The rise of solo travel: TUI Musement reveals the top-rated destinations for independent travellers

November 13, 2025

Tours & Activities

Ranking based on reviews of activities booked by solo travellers
Liverpool, Lisbon and Bangkok lead the list

Travelling alone has become increasingly common, reflecting broader shifts in how people live, work and enjoy their free time. According to Eurostat*, over the past decade the number of single-person households in Europe has risen by almost 17 %, while the total number of households grew by only 5.8%. This trend is also evident in travel, with more people planning holidays on their own. On social media, the phenomenon is clear: the hashtag #solotravel has amassed over 11 million posts on Instagram and nearly 2 million on TikTok, connecting solo travellers from all over the world.

Given this trend, TUI Musement, a leading provider of tours and activities, analysed the reviews of experiences booked by solo travellers to identify destinations that best match their preferences. The findings highlight places that combine safety, heritage, nature, and opportunities for both self-discovery and social interaction.

Liverpool, United Kingdom: Ranked first with an average score of 9.68 out of 10. Its friendly atmosphere, welcoming locals and rich cultural offer make it ideal for solo travellers. Whether chatting about The Beatles or local football, it’s easy to break the ice. Recommended experience: Liverpool FC Stadium Tour

Lisbon, Portugal: Famous for its historic centre —including the Alfama district and Praça do Comércio— Lisbon captivates visitors with scenic viewpoints and easy access to charming towns such as Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. Walking tours and short excursions allow travellers to explore at their own pace while meeting others naturally. Recommended experience: Walking Tour of Lisbon Highlights

Bangkok, Thailand: Now firmly established as the gateway to Southeast Asia, Bangkok blends modernity and tradition with its temples, night markets and affordable prices. It’s a top choice for solo travellers eager to immerse themselves in local life from the start. Recommended experience: Canal and Chinatown Tour

Vienna, Austria: Home to Schönbrunn and Belvedere Palaces and world-class museums, Vienna offers exactly the kind of cultural and historical experiences most appreciated by solo travellers. The city centre is easily walkable, providing independence and comfort. Recommended experience: Visit to Schönbrunn Palace

Krabi, Thailand: Known for its beaches and laid-back charm, Krabi is perfect for solo adventurers. Highlights include bamboo rafting and hiking in Khao Sok National Park, or taking a speedboat to the Phi Phi Islands. Recommended experience: Khao Sok National Park Tour

Karpathos, Greece: Nestled between Crete and Rhodes, this tranquil island maintains its traditional lifestyle and unspoiled character. Among the best-rated activities are guided tours through rural villages that end with dinner in a local taverna —a perfect setting to share the sunset with fellow travellers. Recommended experience: Traditional Village Tour

Bali, Indonesia: With its temples, rice terraces, yoga retreats and beaches, Bali offers a perfect mix of adventure and wellbeing. Immortalised in Eat Pray Love as a place of personal transformation, it attracts visitors seeking balance and connection. Recommended experience: Guided Tour of Bali and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Barcelona, Spain: Beyond its architectural icons —the Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló— the city offers many group activities that encourage socialising, from cooking classes to mosaic workshops. Tapas tours are a favourite for discovering Catalan cuisine in good company. Recommended experience: Small-Group Guided Tour of the Sagrada Familia

Khao Lak, Thailand: The third Thai destination on the list confirms Thailand’s popularity among solo travellers. It caters both to those seeking calm and to those wanting shared experiences such as scuba diving in the Similan Islands, excursions to Phang Nga Bay, or Muay Thai classes. Recommended experience: Phang Nga Bay Excursion

London, United Kingdom: With its efficient transport system, solo travellers can easily explore the city’s many attractions —from the British Museum and Tower of London to Westminster Abbey. Historic pub tours also offer a relaxed way to meet fellow travellers. Recommended experience: Walking Tour of London

The Solo Travel Phenomenon
The growth of solo travel reflects a major shift in the way people experience tourism: more flexible, authentic and experience-driven. According to TUI Musement, solo travellers value the freedom to set their own pace while also looking for safe and enriching activities —such as small-group tours or guided local experiences that encourage interaction.

Sources:

Eurostat – Statistics on household composition

*Methodology: Analysis based on reviews of experiences booked by solo travellers between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025. Only destinations with at least 100 reviews (across all languages and TUI Musement markets) were considered.

Ranking (Average Experience Rating)

Liverpool, United Kingdom – 9.68/10

Lisbon, Portugal – 9.03/10

Bangkok, Thailand – 9.02/10

Vienna, Austria – 9.00/10

Krabi, Thailand – 8.97/10

Karpathos, Greece – 8.96/10

Bali, Indonesia – 8.93/10

Barcelona, Spain – 8.87/10

Khao Lak, Thailand – 8.86/10

London, United Kingdom – 8.85/10

Maria Sierra

+34 (0)619341883 maria.sierra@tui.com

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The rise of solo travel: TUI Musement reveals the top-rated destinations for independent travellers

Ranking based on reviews of activities booked by solo travellers

Liverpool, Lisbon and Bangkok lead the list

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Maria Sierra

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