Due to changing economic circumstances and global unrest, 2022 has been a year of anxiety for many. As the holiday season approaches, it may be a chance for some to reconnect, but for many it can also mean some stress and pressure. According to recent search data from hotel and travel search site momondo It seems that more and more Swedes want to escape the stress of Christmas and travel during Christmas and New Year – and many do it alone.
There are many advantages to traveling alone – you don't have to adapt to other people's preferences, routines or financial situation. The only person you need to listen to and compromise with is yourself. Ahead of this year's Christmas season, this seems to be an insight many Swedes have come to, as search data from the hotel and travel search site momondo.se shows that flight searches for solo travel during Christmas and New Year 2022-2023 have increased by around 47 percent compared to the previous year.
– Traveling on your own can feel stereotypically un-Swedish. Despite this, we have been able to identify for some time how Swedes' travel patterns seem to be changing to become increasingly independent. After a – for many – troubled year, many seem to be looking forward to spending Christmas and New Year abroad on their own where they don't have to adapt to anyone but themselves, says Per Christiansen, spokesperson for momondo.
Thailand most popular destination for solo travelers
Swedish solo travelers seem to want to get far away from Sweden's winter cold, as Thailand is particularly attractive during Christmas and New Year. Bangkok stands out as a clear winner, with flight searches increasing by around 295 percent compared to the previous year. In addition to Thailand, major cities in Europe are also attractive during the Christmas holidays. London comes second on the list, with flight searches increasing by 91 percent compared to 2021. Phuket in Thailand and Málaga in Spain are some of the cities that also top the list of destinations that many solo travelers are looking to visit around Christmas and New Year.
– Statistics show that several cities in Europe have seen a large increase in the number of flight searches among solo travelers compared to the previous year. Among other things, flight searches to London have increased by 91 percent compared to 2021. Paris and Amsterdam are also travel destinations that have increased in popularity, continues Per Christiansen.
If you are interested in traveling during Christmas and New Year, you will probably find the best flight prices for departures on December 29–30. You can also find affordable flight tickets the day before Christmas Eve, December 23. December 19–20 are travel days you should avoid if you want to get away cheap.
Solo travelers' top list of destinations during the Christmas break:
1. Bangkok, Thailand
2. London, England
3. Phuket, Thailand
4. Malaga, Spain
5. Dubai, Dubai
6. Istanbul, Turkey
7. Denpasar, Bali
8. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
9. Paris, France
10. Alicante, Spain
On the data
The data for most searched solo trips, most searched destinations, and best time to travel during Christmas and New Year is based on flight searches made on momondo.com during the period September 1, 2022–October 21, 2022, for flights departing between December 19, 2022-January 6, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021. All flight searches are round trip in economy class. Prices are average and may vary over time.
