Solo Travel Research and Its Gender Perspective: A Critical Bibliometric Review

Abstract

Solo travel continues to be an under-researched area in the field of tourism, hospitality, and events. After the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become necessary to review the knowledge acquired so far. In addition, the 2030 Agenda calls for more studies to understand the relationship between gender and tourism. Because of these facts, and with the aim of analyzing the progress and gaps in academic publications on solo travel in recent years, a bibliometric and content analysis review of the existing scientific literature on solo travel published in Scopus, ProQuest, and the Web of Science in the last 5 years was carried out, focusing the analysis on the gender perspective applied to these investigations. The results showed that research focused on solo travel should increase; this research should segment solo travelers, and comparisons should be realized between those segments and with other tourists who travel accompanied. To do so, a consensual definition of solo travelers is necessary. In addition, research should be extended to other regions and expand the field of analysis beyond motivations, experiences, or constraints. Research focused on solo female travelers should continue because while women cannot travel under the same conditions as men effective gender equality cannot be achieved.

The Study of Travel Intention after Easing Coronavirus Restrictions—A Case Study in Taiwan

“…In other words, physical activities were favored by young subjects after lifting lockdowns. The result is consistent with the study ofOtegui-Carles et al (2022), indicating that young, single males traveling alone would seek sports-related activities. The result is also consistent with Jönsson & Devonish's study (…”

“…Females were more likely than males to care about travel themes. The result is inconsistent with the study of Otegui-Carles et al (2022) who showed that males seek contact with nature, explore new places, try new foods, meet people from other cultures, travel to destinations marked by poverty, and even seek danger. A chi-square test of independence was performed to examine the relation between gender and travel transportation.…”

“…Remoaldo et al (2020) found that most travelers with companions visited for seeking novelty, learning knowledge and skills, and creative tourism activities. Moreover, Otegui-Carles et al (2022) showed that accompanied tourists tend to stay in the destination longer than solo travelers; however, other data point to the fact that solo travelers make longer trips than other tourists. Mackett (2021) showed that more females than males significantly suffered from some anxieties when travelling, such as the need for support, concern about way-finding, interacting with fellow travelers and concerns about the failure of the bus, train or car, and more males than females wanted improvements to the traveling environment, such as less clutter on the street.…”

Sensory Ecofeminism for Heritage, Tourism, and Sustainability in Mauritius

“…Visually, there are verandas, rattan patio furnit woven baskets, all of which signpost nostalgic remembrances of a pre-modern M Hoppen's narrative ties these narratives to the potential Lux client, a woman des Independence and self-care, a person who desires seclusion from a relentless m existence. The narrative aligns with Otegui-Carles et al's [48] substantive review traveling, which confirms that solo traveling is increasing worldwide, and a sub proportion of these travelers are women, who perceive this form of travel as a li and potential source of mediated self-expression. Field research at the Lux Collec tels (specifically Grand Baie) and at the Chateau de Bel Ombre revealed narrative lifestyles and spheres of exclusivity [49].…”

Examination of Published Articles About Solo Travel with Bibliometric Mapping Technique

“…The study revealed that publications on solo travel themes exhibited fluctuations over the years, with a significant increase observed after 2005. In their study, Otegui-Carles et al (2022) emphasized a growing interest in solo travel, particularly in recent years. Previous studies corroborate the findings of this study.…”