The 60% Rule:Solo Travelers on the Rise

According to Road Scholar, 60% of its solo travelers in 2022 were married but traveling without their partner. This trend is not unique to Road Scholar, as Condor Ferries data shows that 65% of women from the US took a holiday without their partner in the year 2024-2025.

This phenomenon is often referred to as 'holiday divorce,' where couples choose to travel separately to ensure both partners have a fulfilling experience.

Lev and Mia: A Case Study in Holiday Divorce

Meet Lev Baker and Mia Kim, a married couple who occasionally travel separately to holiday exactly as they wish. They have been traveling the world together for four years, visiting over 30 countries after meeting at a youth hostel in Poland while solo traveling.

Lev, 27, is an outdoors person who loves hiking and type 2 fun, while Mia, 30, enjoys shopping, Instagrammable things, cafes, and photography. When planning an especially adventurous trip, Mia decided to book a solo trip to Porto instead of joining Lev's hiking trip in Scotland.

The Benefits of Holiday Divorce

Lev and Mia's experience highlights the advantages of holiday divorce. It allows them to occasionally do something the other person might not want to do,and sometimes you just want to do your own thing.

As Mia adds, 'A couple of years ago, we were both in Peru, and he wanted to hike to Machu Picchu, which is a five-day backpacking trip. But I was really struggling with the altitude, so I decided not to do that, and instead took the train.'

Trust and Communication : The Key to Holiday Divorce

Lev and Mia's success with holiday divorce is rooted in their trust and communication with each other... They say it works because they trust each other, and it means they do not have to compromise on any of their hobbies.

As they explain, 'It does, of course, require security and trust in one another. We trust each other, and it means we do not have to compromise on any of our hobbies.'

The Future of Holiday Divorce

The holiday divorce trend underscores that quality time together does not have to mean 24/7 togetherness. By embracing separate adventures, couples can return with fresh stories and energy, enhancing their shared relationship.

Whether it is a few hours or a full week apart, the key is communication and mutual respect. So the next time your travel styles clash, consider a temporary split. It might just save your vacation and your relationship.