Solo Travel, and the Five People You Inevitably Become

The travel industry doesn’t give a hoot; a "solo traveller" as a single, definable entity - a young, carefree adventurer with a backpack and an Instagram account! Besides being true (we jest), it’s a lazy and flawed assumption. After hundreds of hours of research, we’ve found that the "solo traveller" doesn't exist. Instead, there is a complex spectrum of motivations, fears, and personalities that fall into distinct psychological archetypes.

To build a tool that truly serves this community, you first have to understand the different 'tribes' that make it up. Here are five we have identified:

1. The Lone Wolf of the Louvre

High in the personality trait of

Openness to Experience; driven by a deep desire for freedom and self-discovery. They are the ones you’ll find lost in a quiet art gallery or a historic side street, perfectly content with their own company. Their biggest pain point isn't necessarily loneliness, but the frustration of being caught in tourist traps. They crave authenticity but dislike apps that demand constant social interaction. They want a tool that enhances their independence, not one that curates their every move. Duly noted!

2. The Serendipity Hunter

Often an ambivert or extrovert, the Hunter travels to expand their social world. They are high in

Agreeableness and value empathy and community. Their primary challenge is the awkwardness of bridging the gap from "alone" to "connected." They don't want forced, sterile interactions; they crave the spontaneous, real-time meetups and shared experiences that make a trip memorable. This archetype needs a platform that can intelligently match them based on deeper values and personality, not just a shared interest in tennis (say hey to our upcoming Serendipity Engine!).

3. The Google Maps Street View Scout

This traveller is defined by a high degree of caution. Often exhibiting higher

Neuroticism (anxiety and worry) and Conscientiousness (planning), their primary motivation is to experience the world without compromising their personal safety. For this group, which includes a large majority of female solo travellers, the fear of the unknown is a significant barrier. They need a system built on a foundation of trust—think ID verification, gender-based connection filters, and a network of trusted "safe zones" like vetted local businesses where they know they can find sanctuary in a moment of need (say hey to user verification)

4. The Tourist Trap Allergic

Driven by curiosity, the atopic seeks a deeper understanding of the places they visit. High in

Openness and Agreeableness, their goal is to move beyond the surface-level tourist experience and engage with the authentic, local culture. Their main pain points are language barriers and the difficulty of finding genuine, non-commercial experiences. They don't just want to see a city; they want to connect with its people, support its local economy, and discover the hidden gems that are never on the first page of Google. (say hey to real time shared user bookmarks)

5. The Single Supplement Slayer

Practical, organized, and high in

Conscientiousness, the Slayer is focused on getting the most out of their trip without breaking the bank. They are not "cheap"; they are smart. They are frustrated by things like the "single supplement tax" that penalises solo travellers and the difficulty of finding affordable but safe accommodation. They are looking for a tool that not only helps them connect but also helps them plan their itinerary and manage their budget effectively.

Understanding these archetypes is fundamental to our mission at SoloBudd. We're not building an app for "the solo traveller." We're building a flexible, intelligent - deeper level, ecosystem with tools designed to empower every one of these different travel styles - a platform that understands that to travel alone is not to be alone, but to be free to connect on your own terms. Do join the waitlist but better yet, be a Founding Budd with exclusive free accesss to premium features as you guide us to tailor them for you!