Mercury Holidays sees record 55% growth in solo travel bookings and announces six new tailor-made itineraries for 2026 to meet growing demand

Posted on November 3, 2025

Mercury Holidays has announced a significant 55% increase in solo tour bookings, reflecting growing demand from independent travellers, especially older generations, looking for well-curated but flexible travel experiences. The rise in solo travel is not just a trend, it is a shift in the way people approach exploring new destinations. In response, Mercury Holidays is expanding its portfolio to include six new solo itineraries for 2026, providing more opportunities for solo travelers to enjoy immersive experiences without the pressure of planning every detail themselves.

The huge rise in demand for solo travel

Solo travel is seeing an undeniable boom, with more people opting for guided tours that offer the freedom to explore while still benefiting from a curated itinerary. Mercury Holidays data shows that India is the top destination for solo travellers, with nearly 30% of all solo bookings in the past month. Close behind are Vietnam and China, where solo travelers are increasingly looking for culturally rich experiences. Morocco remains a popular choice for short trips, contributing significantly to the growing demand for solo travel.

This shift towards solo travel is particularly evident among older travellers, who value independence but value the reassurance of a professionally managed trip. The combination of self-guided exploration with the support of a small group and a local guide resonates strongly with this demographic. For many, individual tours provide the perfect balance: the opportunity to immerse themselves in new cultures while being part of a friendly, supportive group.

Mercury Holidays is expanding individual offerings for 2026

In response to this growing interest, Mercury Holidays is expanding its range of solo travel offerings. Six new itineraries are scheduled to launch in January 2026, and are designed to meet the needs of the over-60 age group, which continues to represent a key growth segment. These new tours will offer private rooms without a single annex, ensuring that solo travelers can enjoy a high level of comfort without the additional cost of single occupancy fees.

New offers include exciting destinations, with Wonders of China for solo travelers and Grand Tour of North India for Solo Travellers Among the most eagerly anticipated. These tours are specifically designed to give travelers a deep, culturally immersive experience, with local guides and curated activities that cater to the interests of independent explorers.

the Wonders of China The tour, a 16-day voyage, will take guests on a scenic Yangtze River cruise, followed by visits to famous sites such as the Terracotta Army, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. A highlight of this tour will be the chance to see giant pandas at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Center. The tour starts at £2,999 per person and departs in December 2025, with additional departures in 2026.

Likewise, the Grand Tour of North India It offers a 17-day trial across Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur and Amritsar. Highlights include a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, a visit to the Taj Mahal, and stunning views of the Himalayas. This culturally rich itinerary will allow guests to immerse themselves in the spiritual and historical heart of India. The tour price starts from £2,899 per person and departs in 2026.

Experiences tailored for solo travellers

Mercury Holidays is committed to providing more than just ordinary holidays; The company aims to provide personalized travel experiences that resonate with solo adventurers. The growing popularity of solo travel has prompted the company to carefully craft itineraries that offer a balance between independence and structure, ensuring guests can explore freely but providing the security of organizing every detail for them.

The demand for individual tours is not only a reflection of the shift in travel preferences, but also an indicator of how the travel industry is evolving. Many solo travellers, especially those over 60, are looking for enriching experiences that allow them to travel further afield but prefer to be supported by a hassle-free guided trip. Mercury Holidays continues to meet this demand by expanding its individual portfolio with diverse and exciting destinations.

Looking to the future: Mercury Holidays’ vision for solo travel

As demand for solo travel continues to grow, Mercury Holidays remains at the forefront of this transformation. The company’s expansion of its solo flights in 2026 is just the beginning. With an increasing number of travelers looking for personalized and well-organized travel experiences, Mercury Holidays is set to offer more options in the future, offering solo travelers more opportunities to explore the world on their own terms.

The company also focuses on maintaining its commitment to providing high-quality service, ensuring that every solo traveler feels comfortable, safe and well supported. With its growing range of solo tours, Mercury Holidays is positioning itself as the brand of choice for solo travelers looking for immersive, structured and socially engaging holidays.

Conclusion: Bright future for solo travel with Mercury Holidays

With solo travel becoming increasingly important in the tourism landscape, Mercury Holidays has successfully tapped into this growing market. Offering immersive experiences in destinations such as India, China and Morocco, the company offers solo travelers the perfect balance between independence and structured exploration. As demand continues to rise, Mercury Holidays is committed to expanding its individual offering, ensuring every traveler can explore new destinations with confidence and ease. For those looking for a personal and safe way to experience the world, Mercury Holidays remains a leading choice in the solo travel market.