Women are ditching big parties in favor of solo travel

Brides-to-be are ditching phallic-shaped decorations in search of a moment of peace.

Bachelorette parties have become expensive, multi-day affairs involving plane tickets, large guest lists, matching outfits, penis straws, club nights and lots of drinking games.

But that doesn’t appeal to all fiancées.

While some women love this extravagant approach, others find it overwhelming, stressful, and far from the ideal way for them to celebrate their upcoming wedding. That’s why some women give up “hens” and choose to travel alone – or “solo.”

For many women, a solo retreat is the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate before the big day.

While traditional bachelorette parties involve celebrating with friends, which promotes connection and support, traveling alone offers solitude and the opportunity to connect with your own thoughts and emotions.

“Acting alone allows [the bride to have] Having time to focus on yourself without distractions can be incredibly restorative,” therapist Brooke Spowl explains to Brides.com.

This type of travel provides clarity, allowing the bride to approach her wedding with new energy and perspective.

However, there are also benefits to partying with a group of good friends.

“The benefit of traveling in a group is a sense of connection and support, while traveling alone fosters a deeper sense of self-awareness and personal reflection,” explains Spurr.

“Ultimately, the choice is about finding a balance between the need for connection and the desire for solitude. Both experiences can be enriching, but the key is knowing what will truly nourish the bride at this critical time in her life,” she adds .

It’s also easier to organize.

“One of the most stressful things when you’re planning a wedding is dealing with the wishes, requests and expectations of family and friends,” Kristi Valentini, founder of Readymade Travel Plans, told Brides.com.

“It takes the fun out of wedding planning. Traveling alone can be rejuvenating—all you have to think about is yourself. There’s no need to compromise or worry about what other people think or feel.”

These trips are not only an escape from the increasingly exaggerated bachelorette scene, a culture that pressures people to have the perfect Instagram-worthy weekend, but also to embrace personal growth and independence before tying the knot.

This isn’t about hiding from friends or family either, but it’s about relieving their stress.

Kalie Adams, 29, booked a solo trip to visit several coastal towns in Oregon where she spent her childhood before her wedding.

“I had a whole group of bridesmaids all over the country, and everyone had their own thing,” Adams told Thrillist.

She admits that bachelorette parties have become “super expensive” and that most of her wedding party will be traveling with her when she gets married anyway.

“I feel like I can’t ask for a trip,” Adams said. “I don’t want to spend any more time arguing with people about weddings.”

The “bachelorette” trend comes as more and more women book trips for one person – whether they’re engaged or not.

According to Virtuoso, by 2024, 71% of solo travelers will be women.

Adams wasn’t a drinker or a party girl, just not excited about planning a traditional bachelorette itinerary filled with cocktails and clubbing.

“That doesn’t sound that interesting to me,” she said.