Not just a trend: the rise of the solo traveller

Alex Willmott, 20 March, 2025
Taking a solo trip allows travellers to explore at their own pace - here we look at the allure of solo travel and how to make the most of it.
 

The allure of solo travel stems from various compelling reasons. Research suggests that at the forefront is the desire for independence and freedom. Embarking on a solo trip allows travellers to explore at their own pace, free from the dynamics of others. Solo travellers often report that this autonomy enhances the experience, encouraging spontaneity and personal discovery.

For many, there is a hunger to connect with places, cultures and people on a deeper level. These connection points have been at the heart of the Inntravel story for over 40 years.
Creating a solo travel wish list…
It may be a specific destination or climate that drives your trip, so it’s important to nail down a fulfilling itinerary; something we take very seriously. Many solo travellers head out to explore landmark moments in history, peeking behind the old Iron Curtain or walking the D-Day Beaches of Normandy.

For some, a solo trip is the ideal opportunity to pause. Dazzling Portuguese coastlines, pristine Cornish coves and the idyllic pathways of Puglia offer environments to reflect. Of course, for others, there’s the draw of the challenge, with our iconic routes in the Alps or the volcanic trails of La Palma providing ample opportunity.

For travellers seeking indulgence, it’s all about the stay - luxury hotels, rooftop spas, fine dining and exquisite wines. However, you don’t have to journey far to experience solo travel at its finest. From the rugged beauty of Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast to the remarkable routes in unspoiled southeast Cornwall, excellent solo travel experiences can be found right on your doorstep.
Inntravel’s top 5 solo trips
If you’re looking for inspiration to embark on a solo adventure, here are some Inntravel gems to get you started.
Along St Francis’ Way through Umbria
Assisi to Spoleto (Italy)


Immerse yourself in the beauty of Umbria – Italy’s ‘Green Heart’ – as you walk from Assisi to Spoleto along scenic stretches of St Francis’ Way, inspired by the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. You follow Franciscan paths between olive groves, woodland, and vineyards, discovering the much-celebrated towns of Assisi and Spoleto but also unpretentious hill-top centres that promise a different experience entirely. Spello, Montefalco, Bevagna, and Collepino – hewn from local stone and steeped in history, each promises a blend of traditional culture, vibrant local life, and rustic regional cuisine.

 
A Walk in the Black Forest
South-west Germany


Venture into a world reminiscent of a Grimms' Fairy Tale, with joyful glades amid dense forests. Enjoy panoramic views, rolling meadows and superb lakes in a region renowned for lush scenery and charming village life. The landscape frequently opens up to offer wondrous views; the cuisine is unmatched practically anywhere else in the country; and pocket-sized Freiburg is a city you will instantly love. For Germans, though, this region is synonymous with hiking – especially here in the Black Forest Highlands (Hochschwarzwald), where we have planned rewarding routes through the extensive network of trails.

 
Palaces & Pathways of Sintra
Portugal


Explore Sintra's incredible landscapes, ornate palaces, and thriving gardens on self-guided walks that showcase the very best of the region. Beginning in the seaside town of Cascais, this gentle route meanders along the region’s spectacular coast, passing wide bays of golden sand and rugged headlands once thought to be the ends of the Earth. Sweeping inland through rolling wooded hills and unassuming vineyards, you enjoy a grand finale amid the splendour of Sintra and its amazing architectural heritage. Expect cultural experiences, characterful accommodation, and the vibrant charm of nearby Lisbon.

 
Walking in Snowdonia
Wales


Discover the diverse National Park of Snowdonia (Eryri). Enjoy a warm Welsh welcome at traditional guesthouses, where hearty breakfasts will set you up for awe-inspiring walking. The opportunities for immersing yourself in mystifying natural beauty are limitless, but our routes also offer an insight into the area’s history and culture: explore Snowdonia’s fascinating slate landscapes, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of Dolbadarn Castle, and Sygun Copper Mine. And as you peruse Beddgelert’s independent shops and tuck into hearty food at the local pub, you’ll hear an ancient language that’s still widely spoken.

 
A Trail of Three Cities
Seville, Córdoba & Granada (Spain)


Discover Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish architecture, including the Alhambra, on a cultural rail journey through Seville, Córdoba, and Granada, with self-guided city tours and elegant stays. Colourful and exotic and enhanced by a fusion of Mediterranean and North African flavours, this heady blend is responsible for some fabulous creations, from the tastiest Moorish recipes to some of the finest, most exuberant palaces in Europe. Take our journey through Spain’s enthralling deep south to experience all this, and much more.
Up for the challenge?
Swiss Alps - From the Eiger to the Matterhorn
Between Switzerland's Eiger and Matterhorn lie some of the best walking trails in the Alps. This thrilling 150km journey features high passes, alpine meadows, and classic villages at altitudes near 3,000 metres. This is a holiday promising challenge and fulfilment. At such heights, well above the treeline, boulder-strewn scree slopes have a lunar quality to them but you're never far from alpine meadows teeming with flowers and insects, patrolled by whistling marmots on the ground and birds of prey overhead. And of course, with Inntravel, you’ll enjoy detailed route notes to keep you on track.
 

Solo travel tips

Keep a walking diary

Journalling your experiences doesn’t just capture memories; it helps process emotions and develop reflective skills. Keeping a journal enhances mindfulness by encouraging present-moment awareness. Writing about your walks allows you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

A journey in pictures…

Photos are a great way to retain and relive your experience. Remember, as you journey through new and captivating places, each snapshot captures a moment in time, allowing you to reflect on the beauty and emotions you encountered along the way. These images become a personal narrative of your adventure, enabling you to share your journey with others or simply revisit those cherished memories whenever you wish.
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