TORONTO — The solo travel boom is real. Globally the market was valued at more than US$550 billion in 2025 – and it’s expected to hit $627 billion in 2026.

Not long ago, solo was a niche travel style. Similar to the meteoric rise of sports tourism, solo travel’s gone from alternative to mainstream in no time flat.

Travel companies have always seen the solo market’s potential, especially for women travellers who crave an independent escape, but with the security and camaraderie of a group. Rare now is the travel company that doesn’t cater in some way to solo vacationers – or in some cases, cater to them 100%.

Christian Wolters, President, Intrepid Travel in Canada

Plenty of destinations work for solo adventures. Japan is a perennial high-performer for safety and security – and offers a once in a lifetime travel experience. Another top pick for travellers venturing out on their own: Portugal, where it’s easy to do longer stays at lower prices. Tourism superstar Peru will always provide plenty of like-minded adventurers for solo travellers to bond with thanks to the lure of Machu Picchu, that wonder of the world.

Add Morocco to that list too – especially for guided tours for solos. While the country’s iconic cities, beauty and rich cultural heritage make it a perpetual draw, women travellers may be reluctant to strike out on their own here. Among the many tour companies offering trips to Morocco, Intrepid has long been a fan, both for small-group travel, and women-only travel specifically.

Just recently Intrepid launched a new promotion for solos to Morocco, with a limited-time solo supplement of $99 (land price only) on select Original and Comfort itineraries. There’s a long booking window – until Nov. 3, 2026 – and a very generous travel window, until Dec. 31, 2028. There’s plenty of time to take advantage.

The deal spans 10 of Intrepid’s Morocco itineraries and there’s no promo code needed. The discount applies automatically on Intrepid’s site for eligible trips. Eligible trips include Morocco Uncovered, Classic Morocco, Best of Morocco, North Morocco Adventure, South Morocco Discovery, Morocco Encompassed, Cycle Morocco, Morocco Real Food Adventure, Morocco: Women’s Expedition, and Morocco: Hike & Bike.

Travelweek reached out to Christian Wolters, President, Intrepid Travel in Canada to talk solo trends, misconceptions and more for Morocco.

Travelweek: What trends are you seeing in demand for Morocco among solo travellers?

Wolters: “Morocco continues to be a hugely popular destination among our Canadian travellers and continues to climb. It was one of Intrepid’s top destinations booked by Canadians in June, with bookings up 82% year over year.

“When it comes to solo travel we’re seeing strong growth particularly among women. They are looking for the independence of exploring on their own while still having the confidence and connection of a small-group experience. Globally, Intrepid’s solo female bookings grew 10% year over year in 2025, including 7% growth in North America. Our Women’s Expeditions also grew 32% in 2025, with 77% of travellers joining solo.

“Morocco is a great example of where this trend is playing out. It’s currently Intrepid’s top-selling Women’s Expedition destination in North America. For many solo travellers, Morocco is a bucket-list destination, but busy medinas, language differences and navigating a new culture can feel daunting.

“A small-group trip provides the confidence to explore independently while offering local expertise, support and a built-in community of like-minded travellers.

“This reflects a broader shift we’re seeing in how people approach solo travel. Solo travel has moved from niche to mainstream. Our recent global Wakefield research, which surveyed 8,000 adult travellers across Australia, Canada, the UK and U.S., found that 69% of travellers are either planning to travel solo or are open to doing so in the next year, including 77% of Gen Z, 76% of Millennials and 70% of Gen X.

“For advisors, the opportunity is to position small-group travel as the best of both worlds, the freedom of solo exploration with the reassurance of local leadership, safety and meaningful connection.

Travelweek: Why does Morocco work so well for solo travel – and which regions or experiences tend to resonate most?

Wolters: “Morocco offers an extraordinary variety of experiences within one trip: energetic cities, quiet mountain villages, desert landscapes, ancient sites and coastal communities. The experiences that stay with solo travellers are often the ones that create a sense of connection include …

. “Watching the sun set over the Sahara: The desert is often one of the most anticipated parts of the trip, but the experience goes far beyond the camel ride and sunset photos. Travellers can spend the evening sharing a meal, singing and listening to music around the campfire, watching the stars and staying up late talking with people who may have been strangers only days earlier.

. “Staying with a family in the Atlas Mountains: Homestays allow travellers to experience Moroccan hospitality through mint tea, home-cooked meals, village walks and everyday conversations.

“Connecting through food: At Tawesna, an all-women cooperative near Ait Benhaddou, a meal becomes an opportunity to hear local women’s stories and understand how tourism can support employment and financial independence.

“Solo travellers will feel very welcome here. Hala Benkhaldoun, our Regional General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at Intrepid Travel, sums it up the best: ‘Moroccan hospitality is unmatched. Whether you’re sharing tea with a family in the Atlas Mountains, learning to make bread in a village home or watching the sun disappear over the Sahara, people have a way of making you feel welcome.’”

Market visit in Chefchaouen with Intrepid

Travelweek: What can you tell us about the balance between authentic local experiences and traveller comfort and safety? 

Wolters: “Intrepid’s Morocco trips are designed to give travellers the confidence to explore somewhere new while still feeling supported. Our experienced local leaders understand the language, customs and practical realities of travelling through the country, from navigating busy medinas to helping travellers understand cultural expectations and make the most of their free time.

“Travelling with a local guide also adds important cultural context, helping you understand local customs, expectations and community perspectives. That local expertise is increasingly important in how people think about travel. Our recent Meaningful Travel Index research found that 81% of Canadians agree that a guided tour led by a local expert allows them to connect more deeply with a destination than exploring on their own.

“At the same time, small-group travel offers the reassurance of having logistics like transportation and accommodation taken care of, while still giving travellers the freedom to explore independently. For many solo women travellers, the appeal is that they can step outside their comfort zone while still having a built-in community of likeminded travellers. You’re travelling solo, but never alone.

Quick stop for sweets in Marrakech

Travelweek: What misconceptions should travel advisors address when suggesting Morocco to clients?

Wolters: “One common misconception is that Morocco is not safe for solo travellers, particularly women.

“While travellers should always review official travel advice and take sensible precautions, our research shows that confidence is often one of the biggest barriers to solo travel. Globally, 39% of travellers say safety concerns are a challenge when considering travelling alone, while 30% say they would feel awkward travelling solo. Small-group travel can help remove some of those barriers by providing local expertise, support and connection while still allowing travellers the freedom to explore independently.

“Another misconception is that Morocco is only about Marrakech and the Sahara. While those experiences are iconic, the country offers so much more, from mountain communities and coastal towns to local food traditions, historic sites and community-led experiences. Travellers are increasingly looking beyond the most famous sights and seeking deeper connections with the places they visit.

“There can also be a perception that authentic travel means sacrificing comfort. In reality, Morocco offers a range of locally owned riads, guesthouses and homestays that provide cultural character alongside comfort and privacy. The best advice for advisors is to reassure their clients that Morocco is vibrant, welcoming and culturally different, and those contrasts are what make it such a rewarding destination.”

More information about Intrepid’s Morocco portfolio can be found here.

Lead image caption: Intrepid Travel’s Morocco: Women’s Expedition