Immersing yourself in the desire to travel solo in 2026? You’re not alone in this contemplation, seeking out destinations that have yet to be set in stone. Surveying the minds of solo travelers, FTLO Travel offers insights into their planning—showing a yearning for adventure in the near future. While many have not solidified their travel plans for 2026, the eagerness to explore the world remains palpable.
More than half of those surveyed have left their 2026 trips unplanned, with another third having only partially mapped out their upcoming year. However, this lack of solid bookings does not equate to a lack of interest in travel. On the contrary, about 42% of respondents anticipate traveling even more in 2026 than they did the previous year, hinting at a delayed but assured commitment to hitting the road.
When pondering their dream destinations, Australia/Oceania and Asia emerge as top contenders, closely followed by Europe. Japan claims the top spot among individual countries, with Australia and New Zealand not far behind. Countries like Argentina, Italy, South Korea, Greece, and Thailand also rank high, indicating a mix of culturally rich cities and adventure-friendly landscapes as sought-after locales.
What motivates these choices reveals much about the travelers themselves. Prioritizing cultural activities, cuisine, and affordability over nightlife, solo travelers are driven by a desire to simply “see the world,” seeking adventure, fun, and connection along the way. Interestingly, rest and personal growth take a backseat in their travel priorities.
Drawing inspiration from trusted sources, friends and word of mouth top the list, closely followed by Instagram. TikTok lags behind, suggesting that genuine recommendations and visual storytelling hold greater sway than glossy videos alone. In terms of trip duration preferences, longer journeys of one to two weeks reign supreme, reflecting a growing preference for immersive travel experiences over quick weekend getaways.
The survey paints a clear picture of solo travel in 2026: deliberate planning, intentionality, and a strong desire for meaningful exploration in culturally rich and curiosity-inducing destinations. If you find yourself still dreaming and delaying bookings, rest assured, you are right on trend.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.