More Than 30 Percent Of Americans Have Never Traveled Solo

Despite much buzz around the solo travel trend, 30.4 percent of Americans say they have never traveled alone. And those who have are more than five times as likely to travel domestically than internationally, according to a new survey* conducted by Allianz Global Assistance.

More than a quarter (27.5 percent) of Americans have traveled alone for business domestically and 21 percent for leisure, while only 3.2 percent have solo traveled internationally for business and 4.8 percent for leisure.

Almost Sixty Percent of Female Solo Travelers Avoid Walking at Night as a Safety Measure

Women are ten percent less likely to travel alone than men, with 35.2 percent noting they have never traveled alone, compared to 25.2 percent of men. Gender also appears to impact solo travelers’ perception of safety, with 76.6 percent of men saying they have never felt unsafe while traveling alone, while 60.3 percent of women say the same.

Almost 40 percent of women (38.9 percent) have been catcalled while traveling alone, compared to 11.6 percent of men. However, solo male travelers seem more susceptible to theft, with almost ten percent (9.7 percent) reporting having been mugged or pickpocketed (versus 6.1 percent of women). More than a quarter of Americans (25.6 percent) say they have been overcharged or ripped off while traveling alone.

The security and safety of accommodations is top-of-mind for all solo travelers, with 26.6 percent of Americans listing it as the factor they are most concerned about when traveling alone. The remaining factors of concern vary significantly between male and female respondents. The next most pressing concerns for male travelers include: violence/terrorism (17.8 percent), a natural disaster (17.8 percent), being out after dark (14.8 percent), riding public transportation (10 percent), security/safety of drivers (6.9 percent) and visiting a restaurant/bar (also 6.9 percent). Being out after dark is the second most concern for women (26.3 percent), followed by violence/terrorism (15.7 percent), natural disaster (9.6 percent percent) riding public transportation (9.4 percent), security/safety of drivers (7.8 percent) and visiting a restaurant/bar (3.7 percent).

Nearly sixty percent (59.9 percent) of women avoid walking at night to keep themselves safe while traveling alone, while 47 percent inform others of their location. Avoiding conversations with strangers (32.8 percent), dressing in a way that won’t draw attention (30 percent), moderating alcohol consumption (27 percent) and steering clear of busy tourist areas (14 percent) are other methods used for safety, while the survey found that 18.9 percent of women use none of these.

Over a third (34.1 percent) of male solo travelers don’t use any of these tactics, while 34.9 percent avoid walking at night, 22 percent inform others of their location, 16.9 percent dress in a way that won’t draw attention, 16.7 percent avoid talking to strangers, 16.1 percent moderate alcohol consumption and 8.4 percent avoid busy tourist areas.

In addition to these tactics, Allianz Global Assistance suggests following these safety tips when traveling alone:

• Save your emergency contact in your phone under “ICE” (In Case of Emergency).
• List your emergency contact or next of kin on all travel documents.
• Keep your passport in your hotel safe, and leave copies of it with a friend or family member at home.
• Bring the following to store in your hotel safe:
  • Copy of driver’s license
  • Credit card information
  • List of medications
  • Any past medical history
  • Copy of health and travel insurance cards
• If possible, arrive at your destination while it is still daylight and pre-plan your ground transportation to your accommodations.
• Bring band aids, antibiotic ointments, antidiarrheal and analgesic medications with you
• Keep your belongings close to you at all times. If using a purse, make sure that the strap is worn across your body, so it can’t be grabbed off your shoulder.

Many Americans also research safety advisories before traveling alone; as many as 34.8 percent say they do so regularly while 29.3 percent do sometimes. Women are more likely to do so (40.6 percent) than men (28.7 percent).

Check out a video highlighting the findings and recommended safety measures for solo travelers.

“Solo travel represents a significant part of the tourism industry, with nearly 70 percent of Americans having traveled alone, for business or leisure,” said Dan Durazo, director of marketing & communications at Allianz Global Assistance USA. “We always recommend that travelers remain alert and aware, and this is especially important for those on their own. Having the right insurance policy, with a 24-hour assistance and protection hotline, can provide peace of mind. The right policy may also help protect travelers in case of violence, terrorism or natural disaster, all concerns for the solo traveler.”

*Methodology: The 2018 10-question survey was administered to the U.S. internet population from 10/19/18 – 10/20/18, receiving 1,501 responses. The methodology is explained here and a snapshot of survey findings are listed below:

1. Have you ever traveled alone?

• 30.4% – I have never traveled alone
• 27.5% – Domestically for business
• 21% – Domestically for leisure
• 8.4% – Domestically and internationally for leisure
• 4.8% – Internationally for leisure
• 4.6% – Domestically and internationally for business
• 3.2% – internationally for business

2. Have you ever felt unsafe while traveling alone?

• 68.2% – No
• 14.5% – Yes, minimal
• 11.9% – Yes, somewhat
• 5.3% – Yes, very

3. What factor are you most concerned about when traveling alone?

• 26.6% – Security/safety of my accommodations
• 20.8% – Being out after dark
• 16.7% – Violence/terrorism
• 13.5% – Natural disaster
• 9.7% – Riding public transportation
• 7.4% – Security/safety of my drivers
• 5.3% – Visiting a restaurant/bar

4. Which of the following methods have you used to keep yourself safe while traveling alone? Check all that apply.

• 48% – Avoid walking at night
• 35.1% – Inform others of your location
• 26.2% – None of the above
• 25.2% – Avoid speaking to strangers
• 23.8% – Dress in a way that won’t draw attention
• 21.8% – Moderate alcohol consumption
• 11.4% – Avoid busy tourist destinations/areas

5. Do you feel safer traveling alone in domestic or international destinations?

• 47.2% – No difference
• 46.2% – Domestic
• 6.6% – International

6.  Would you feel safer traveling alone if you had a travel insurance policy in case of an injury or emergency?

• 80.3% – No
• 19.7% – Yes

7. Do you research travel advisories, warnings and alerts before going on a trip?

• 35.9% – No
• 34.8% – Yes
• 29.3% – Sometimes

8. Have you ever been catcalled when traveling alone?

• 74.3% – No
• 25.7% – Yes

9. Have you ever been mugged or pickpocketed while traveling alone in a foreign country?

• 92.2% – No
• 7.8% – Yes

10. Have you ever been overcharged or ripped off (taxi driver, shopping, etc.) while traveling alone?

• 74.4% – No
• 25.6% – Yes