Among the most notable trends in the grey nomad world in recent years has been the rise of the solo female traveller … and it’s one that appears to be gathering pace.
These days, an older woman travelling alone long-term in a motorhome or towing a van is pretty mainstream … and the data backs up the anecdotal evidence.
Reflections Holidays, a Crown Land manager which operates 40 holidays parks in New South Wales, said its bookings from solo travellers increased 21% in the 12 months to June 30, 2025, compared to the previous financial year.
It’s a trend that confirms industry forecasts of the rise of the solo traveller, with women leading the way.
Solo travelling is on the rise. PIC: Kampus Production / Pexels
Reflections CEO, Nick Baker, said older women were a rising solo travel demographic, and that his parks offered not just affordable camping but also a ready-made and safe community of like-minded travellers.
“Our holiday parks have everything from grass camping sites to chic tiny homes for solo travellers, so there is something to suit every budget, but more importantly our parks offer a built-in community for those who choose to travel alone,” he said.
“Those who travel solo to a Reflections park know how easy it is to strike up a conversation with fellow travellers, whether that’s when they are checking in or more likely at the camp kitchen or community fire pit, or maybe while just standing watching the sunrise at the beach viewing platform.”
Mr Baker said these little moments can lead to life-changing conversations and even lifelong friendships or shared travel plans.
“These moments simply don’t happen if you are closed up alone in a hotel room,” he said. “Camping is a natural connector.”
Minister for Lands and Property and Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper says was great to see Crown land being used to provide safe and affordable accommodation for those travelling alone in NSW.
“Reflections Holidays investment in holiday park infrastructure and well-designed accommodation options for nature-based holidays has opened the doors to solo travellers, supporting more people to explore NSW,” he said. “Solo travelling can give people greater freedom to choose what they want to do and when, giving them greater autonomy and flexibility with their holidays while building independence and confidence.”
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I’ve been travelling solo for the last 7yrs mostly from SA to Qld for several months to escape the southern winters. I’ve never had any scary incidents & have always felt very safe even in free camps as long as there are other campers there. As much as I love the driving & exploring new places, sadly at 72 age is catching up with me. I’m not sure how many more trips I have in me but I do know I won’t quit till I absolutely have to. I’m much happier & feel so much better when I’m away.
I’m 82 and don’t intend to stop yet. Keep going
I’m 78 and have travelled lots with my husband who passed away recently. I’m now planning RACQ lessons so I can tow our 12ft van and continue travelling by myself.
Wonderful.
Depends where you go. I’ve had beer bottles thrown at my vehicle on the south coast, and idiots almost hut me whuke doing night photograohy in the National Parks and even have had digs run up to me in the National Parks.
Getting so bad rhry are installing Gates to lock and close them over the Summer Holidays it will be walk in access only.
And worse its locals doing the damage .
Totally disgusting.
I’ve been on the road for years doing it primitive. No hot water no shower no inverter… No TV..
Sadly its nearly always the locals (the movie ‘Deliverance’ comes to mind) and mostly youth without jobs nor a purpose in life, who roam around looking for opportunities to steal from visitors. So I recommend to people, to always pack up or lockup before leaving your site unattended, and keep a GPS tracker in your van and car, so that you can use your mobile phone to direct police to its location if stolen.
Do caravan parks charge less for a single traveller?
What I have heard from single travelers, they don’t.
Which is unfair.
I am recently solo and did an 8 week holiday last year. My biggest beef was no reduction in cost for overnight stays. We still pay the same fuel to get to our destinations. If the parks or caravan parks reduced their fees by the same amount they charge per extra person then this would be a fairer result for solo travellers and maybe result in more caravanners requesting their parks. I know I avoided some and opted for free camping to save funds.
Solo travellers- how about the parks charge for one person instead of 2.