THE GOAN
PANAJI
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” It is a quote that has inspired travellers for generations, but today, more people are choosing to turn those pages alone. A stretch of blue sea, a mountain trail, a crowded market or a quiet café- for many, these moments are no longer just meant to be shared. They are experiences to soak in independently. Solo travel, once seen as unusual or even intimidating, has now become one of the fastest-growing travel trends, especially among women.
The global solo travel market is booming as solo travelling gains popularity among younger generations. Searches for solo travel terms surged 230 per cent over the last decade. In 2026, the trend hit record highs. Recent reports suggest that around 76% of Gen Z and Millennial travellers plan to take solo trips, reflecting a strong desire for personal, independent travel experiences.
For Goan traveller Flexcia D’souza, travel means freedom and education. “Travel is very educational as it is a real way to understand the places, their culture, the people and their food,” she remarks. Gauri Kalokhe looks at it differently. For her, every journey is an opportunity to witness lives completely different from her own. “Travelling is all about being able to connect with people who have a different life than mine, and witnessing how amazing the world can be as people come together from different walks of life,” she says.
Both these passionate solo explorers swear by one thing: instinct! “While there have never been times when I have been particularly scared of being a solo traveller, I try to be cautious and trust my instincts,” Flexcia remarks. Gauri echoes similar thoughts. “When travelling solo, it is best to know the details of the place you are going to. And trust your guts. If you are getting a bad vibe, you should leave,” she says. Solo travel offers a sense of independence that few other experiences can match, but it also comes with responsibilities that cannot be ignored. Travelling alone means every decision, from accommodation to navigating unfamiliar streets, rests entirely on the traveller. For many women, safety remains the first concern.
Flexcia mentions that one has to be cautious while making a decision. “You need to be way more mindful and responsible since you’re by yourself and are responsible for all decisions you make,” she adds. Travelling alone allows people to set their own pace. She believes that one of the most important benefits of travelling solo is the freedom it offers in terms of picking an itinerary. “I can spend the days the way I want to spend them. I can choose what I want to do and where I want to go,” she explains.
For Gauri, the benefit of travelling alone includes getting to ‘meet people more.’ “When you are with someone or with a group, you become a part of that, so sometimes people find it intimidating to approach you, but as a solo traveller, they are curious and want to know more,” she remarks. She believes it gets easier to approach a single traveller than a group of people, making the interactions more personal. “But of course one of the most common unfavourable factors of travelling solo as a woman is that you always have to be careful. You can’t be taking unnecessary risks and stay sensible,” she advises.
Flexcia shares her bits of wisdom as well. She recommends reading up on the place that one is visiting. “Another important thing is to sort out the transport, keep your bus schedules handy and know where you are renting your vehicle from. Don’t put yourself in situations where you are stranded,” she reckons.
Their experiences reflect the two sides of solo travel. While travelling alone offers unmatched freedom, independence and the opportunity to step outside one's comfort zone, it also demands awareness, planning and the ability to make sensible decisions. The journey is not always effortless, but it often teaches lessons that no guidebook can.
As solo travel continues to gain popularity, particularly among younger travellers and women, it is becoming less about simply ticking destinations off a list and more about discovering oneself the solo travel way. Every trip brings unexpected conversations, small victories and moments of reflection that stay long after the bags are unpacked. Like any journey, it has its highs and lows, but for those willing to embrace it, travelling alone often leaves them returning home with far more than just photographs and travel keepsakes.
