European solo travel trends 2026

A July 21, 2026 Opodo study of 9,000 respondents across seven countries found that solo travel has become mainstream in Germany. The chief motivator is unrestricted mobility (37 % of German respondents), closely matching the global average, while safety has risen to the top travel consideration (38 %). Self‑finding drives 25 % of German solo travelers, especially 41 % of Generation Z, whereas the desire to meet new people has declined. Generational differences are evident, with 46 % of Millennials prioritising freedom versus 26 % of Baby Boomers, and Germany ranks third worldwide for travel‑safety concerns.

A July 26, 2026 eDreams survey of Portuguese travelers shows a similar surge. Freedom tops the reasons for traveling alone (40 %), followed by new experiences (35 %) and self‑discovery (33 %). Safety and planning tools such as maps and pre‑booked tickets are also highly valued. National statistics reveal a 30 % year‑on‑year rise in trips abroad in Q1 2026, bringing foreign journeys to 58.5 % of total travel growth, with leisure as the main motive. These data highlight a growing appetite among Portuguese residents for independent, internationally‑focused tourism.

Together, the snapshots depict a broader European shift in 2026 toward solo travel, driven primarily by the desire for freedom and heightened safety concerns, and accompanied by a notable increase in cross‑border trips.