Would you sleep with a stranger? More solo travellers are sharing rooms

You have been dreaming of travelling to Norway but your partner wants to go to New Zealand. What do you do?

More Aussies are becoming selfish about their travel plans and going solo to achieve it.

SiteMinder's Changing Traveller Report 2025 found 19 per cent of Australians polled will go on solo adventures this year.

Webjet research from 2024 showed solo travel is "officially hitting the mainstream", with almost half of Aussies planning a solo trip in the next two years, with a further quarter hoping to take one in the not-too-distant future.

According to Wendy Wu Tours founder and owner, Wendy Wu, the pandemic showed us life is too short to make concessions on travel.

She said before the pandemic couples would compromise on travel plans to please both parties. One partner would choose their favourite destination one year, and the other partner would get dibs the following year.

"In the past, a husband and wife may travel together even if they don't like [the] place, but [say we] will go to this place and then next time we will go to the place you want to go to," Ms Wu told Explore.

Now, things are changing: "Even though they are happily married, they will say ... we can't take travel for granted anymore. So I want to do it now. I want to do it sooner, and I want to see all the places I love."

Wendy Wu Tours is now catering for "a large percentage of passengers travelling solo".

One of their most popular solo solutions is solo travelling as a group. Solos can choose to have their own room and pay extra, or they can room-share, where they are matched with strangers so they can save on hotel costs.

The travel agent will match-make solo travellers who have similar interests and itineraries, and facilitate a meeting beforehand to see if they get along.

Another tour company is pairing up single travellers.

"On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. However, if travellers want their own space, they have the option to pay extra for an individual room with a single supplement," Intrepid's general manager ANZ Brett Mitchell said.

Solo travellers are paired with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

"As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that a traveller's gender identity differs from what is indicated on their passport, they can contact us so we can discuss rooming options," Mr Mitchell said.

According to the American Express 2024 Global Travel Trends report, 66 per cent of respondents are planning trips that revolve around spoiling themselves and self-love in 2025.

Cuponation says Manila in the Philippines is the ultimate paradise for solo Aussie backpackers in 2025 due to its low flight costs, tropical weather and cheap public transport.

Denpasar in Indonesia was rated highly because you can pick up a meal for as little as $2.90 and accommodation for only $44 per person per night.

According to Webjet booking data, the top international destinations for solo Aussie travellers in 2025 are: