Solo Travelers Fuel Shoulder Season: Skift Travel Health Index

Key Points

• Solo travel is driving a boom in the shoulder season, with a 7% increase in travel activity from the previous year.
• Europe has seen a 5% rise in hotel bookings above 2019 levels, largely due to solo travelers making up 69% of bookings.
• Solo travelers are spending 20% more on hotel bookings globally compared to 2019, with regions like Japan and Fiji experiencing significant benefits from this trend.

Summary

The growing popularity of solo travel is fueling a boom in the traditionally quieter shoulder season from September to October, with a 7% increase in travel activity over the previous year according to the Skift Travel Health Index. This trend is particularly evident in Europe, where hotel bookings have risen 5% above 2019 levels, largely driven by solo travelers who account for 69% of bookings. Globally, solo travelers are spending 20% more on hotel bookings compared to 2019, benefiting regions such as Japan and Fiji.