Why Solo Travel Is on the Rise – And Why Boardwalk Is the Perfect Destination
Solo travel is no longer a niche – it’s a global and cultural shift. And just think about it. How many people in your own social circle do you know that love to travel solo? There’s an increasing number of people that embrace independence, flexibility, and self-discovery. Especially when you’re traveling, it can be a headache to constantly adjust your pace and adapt your plans if there’s other people in your party that like to take things slow, or speed it up, or pack too much into one day, or have no desire to do anything at all. The agony of the mis-matched travel partner can be gruesome.
Other solo travelers simply hit the road as a party of one because they live alone, and are not in a partnered relationship. Maybe you are one of those people yourself. As the majority of our guests originates from the USA and Benelux we looked at some numbers. According to statistics from the Census Bureau there are approximately 127 million single adults in the United States, with more than 35 million living alone. That’s about 39% of all U.S. adults. In The Netherlands that’s 20%; in Belgium it’s 35% — numbers that speak volumes as to why solo travel is booming.
Solo Travel: More Than Just Traveling Alone
Solo travel has become a natural extension of these statistics, and travelers aged 65+ are increasingly opting for solo travel, drawn by the freedom to explore on their own terms. And that’s a key draw: solo travel isn’t about being alone – it’s about being free. Free to follow your own rhythm, free to explore your interests without compromise, and free to reflect or recharge. Many solo travelers are also embracing slow travel — a mindful approach focused on meaningful, local experiences, sustainability, and balance.
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba: A Solo Traveler’s Dream
Whether you're taking a digital detox, seeking self-care, or just want to move at your own pace, solo travel empowers you to prioritize yourself. At Boardwalk, we recognize that solo travel isn’t a trend — it’s a lifestyle. That’s why we’ve crafted a space where you can feel comfortable, inspired, and completely at ease on your own.
🏡 Comfortable Casitas: Our colorful Caribbean-style casitas are cozy, beachy, and designed to feel like home. No extra charges for solo stays — you’re not sharing space, you’re owning it.
🌊 Wellness & Water Bliss: Unwind at one of our two peaceful pools, or stretch out at our beach area with luxe loungers, water floats, and even ocean sound baths. This is self-care, island-style.
🗺️ Solo Travel Treasure Map: Our curated map highlights safe, fun, and culturally rich experiences — perfect for solo travelers looking to explore, connect, or simply get lost in a good way.
🌿 Peace & Space: Looking to disconnect or focus? Our tranquil garden and gated setting are ideal for yoga, journaling, or that work project you’ve been meaning to finish.
🚶♀️ Steps from Everything: We’re just a short walk from Palm Beach — Aruba’s hotspot for dining, nightlife, shopping, and water sports. Perfect for solo adventures with a social twist.
💫 Intimate, Authentic Vibes: Unlike big resorts, Boardwalk has a village feel. You’ll meet fellow travelers and warm, welcoming locals — no crowds, no chaos, just easy connection.
☕ Coco Café: Your Table for One: Dining alone never feels awkward here. Coco Café is cozy, relaxed, and inviting — a great place to linger with a book, your laptop, or just your thoughts. You’ll be solo, but never out of place.
A Destination That Celebrates Individual Travelers
In a world full of mega-resorts and cookie-cutter vacations, Boardwalk offers something more intentional. Our guests choose us because we’re authentically laid-back and reflect like-minded interests: curious, conscious, and connected. And exactly because we are curious at heart, we asked Stephanie, a solo traveler from the US staying at Boardwalk for the 5th year in a row, why she prefers our hotel over other accommodations in Aruba.
Solo Female Traveler Perspective: “Well, first of all It’s cozy and beautiful. Everywhere is intentionally designed to be a space you want to be in. That matters a lot when you’re traveling alone and choosing where to spend your time — whether you’re there to reflect, recharge or relish being alive and able to treat yourself to an experience like this. And whenever I’m at Boardwalk I feel like I’m among ‘friends’. Maybe not friends, per se, but peers. Boardwalk attracts people who 'get it’; it seems to attract respectful guests who are there for the same reason a solo traveler would be: premium service, style, and vibes. No loud groups, no party or ‘entertainment’ noise, no weird, creepy guys hanging around. In fact, as a solo female traveler, I feel like I could meet my next trip mate(s) during my stay here”.
Ready for your solo adventure?
If you’ve gotten inspiration from this read, and want to consider Boardwalk Boutique Hotel for your next travel adventure, explore more reasons why Aruba is the perfect destination for solo travelers. Reconnect with yourself, recharge your spirit, and discover what it means to travel alone — in a place that makes you feel right at home. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll meet your future travel buddy here at the pool, over coffee, or under the stars.
