Travel trends are shifting—and fast. While families and groups once dominated the vacation rental scene, there’s a new wave of travelers making bold choices: solo adventurers. And they’re not flocking to hotels. Instead, more guests are booking homes instead of hotels when traveling solo—and for good reason.
Whether you’re planning a digital nomad escape, a self-care retreat, or a spontaneous weekend away, solo travel offers freedom, flexibility, and self-discovery. But it turns out the place you stay can make or break your solo journey.
Here are 7 powerful reasons why more travelers are booking homes instead of hotels when traveling alone.
1. More Space, More Comfort
One of the biggest advantages of booking homes instead of hotels is the space. Hotels, especially budget ones, often offer little more than a bed, a TV, and a tiny bathroom. In contrast, vacation homes provide entire living areas, kitchens, private outdoor spaces, and often laundry facilities. For solo travelers who value comfort, space to stretch out, or just a quiet place to read or journal, homes offer unmatched coziness.
2. A Sense of Home (Even When You’re Alone)
Solo trips can be empowering—but they can also be lonely. That’s where homes come in. With a cozy kitchen, a backyard, or a quiet balcony, homes give solo travelers a sense of normalcy and grounding that sterile hotel rooms can’t replicate.
When guests are booking homes instead of hotels, they’re often seeking that warm, familiar feeling—like brewing coffee in a full-sized kitchen or watching Netflix on a plush couch, not sitting stiffly in a lobby armchair.
3. Better Value for Longer Stays
More solo travelers—especially digital nomads—are taking extended stays. And that’s where booking homes instead of hotels really shines. With weekly or monthly discounts and the ability to cook meals, homes are often significantly more affordable over time than paying nightly hotel rates or constantly eating out.
Many homes also offer amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, office desks, or even coworking nooks that cater directly to remote workers—making it easier to blend work and play on a solo trip.
4. Privacy and Control
Hotels, while convenient, can feel impersonal and even intrusive. Daily housekeeping, shared walls, crowded lobbies—it’s not always ideal for solo travelers who want privacy and peace.
When booking homes instead of hotels, guests enjoy complete control over their environment. They can wake up when they want, relax without interruption, and create a personal sanctuary where they feel truly in charge of their solo experience.
5. Unique, Personalized Stays
Vacation homes reflect personality—something chain hotels rarely offer. From boho bungalows to sleek city lofts or forest cabins, every home has a vibe.
Solo travelers often seek inspiration and connection to local culture, and booking homes instead of hotels gives them a more authentic experience. Hosts may offer local insights, neighborhood tips, or even curated welcome baskets—making guests feel like more than just a number.
Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo allow guests to filter by style, amenities, or location, offering endless customization.
6. Safety and Security on Your Terms
While safety is always a concern for solo travelers, booking homes instead of hotels gives them the ability to choose properties with strong safety features: gated entrances, smart locks, doorbell cameras, or even quiet residential areas.
Many vacation rental platforms also have verified reviews, detailed host communication, and 24/7 support, giving solo guests peace of mind that they’re staying somewhere trustworthy and secure.
7. Freedom to Be Yourself
Finally, booking homes instead of hotels offers solo travelers something priceless: the freedom to be unapologetically themselves. No awkward small talk with front desk clerks, no need to dress up to eat in a lobby restaurant, and no forced social interaction.
Solo travel is a deeply personal experience—and more guests are discovering that private homes offer the ideal setting for reflection, adventure, or even just rest.
The Bottom Line
From comfort and affordability to privacy and personality, it’s easy to see why more solo travelers are booking homes instead of hotels. Whether you’re seeking silence or inspiration, a solo trip in a vacation home can offer the exact mood you need.
As the landscape of travel continues to evolve, this trend is only gaining traction. So next time you’re planning a trip for one, skip the front desk and unlock the door to your own private space.
Because sometimes, traveling alone is the best way to find yourself—and a cozy home is the perfect place to do it.
Ready to book your next solo stay? Explore cozy vacation homes at Airbnb or Vrbo and find the perfect space for your next adventure.
