Right here’s why many Americans are afraid to journey solo, new survey suggests

Nearly a 3rd of Americans are afraid of hitting the highway alone (30%), in keeping with new analysis.

A survey of two,000 adults explored the enchantment — and misgivings — about doing totally different actions alone, discovering that just about a 3rd detest the thought of driving by themselves.

Results discovered that 31% are hesitant to attend a live performance alone, converse in public (26%), and spend time outside mountain climbing or tenting (25%) — not to mention e-book a solitary journey away (26%).

The survey performed by Talker Research for Road Scholar, a not-for-profit useful resource in academic journey for older adults, discovered {that a} quarter of Americans discover solo journey intimidating.

Nearly a 3rd (32%) of Americans who’ve by no means traveled solo are curious to attempt it. Older Americans are on the helm of this pattern, with child boomers (58%) having traveled solo greater than Gen Xers (50%), millennials (49%) and Gen Z (36%).

Among those that haven’t tried solo journey but, security issues (26%), value (25%) and worry of being alone (23%) have been the highest causes they haven’t.

The examine confirmed that strolling at evening (59%), staying someplace unfamiliar (51%), and navigating airports or public transportation (44%) have been the highest features of solo journey that gave individuals pause.

The rising curiosity in touring solo stems from the chance to expertise private development (33%), be taught extra about themselves (28%) and develop confidence (28%).

Those who’ve traveled solo revealed that the challenges and issues which will include solo journey are price it, as 70% would do it once more.

Solo vacationers mirrored on how their journey made them extra unbiased (29%) and allowed them to have time away (27%).

More than a 3rd (35%) of those that have been in romantic relationships mentioned that taking a visit alone was additionally helpful to their partnership, providing them an opportunity to recharge (40%), do issues their accomplice wasn’t excited about (37%) and develop into extra unbiased (33%).

“Whether you’re single, widowed, or in a relationship — traveling on your own can be seriously empowering,” mentioned Maeve Hartney, chief program officer at Road Scholar.

“Traveling solo forces you to go out of your comfort zone every day, which can push you beyond the boundaries of what you think you’re capable of. So many of our solo travelers tell us that they return home feeling much more independent and confident, which gives them more autonomy in their daily lives at home.”

For some, solo journey isn’t the primary alternative however typically the one choice. Most (58%) mentioned they’d favor to journey with different individuals. Only 15% mentioned journey experiences are higher alone.

But one in eight battle to get others on board when attempting to plan journeys, citing finances variations (37%) and problem coordinating schedules (31%).

The common individual misses out on two journeys a yr totally as a result of they will’t discover somebody to go along with them.

Six in ten respondents mentioned they’re excited about assembly new individuals whereas touring and most of the people (53%) are open to the thought of grouping up with different vacationers.

Half of solo vacationers are already incorporating some type of group expertise into their solo journeys (49%).

Some of their high vacation spot suggestions to discover solo included Japan, Hawaii, Florida, Italy and Paris.

“Just because you don’t have someone in your life who has the same budget or schedule doesn’t mean you have to go it alone,” mentioned Hartney.

“A great solution for those who don’t have a travel companion but also don’t want to travel completely on their own is to consider group travel. There’s so much to see in the world. Don’t let your busy friends or your own fears hold you back from discovering the world — and yourself!”

Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 1,000 solo vacationers and 1,000 basic inhabitants Americans who’ve entry to the web; the survey was commissioned by Road Scholar and administered and performed on-line by Talker Research between Feb. 9 and Feb. 13, 2026. A hyperlink to the questionnaire can be found here.