Some 87 million adults in the U.S. are single, most being younger and having the time, freedom and resources to invest heavily in leisure travel. This study of single travelers is framed by an overview of their demographics, and of several relevant trends in the travel industry. Also examined are, middle-aged working singles and older retired singles, offering an overview of attitudes to different aspects of travel and travel planning. Length of trips, the number of hotel stays, amount spent and the activities undertaken when on a vacation vary greatly among these different single groups.

Some 87 million adults in the U.S. are single, most being younger and having the time, freedom and resources to invest heavily in leisure travel. This study of single travelers is framed by an overview of their demographics, and of several relevant trends in the travel industry. Also examined are, middle-aged working singles and older retired singles, offering an overview of attitudes to different aspects of travel and travel planning. Length of trips, the number of hotel stays, amount spent and the activities undertaken when on a vacation vary greatly among these different single groups.

The growing importance of the Internet as a booking and informational tool is explored, as well as the expansion of niche travel services such as educational, volunteer and adventure travel. The growth in female-only travel among single Baby Boomers is also explored. Mintel’s research and analysis confirms that single boomer women comprise a highly active sub-population of travelers, willing to spend on high-end services, spas, resorts and tours. Many boomer women are turning to agencies that specialize in women-only travel. Over the next 10-20 years, the women of the Baby Boom will likely reshape the market for older single travelers

For the purposes of this report, Mintel commissioned exclusive consumer research to explore consumer use of and attitudes towards travel. Mintel has also analyzed data from Simmons Research, using the National Consumer Survey (NCS). Mintel has looked at responses by various demographic factors such as age, race/ethnicity, household income and region to give a consumer perspective and analyze usage and trends.