Solace in going solo: Bangladesh's pursuit of self-discovery through travel

As the pressures of modern life leave less room for shared downtime, solo travel is gaining ground in Bangladesh, as more people seek an escape from the demands of urban life, looking for time to unwind, explore unfamiliar places and rediscover themselves away from their daily routines.

Google Trends recorded peak search interest in "solo travel" over the past two months, reflecting growing curiosity about travelling alone.

The trend has a new name: "MeMooning", a honeymoon-inspired term for a getaway for one. For millennials and Gen Z, travelling alone offers the freedom to set their own pace, meet new people and step away from hectic professional lives.

Solo, but not alone

Many solo travellers join organised tours with strangers to access travel services while maintaining their independence and privacy.
Khondokar Jahirul Alam, chief executive of Meghdoot Tourism, told The Business Standard that solo travel has existed in Bangladesh for years but has become more visible through social media.

"Many solo travellers are working professionals who travel alone because their schedules do not match those of family members or friends. Many join organised group tours but prefer separate rooms to maintain their privacy, paying extra for single accommodation," he said.

His clients include professionals from multinational companies, financial institutions and pharmaceutical firms who travel to unwind, complete assignments or pursue outdoor activities such as cycling. 

Popular routes include Marine Drive in Cox's Bazar, Khagrachhari-Rangamati and Rangamati-Bandarban. One cycling group travels three to four times a year.

Although his clients are mainly professionals, Jahirul believes solo travel may also be gaining popularity among students.

From breaking routine to finding oneself

For Shamsunnahar Leepi, a business system analyst at BRAC IT, solo travel began when a companion cancelled a planned trip. She decided to go anyway, gaining confidence and a taste for further adventures.

"I enjoy being more open to new people and places when I travel alone, something I do not get to do as much in a group. You are never the same after a big adventurous solo trip. You return with a lot more courage. That is the beauty of it," she said. She considers research and flexibility essential for handling unexpected changes.

Shifat Rahman Susmoy, a bancassurance sales support officer at MetLife Bangladesh, travels to understand different communities. "Solo travel came from a desire to move beyond familiar circles and understand how different communities live. I would call it an anthropological curiosity," he said. Despite safety concerns in remote areas, the experience has made him more alert and adaptable.

For UK-based video editor Sumit Majumder, solo travel offers an escape from routine. "I was tired of the same cycle every day – work, sleep, and repeat – so I wanted something different," he said. 

After missing a train, he had to find his own way to his destination, learning to expect the unexpected. He values the freedom to make plans without distractions and solve problems along the way.

BRAC University student Muaz Abdur Rahim, who has visited 13 countries and all 64 districts of Bangladesh, said solo travel requires courage and resilience. Although travelling alone can be costly because expenses cannot be shared, he values the freedom to manage his own schedule.

"It makes me feel free, clears my mind and gives me the courage to face challenges on my own," he said.

Bangladesh's changing travel culture

Google Trends data show that search interest in "solo travel" peaked in Khulna division and was lowest in Rangpur, with Dhaka, Chattogram and Rajshahi also recording notable interest. The platform's 0-100 scale measures relative search interest, not actual traveller numbers.

The trend raises questions about whether businesses cater adequately to individual travellers. Hotels often price rooms for double occupancy, while restaurants and entertainment venues target couples or groups, potentially leaving solo visitors paying more for privacy.

Global businesses tap the solo economy

As more people seek the freedom to travel and spend on their own terms, businesses worldwide are adapting to customers who live and make decisions independently – a shift often described as the "solo economy".

Hilton hotels are exploring flexible seating and dining arrangements, while South Korea's "honjok" culture has helped normalise solo living. Japan's Ichiran ramen chain offers private dining booths, and Disney theme parks in the United States provide single-rider lines to reduce waiting times.

The Washington Post and Forbes have highlighted the growing commercial importance of solo consumers, urging businesses to consider individual spending patterns rather than relying on group-based benchmarks. 

Research and Markets projects that the global solo travel market will expand from $489 billion in 2025 to $1 trillion by 2031.

In Bangladesh, the trend's long-term prospects will depend on whether businesses adapt their services and social attitudes evolve to accommodate travellers seeking independence and self-discovery.