New Delhi, Feb 8 Just a few years ago, a table for one drew curious glances from other diners and received little attention from servers, while solo travel was often met with sympathy. Things have changed dramatically.
And it's not just about reading a book or working on a laptop in a coffee shop or co-working space. Indians, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are embracing solo travel, redefining the experience one trip at a time.
Whether it's 25-year-old student Kanika Saluja or 72-year-old retired banker Amit Gupta, the key is to enjoy the freedom. And they are making the most of it.
Most importantly, for both, going solo doesn't mean being lonely. In fact, it's a statement of empowerment. It's a choice they make consciously.
"I've spent years balancing work and family. Now, when I go out alone, it's for pleasure – whether it's a meal I enjoy or a short trip at my own pace. There's no pressure," Noida-based Gupta told PTI.
Gupta, who is quietly and without fanfare embracing solo dining, travel, or recreation, added that he loves the freedom of doing these things on his own.
Saluja said she used to feel awkward eating alone. Her concerns were typical: the restaurant, the people, the service. But one day, she tried it, and she quickly became a convert.
Since then, solo lunches and dinners have become a regular part of her routine.
"I remember trying it because my friends were busy. And I really enjoyed it. I could take my time, try new dishes, and simply enjoy the moment. I could even people-watch. It's not about being alone; it's about doing things my way, on my own terms," said the Delhi-based student, who is now planning a solo trip to Meghalaya.
Armed with disposable income and endless options, the growing generation is reclaiming time for themselves and turning it into a lifestyle choice.
Cafes, restaurants, boutique hotels, and even travel apps are adapting to this shift, with spaces and services increasingly designed to cater to solo travelers.
According to The Bar Consultants (TBC), a hospitality advisory firm, the mindset has indeed changed.
For instance, solo dining – from bar seating and cozy single tables to flexible menu options and attentive service that understands guest preferences – is now a standard feature, not an afterthought.
"A few years ago, it was an incidental consideration. Today, we design for it. Clients are starting to see that solo diners are often their most loyal customers," said Angad Chachra, founder of TBC.
Restaurants across the spectrum are taking note.
At Zuki, a new pan-Asian hotspot in Noida, solo dining isn't a trend; it's about giving individuals the freedom to choose what they want, when they want, without worrying about portion sizes or preferences.
Menus are being adapted with tasting formats, half portions, and mix-and-match add-ons. Seating is designed to be intuitive, with counter seats with kitchen views, cozy tables, and layouts that never isolate solo guests.
"Even the service style matters. Our staff is trained to anticipate the needs of solo diners. Some want interaction, while others prefer silence and focus. We design food that doesn't rely on sharing to feel complete. A solo diner should never feel like an exception; they should feel like the most valued guest in the room," said chef Vaibhav Bhargava from Zuki.
On the other hand, Arjun Sagar Gupta, founder of The Piano Man, sees solo dining not as a trend, but as a long-standing habit that has only grown in scale, driven by "urban lifestyles, flexible work hours, and a comfort with doing things alone".
He also argues that it makes business sense.
"It leads to higher table utilization during off-peak hours, more predictable ordering patterns, and often stronger repeat visits. It also pushes us to be more disciplined about portion control and pricing, which ultimately improves operational efficiency without compromising guest experience," Gupta added.
Anuj Sethi, a true solo enthusiast, with five domestic and international solo trips under his belt and someone who often visits his neighborhood café alone with a laptop and endless coffee refills, is convinced this isn't a passing fad.
For him, the movement is only heading "forward".
"Once you get comfortable spending time with yourself, there's no going back. Travelling alone, at your own pace, making every decision – right or wrong – on your own, is a unique experience. And somewhere between quiet meals and unfamiliar streets, you meet not just new people, but a different version of yourself – which you didn't even know existed in the first place," said the 35-year-old Bengaluru-based techie.
And his claim is not off the mark, as travel, with numbers steadily climbing, is perhaps at the forefront of the solo movement.
According to travel-banking fintech platform Niyo's 2025 report, for instance, solo travel has emerged as the dominant preference among Indian travellers, with "63.8 per cent" of trips undertaken by individuals.
Hotels are seeing the shift up close.
Sarovar Hotels, one of the country’s leading chains, reports a "12–15 per cent year-on-year rise" in solo guests in 2024–25 compared to the previous year, largely driven by young adults and working professionals aged 25 to 40.
"Perceptions around solo travel have changed significantly. We are also observing a significant rise in solo women travellers, fuelled by greater confidence, increasing financial independence, and improved safety infrastructure across the hospitality sector.
"We have consciously enhanced our guest experience to support the needs of solo travellers, with a strong focus on safety, comfort, and convenience," said Akshay Thusoo, senior vice-president (commercial) at Sarovar Hotels.
The momentum is even stronger for vacation rental platform Airbnb, which recorded an impressive 35 per cent jump in solo travel bookings in India during the first half of 2025.
Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Airbnb’s country head for India and Southeast Asia, said that what was once seen as unconventional has now gone mainstream, with solo travel increasingly celebrated as a symbol of "empowerment, personal growth and independence".
He also credits social media for helping normalise the trend.
"The platform notes that a growing number of travellers are also sharing their solo experiences online and on social media, helping normalise the practice and turning it into an aspirational, widely accepted way for Indians to explore the world on their own terms," he said.
