Solo travelers are spending more and booking food experiences over restaurants

The global solo travel market is projected to top $1.07 trillion by 2030, and independent travelers are spending 42.8% more per person than couples. As table-for-one fatigue grows, more travelers are choosing communal food experiences to find connection and cultural authenticity.

Why it matters: - Solo travel is shifting from a budget niche to a high-spend segment with luxury potential. - Travelers are putting more money into experiences that deliver social connection and local culture. - Food has become a core part of that shift, especially for travelers who want to avoid dining alone in restaurants.

What happened: - The global solo travel market is on track to reach $1.07 trillion by 2030. - Independent travelers spend an average of 42.8% more per person than couples. - Many solo travelers are moving away from generic tourist restaurants and toward communal culinary experiences. - Eatwith, a community for authentic culinary experiences, is positioning itself as a match for that demand.

The details: - 74% of solo travelers said they travel alone because they grew tired of waiting for friends or family to align schedules and budgets. - 75% of independent travelers said they prioritize personal growth on trips. - 68% said they prefer unique cultural experiences and trying new food over passive sightseeing or nightlife. - Nearly two-thirds of women surveyed, 65%, said they have taken trips entirely without a partner or spouse. - Eatwith connects travelers with local hosts in more than 130 countries. - Offerings include rooftop dinners, cooking classes and street food tours. - Eatwith says the format turns a solitary meal into a communal dinner party and helps travelers feel more like insiders than visitors. - Ester Giacomoni, Eatwith’s head of marketing, said the appeal comes from the social energy of kitchen-counter conversations and the chance to meet locals and other travelers. - Giacomoni said a traveler in Paris could cook Ethiopian injera with a local host in a historic market or join a champagne and pastry masterclass in a private apartment.

Between the lines: - The trend suggests solo travelers are not seeking isolation; they want flexibility without loneliness. - The data points to a broader redefinition of luxury travel, where authenticity and human connection matter as much as comfort. - Eatwith’s pitch is built around solving a real emotional pain point: the isolation of eating alone while traveling.

What’s next: - More travel operators and hospitality brands are likely to package food-centered social experiences for independent travelers. - The kitchen table may become a bigger part of how destinations market authenticity. - As solo travel continues to grow, experiences that blend culture, food and community may capture more premium spending.

The bottom line: - Solo travel is becoming a high-value market, and communal food experiences are emerging as one of the clearest ways to win it.