A new report from Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has revealed the solo travel market is booming in the Asia-Pacific region.

Solo travellers are people who embark on trips alone. They comprise a diverse demographic with a balance of men and women. Solo travel is not just for singles, with many solo travellers in a relationship.

Based on a survey conducted by YouGov, The Unpacking the Solo Travel Trend report covers five countries: Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

According to the report, the global solo travel market has a projected annual growth rate of 14.3 per cent between 2025 and 2030. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to exceed this rise, with an estimated growth of 16.1 per cent over the same period.

The largest group of solo travellers in the Asia Pacific is aged between 25 and 34, comprising 30 per cent of the total respondents. This is followed by those aged 35-44, with nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of solo travellers in this category.

Data from Scoot reveals a similar pattern, with individuals aged 25-44 accounting for 58 per cent of single ticket bookings, indicating a growing trend of this age group seeking solo adventure.

More than six in 10 solo travellers (62 per cent) have taken multiple trips in the last 12 months and nearly a third (32 per cent) are frequent travellers who embark on three or more solo trips a year. Additionally, a third of solo travellers enjoy extended breaks lasting more than eight days.

City breaks (short getaways to towns or cities), along with culture and history, nature, beach and visits to family and friends, are the most popular reasons for solo travel in the Asia Pacific.

Among those who have taken a solo trip in the past 12 months, less than four in 10 (38 per cent) took only one trip, with over six in 10 (62 per cent) taking multiple trips (two or more). Almost three in 10 (29 per cent) fell into the high-frequency traveller category, taking three or more solo trips in the past 12 months. Thailand (35 per cent) and Indonesia (33 per cent) registered the highest number of frequent solo trips in the last year, along with Gen Z travellers.

Australia was the second most popular destination for solo travellers in the Asia Pacific.

There are notable differences in holiday preferences among travellers. Shopping is the most popular choice for Singaporeans, while Indonesians show a preference for nature experiences. Australians, on the other hand, travel solo to visit family and friends.

Solo travellers in the Asia Pacific rely on various channels for inspiration and planning different aspects of their journey. For accommodation, they turn to online travel agents, hotel websites, and reviews.

When booking flights, airline websites and apps serve as the primary sources, followed by online travel agents and social media platforms. Online travel agents are also the primary choice when arranging in-destination transportation, followed by social media and recommendations from family and friends.

For dining options and in-destination activities, travellers primarily consult social media, family and friends, as well as refer to reviews.

Once seen as a niche pursuit, solo travel in Australia is increasingly becoming a common lifestyle choice.

Eight in 10 (81 per cent) of solo travellers in Australia embarked on solo trips in the past year, with more than half (54 per cent) undertaking two or more.

Interest in solo travel is expected to continue rising, with close to nine in 10 (87 per cent) Australians planning to take a solo trip in the next 12 months. Australia was the number one wish list destination for solo Australian travellers (45 per cent).

Scoot Australia General Manager Adam Kelly said: “For many Australians, it’s no longer just about ticking off bucket list destinations, it’s about slowing down, reconnecting with yourself and embracing the destination.

“This white paper highlights the mindset shift towards solo travel. Australians are embracing solo trips not out of necessity, but out of choice. Whilst we still have amazing journeys with friends and family, solo travel sparks a sense of lone adventure where you can go your own way and choose a unique journey bespoke to you.”

Read the full report here.