shifting spirit of today’s travelers, who are seeking unique and immersive experiences over the obvious tourist trails.
“Our study also highlights the ever-growing popularity of solo travel as a meaningful way to experience the world: it’s a powerful reminder that travel is not just about the destination, but the journey itself, and the personal growth that comes with stepping outside of our comfort zones. There is a wide world waiting to be explored, and we hope our study inspires more people to embark on their own solo adventures.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
