It usually begins with optimism. Someone drops a message into the group chat: “We should all go to [insert dream destination] away this year.” Within minutes the chat lights up. There are destination suggestions, screenshots of flight deals, links to boutique hotels and the occasional overly ambitious shared document outlining a potential itinerary. Then the negotiations begin.
One friend can only travel in August. Another is saving for a wedding. Someone disappears from the chat entirely. Dates start to move. Budgets shift. Weeks pass. Eventually the conversation drifts down the chat feed, buried beneath memes and birthday wishes. The holiday never happens.
For many travellers, the solution has become surprisingly simple: skip the group chat and book the trip alone.
Travelling alone with confidence
Solo travel is experiencing a significant surge worldwide. Bookings for solo trips increased by 42% between 2019 and 2024. The profile of the solo traveller has also shifted. Today’s independent travellers include professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs and remote workers who value flexibility and autonomy in how they explore the world.
In South Africa, the numbers reveal another interesting detail. Solo travel shows an almost perfectly even gender split. The data reflects a lifestyle shift where independence and personal choice play a larger role in how people approach travel.
“Travelling alone has become far more intentional,” says Garnet Basson, COO of The Capital Hotels, Apartments and Resorts. “Guests often arrive with clear plans about how they want to spend their time, whether that involves working remotely during the day, exploring a city at their own pace or extending a business trip to include some leisure.”
For solo travellers, the hotel often serves as a base camp, workspace and living environment rolled into one. Practical considerations such as secure access, reliable connectivity and easy transport links carry greater weight when someone travels on their own.
Safety, independence and smart travel
The Capital’s hybrid hospitality model speaks directly to this type of traveller. Many properties combine traditional hotel rooms with fully serviced apartments that include equipped kitchens, lounges and laundry facilities. The layout provides the privacy and independence many solo guests appreciate, while still offering the convenience of hotel services.
Safety naturally forms part of the conversation around solo travel, particularly for female travellers and international visitors. At the same time, the continued growth of the segment suggests that many travellers feel comfortable navigating destinations independently when accommodation and infrastructure support that experience.
Location also plays a major role in the solo travel experience. The Capital’s properties sit within some of South Africa’s busiest and most connected urban hubs, including Sandton, Rosebank, Menlyn in Pretoria, Cape Town, Umhlanga, Gqeberha (PE) and Mbombela. Walkable neighbourhoods, nearby restaurants and easy access to business districts help solo travellers move through a city comfortably and confidently.
Security remains a priority across these locations. Controlled access, secure parking and 24-hour security provide peace of mind for guests who may be unfamiliar with a destination. Concierge services and scheduled shuttles add another layer of convenience, making it easier for travellers to navigate a new environment without complex planning.
The growth of remote work has added further momentum to the solo travel movement. Professionals increasingly blend work and leisure, extending trips or working from different cities for short periods. Reliable high-speed Wi-Fi and coworking-friendly spaces allow travellers to stay productive while enjoying the freedom of a flexible schedule.
A home base for independent explorers
Repeat solo travellers often develop their own rhythms and preferred destinations. Loyalty programmes such as The Capital Circle offer discounts, curated experiences and added value for guests who return regularly, creating a sense of familiarity that independent travellers appreciate.
Group holidays will always have their place. Shared memories and collective adventures remain part of the travel experience for many people. Yet the rising popularity of solo travel tells its own story. Travellers are embracing the freedom to set their own schedules, follow their own interests and book the trip without waiting for a dozen different calendars to align. Sometimes the most successful holiday begins with a simple decision: close the group chat and make the booking.
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