‘I was hooked’: the rise of the intrepid female solo traveller

RoseMary says martial law had been declared in South Korea the night before her plane took off in December 2024. Protests continued throughout her visit, which she found ‘incredibly inspiring’. Photograph: RoseMary/Guardian Community

UK travel companies have reported an increase in bookings for solo travellers, primarily older women, often leaving partners behind to “explore on their own terms”.

Last month, the tour operator Jules Verne said solo travellers accounted for 46% of bookings for its trips departing next year, up from 40% in 2023. Just under 70% of its current solo bookings are made by women.