About 43 pct of Indian singles believe best relationships start as friendships

Solo travel is no longer just a trend itrsquos redefining how people especially women explore the worldAccording to a recent report by IntrCity SmartBus India has seen a 135 per cent rise in solo women travellers between 2023 and 2025 while globally women now drive over half of solo travel searchesEvery year World Tourism Day is observed on September 27 to celebrate the role of travel and tourism in our livesThe dating app called happn shares four reasons why people should take solo journeys as opportunities for both exploration and connections Beyond the freedom of traveling alone these trips open doors to love friendship and shared adventuresFrom destinations to connectionsMuch like in Eat Pray Love where travel became a pathway to personal growth and unexpected bonds todayrsquos singles are using solo adventures to find more than souvenirs In fact 43 per cent of Indian singles believe the best relationships start as friendships where emotional comfort builds first and chemistry follows Travel with its openness and sense of possibility creates the perfect setting for these connections whether itrsquos a conversation on a train a shared table at a cafe or a night of laughter at a local gigSerendipity on the roadThink of the accidental encounters in films like Before Sunrise or Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara where strangers became companions and trips became unforgettable Solo travelers thrive on these unplanned moments bumping into someone at a landmark getting lost and finding help or saying yes to a spontaneous invitation Dating apps like happn mirror this serendipity making chance encounters more intentional so those who might have crossed paths unknowingly can actually connectExploring cultures creating connectionsThe most memorable journeys are rarely about ticking off tourist checklists theyrsquore about experiences that feel real and personal Todayrsquos singles are seeking hidden gems and insider tips making travel about deeper cultural exploration Meeting locals or fellow travelers can unlock these authentic moments an unlisted food joint a tuckedaway street market or a rooftop view that doesnrsquot make it into the guidebooks These shared adventures transform solo trips into personal storiesFreedom without lonelinessSolo travel offers the freedom to explore the world on your own terms but it doesnrsquot mean you have to be alone Travellers can seek connection on their own terms whether through a friendly conversation insider tips from locals or a spark of romance blending independence with the comfort of knowing meaningful encounters are just around the cornerKarima Ben Abdelmalek CEO and president of the dating app shares ldquoTravel is about discovery and at happn we believe that includes discovering meaningful connections Whether itrsquos friendship companionship or romance we empower singles to define what theyrsquore looking for and give them the autonomy to decide how their story unfolds Solo journeys then become less about traveling alone and more about opening yourself up to possibilities that feel right for yourdquo