Solo Travelers Are Choosing Unique Destinations Over Beaches, New Data Reveals
St. Petersburg, FL – September 22, 2026 — According to booking data from Squaremouth, the nation’s largest travel insurance marketplace, while beach destinations remain popular among families and couples, solo travelers are seeking more culture-rich and adventure-heavy experiences when they vacation.
Top Destinations By Traveler Type
| Rank | Solo | Couples | Families |
| 1 | Italy | Italy | United States |
| 2 | United States | United States | Italy |
| 3 | France | Canada | Bahamas |
| 4 | Spain | France | Mexico |
| 5 | Greece | Greece | Japan |
| 6 | Canada | Spain | Spain |
| 7 | Japan | Mexico | Canada |
| 8 | Portugal | Japan | Greece |
| 9 | Ireland | Portugal | France |
| 10 | Mexico | Germany | Ireland |
Italy and the United States remain popular choices for fall travel in 2026. However, preferences differ notably across traveler groups. For instance, interest in beach destinations significantly decreases among solo travelers. The Bahamas is ranked #3 for families, but drops to #13 for couples and #22 for solo travelers. Similarly, Aruba ranks #19 for families and #22 for couples, but falls to #46 for solo travelers.
Among the destinations favored by solo travelers, Peru ranks #17. In contrast, it ranks #28 for couples and #31 for families. Morocco is ranked #21 for solo travelers, while it falls to #37 for couples and #60 for families. Additionally, Israel has stronger appeal for solo travelers, ranking #16, compared to #23 for couples.
Solo Travelers Are Insuring Smarter
Traveling without a companion appears to influence more than their destination; it also shapes their travel insurance decisions.
Compared to couples (39.7%) and families (36.6%), 41.8% of solo travelers are buying at least $250,000 in travel medical coverage.
“Solo travelers crave discovery and adventure over relaxation and restoration. But when you’re traveling alone, you don’t have anyone else to lean on when things go wrong,” says Jacqueline Mondelli, Chief Marketing Officer at Squaremouth. “In a way, their travel companion becomes their insurance policy; a safety net they can count on when they’re far from home.”
Read Squaremouth’s guides on planning a solo trip and the riskiest destinations for solo travelers for more.