World Nomads has reported a notable increase in the purchase of solo travel insurance policies in 2024
Photo © Getty Images / Westend61
New York, NY (May 1st, 2024) - World Nomads, a leading provider of travel insurance, has reported a notable increase in the purchase of solo travel insurance policies in 2024. Statistics reveal that 70% of policy sales this year are attributed to solo travelers, marking a steady rise compared to 68% in 2022 and 69% in 2023. This follows a nationwide trend across the travel sector.
Among the preferred destinations for solo adventurers, Europe emerges as the top choice, with 28% of solo travelers securing insurance for the region. Following closely behind is Asia, accounting for 22% of solo travel insurance purchases, with Thailand and Japan being the primary countries driving this trend.
This trend is expected to continue to grow; global solo travel market is expected to increase by 9.1% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) by 2030 (source: Infinity Business Insights, October 2023).
Christina Tunnah, World Nomads General Manager of the Americas, commented on the findings, stating, "The increase in solo travel insurance sales underscores the growing popularity and confidence among travelers exploring the world independently. As more individuals seek enriching experiences and personal growth through solo adventures, it's imperative to prioritize safety and preparedness."
The rise in solo travel aligns with broader trends identified by industry surveys. A 2023 study conducted by Overseas Adventure Travel & Solo Traveler found that 68% of participants identified themselves as independent travelers, with 85% of them being women. However, other sources indicate a more balanced gender distribution, suggesting that travel preferences may vary based on trip objectives and types. Women regularly list out “cultural experiences” and “making new friends” as their top priority in traveling solo, which often leads them to the guided tour space, whereas men tend to be more willing to truly be alone while traveling, often prioritizing outdoor adventures.
According to insights from Statista, Generation X, encompassing individuals aged 44-59, emerges as the demographic most inclined towards solo trips, highlighting a diverse range of age groups embracing independent travel experiences.
In light of the growing interest in solo travel, World Nomads offers essential tips for solo travelers to enhance safety and enjoyment:
- Solo, but Not Alone: Consider small group travel designed especially for solo travelers. There are many global tour companies that do not have a single supplement fee.
- Start Small: Ease into solo travel by exploring your local area independently before embarking on longer journeys.
- Prioritize Safety: Take proactive measures to keep yourself as safe as possible.Do your best to blend in. Know what the locals are wearing and how they are acting, and don’t go too far outside the norm.
- If you are a woman or in a vulnerable population group, don’t say you are alone (unless you are on a self-contained, reputable tour group). Practice what you’ll say if someone asks. Some women will choose to wear a band on their wedding finger, just to create the illusion of having a partner with you. It’s unfortunate, but single women can be large targets for criminals.
- Plan out your activities ahead of time and hire one driver for the entire day if there’s a lot of travel involved. This can be a cheaper way to do it anyways. Ask a hotel to arrange this for you. This driver can then become your defacto guide and travel buddy as you explore the area
- Have a local emergency contact; this can be your Airbnb host or concierge at the front desk. Ask for their direct phone number and keep that number on you.
- Book comprehensive travel insurance. This will be vital if something unexpected happens and you need help. This can come handy for both medical and travel-related emergencies, as well as lost luggage or theft.
Tunnah emphasizes, "Empowering solo travelers with practical advice and support is something we hold with utmost importance at World Nomads. We have an emergency assistance team available to our customers 24/7, with translators available in many languages. We hope our tips keep you safe, but if something unexpected does come up, we and our emergency partners are there for you.”
For more information on solo travel insurance and safety tips, visit WorldNomads.com
ABOUT WORLD NOMADS
Since 2002, World Nomads has been protecting, connecting and inspiring adventurous and independent travelers by offering specialized travel insurance and safety advice.
Our travel insurance products cover travelers from more than 100 countries. World Nomads focuses on what we believe is important to travelers: emergency medical and evacuation costs, baggage cover, trip cancellation, trip delay and trip interruption costs. We offer cover for more than 150 adventure sports and activities, plus tech and gear. We believe travelers have the responsibility to give back, and through our Footprints program, customers can add a small donation to the price of their policy to help fund a community development project with one of World Nomads’ global nonprofit and charity partners.
We are part of a suite of global specialist travel insurers owned by nib Group, Australia’s third-largest provider of travel insurance and a leading global distributor of travel insurance through nib Travel. nib Group also provides health and medical insurance to more than 1.6 million Australian and New Zealand residents and more than 200,000 international students and workers in Australia.
Editor’s Note: photos are available to download here: https://www.worldnomads.com/media-center. Photo credit: World Nomads.
Media Contact:
World Nomads
Sarah Roman, Communications Manager
510-871-4332