A few weeks until launch! The anticipation is building, and as we gear up to bring SoloBudd to the world, we wanted to share a glimpse into the meticulous "why" and "how" behind our app. SoloBudd isn't just a tech platform; it's a solution born from an extensive understanding of real human experiences and the nuanced world of solo travel. This is about looking beyond the airbrushed photos on social media and understanding the real challenges.

The Solo Travel Paradox

Solo travel, for many, represents the ultimate freedom – the chance to forge one's own path, discover new horizons, and experience profound personal growth. Yet, this independence often comes with its own set of challenges, sometimes leading to moments of isolation or missing out on truly authentic experiences. For many, especially women (who comprise over 70% of the solo travel market), LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of colour, safety is paramount. Concerns about potential bias or frustrating "single premiums" are very real, and this affects all travellers, including men.

Our Approach: Listening First

This widespread paradox underpinned the very first phase of SoloBudd’s development: deep, unbiased market research. We went beyond merely asking "What features do you want?" Instead, we sought to understand the genuine experiences of solo travellers. This involved hundreds of surveys and dozens of in-depth, one-on-one interviews, asking non-leading questions to truly empathise with people from all walks of life.

The findings were remarkably consistent. Beyond the desire for freedom, travellers expressed challenges related to safety, the awkwardness of eating out alone, the difficulty of meeting like-minded people on their own terms, and the frustration of finding unique local experiences.

For example, we spoke to one traveller—a classic 'Thoughtful Observer'—who loved exploring museums alone but dreaded the thought of finding a place for dinner by herself. We spoke to another, a 'Spontaneous Explorer,' who had no problem eating alone but was frustrated by how hard it was to find a safe, last-minute hiking partner. These specific, nuanced stories, not just broad data, became the blueprint for our features.

From Data to Design: Building with Empathy

To make sense of this wealth of raw data, we utilised affinity mapping and empathy mapping. This crucial stage allowed us to move beyond superficial demographics and truly grasp the "why" behind user behaviour; their deeper values, personality, and even their unique sense of humour. From this, we developed detailed personas based not on age or gender, but on psychographic archetypes – from the "Spontaneous Explorer" to the "Thoughtful Observer," each seeking a different flavour of connection.

This rigorous, human-centric research is SoloBudd's innovation engine. It's why our unique, 1970s Bauhaus-inspired design uses specific colour palettes to evoke safety and a feeling of "home away from home". It’s why our proprietary AI ‘Connection Engine’ is being developed to understand deeper values, facilitating matches based on genuine compatibility. It’s why our focus on verified local hosts ensures safe, authentic connections.

Our Mission: The Future of Solo Travel

The solo travel market is projected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2033, and it remains significantly underserved by technology that truly "gets it." SoloBudd is purpose-built to fill this gap, leveraging deep tech and human insight to champion authenticity, safety, and community. We believe in providing the tools for personal growth and agency, allowing you to connect on your own terms.

This foundational research ensures SoloBudd isn't just another app; it's a solution built by truly listening.

Ready to help us build the future of solo travel, together? Our MVP launches in just a few weeks! Join our 'Founding Members' waitlist today on the homepage.