Australian solo travellers’ hearts in Cuba and Israel

Hostelworld has revealed a 31% increase in solo bookings by Australian travellers between 2015 and 2017.

More and more Aussies are choosing to travel solo and those ‘going it alone’ is a noticeable trend. Globally, it’s women leading the way, with bookings by female solo travellers up 45% since 2015 in comparison to a 40% increase for men.

And the trend is also reflected amongst Australian solo travellers: Australian solo female bookings have grown 36% between 2015 and 2017. Male booking figures have increased by 27%.

“Australians have always been well travelled, but the solo travelling trend has really grown over the past few years”, said Breffni Horgan, Director of Product at Hostelworld.

“Seeing more Australian female solo travellers exploring the globe every year is very positive and we hope it will encourage more women looking for an adventure to put their backpacks on!”

Looking at the top 10 destinations in 2017, Israel, Nicaragua and Macedonia were Australian women’s favourite, while Cuba, South Africa and also Nicaragua won Australian men’s hearts.

Australia a key destination for solo travellers

Australia remains a top destination for solo travellers, with a +18% increase in solo bookings in 2017. Interestingly, solo traveller bookings have increased in the most remote areas of Australia, namely Nimbin (+83%), Magnetic Island (+53%), Broome (+43%), Surfers’ Paradise (+32%), Byron Bay (+28%), Torquay (27%), and Margaret River (27%).

“From the best beaches to the sprawling national parks to the wide range of flora and fauna on show, it’s no surprise solo travellers are flocking to Australia to see the natural beauty it has to offer. Most people that travel solo do so to branch out and meet like-minded people from all cultures and walks of life, and Australian society is one big melting pot of rich diversities of cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious backgrounds.”

“People now have the technology at their fingertips to research and book at the touch of a button and we’re working really hard to ensure solo travellers have the time of their lives. Features such as the Hostel Noticeboard on the Hostelworld app, mean people can check what activities and events are happening at each hostel so they can meet likeminded people and make the most of every moment of their trip,” said Ms. Horgan.