Soul-searching ranks higher than traditional city breaks
Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly embracing off-the-beaten-path escapes, with rising interest in far-flung destinations like Uzbekistan, Namibia, Jordan and Kyrgyzstan, according to new research.
The poll, which canvassed 4,600 solo travellers across Europe, compiled by group travel specialists WeRoad reveals a growing appetite for authentic, transformative experiences.
More than 40% of respondents said exploring lesser-known places made their travels feel ‘more meaningful’ while a third simply wanted to discover somewhere new.
And it’s not just about escaping the tourist trail — one in five admitted they chose their destination based on one thing: fewer crowds.
The research also showed that nearly half of those surveyed said they’d made a lifelong friend, while 34% credited their trip with levelling up their Instagram game.
Others scored flight upgrades, found romance, or even called the experience ‘better than therapy’.
And whether it’s chasing sunsets in Jordan or sharing laughs around a fire in Kyrgyzstan, solo travel is helping young Brits feel more connected — not just to the world, but to themselves.
